A Brief History Of Hindu Or Vedic Astrology

By Jose Edwards


Most people use astrology to discover personal assets, personality traits, predictions and other factors based on astrological signs and readings. Although, the Western or tropical zodiac is the most commonly used, there are different aspects and zodiacs depending on whether using Western or Vedic astrology. While both forms have been around for quite some time, the term Vedic has only recently become associated with Hindu astrology.

Although the practice had been ongoing for quite some time, it was not until the 1970s in which Vedic became the common term for this type of practice. Whereas, there are some horoscopic astrologists whom suggest this form of Indian astrological practice was derived from Hellenistic influences, thus post-dating the Vedic period. While a number of astrologists and authors believe that the myths of Maharharata and Ramayana forms of the practice only included information found in physiognomy, dreams and omens, there are far many more whom associated astrology with the zodiacal signs of the universe, often known as the Rashi form.

Both forms were originally considered to be a part of the occult. While this is the case, universities in India are now offering advanced degrees in Vedic astrological practices. Upon hearing about these offerings, a number of individuals in the scientific community protested due to ongoing beliefs that any aspect of astrology is nothing more than a pseudoscience. Regardless, in 2001, a High Court ruled in favor of the universities and has continued to allow students to acquire degrees in this area.

Considered one of the six disciplines as defined in the Hindu scriptures, the practice is also seen as supporting Hindu beliefs and rituals. While in the beginning, Hindu astrologists used a calendar to mark the passing of sacrificial rituals, this is no longer the case. Whereas, while the word graha was original thought to mean demons, the word has since been determined to refer to the word planet, thus changing a number of interpretations and predictions.

Coming from a basic foundation focusing on a connection between the microcosm and macrocosm, the sidereal zodiac is much different from the tropic zodiac. In addition, there are interpretations and predictions in the Hindu zodiac which often do not exist in the Western one. Ultimately, both aspects of astrology are used to determine personality aspects and future events though the latter is often much more difficult when it comes to the Hindu zodiac.

The zodiac known as sidereal or Nirayana consist of a 360 degree imaginary belt which like the tropical zodiac is divided into twelve equal sections. Each part being called a rasi or sign. While this is the case, Western and Hindu forms differ when it comes to measurement methods.

Both the Hindu and Hellenistic forms appear to be identical on a synchronous level. While this may appear to be the case, the Vedic form primarily uses the sidereal zodiac in which stars are fixed to measure the position of the planets. Whereas, measurement in the Western zodiac is based on the motion of the planets against the Sun at the Spring equinox.

Western astronomy has always transmitted the twelve signs of the zodiac beginning with Aries. However, the first introduction to Grecian astrological practices to India was through Greek sayings dating back to the beginning of time. Regardless, the earliest version of any type of astrological chart known to survive was one known to be an Indian text which defined the weekday beginning in 476 AD.




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