Vedic Astrology originated from Vedas and was first mentioned in Rig Veda which is about six thousand years old. It is the most ancient knowledge and the Indian culture at that time was rich in arts, philosophy, religion, medicine, and science. The Vedas are a complete source of knowledge which is pure and holistic. The Vedas integrate with every part of life through their components.

Globalization has influenced our Indian astrologers too. Nowadays more and more astrologers are mixing western mathematical system with Indian astrology. Western system is pretty popular because it has an easy way of determining ascendant, and its calculations are mostly accurate.

We can get accurate ascendant by using the sidereal time and Ayanansh with the western astrological system. Although western astrology is based on solid facts there are some points in it which are not favorable for making accurate predictions.

Thus we will try to delve into the fundamentals of western mathematical system and Indian astrology.

Calculation of Houses from Mid - Cusp

Many astrologers first determine the tenth ascendant in order to understand the relationship between the houses. The other houses are calculated on the basis of the 10th house. In this system, the houses may be of 20 degrees or may stretch up to 40 degrees in size.

However, according to the scriptures and books of Indian astrology, each house is of 30 degrees. Parashar, Bhrigu, Jaimini are among those ancient seers who have followed the tradition of fixing the value of each house at 30 degrees. If calculations are made according to the western method then the values of the house(s) may differ which is not correct according to Vedic astrology.

The reason why the western system of astrology is gaining popularity is its easy mathematical system. However Western astrology is not as capable as Indian astrology when it comes to predictions. Even the western countries have recognized the mettle of Indian Astrology. That is why Indian Vedic astrology is accepted and is fast gaining momentum in western countries. Every year a lot of foreign tourists come to India to gain spiritual and Vedic astrological insights.

Sayana and Nirayana System

Vedic astrologers use fixed or sidereal Zodiac where in western astrology tropical zodiac is used. Vernal Equinox or the first point of Aries is the point of intersection of the celestial equator with the ecliptic where the sun crosses from south to north. This is the first point Aries in Sayana system. Sayana means “with Ayanamsha”. In the Nirayana system. The first point of Aries is fixed. This fixed star is Spica in Chitra Nakshatra which is 180° from Nirayana first point of Aries. This is “without Ayanamsha”.

Astrologers know that currently, Ayanamsha is approximately 24 degrees which means Sayan is ahead of Sun-niryana by approximately 24 degrees. According to the rules of Astrology when Sun and Moon are located in one sign or degree it is called New Moon and when there is a difference of 180 degrees between Sun and Moon it is called Full Moon.

If we take the Sayan Sun in calculations there will be a difference of 24 degrees in the coordinates of the Full Moon and New Moon which is against the Vedic system. In this situation, the importance of Sayan Sun decreases for predictions made using Vedic Astrology.

Dasha System and Transit

One of the major differences between western and Vedic astrology is prediction. Western astrologers predict on the basis of transit position of planets which may not give a correct prediction. On the other hand, Vedic astrologers use Vimshottari Dasha which gives the period of which planet is moving. Accordingly on the basis of strengths or weakness of the planets in overall relation with other planets a better picture can be given of the prospective trends in the native’s life. Vimshottari Dasha is also supported by Yogini and Gemini Dasha which can show a definite trend of events or happenings in one’s life.

Other Differences

1. Retrogression of planets makes it weak in western astrology while in Vedic astrology same is treated as strong planets.


2. Non visible planets like Uranus, Neptune, Pluto are used in western astrology. Uranus rules Aquarius, Neptune rules Pisces and Pluto rules Scorpio. Vedic astrology uses only visible planets. Saturn being a visible planet rules Aquarius (and Capricorn), Jupiter rules Pisces and Mars rules Scorpio.


3. Western astrologers use aspects and conjunctions in different ways like the sextile, square, trine and opposition with less than 10 degrees. Aspect only to planets and angles. Vedic astrologers on the other hand take conjunction in the full house of 30 degrees and have special aspects of Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn. All planets aspect at 180Degrees while Mars, Jupiter and Saturn have special aspects.


4. Western astrologers ignore good and bad houses whereas Vedic astrologers use the relationship between good and bad houses to predict the outcome.


5. Divisional charts are not used in the western system. Vedic Astrologers use divisional charts for various functions.


6. There are no malefics in western astrology, except Saturn, whereas in Vedic astrology Jupiter and Venus are benefics; Moon and Mercury are conditional benefics; Sun, Mars and Saturn are malefics.


7. Concept of Rahu and Ketu is not there in Western astrology while in Vedic astrology, we consider Rahu and Ketu as malefic, Karmic control planets.


8. Rulership of houses is rarely used in Western astrology. In Vedic astrology, the rulership of the sign is a very important criterion.


9. Combustion of planets is not given much importance in Western astrology while in Vedic astrology combustion of planets makes the planet weak to deliver its desired results.


10. Special terms like Digbala, Vargottam, depositorship are rarely used in western astrology

Indian astrologers can test new waters and explore new things in order to modify and improve Vedic astrology but they should follow the basic fundamental principles of Vedic astrology so that they remain true to the science.

We as human beings are not perfect and each one of us has flaws. We need continuous efforts at research and development. We need to incorporate with the changing times into our system to fall in line with the current era.