Differences between Vedic Hindu Astrology and Western Astrology

The zodiac is assumed to lie in the form of an imaginary ring on the cosmological plane, encircling the solar system like a strap. In order to determine the position of the grahas on the circle of zodiacs, a fixed reference point is assumed, centering which the heavenly bodies or grahas move around. The prophets of Vedic Hindu astrological system considered a distant star cluster as a stationary referring point, on the basis of which the position of the planets or grahas is determined. The fixed star cluster was taken in a belief that it refers the 1? of Aries, from which the Indian Zodiac symbols initiate.

The Western Astrological system too utilizes fixed reference point; however, they are limited in their assumption by considering equinoxes for that particular reason. Amazingly, similar to Vedic Hindu astrological system, Western astrological system assumes Aries as the beginning of the Zodiac symbols. But the primary difference arises since the Sun position on Vernal equinox is employed as the 1? of Aries. However, there is no discrepancy or disqualification in the functioning of this assignment since the Sun shifts 360? annually. This system is referred to as Tropical system of Zodiac.

The differences in the reference points do not question about non-validity of any of the systems concerned. In fact, it is possible to derive the calculation by deducting one from the other since the equinoxes shift their position approximately 1? in every 72 years due to the continuous titling of the earth. The ancient astrologers of Vedic Hindu astrological system knew this fact; hence they proposed the notion of Ayanamsha in order to facilitate the convoy of the equinoxes. This is why, Western astrological system is referred to as 'Sayan' which implies interpretation including the convoy of equinoxes, whereas Hindu Vedic astrological system is referred to as 'Nirayan' which implies interpretation excluding the convoy of equinoxes.

There are few significant differences in the approaches in both the traditions. For example, in Vedic Hindu astrological system, the emphasis is given over Ascendant, the most important point of reference and the first house in Horoscope, while in Western astrological system; the emphasis is given over the Sun, which is occupying the central position.