Vedic Astrology: Guide For Beginners

Have you ever heard of Vedic astrology? This Hindu variant of astrology can be a powerful tool for self-knowledge, allowing you to explore new aspects of yourself through the study of your birth chart.

Vedic astrology, also known as Jyotish or Hindu astrology, is an ancient astrological system originating in India based on the sacred Vedic texts. Its tradition dates back more than 5,000 years and is deeply intertwined with Hindu spirituality and philosophy. Yet, it remains relevant today.

For those who approach astrology with the intention of transcending the physical and embarking on a genuine path of self-knowledge, the Vedic branch is almost always the most suitable. And, while it’s impossible to tell you everything there is to know about this astrological variant, today I’m going to share the most important aspects to understand so you can begin your own journey in this branch of astrological study.

What is Vedic astrology?

As I was saying, Vedic astrology is the Eastern, specifically Hindu, branch of astrology. Unlike Western astrology, which is based on the tropical horoscope (based on seasons), Vedic astrology uses the sidereal zodiac, which is based on the constellations and the actual positions of the stars.

This zodiac takes into account the precision of the equinoxes, which means that the astrological signs in the Vedic zodiac may differ from their Western counterparts. In other words, if you are an Aquarius in Western astrology, you might be considered a Pisces in Vedic astrology.

However, this isn’t the only difference. Vedic astrology uses seven planets instead of nine (excluding Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto) and introduces concepts like Dasha. But to examine this more closely, I’ll now explain the main characteristics of Vedic astrology compared to the Western astrology we all know.

The Dasha

In Vedic astrology, the Dasha is a unique system that refers to the specific periods of time during which the planets exert their particular influence on a person’s life. This concept is very important because, when reading a birth chart, the Dasha indicates which planet is dominant during a certain period and how it affects the various areas of an individual’s life.

Of all the available options, the most widely used Dasha is the Vimshottari Dasha, which assigns a 120-year cycle of influence to the planets and the two nodes included in its reading of the birth chart. In this way, each planet dominates for a specific period of time.

Sun (Surya): 6 years old
Moon (Chandra): 10 years old
Mars (Mangala): 7 years
North Node (Rahu): 18 years
Jupiter (Guru): 16 years
Saturn (Shani): 19 years
Mercury (Budh): 17 years
South Node (Ketu): 7 years
Venus (Shukra): 20 years

Thus, a person’s Dasha begins at the moment of their birth, and the ruling planet is determined by the Moon’s position in their birth chart. Therefore, a Saturn Dasha could indicate challenges, delays, or karmic lessons, while a Jupiter Dasha can translate into expansion, spiritual growth, and favorable opportunities.

The Moon and The Sun

In the West, when someone asks you your zodiac sign, you immediately answer with the position of your sun sign. In contrast, in Vedic astrology, the most important sign is the one marked by the moon.

This is because, in this branch of astrology, the Moon symbolizes the mind, emotions, perception, and emotional well-being. And since the mind and emotions are seen as central aspects of life and human behavior, the Moon’s position is paramount for understanding a person’s psychological nature.

This is why, in Vedic astrology, the most important sign is the lunar sign, called Rashi. This sign, along with the Nakshatra (lunar mansion or constellation) in which the Moon is located, are key to Vedic astrological predictions, including the aforementioned Dasha.

The Signs of The Zodiac

Another fundamental difference in Vedic astrology, which I mentioned earlier, is the shift in the astronomical study of the stars. This branch of astrology relies on the precision of the equinoxes, taking into account that there is a 1-degree shift in the constellations approximately every 72 years. This explains the difference of about 24 degrees between the tropical (Western) and sidereal (Vedic) zodiacs.

