Astrology is one of the Greatest Wisdom Teachings available to us. It has been around for about 5,000 years. My work with clients include Western Astrology as well as the Ancient style from India called Jyotish. Jyotish is the sanskrit word for “Science of Light.”
Where does Astrology Originate?
Astrology has its origins in (get ready for this) Mesopotamia, Babylonia, Egypt, Greece, Rome, Arabia and Europe. Which ultimately all leads back to the country of India. There are basically two types of studies of Astrology. Western and Vedic. Western astrology is most popular in all the Western countries. It is also said to have been founded by Ptolemy the great mathematician and astrologer, who wrote Tetrabiblos (four part book) in the 2nd century AD which is the most important surviving ancient books about Astrolgoy. Astrology was also formed as a continuation of Hellenistic (sun-centered) astrology and ultimately Babylonian (the first organized) astrology. Western astrology is largely based on the construction of a horoscope for an exact moment in time, such as a person’s birth in which the various planets are said to have an influence. The chart below is an example of a Western Astrological chart.
During the Dark Ages in Europe knowledge of astrology was lost along with much other learning. It was revived and extended by Arab and Persian scholars and reimported into Europe in the Middle Ages. In medieval Europe, important political and military decisions were often made in consultation with astrologers. Nowadays astrology is used for primarily for making personal decisions or attaining information about an individual through the natal chart. Today, astrology has become distinct from astronomy. Mainstream scientists in general dismiss astrology as a form of pseudoscience. But astrology an astronomy used to be studied together and seen as profound support systems of each other. I am not sure when or why they were separated.
How is Western Astrology different from Jyotish or Vedic Astrology?
There are many differences, but one of the main differences is that Western Astrology is derived from the Tropical Zodiac which follows our Western Calendar and Vedic Astrology follows the Sidereal Zodiac which follows the placement of the planets as they are situated in the sky. Therefore you might notice a change when you have your Vedic chart done in that the constellations are in different astrological signs. Do not worry about this because the two systems are read in entirely different ways. A Jyotishi (or Vedic Astrologer) will read your character as it applies to the rules of Vedic Astrology and a Western Astrologer will read your character as it applies to the rules of Western Astrology. I do both kinds of Astrology and can explain that in more detail to you. Below is an example of a Vedic Chart.
What is Jyotish or Vedic Astrology?
Vedic Astrology which is called Jyotish is one of the six disciplines of Vedanga and is called the “eyes of the Vedas.” Jyotish is the authentic Sanskrit name of Vedic Astrology and Jyotish literally means “The Science of Light.” Vedic Astrology has its origins in Divine Inspiration & Human Ingenuity – much like the origin of the Yoga Asanas or Postures. Jyotish is an ancient system of divination derived from the study of the relationship and effects between the planets of our solar system and of the terrestrial beings and things of the earth plane.
The “light” of Jyotish is intended to give an individual a birds eye view of their probable experience in each year and epoch of life. This knowledge is calculated and intended to enable the individual to adjust their expectations and refine their individual focus of endeavor for success and progress in all areas of life.
Jyotish may thus at one level be seen to signify a “science of heavenly bodies”. However, as the singular purpose of Jyotish and the Vedas is to dispel the darkness of ignorance, it is more commonly taken to signify the “science of light” and bring light to all of its seekers. Jyotish has historically been part of a continuous “holistic” approach to living and to spiritual practice within the life of Hindus in India.
Why do you work with both kinds of Astrology?
Well, besides being insatiably curious, and having studied both systems quite thoroughly, there are very specific concepts and tools in each system that are only available in that system. I love that they are similiar but substantially different. I also want to provide for you both kinds of astrology so that I am very thorough in my work and can get to the root of any issue more quickly and effectively. Many people decidedly take sides in the Astrological Community and come to the conclusion that one type of Astrology is better or more profound than another. I have not found this in my work. My experience is that they both serve to “enlighten” and “illuminate” in their own individual way. I have personally had many readings with both Western and Vedic Astrologers and can say through my experience that both systems are deeply profound and vastly informative.
