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.
While there are some astrologists whom suggest the Hindu astrological practice was derived from Hellenistic practices, thus post-dating the practice to the Vedic period, there are many others whom disagree. In addition, while a number of authors have suggested that original forms of astrology only included information provided by omens, dreams and physiognomy, the majority still base interpretations and predictions on the alignment of planets and stars in the universe.
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.
Considered one of the six disciplines as defined in the Hindu scriptures, the practice is also seen as supporting Hindu beliefs and rituals. While in the beginning, Hindu astrologists used a calendar to mark the passing of sacrificial rituals, this is no longer the case. Whereas, while the word graha was original thought to mean demons, the word has since been determined to refer to the word planet, thus changing a number of interpretations and predictions.
Original Hindu astrological practices came from a basic belief focusing on a connection between the microcosm and macrocosm of the universe. Today, the practice relies on the sidereal zodiac which is somewhat different from that of the tropical zodiac used in Western astrology. The Hindu form also uses a number of subsystems related to interpretations and predictions based on the elements not generally found in Western forms.
The Nirayana or sidereal Nirayana consist of an imaginary belt 360 degrees in diameter which like the Western or tropical zodiac is divided into multiple sections. In the Vedic tradition, each part is known as a rasi while in Western astrological practices the parts are known as signs. While extremely similar, the measurement of planets differ among the two astrological practices.
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, Western astrological practices and astronomy have always referred to the twelve signs of the zodiac beginning with the sign of Aries. Whereas, the first introduction to the Greek aspects of astrology appeared to have occurred much earlier in history. While this is the case, the earliest astrological chart or reading to be discovered was an Indian text referring to the days of week dating back to 476 A. D.
While there are some astrologists whom suggest the Hindu astrological practice was derived from Hellenistic practices, thus post-dating the practice to the Vedic period, there are many others whom disagree. In addition, while a number of authors have suggested that original forms of astrology only included information provided by omens, dreams and physiognomy, the majority still base interpretations and predictions on the alignment of planets and stars in the universe.
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.
Considered one of the six disciplines as defined in the Hindu scriptures, the practice is also seen as supporting Hindu beliefs and rituals. While in the beginning, Hindu astrologists used a calendar to mark the passing of sacrificial rituals, this is no longer the case. Whereas, while the word graha was original thought to mean demons, the word has since been determined to refer to the word planet, thus changing a number of interpretations and predictions.
Original Hindu astrological practices came from a basic belief focusing on a connection between the microcosm and macrocosm of the universe. Today, the practice relies on the sidereal zodiac which is somewhat different from that of the tropical zodiac used in Western astrology. The Hindu form also uses a number of subsystems related to interpretations and predictions based on the elements not generally found in Western forms.
The Nirayana or sidereal Nirayana consist of an imaginary belt 360 degrees in diameter which like the Western or tropical zodiac is divided into multiple sections. In the Vedic tradition, each part is known as a rasi while in Western astrological practices the parts are known as signs. While extremely similar, the measurement of planets differ among the two astrological practices.
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, Western astrological practices and astronomy have always referred to the twelve signs of the zodiac beginning with the sign of Aries. Whereas, the first introduction to the Greek aspects of astrology appeared to have occurred much earlier in history. While this is the case, the earliest astrological chart or reading to be discovered was an Indian text referring to the days of week dating back to 476 A. D.
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