Therefore, the dates for the zodiac signs change, and are as follows:

Aries (Mesha): April 13 – May 14
Taurus (Vrishabha): May 15 – June 14
Gemini (Mithuna): June 15 – July 14
Cancer (Karka): July 15 – August 14
Leo (Simha): August 15 – September 15
Virgo (Kanya): September 16 – October 15
Libra (Tula): October 16 – November 14
Scorpio (Vrishchika): November 15 – December 14
Sagittarius (Dhanu): December 15 – January 13
Capricorn (Makara): January 14 – February 11
Aquarius (Kumbha): February 12 – March 12
Pisces (Meena): March 13 – April 12

The Twenty-Seven Nakshatras

Since in the Vedic horoscope the position of the Moon is more important than that of the Sun, in this branch of astrology we find the nakshatras, also known as lunar constellations. Unlike the signs of the zodiac, called rashis, which are based on the solar system, the nakshatras are linked to the position of the Moon, and are used to gain a deeper understanding of the birth chart

The Twenty-Seven Nakshatras Are As Follows :

Ashwini: It indicates a dynamic, enthusiastic, and quick-acting personality.
Bharani: Associated with feminine energy, it represents a great capacity to bear burdens and transform situations.
Krittika: It is associated with purification, and bestows a strong and protective nature, a great capacity to face challenges with determination.
Rohini: It is associated with beauty, creativity, and prosperity. It signifies a creative, sensual personality that attracts luxury and abundance.
Mrigashira: Natives of this nakshatra are usually restless, gentle, and always explore new ideas and seek new knowledge.
Ardra: It is linked to storms and transformation. It bestows an intense and emotional personality, focused on personal renewal through overcoming difficulties.
Punarvasu: It represents renewal, return. People born under this nakshatra tend to be optimistic and flexible, having an innate ability to adapt to circumstances.
Pushya: This nakshatra is very auspicious, as it bestows a protective and wise nature, with a great capacity to care for and sustain others.
Ashlesha: It is associated with mysticism and control. It grants cunning and a great ability to handle complex situations.
Magha: This nakshatra determines a personality marked by a sense of tradition, dignity, and respect for ancestors, which confers authority and honor.
Purva Phalguni: It represents love, creativity, and enjoyment. Those born under this nakshatra are typically lovers of pleasure and beauty, very focused on leisure and creativity.
Uttara Phalguni: Associated with service and responsibility, this nakshatra marks a stable and loyal personality, as well as a natural disposition towards lasting relationships and fair agreements.
This lunar constellation is associated with dexterity and manual skill. It marks people with a strong sense of practicality, sincerity, and the ability to excel in tasks that require precision and control .
Chitra: This nakshatra marks a creative personality, inclined towards art, construction and the creation of beauty.
Swati: It is associated with independence and adaptability. Natives of this nakshatra are usually flexible, independent, and able to adapt to very diverse circumstances with ease.
Vishakha: It represents ambition and growth, and drives its natives to seek success and recognition by facing challenges with tenacity and determination.
Anuradha: It symbolizes devotion and cooperation, so people born under this nakshatra are usually loyal and successful in their relationships, excelling in friendship and mutual support.
Jyeshtha: It is associated with leadership and authority. This nakshatra bestows power, responsibility, and a strong sense of protection and duty towards others.
Mula: It relates to roots and exploration, thus granting an introspective nature, which seeks to dismantle the unnecessary in order to reach the fundamental truth.
Purva Ashadha: It is associated with victory and purity. Those born under this nakshatra are determined, confident, and usually succeed in everything they set out to do.
Uttara Ashadha: This Nakshatra bestows strength, stability, and a natural disposition towards achieving long-term goals through righteousness and persistence.
Shravana: It symbolizes listening and learning. People born under this nakshatra are usually intelligent, communicative, and have a strong inclination towards acquiring knowledge and wisdom.
Dhanishta: It relates to prosperity and wealth, and tends to propel its natives towards material success, generosity, and prosperity.
Shatabhisha: It is associated with healing and mystery. Its natives have healing abilities and are linked to the occult and the mysterious sciences.
Purva Bhadrapada: It represents spirituality, and impels its natives to have an intense and spiritual nature, inclined towards esoteric practices and personal transformation.
Uttara Bhadrapada: It is associated with stability and patience, so its natives are usually serene, stable people who achieve their goals through perseverance.
Revati: It symbolizes the end of the cycle and renewal. It bestows a compassionate and spiritual nature, a strong connection with renewal and with the well-being of others.