What makes traditional Indian astrology different from Western astrology.
Traditional Indian astrology that uses the Sidereal Zodiac, unlike Western astrology. Analyzes karma and dharma through the Nakshatra (27 lunar constellations) and Dasha (planetary periods) systems.
A different zodiac
The biggest difference is how the zodiac is measured. Western astrology uses the tropical zodiac, based on the seasons (the spring equinox). Vedic astrology uses the sidereal zodiac, based on the actual positions of the stars. Today the two differ by about 24 degrees, so in Vedic astrology many placements fall one sign earlier.
Key terms
Lagna
The Vedic name for the rising sign. A Vedic chart is read with the Lagna as the first house.
Nakshatra
The 27 lunar mansions in Vedic astrology. Each Nakshatra spans 13°20′, enabling finer personality reads.
Dasha
The planetary period system in Vedic astrology. Predicts the flow of life through the periods ruled by each planet.
The planets in Vedic astrology
Traditional Vedic astrology reads nine bodies: the seven from the Sun to Saturn, plus Rahu and Ketu. Rahu and Ketu correspond to the North and South Nodes in Western astrology. Uranus, Neptune and Pluto are usually not used.