Thursday, May 16, 2019

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.

While there are some astrologists whom suggest the Hindu astrological practice was derived from Hellenistic practices, thus post-dating the practice to the Vedic period, there are many others whom disagree. In addition, while a number of authors have suggested that original forms of astrology only included information provided by omens, dreams and physiognomy, the majority still base interpretations and predictions on the alignment of planets and stars in the universe.

Originally Vedic and Western forms were thought to be part of the occult. Whereas, times have changed as there are a number of Indian universities now offering advanced degrees in Vedic form. In the beginning, a number of scientists protested the course offerings as being nothing more than pseudoscience. However, in 2001, the High Court favored the practice and allowed the universities to move forward with such offerings.

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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