Knowing what your future holds ahead is good sometimes, and the availability of online astrology apps and web services has made it easier to determine your astrological compatibilities and horoscope.
If you are a believer in astrology, you would have already downloaded several apps to map your birth chart. But, did you know that all these apps are based on western astrology? Yes, most of these apps follow the western horoscope calculations.
However, Western astrology is not the only type. We are talking about Vedic astrology. So, what is Vedic astrology, and how does it differ from Western astrology? Read on to see…
The History of Vedic Astrology
Vedic Astrology is related to the Sanskrit word “Jyotisa”. The mention of Jyotisa first appeared in the Rigveda which is the most ancient scripture of the Indian society. “Jyotisa” refers to a heavenly body.
With time, Vedic astrology has evolved a lot but it does carry the ancient traditions and along with it, several myths of the ancient Indian culture. For many, it is still a part of their lifestyle and people find it difficult to proceed without seeing their daily horoscope.
Vedic charts are used to finalize the “muhurta” or “the right time” for all sorts of auspicious occasions including marriage, engagement, opening ceremonies, etc.
Twelve Signs of Vedic Astrology
In total, there are 12 signs in Vedic astrology. Even Western astrology represents 12 zodiac signs and the resemblance of all the characteristics are almost the same in both, however, the difference lies in the dates. If you know your zodiac sign according to Western astrology you are going to be amused by what you find in the Vedic astrological chart. For instance, if you were an Aquarius, your daily Aquarius horoscope will vary in Vedic and western astrology. Take a look at how the Vedic zodiac signs follows:
| Zodiac | Vedic Name | Vedic Astrological Dates |
| Aries | Masha | April 13 – May 14 |
| Taurus | Vrishabh | March 15 – June 14 |
| Gemini | Mithuna | June 14 – July 14 |
| Cancer | Karka | July 14 – August 15 |
| Leo | Simahn | August 15 – September 15 |
| Virgo | Kanya | September 15 – October 15 |
| Libra | Tula | October 15 – November 14 |
| Scorpio | Vrischika | November 15 – December 15 |
| Sagittarius | Dhanusha | December 15 – January 13 |
| Capricorn | Makara | January 14 – February 13 |
| Aquarius | Kumbh | February 13 – March 13 |
| Pisces | Meena | March 14 – April 14 |
The Origin of Western Astrology
The origin of western astrology dates back to the Mesopotamian era. At that time, there were deep studies of omen. For instance, the color of the sky, weather, and the movements of animals were taken into consideration.
Rather than planetary movements, these preliminary studies were more related to the moon and eclipses. By the time it was 1000 BCE, the astrological concepts were very popular in the Middle East. You can find some precise illustration of planets on the ceiling of New Kingdom Tombs in Egypt.
All these planets were especially linked to one of the gods and goddesses of Mesopotamia. As time passed, astrology was introduced to several other cultures too. And the Hebrews got to know the practice of astrology between 586-539 BC. It was the period of Babylon’s military conquest, which was finalized many years later.
Under the empire of Alexander, the practice of astrology thrived and spread throughout Egypt, Middle East, Asia, and then India. A Babylon priest moved to Greece and founded a school where Greeks could learn all about the basics of astrology. This became an opportunity to mix beliefs, knowledge, and philosophy. This harmonious mixture gave life to Hellenistic astrology.
It is the Hellenistic astrology that proved to be the ultimate foundation of modern Western astrology. Studies have found that it also has a strong bond with Vedic astrology.
As the time of Christ approached, the Romans and Greeks had already codified the zodiac signs. And that is the form of astrology that we recognise today.
| Zodiac Signs | Western Astrological Dates |
| Aries | March 21 – April 20 |
| Taurus | April 21 – May 22 |
| Gemini | May 22 – June 21 |
| Cancer | June 22 – July 22 |
| Leo | July 23 – August 23 |
| Virgo | August 22 – September 22 |
| Libra | September 24 – October 23 |
| Scorpio | October 24 – November 24 |
| Sagittarius | November 23 – December 21 |
| Capricorn | December 22 – January 20 |
| Aquarius | January 21 – February 19 |
| Pisces | February 20 – March 20 |
