How Is Vedic Astrology Different from Western Astrology?Īs is evident from its roots in ancient, religious texts, Vedic astrology assumes a baseline spirituality which is mostly absent from popular practices of Western astrology. Jyotishis (as Vedic astrologers are called) spend years immersed in both technique and spiritual practice before taking on clients and providing guidance. Jyotish is part of a lifelong study and spiritual commitment in India. Other forms of astrology have origins as ancient as that of Jyotish, but due to various religious power struggles-particularly the rise of Christianity in the West-they have not been practiced continuously as a tradition in the way that Vedic astrology has. Veda literally means “knowledge” and these writings are thought to contain the fundamental knowledge of our human existence. Jyotish is rooted in the Vedas, the oldest texts written in Sanskrit, which inform Hindu religion and philosophy. Though there’s no exact moment to pinpoint as the origin of Vedic astrology, it has been practiced since sometime between 5000 to 10,000 BC.

Astrology is about light! Because, as Sutton continues, “when there is no light, there is no life.” History of Vedic Astrology Like other forms of ancient or traditional astrology, its basis is what we’re actually looking at in the sky. Unlike the pop astrology of the West, which puts all of its focus on “What’s your sign?” (due to the proliferation of sun sign horoscopes throughout modern times), Vedic astrology is focused on the planets, the stars and their relationship to the horizon. Sutton writes, “Jyotish can be translated as ‘the science of light’ or ‘the wisdom of the heavens.’ Light banishes darkness, the light of knowledge dispels ignorance.” She shares in her book, Essentials of Vedic Astrology, that the name “Vedic astrology” comes from the system’s relationship to the West, but in India, the practice is known as Jyotish.

So we dove into the work of Komilla Sutton, a longtime consultant, teacher and lecturer on the subject. To get to the root of what Vedic astrology is, one must go to the source: a Vedic astrologer. Maybe you’ve heard of Vedic astrology before-a friend mentioned that there’s an astrology from India that makes you “an Aquarius instead of a Pisces.” But how is Vedic astrology different from Western astrology? Is it more accurate? Are you actually more Aquarius than Pisces? What does all of it mean? We did all the research, so you don’t have to. Now that you’ve finally caught up and figured out your Big Three (sun, moon and rising signs, of course), what if we told you that there isn’t just one kind of astrology? The modern, Western astrology that’s gained popularity through horoscopes and meme accounts is just one dialect in a vast astrological landscape.

Western astrology chart