Vedic Astrology vs. Western Astrology, Moon signs vs Sun signs
Vedic Astrology
originated from Vedas and was first mentioned in Rig Veda which is about
six thousand years old. It is the most ancient knowledge and the Indian
culture at that time was rich in arts, philosophy, religion, medicine,
and science. The Vedas are a complete source of knowledge which is pure
and holistic. The Vedas integrate with every part of life through their
components.
Globalization has
influenced our Indian astrologers too. Nowadays more and more
astrologers are mixing western mathematical system with Indian
astrology. Western system is pretty popular because it has an easy way
of determining ascendant, and its calculations are mostly accurate.
We can get accurate
ascendant by using the sidereal time and Ayanansh with the western
astrological system. Although western astrology is based on solid facts
there are some points in it which are not favorable for making accurate
predictions.
Thus we will try to
delve into the fundamentals of western mathematical system and Indian
astrology.
Calculation of Houses from Mid - Cusp
Many astrologers
first determine the tenth ascendant in order to understand the
relationship between the houses. The other houses are calculated on the
basis of the 10th house. In this system, the houses may be of 20 degrees
or may stretch up to 40 degrees in size.
However, according
to the scriptures and books of Indian astrology, each house is of 30
degrees. Parashar, Bhrigu, Jaimini are among those ancient seers who
have followed the tradition of fixing the value of each house at 30
degrees. If calculations are made according to the western method then
the values of the house(s) may differ which is not correct according to
Vedic astrology.
The reason why the
western system of astrology is gaining popularity is its easy
mathematical system. However Western astrology is not as capable as
Indian astrology when it comes to predictions. Even the western
countries have recognized the mettle of Indian Astrology. That is why
Indian Vedic astrology is accepted and is fast gaining momentum in
western countries. Every year a lot of foreign tourists come to India to
gain spiritual and Vedic astrological insights.
Sayana and Nirayana System
Vedic astrologers use
fixed or sidereal Zodiac where in western astrology tropical zodiac is
used. Vernal Equinox or the first point of Aries is the point of
intersection of the celestial equator with the ecliptic where the sun
crosses from south to north. This is the first point Aries in Sayana
system. Sayana means “with Ayanamsha”. In the Nirayana system. The first
point of Aries is fixed. This fixed star is Spica in Chitra Nakshatra
which is 180° from Nirayana first point of Aries. This is “without
Ayanamsha”.
Astrologers know
that currently, Ayanamsha is approximately 24 degrees which means Sayan
is ahead of Sun-niryana by approximately 24 degrees. According to the
rules of Astrology when Sun and Moon are located in one sign or degree
it is called New Moon and when there is a difference of 180 degrees
between Sun and Moon it is called Full Moon.
If we take the Sayan
Sun in calculations there will be a difference of 24 degrees in the
coordinates of the Full Moon and New Moon which is against the Vedic
system. In this situation, the importance of Sayan Sun decreases for
predictions made using Vedic Astrology.
Dasha System and Transit
One of the major differences between western and Vedic astrology is prediction. Western astrologers predict on the basis of transit position of planets which may not give a correct prediction. On the other hand, Vedic astrologers use Vimshottari Dasha which gives the period of which planet is moving. Accordingly on the basis of strengths or weakness of the planets in overall relation with other planets a better picture can be given of the prospective trends in the native’s life. Vimshottari Dasha is also supported by Yogini and Gemini Dasha which can show a definite trend of events or happenings in one’s life.
Other Differences
- Retrogression of planets makes it weak in western astrology while in Vedic astrology same is treated as strong planets.
- Non visible planets like Uranus, Neptune, Pluto are used in western astrology. Uranus rules Aquarius, Neptune rules Pisces and Pluto rules Scorpio. Vedic astrology uses only visible planets. Saturn being a visible planet rules Aquarius (and Capricorn), Jupiter rules Pisces and Mars rules Scorpio.
- Western astrologers use aspects and conjunctions in different ways like the sextile, square, trine and opposition with less than 10 degrees. Aspect only to planets and angles. Vedic astrologers on the other hand take conjunction in the full house of 30 degrees and have special aspects of Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn. All planets aspect at 180Degrees while Mars, Jupiter and Saturn have special aspects.
- Western astrologers ignore good and bad houses whereas Vedic astrologers use the relationship between good and bad houses to predict the outcome.
- Divisional charts are not used in the western system. Vedic Astrologers use divisional charts for various functions.
- There are no malefics in western astrology, except Saturn, whereas in Vedic astrology Jupiter and Venus are benefics; Moon and Mercury are conditional benefics; Sun, Mars and Saturn are malefics.
- Concept of Rahu and Ketu is not there in Western astrology while in Vedic astrology, we consider Rahu and Ketu as malefic, Karmic control planets.
- Rulership of houses is rarely used in Western astrology. In Vedic astrology, the rulership of the sign is a very important criterion.
- Combustion of planets is not given much importance in Western astrology while in Vedic astrology combustion of planets makes the planet weak to deliver its desired results.
- Special terms like Digbala, Vargottam, depositorship are rarely used in western astrology
We as human beings are not perfect and each one of us has flaws. We need continuous efforts at research and development. We need to incorporate with the changing times into our system to fall in line with the current era.
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