Below is an old post, called Vedic Astrology: The Study of Light, that I wrote a few years ago when I first started this blog. I thought I’d re-post it here since I just created a short video explaining the major differences between the two systems. I hope this brings some clarity to those who are curious about and interested in learning astrology:

Vedic Astrology: The Study of Light:

As a Vedic Astrologer, I am often asked what that is, and how it is different from Western Astrology. Vedic Astrology is also known as Jyotisha, the study of light and the heavenly bodies. It is the astronomical and astrological system developed by the sages of ancient India after hundreds of years of studying the stars and planets. It is based on the sidereal zodiac and the movement of the stars. Western Astrology, in contrast, is based on the tropical zodiac and the seasons. Vedic and Western astrology look at the heavenly bodies’ messages and influences from different perspectives, but they are both valid systems of astrology. It’s always good to take a look at things from a different perspective once in a while to shed new light on things.

Vedic Astrology also takes a more in depth look at one’s karma and dharma. There are three aspects to one’s karma: karma brought into this life from past lives, karma created in this life that will be addressed in this lifetime, and karma created in this life that may not be addressed until a future lifetime. Think of karma as the cycle of cause and effect. It is not necessarily good or bad; it just is. One’s birth chart can show and give guidance on how to deal with karma in a positive light. Dharma is one’s purpose in life, not only in the material/physical realm, but also the mental, emotional, and spiritual lessons one needs to learn. Insight into one’s karma and dharma can help one navigate the roadmap of life.

To learn more about Vedic Astrology, check out my book, Shedding Light on Jyotisha, Vedic Astrology For Beginners.