1. Zodiac Signs (Rashi)
- Vedic: The Vedic system defines 12 zodiac signs, but it uses the Sidereal zodiac, which is aligned with fixed constellations. Each sign is associated with specific characteristics and influences.
- Modern: Western astrology uses the Tropical zodiac, which is tied to the Earth’s seasonal cycle. Although both systems share the same signs, their calculations and interpretations differ due to the difference in the zodiacs.
Comparison: Vedic astrology focuses on the positions of fixed stars, while modern astrology relies on Earth’s shifting relationship to the Sun.
2. Planetary Positions (Grahas)
- Vedic: Vedic astrology uses nine planets (including the shadow planets, Rahu and Ketu). These planets’ positions at the time of birth are said to influence one’s life path.
- Modern: Western astrology uses seven planets (Sun and Moon included) for analysis, without considering Rahu and Ketu, which are not physical bodies but rather points of celestial geometry.
Comparison: Vedic astrology incorporates more celestial bodies, believing that these unseen influences shape life events.
3. Dasha System
- Vedic: The Dasha system is a unique predictive tool in Vedic astrology. It divides a person’s life into periods ruled by different planets, providing a timeline for life’s major events.
- Modern: Western astrology doesn’t have a direct equivalent. Transits and progressions are used to forecast life events, but there’s no fixed system as comprehensive as the Dasha.
Comparison: Vedic astrology uses planetary periods (Dashas) for a more granular life progression model, while Western astrology depends on transits and aspects.
4. Nakshatras (Lunar Mansions)
- Vedic: There are 27 Nakshatras, or lunar mansions, which are segments of the sky the Moon passes through. They are key in determining personality traits and events.
- Modern: Western astrology does not emphasize lunar mansions, focusing more on Sun signs and the planets’ positions.
Comparison: Vedic astrology offers a finer division of the zodiac through Nakshatras, influencing a person’s emotional and mental state more precisely than Sun sign astrology.
5. Karma and Reincarnation
- Vedic: Vedic astrology integrates the belief in karma (the law of cause and effect) and reincarnation, using the chart to reveal past life influences and future karmic lessons.
- Modern: Western astrology doesn’t inherently incorporate karma or reincarnation but can explore psychological aspects of past experiences.
Comparison: Vedic astrology emphasizes past-life karmic patterns, while modern astrology mainly focuses on present influences.
6. Vargas (Divisional Charts)
- Vedic: Vedic astrology uses numerous divisional charts (e.g., Navamsa for marriage, D-10 for career) to provide more detailed readings.
- Modern: Western astrology typically uses the natal chart, with secondary progressions and transits, but does not break the chart down into as many subdivisions.
Comparison: Vedic astrology uses multiple charts for specific life areas, providing a multi-layered approach, while modern astrology generally focuses on one primary chart.
7. Aspects of Planets (Drishti)
- Vedic: Aspects in Vedic astrology, called Drishti, refer to the planets’ gaze on each other, influencing their interactions. The aspects include the conjunction, trine, and opposition, but with more detailed calculations.
- Modern: Western astrology also considers aspects but uses a different set of orbital angles, with particular emphasis on conjunctions, squares, trines, and oppositions.
Comparison: Vedic astrology applies more specific rules for planetary aspects, while modern astrology offers a broader understanding of planetary influence through aspect patterns.
8. Lagna (Ascendant)
- Vedic: The Ascendant (Lagna) is calculated based on the precise time and location of birth. It marks the starting point of the birth chart and is critical in determining the physical appearance and overall life path.
- Modern: Western astrology also uses the Ascendant but often gives more weight to the Sun sign, relegating the Ascendant to a secondary role in personality analysis.
Comparison: Vedic astrology places the Ascendant at the center of the analysis, while Western astrology emphasizes the Sun sign for overall identity.
9. Transits and Muhurta
- Vedic: Vedic astrology uses specific “auspicious timings” called Muhurta to guide actions like marriage, travel, or business decisions, considering the transiting planets’ positions.
- Modern: Western astrology also uses transits but doesn’t have an equivalent concept of Muhurta, focusing more on the timing of life events based on planetary movements.
Comparison: Vedic astrology provides a structured approach to determine the best times for important actions, while modern astrology focuses more on the timing of events through transits.
10. Vedic Remedies (Puja, Gemstones, Mantras)
- Vedic: Vedic astrology prescribes remedies to alleviate the negative influences of planets, such as wearing gemstones, performing specific rituals, or chanting mantras.
- Modern: Western astrology doesn’t typically offer specific remedies. While it may suggest self-reflection or psychological practices, it does not prescribe the physical or spiritual remedies seen in Vedic astrology.
Comparison: Vedic astrology integrates practical and spiritual remedies, while modern astrology focuses on understanding psychological influences without offering prescriptive solutions.
In conclusion, Vedic astrology is more comprehensive, incorporating a deeper spiritual and karmic perspective with more detailed tools, while modern astrology offers a psychological and personality-based analysis.
Viral Author