Chakrapani has always said that he prefers not to make comparisons between Tropical Astrology and Vedic Astrology because his experience is limited to the Vedic system; he admittedly has only a superficial understanding of the Western system. However, given the inevitable questions about how to distinguish the two systems from one another, the following are some observations about Vedic, or Sidereal Astrology, and Western, or Tropical Astrology.The most obvious difference in the two systems is that Vedic Astrology is based on the Sidereal Zodiac whereas Western Astrology uses the Vernal Zodiac. Vedic/Sidereal Astrology uses the fixed observable stars in the sky; Western Astrology is more time based, determining the beginning of the zodiac as corresponding to the start of the Vernal Equinox. In the year 2010, the difference between the two systems is considered to be between 22 and 24 degrees and indicates the difference between the point of the Vernal Equinox and the first point of the constellation Aries.
This results in the native having a different horoscope in each system, which can cause confusion. Although Chakrapani cannot defend or legitimize the Vernal Zodiac as he has not made a study of it, it is generally accepted that the two systems are looking at the heavens, each from a different perspective with a consequently unique and different point of view. Some feel that the two systems can peacefully co-‐exist as they are looking at the same phenomenon but with a different angle of vision, as opposed to contradicting one another outright. Chakrapani has no comment on this other than the fact that he wholeheartedly subscribes to the Vedic system which he knows and trusts.
Beyond the two different zodiacs, the most defining element of Vedic astrology, Jyotish, as it is called, is the fact that it is a Vedic science, connected at its roots to Vedic philosophy. As such, a spiritual orientation is woven into the fabric of all the systems and methods of the science. Vedic Astrology has many categories, and throughout all the branches of study that it encompasses there is a palpable underlying spiritual orientation to the material.
Vedic Astrology is intended as a tool to aid mankind in his journey of life on earth. The understanding being that the purpose of life is to grow in ones greater understanding, wisdom and capacity to love. Vedic Astrology holds tantamount the evolution of the soul, and that all trials and tribulations on the earthly plane are seen as a means to refine ones character in the process towards ever-‐greater perfection. Vedic Astrology is not intended to be a fanciful or lighthearted undertaking or a source of entertainment, although there is certainly humor and irony in the human condition if one cares to look from that point of view. This is not to suggest that Tropical Astrology is any less serious, but certainly, the parlor games, daily horoscope in the newspaper, casual questions as to one’s “sign” do not do justice to the subject matter or its intentions.
Vedic Astrology is considered a divine science to be approached with reverence and respect. It is a highly complex science, and when practiced with focused study such that one becomes a channel for the knowledge, it also becomes an art.
Vedic Astrology, as a field of study, encompasses far more than what one person could hope to master in a lifetime of dedicated work. Some of the areas of focus include, cycles of weather and crops, earthquakes and natural phenomenon, health or medical astrology, economics and world trade markets, politics and world events, and so on. In fact, virtually all realms of human life are addressed by Vedic Astrology. However, for a practitioner to become proficient in any given subject requires focused attention on that area, and attunement to the methodologies and energies of the planets as they pertain to that particular subject.
Vedic Astrology is frequently called predictive astrology because of its ability to predict events in life. This ability is due to the refinement in the various systems of the science, and requires significant subtlety of understanding and perception on the part of the practitioner.
When one refers to "predictions" in astrology, one is not suggesting that it has to be so, but rather that the energies are aligned in such a way as to suggest a probable outcome. This is why astrology is referred to as the "Science of Indications". Without an effort to overcome the momentum of any given force or thrust of action, the indications suggest what will probably be.
Astrology reveals the timing of trends and certain influences, but never discounts the element of free will. Rather, in studying the horoscope the intention is to apply effort to overcome obstacles and inherent weaknesses, and to capitalize on ones strengths. There is also the hope that one will reach a place of peace and acceptance with the challenges that the destiny brings.
