The Differences Between Vedic & Western Astrology, Explained

If you're into astrology, you've undoubtedly mapped your birth chart, downloaded various apps, and maybe even looked up your astrological compatibility with a love interest. But did you know Western astrology isn't the only astrological system out there?

The Sanskrit word for Vedic astrology, or Hindu astrology, is jyotiṣa, loosely translating to "light/heavenly body," and the modality seems to have first appeared in the Rigveda, an ancient Indian text (though some assert it's been around since 10,000 B.C.).

"Vedic astrology contains within it the rich spiritual traditions and myths of ancient Indian culture," explains founder of Moondance Vedic Astrology and author of Vedic Astrology for Beginners, Pamela McDonough. "Even today, throughout much of India, Jyotish is an accepted science and, for many, is part of their lifestyle."

In its earliest days, Vedic astrology was used to determine important dates for sacrifices and rituals. Over time it became increasingly personalized; people started studying its planetary movements in an effort to understand their own destiny.

Just like in Western astrology, there are 12 signs in the Vedic zodiac. And interestingly, the characteristics of the signs are pretty much the same, too. The difference lies in the dates.

Another interesting distinction is that modern Western astrology has become more psychologically oriented, where Vedic astrology is based upon one's individual karma, according to McDonough.

The two modalities also have a different take on what a retrograde planet actually means and what some of the planetary aspects represent.

"All planets in Western astrology share the same type of aspect, such as a square, trine, sextile, or opposition," McDonough notes. "Vedic astrology utilizes special aspects—each planet has a specific aspect or set of aspects, along with different strengths that are applied to that specific aspect."