Understanding the differences between the tropical and sidereal zodiacs can be an important factor in understanding the differences between Western and Eastern (Vedic) Astrology. The most obvious difference between Western and Indian astrology is the type of zodiac that is used. When Western astrology developed, about 1700 years ago, the actual constellations of Aries, Taurus, Gemini, etc. were placed in the sectors of the heavens named by Western astrology today. In other words the constellations that make up the sidereal zodiac and the sun signs that make up the tropical zodiac were in the same places. This will happen again in about 23,000 years. Meanwhile the constellations have almost disappeared from the sectors that still carry the same names of the constellations.

THE TROPICAL ZODIAC
We call the zodiac Western astrologers use the tropical zodiac. The first point of this zodiac is not based on the position of the stars, but on the position of the Sun.

At the end of winter when the sun appears to cross the celestial equator moving north, day and night are of equal length. This point begins the tropical zodiac and at this time, in Western astrology, the Sun is said to be at zero degrees Aries. This point is also called the vernal equinox. Knowing the exact astronomical reasons for this is not as important as understanding the importance of the position of the Sun in Western Astrology.

Thus, according to Western astrology, on the first day of spring, the Sun is at zero degrees Aries. On the first day of summer the Sun is at zero degrees Cancer. On the first day of autumn the Sun is at zero degrees Libra, and on the first day of winter the Sun is at zero degrees Capricorn. It is this emphasis on the position of the Sun in the Western tropical zodiac that accounts for it being called a Sun based astrology.

This also accounts for the emphasis in Western astrology of Sun-energy and its distribution through the planets. The analogy of this we see in the fact that in the West, the conscious state of the mind and the ego (that is to say, the Sun) are very important. It is not surprising then, that Western astrology functions especially well in the form of psychological astrology. We will not, however, find the astronomical constellation Aries at that point because the constellations have moved.

THE SIDEREAL ZODIAC
Vedic or Indian astrology is concerned with the relationship of the human being to the total cosmos. Therefore the zodiac used by Vedic astrologers is based upon the positions of the stars and is called the sidereal zodiac.

The sidereal zodiac is also somewhat schematic because naturally not every astronomical constellation is precisely 30 degrees. However, the sidereal sign Aries is much closer to the position of the astronomical constellation Aries than is the tropical sign Aries. And, the midpoint of the sidereal zodiac (the 180° point) is 0° Libra where the constant star Spica is found.

In short; the Western zodiac is based on the position of the Sun and the Indian zodiac is based upon the position of the stars. Western astrology is Sun-astrology and Indian astrology is cosmic-astrology. Western astrology analyses the manner in which the planets distribute Sun-energy and is characteristically psychological. Indian astrology is concerned with the total relationship between the human being and the universe.

HOW TO MAKE A SIDEREAL OR VEDIC HOROSCOPE
If you have a Western horoscope it's easy to convert it to an Vedic chart by using the following instructions. There will be some new words shared in this article. These words although initially foreign have a certain ring to them that adds to the beauty of the things they describe.

The first new words, rashi chakra, describe the radix or horoscope that has been calculated for a specific time. Another new word is Ayanamsha and what is it?

The Ayanamsha is the difference between the tropical and the sidereal zodiac. To convert your Western chart to a Vedic one all you need to do is deduct the Ayanamsha from the positions of the planets and the ascendant. The Ayanamsha is different each year. Likewise there are a number of ways to calculate the Ayanamsha however the most common one is called the Lahiri Ayanamsha and it is used by most Indian astrologers. In diagram 1, you will find the calculations for the Lahiri Ayanamsha for several years.

Welcome to the first of many columns dealing with the techniques, definitions and mysteries of Jyotish, otherwise known as Vedic Astrology.

These columns, to a large degree, will focus on providing answers to the questions put forward by you, the reader. As many questions as time and space allow will be answered each month, so get your questions in. Send all questions to me at aboutyou@cnx.net

One important fact about Jyotish is that it has a body of knowledge that validates it's findings. This body of knowledge comes from the Vedas of India. The Vedas (truths) are a collection of scientific and spiritual knowledge that focus on 6 different disciplines, Jyotish being but one.

For anyone who wishes to study this ancient sacred science two books are recommended. The first one, called Brihat Parasara Hora Shastra is a two volume set. The second is called Jaimini Mararishi's Upadesa Sutras, translated by Sanjay Rath.

Both these volumes can be obtained from India through Manorama Occult Publications. This firm provides exceptional service and all ordering may be done over the net. The land and e-mail addresses are:

Manorama Occult Publications
170 B, Bank Enclave,
Delhi, India,
110 092
e-mail: manoramaoccult@hotmail.com

Introduction to the many faces of god will be one of the most interesting aspects of this study. One of the first a student will meet, is the elephant headed god named Ganesh.

A strong spiritual discipline is a vital part of this branch of astrology. Even though the discipline is Hinduism it is not demanded, or necessary for a person to follow that discipline. What is most important, however, is that a person does follow some spiritual path.

It doesn't matter if no particular spiritual philosophy is followed initially. However let it be known that it's impossible to study astrology without coming to the realization of the existence of God. Not only will a student accept the existence of God they will also begin to see the importance of practicing a spiritual discipline.

In Hinduism and in the Vedas on which this discipline is based there is acknowledgement of only one God. The beautiful part of the one God is the huge variety of forms it can adopt. Therefore, as much as the study of Jyotish will bring a student to God awareness it does not dictate a specific path. It does however, strongly encourage a path be adopted!

Naturally we will all make our own choices when it comes to a spiritual path that feels right to our soul. By the way, in Sanskrit the soul is called the Atma. The Atma is shown in a chart by the planet that has gained the highest longitudinal distance. Where the Atma is placed in the chart is a very important position. When we acknowledge that the birth chart is a map of personal karmas the spiritual side of Jyotish becomes clearer.

So remember, if you have questions, just let me know.

© Phyllis Chubb, M.A. 2001-2002