All systems of astrology encourage and support the enhancement of self-knowledge and self-empowerment. For these reasons astrology, even in the materialistic and 'scientific' West, continues to be a vital tool for self- awareness and development.

In the past decade interest in a particular branch of astrology, called Vedic Astrology, has swept North America and Europe. This rise in interest leads to the question: "What makes Vedic astrology different than Western Astrology?" Here and in following articles this and other questions pertaining to Vedic Astrology will be dealt with.

Vedic Astrology, more correctly called Jyotish or the science of light, has its roots in the Hindu scriptures known as the Vedas. The Vedas are the records of scientific and spiritual wisdom, based on the direct observation of various Maharishi (Sages). The knowledge contained in the Vedas is considered universal, not just the dogma or simple opinion of one culture.

Jyotish is but one of the six major branches, called the vendangas, spoken about in the Vedas. The other five disciplines are Mathematics, Astronomy, Grammar, Ayurvedics (medicine) and Music or toning.

The availability of such bodies of wisdom has contributed greatly to the strong interest and growing study of Jyotish. The existence of such acknowledged wisdom has been one contributing factor to the growing interest in the subject.

The second contributing factor to this growing interest may be the use, made in Jyotish, of the sidereal zodiac that is based on the relationship of our solar system to the fixed stars. Western astrology, for the most part, uses a tropical zodiac based on the relationship of the earth to the sun.

The strength of the sidereal zodiac can be summed up in the expression: "What you see is what you get" unlike the tropical zodiac which is merely symbolic.

For example, if we say Mars is in Aries when using a sidereal zodiac it will be possible to see the planet Mars before the backdrop of Aries. Using a tropical zodiac it is most likely Mars will have Pisces as the backdrop when viewed through a telescope, or by eye.

It is for this reason that many individuals have difficulty fitting themselves into the tropically based interpretations of their sun-signs. Commonly people who explore their solar sidereal placements do feel a tremendous sense of identification with the new sidereal interpretations.

The consistent accuracy found in the use of the sidereal zodiac has stimulated a new interest in the use of the sidereal zodiac in the West. This particular branch is called the Fagan-Bradley system.

The second contributing factor may be the heightened influence of the Moon. In Vedic astrology the Moon modifies the influence of the Sun.

In Vedic astrology, just as in the Western system, the Sun 'rules' 12 signs.

In Vedic Astrology the Moon 'rules' 27 constellations called Nakshatras or what we may more easily understand as being lunar houses. Just as the solar signs have specific qualities so do the Nakshatras. It is the qualities of the Nakshatras that lend a whole new dimension to the fine-tuning of each planetary position and its meaning.

A unique factor functioning in Vedic astrology involves the dasha system. It is the dasha system that brings dynamic movement to the otherwise static natal chart. It is the unfolding of the dasha system that indicates the fruition of the promises held within the natal chart.

In future articles areas of application for Vedic astrology will be made. Some of the uses will include the enhancement of parenting skills, of relationships, of communication and learning styles. In essence, working with one's Vedic chart enables a person to move closer to fulfilling the ancient dictate: "Know thyself and to thine own self, be true".

For more information about Vedic astrology readers are directed to explore the following web-site: http://www.dirah.org or contact Phyllis Chubb at (250) 768 -0128.

© Phyllis Chubb, M.A., C.A.P. 2001-2002

Phyllis teaches on the web through Dirah Academy, and you can e-mail Phyllis by clicking on her name.

© Phyllis Chubb