A Brief Overview Of Western And Vedic Astrology

By Jose Edwards


Most people use astrology to discover personal assets, personality traits, predictions and other factors based on astrological signs and readings. Although, the Western or tropical zodiac is the most commonly used, there are different aspects and zodiacs depending on whether using Western or Vedic astrology. While both forms have been around for quite some time, the term Vedic has only recently become associated with Hindu astrology.

Although the practice had been ongoing for quite some time, it was not until the 1970s in which Vedic became the common term for this type of practice. Whereas, there are some horoscopic astrologists whom suggest this form of Indian astrological practice was derived from Hellenistic influences, thus post-dating the Vedic period. While a number of astrologists and authors believe that the myths of Maharharata and Ramayana forms of the practice only included information found in physiognomy, dreams and omens, there are far many more whom associated astrology with the zodiacal signs of the universe, often known as the Rashi form.

Both forms of the practice were originally thought to be part and parcel to the occult. While this may have once been the case, Indian universities are now offering advanced degrees in Vedic astrological practices. In the beginning, the offerings were not without protest from local scientists whom see the practice as nothing more than a pseudoscience. However, the High Court favored the practice in a 2001 court case, thus allowing the universities to continue providing such degrees.

The Hindu form is also considered one of the 6 disciplines which are part of Hindu holiday rituals and observances. While in the beginning, the form used a calendar to mark the date of sacrificial rituals, this is no longer the case. In addition, while the word demons was originally found in the Hindu form, later the term graha which had been thought to refer to demons was determined to mean planet.

Coming from a basic foundation focusing on a connection between the microcosm and macrocosm, the sidereal zodiac is much different from the tropic zodiac. In addition, there are interpretations and predictions in the Hindu zodiac which often do not exist in the Western one. Ultimately, both aspects of astrology are used to determine personality aspects and future events though the latter is often much more difficult when it comes to the Hindu zodiac.

For, the Western zodiac is divided into twelve equal parts. Whereas, the Nirayana or sidereal zodiac consist of a imaginary belt of 360 degrees which is also divided into 12 sections known as rasi. However, the forms differ when it comes to methods used to measure the position of the planets. As such, while appearing the same, the two offer different definitions and meanings on astrological charts.

Both forms appear to be synchronously identical though this is not the case. For, the Western zodiac measures the location of the planets against the Sun at the Spring equinox. Whereas, the Vedic form uses the stars which are fixed in place to measure the position of the planets. As such, while often appearing to be identical, each form often provides different interpretations and predictions at the same time of year.

In addition, Hellenistic astronomy and astrology have always transmitted the 12 zodiac signs beginning with Aries. Whereas, the first introduction to Greek astrology to India was through the Yavanajataka, meaning sayings of the Greek which date back to the earliest centuries known to man. While this is the case, the only version to survive being the Indian astronomical text to define the weekday dating back to 476 A.D.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment