Are the houses in Vedic and Western astrology the same?
What are houses in astrology? And what are the differences between the Vedic and western house systems: an in-depth guide
In short, they are 12 Houses in astrology, each representing a different area of life. House positions are based on the Sun’s daily rotation; in general, every house roughly represents 2 hours; every 2 hours are symbolic for 24 hours of the day or 1/12th– 30 degrees of the zodiac; the entire zodiac is made up of 360 degrees.
Imagine the wheel of western astrology and the square which contain the houses in the Vedic astrology chart as a celestial map, where the planets continually shift positions among the houses.
The Astrological houses are like little playgrounds where the signs and planets come out to play.
Each house is like a different game with its own set of rules and experiences.
It’s kind of like playing hide-and-seek in your physical surroundings, but also in your personal life.
Table of contents
History
Astrology has been practised for thousands of years and greatly impacts human lives.
One of the most important components of astrology is understanding the concept of houses.
The houses- bhavas play a crucial role in astrology and refer to the twelve equal divisions of the ecliptic plane.
The ecliptic plane is essentially a great circle encompassing -surrounding the Sun’s orbit as observed from the Earth.
Each house is determined based on the specific time and location of the natal- birth or other charts in question, i.e. a world event- mundane, transit or progression chart.
Once the first house is identified, the subsequent houses are numbered counter-clockwise from the cusp of the first house
Houses, which are called Bhavas in Vedic astrology, represent different areas of life and can reveal much about an individual’s personality, relationships, career, and future.
Each astrology house is impacted by the zodiac sign's energies, planets, asteroids and other planetary bodies, i.e. north nodes that are placed in them.
The twelve houses of astrology are a crucial component in astrological analysis.
Simply put, the houses of the horoscope serve as a framework for understanding the varied and complex ways in which astrological influences can manifest in our lives.
For those who are new to astrology, understanding the meaning of the twelve houses can be a bit overwhelming.
However, it is essential to delve into this topic because the houses are where the planets and signs come to life.
In this blog post, I will talk about the differences between the western and Vedic house systems.
Are the Houses in Vedic and Western Astrology the Same? | In-Depth Guide to Houses in Astrology | What's the Difference Between Vedic and Western Astrology?
The western House System
In western astrology, the basic astrological chart is divided into twelve sections, called houses.
Each of the houses has its own specific meaning, and it is essential to understand what each house represents to understand astrology better.
The twelve houses are arranged in a circular pattern and move counter-clockwise from the eastern horizon. The first house is the cusp of the horizon, where the Sun rises, and the twelfth house is where the Sun sets.
The divisions of the houses are based on the Sun’s orbit around the ecliptic plane as viewed from Earth; the Ecliptic is the Earth’s movement around the Sun which is protracted -projected onto space so it can meet the imaginary -symbolic celestial sphere.
When viewed from Earth, the Ecliptic appears to be the yearly path the Sun takes as it follows the Earth.
At the moment of your birth, certain planets were observable in the sky, situated above the horizon line, while others remained concealed below it.
Numerous planets above the horizon are believed to make someone more sociable, while having a majority of planets beneath it suggests a tendency towards self-reflection.
Generally, the 1st to 6th houses are below the horizon, and houses 7-12 are above the horizon but are exceptions to this rule.
Although the Ascendant tends to be on the cusp or in the 1st house, this is not the case in some systems.
Still, all western astrology house systems use 12 houses.
Some are based on time, others on degrees or distance; if the house division is based on space, then the houses or selected space locations are divided into 12 arcs which are 30 degrees each.
Whether the house divisions are calculated using the Ecliptic, the celestial equator or some other dividing methods.
Depends on which western house system used, i.e. Placidus, Regiomontanus, Koch, or Topocentric.
When houses are separated based on time, they are created by using unchangeable equal hours or temporal hours; the equal hours represent two hours of the Sun’s apparent movement each day.
If temporal hours are used to create houses, this involves splitting daytime and night-time into six equal parts. However, temporal hours are not constant and may vary depending on the season and latitude.
It is helpful to consider these factors while dividing houses based on time.
Western astrology Charts calculated based on distance
When calculating houses based on distance, the distance of the planets from the Earth is measured using astronomical units, which are the average distance between the Earth and the Sun.
The position of the planets is calculated using complex mathematical formulas that take into account the date, time, and location of the birth.
Most astrologers use software which automatically does these calculations for them, yet before computers, calculations were done by hand.
Despite the varying approaches used, there are certain fundamental similarities that all Western astrological house divisions have in common.
One such shared trait is that the twelve house cusps are consistently predicted based on the Ecliptic.
Additionally, the first house cusp is always located near the eastern horizon, and each subsequent house cusp is separated by 180 degrees of longitude from its opposing house.