Vedic Astrology, rather than suggesting a passive or fatalistic philosophy is founded on being proactive; it is based on the notion that knowledge is power. The more one reflects on ones own chart; the more the insights become deeper and more profound. The astrologer serves as a kind of guide, but a productive encounter with the astrologer requires that the individual be actively involved, measuring the astrologer’s words against their own inner knowing. That reflection is an ongoing process, continuing long after any given consultation, as sometimes one is not ready to hear, or consider, or fully comprehend the material that is suggested in the reading. Even if it is understood or accepted, oftentimes, for the understanding to penetrate deep into ones being takes many years. The point being that the astrologer is acting as a catalyst; the astrologer has studied the energies of the planets and attempts to be of service to the aspirant who is seeking greater knowledge of self. It is a spiritual quest, ultimately; the greatest measure of its success rests with the intentions of the aspirant.
In Vedic Astrology, the Rising Sign or Ascendant is considered to be the most important factor in making accurate predictions. The Ascendant is represented by the sign, which is on the eastern horizon at the time of birth, and is the aspect of the chart that changes most frequently (approximately every two hours). It is the pivotal point from which the astrologer considers the horoscope, the context from which all of the planets are evaluated. The Rising Sign determines the ordinal procession of the houses; when the Ascendant is determined, the rulership of the twelve houses is then established. Both of the systems rely on the Ascendant in this way.
The Dasa System (the planetary cycles) is a unique feature of the Vedic system, which indicates a period during which a planet´s influence becomes fully operative. The Dasha System is a critical element enabling the Vedic Astrologer to give precise predictions during any given period.
Vedic Astrology is also sometimes called Constellation Astrology because it takes into account fixed stars called constellations. As a result, the astrologer considers not only the influence of the planets in a sign but also the subtle influences exercised by the constellations. This means that when a planet passes through a sign, it expresses the influence of the sign and is also tempered by the influence of the constellations of the sign. To practice predictive astrology, one must be able to go deep into the subtle influences of the constellations.
One consequence of the two different zodiacs is that the Vedic system does not give the Sun the same prominence that is has in the Western system. While acknowledging the Sun as a significator of the essence, or soul of the individual, Vedic Astrology, by following the Sidereal Zodiac gives more relative importance to the influence of the other planets. In the Western system the perspective or emphasis of the resulting horoscope results in the Sun becoming more of a focal point.
In Vedic Astrology, more emphasis is placed on the Moon than on the Sun. The Moon represents the mind which is seen as the agency of perception and, consequently, is a major determining factor in how one interacts with the world. The significance of the Moon can be further appreciated by the fact that Vedic Astrology divides the Moon signs into twenty-‐nine different charts, called Nakshatras, or lunar mansions. The Nakshatras comprise another method for the astrologer to go deep into the subtle energy of the mind.
However, in India, where Vedic astrology has been practiced for centuries, this type of question would not typically hold sway. Perhaps because astrology is so much embedded in the culture and traditions of the people, there is a natural and almost unconscious understanding that reading the horoscope involves a complex evaluation of the overall placement of the planets, and how and when they harmonize and blend or oppose one another. One can observe that there is not the same temptation to reduce astrology to simple catch phrases, the way one does with a new idea, which has gained a kind of cult status or superficial allure.
Vedic astrology has remained an integral part of Indian life through the centuries despite recent trends to westernize and modernize. Even Indians who consider themselves little interested in astrology likely consult an astrologer when considering marriage, or important events like the birth of a child.
Some other methodologies that distinguish Vedic Astrology from the Western system are mathematical divisions called Shadbalas and Shadvargas. They give the precise strength of each planet in a mathematical figure, which enables one to quantify the potency of the planets.
Another system of delineation in Vedic Astrology are aspects known as "yogas". This is a unique system for understanding the power of the associations between the planets in their placement from one another. When the planets form yogas, they create specific results, which are powerful.
These are a few of the unique features of the science of Vedic Astrology, although such a cursory list does not do justice to the subject. Also, to make a truly fair comparison of Vedic Astrology and Western Astrology, one needs to have made a thorough study of both systems, which Chakrapani has not done. With these thoughts in mind, we hope that this brief account will be of some assistance.
Ultimately, the science of Vedic Astrology was bequeathed to man in ancient times as a means to help alleviate suffering and guide him in his spiritual journey on earth. This tradition of astrology has remained unbroken and untainted throughout the ages; its wisdom is universal and timeless and of value to all peoples of the world regardless of religion, or any belief system to which they may subscribe.
