Even if you don't live and breathe astrology, you probably know your zodiac sign, just in case the topic comes up at your next dinner party. But on the off chance you don't, there's a reason you should: Understanding how your sign operates can offer you a deeper perspective on life—and your place in the universe.
But Western astrology isn’t the only astrological system out there. Enter: Vedic astrology, or Hindu astrology. “Vedic astrology, also known as ‘Jyotish,’ represents an ancient tradition originating from India,” says professional Vedic astrologer Pedro Cabral. “Its primary aim is to unveil the divine essence of time through the observation and analysis of celestial body movements, and their influence on human affairs.”
Meet the Experts: Pedro Cabral is a professional Vedic astrologer. Pamela McDonough is a Vedic astrologer based in the Seattle area.
In other words, Vedic astrology can help people better understand themselves through the positions of the planets and how they impact one's karma. Ahead, here's everything to know about this ancient astrology system, according to astrologers.
What is Vedic astrology?
Put simply, Vedic astrology leans on the concept of karma—or the Hindu idea that your actions have consequences—to allow those who follow this astrological system to deepen their understanding of their personal nature and uncover their cosmic destiny.
The practice originated 3,000 to 4,000 years ago in ancient India, says Pamela McDonough, a Vedic astrologer based in the Seattle area. The term “Vedic” is derived from the Sanskrit word “Jyotish” or “Jyoti.”
“‘Jyoti’ means light or heavenly body, and ‘ish’ means lord or ruler," explains Cabral. “Some interpretations suggest that Vedic signifies ‘eyes,’ earning it the title ‘the eyes of the Vedas.’”
The Vedas, or "knowledge" in Sanskrit, are the foundational religious scriptures of Hinduism, which consist of various hymns and folklore. The scriptures' teachings of karma are a large influence on the philosophy of Vedic astrology, per Cabral.
The system of Vedic astrology was originally used by kings and rulers to find the best time to go to war, according to when they would be the most powerful, McDonough says. It wasn't used as a tool for interpreting birth charts for a long time, and it's unclear how that started, she adds.
What are the 12 Vedic signs?
Just like in Western astrology, Vedic astrology consists of 12 signs. Nevertheless, while the signs may be the same, the dates are a bit (read: majorly) different. Vedic astrology bases its division of the zodiac on the position of its twelve constellations, “as opposed to the vernal [spring] equinox, which is the reference point in Western astrology,” says Cabral.
Basically, the two disciplines use totally different calendars. Vedic astrology uses a sidereal system (based on the fixed stars), while Western astrology relies on the tropical order. “This distinction arises because of the phenomenon known as the precession of the equinoxes, where the earth slowly shifts its position,” says Cabral.
Because the two astrology systems use different reference points, your Vedic astrology chart will most likely differ from the one you downloaded on Co-Star. For example, if you were born on May 10, your Sun sign is in earthy Taurus in Western astrology; but in Vedic astrology, your Sun sign is in fiery Aries.
To find out your Vedic sign, see this list:
- Aries: Mesha (April 13-May 14)
- Taurus: Vrishabha (May 15-June 14)
- Gemini: Mithuna (June 15-July 14)
- Cancer: Karkata (July 15-August 14)
- Leo: Simha (August 15-September 15)
- Virgo: Kanya (September 16-October 15)
- Libra: Tula (October 16-November 14)
- Scorpio: Vrishchika (November 15-December 14)
- Sagittarius: Dhanu (December 15-January 13)
- Capricorn: Makara (January 14-February 11)
- Aquarius: Kumbha (February 12-March 12)
- Pisces: Meena (March 13-April 12)
How do Western astrology and Vedic astrology differ?
At its core, astrology refers to the study of the movements and positions of the planets and other celestial bodies in respect to the earth. Astrology divides the sky up in different sections, creating the zodiacal wheel. But the way Vedic and Western practices split up these sections differs. Beyond their contrasting calendars, these are the main ways in which these astrological systems diverge:
1. Vedic astrology focuses more on karma rather than personality traits.
While Western astrology focuses on psychological aspects of the human condition, like personality traits, strengths, and weaknesses, Vedic astrology leans more into the idea of karma and dharma (a.k.a. your moral duty), says McDonough. It allows people to address and remedy their specific karma, according to Cabral, and shape their future fate through practices like offerings to deities or charitable acts.
2. Vedic astrology emphasizes the concept of time.
Time is a major tenet of Vedic astrology. In fact, Vedic astrology is known as the science of time. “The underlying philosophy of Vedic astrology is rooted in the belief that time is a manifestation of the divine,” says Cabral. That’s because Vedic astrology is rooted in the teachings of the Vedas, which accurately dated cosmic bodies, like the age of the sun, for example.
“When viewed in conjunction with other Indian religious classics such as the Bhagavad Gita, [Vedic] astrology serves as a reminder not to squander [one’s] precious time,” explains Cabral. “It offers insights into life’s purpose, karma, family life, love, and the optimal timing for these aspects to unfold.”
3. Vedic astrology views your Ascendant sign as more important than your Sun sign.
In Vedic astrology, your Rising sign, or Ascendant, is revered to be more critical in understanding yourself than your Sun sign. Here's why: Vedic astrology considers the Ascendant and the angular distance between the sun and the moon, first, because all the other elements of your chart (like the houses) manifest from it, says Cabral. So when reading your chart, a Vedic astrologer will begin with your Rising sign as it informs the rest of your astrological makeup, so to speak.
Vedic Astrology Resources
If you want to learn more, McDonough suggests reading The Essentials of Vedic Astrology by Komilla Sutton, Light On Life by Hart de Fouw and Robert Svoboda, and her book, Vedic Astrology for Beginners, as well as checking out AstroVed.com.
'Vedic Astrology for Beginners' by Pamela McDonough
If you've been following Western astrology for a while, your world might be a bit rocked by the revelations of Vedic astrology. But “it’s important to note that neither system is inherently right or wrong,” says Cabral. The two systems “have [merely] evolved along distinct paths with different techniques and beliefs,” he adds.
Whether you’re trying out different astrological practices or simply following your curiosity to discover new perspectives on the universe, Vedic astrology is a great tool for understanding how your personal choices can impact your karma, and how you can navigate life with the goal of reaching your full potential, whatever that means to you.
Brittany Beringer
Freelance Writer
Brittany Beringer-Tobing is a freelance writer, mystic, creator, and full-time Aquarius based in San Diego, CA. Her bylines have appeared in POPSUGAR, Bustle, Well+Good, Frenshe, Thought Catalog, and more. She was formerly an astrology writer at Bustle where she covered all things mystical—from lunar forecasts and numerology to manifestation rituals and retrograde dos and don’ts. Outside of writing in the cosmic realm, you can catch Brittany casting spells, listening to true crime, and dancing the night away.