So the 2nd house always is opposite the 8th house, the 3rd house is always opposing the 9th, and the 6th house opposes the 12th.
Vedic Astrology House system
In Indian – Vedic astrology, the twelve houses are known as Bhava(s).
In the field of Jyotisha, the term “bhāva” refers to a distinct zodiacal sector of the sky as perceived by an observer.
Bhava is a Sanskrit word, and when translated into English, it can mean circumstances, spirit or temperament.
Vedic Astrologers use a natal chart known as the bhava chakra, which literally translates to wheel -disc-gyration, to map out the positions of planets and other celestial bodies in relation to the individual’s birth.
The Bhava Chakra, also known as the Division Wheel, represents the circle of life; in the Vedic natal chart, the wheel is divided into 12 distinct houses- Bhavas, which are typically represented by squares.
Each of these houses corresponds to a specific karaka, which is a Sanskrit term for the planets that signify particular aspects of life.
The interpretation of each house can be altered by the planets- karakas.
Furthermore, each Bhava or house spans an arc of 30°, conveying a sense of order and structure to the division wheel.
More about Bhava chakra
Bhava chakra, commonly called the Wheel of Life or Becoming, is also a significant symbol in Buddhist culture.
It depicts the cycle of existence, as perceived by Buddhists, and signifies the journey of beings through the realms of samsara, or the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth.
This symbol is often represented as a wheel with six segments, each of which represents a realm of existence, including the heavenly realm, the human realm, the animal realm, the hungry ghost realm, the hell realm, and the realm of the gods.
The Bhavachakra is considered a powerful tool for meditation and reflection, as it reminds individuals of the impermanence of life and the importance of seeking enlightenment in order to break free from the cycle of suffering.
Through the interpretation of the placements in a person’s bhava chakra – natal chart, Vedic astrologers gain insight into the person’s character, life path, and potential future events.
In summary
The whole system of Vedic astrology comes from Jyotisha or Jyotishya, which originates from the Sanskrit word Jyotisa meaning bright-illumination light or divine-heavenly-celestial body.
Jyotisha is one of six subsidiary disciplines within Hinduism that is intrinsically linked to the study of the Vedas, an ancient collection of sacred Hindu texts.
With its focus on interpreting celestial bodies and their interactions with human lives, Jyotisha is an important aspect of Hindu culture and a source of insight and guidance for many practitioners.
Jyotisha is a longstanding Hindu practice of astrology; this system is also referred to as Hindu astrology, Indian astrology, and Vedic astrology in modern times.
This multi-dimensional meaning of Bhava reflects the depth and complexity of the word’s origins and the cultural context in which it was used.
The word has associations with growth and development and highlights the potential for life force transformation.
The multi-meaning of the word “bhava” reflects the idea that our circumstances, spirit, and temperament are not fixed, but are shaped by our thoughts, actions, and experiences.
The word Bhava also embodies the qualities of resilience, determination, and self-reliance.
Although Vedic astrology shows us our soul’s past karma, we can still change our karma- by taking practical action in our present moments.
To change our predispositions-personality traits, and self-destructive thoughts or habits, which are determined by our past actions in this life and the ones before.
However, these predispositions- personality traits are not fixed and can be modified through conscious effort and self-discipline.
Individuals can change their bhava and transform themselves by making conscious choices and taking positive actions.
I will now talk more in-depth about the differences between the Vedic and western house systems in astrology.
So we have seen Understanding the difference between the Vedic and Western astrology house systems is crucial for individuals and astrologers to interpret a birth or any other chart accurately.
Knowing the characteristics of each house is essential to predict different aspects of an individual’s life, such as career, relationships, and health.
By using different house systems, astrologers can gain a greater understanding of the subtle
Vedic and Western astrological systems can differ in the number of houses used.
The Vedic and Western astrological systems differ significantly in the number of houses used.
Western astrology typically uses twelve houses, whereas Vedic astrology uses twelve or thirteen houses, depending on the system used.
The Western system divides the sky into twelve parts, with each house representing an aspect of life, such as love, career, or family. In contrast,
Vedic astrology divides the sky into 27 equal parts, known as nakshatras; they are also associated with specific deities, qualities, and symbols that provide deeper insight into their meanings and influence.
Nakshatra and Padas how houses – bhavas are divided in Vedic astrology
Nakshatra and padas are lunar constellations that divide the zodiac into 27 parts.
There are nine planets in Vedic astrology, and each planet governs a particular house-bhavas.
The nakshatras and padas help identify which bhava a particular planet is located in.
Each Nakshatra has four padas or quarters, and each quarter is associated with a planet.
The word “nakshatra” is derived from the Sanskrit roots “naks” (to approach, to go) and “tra” (to protect), meaning “to approach and protect.”
Each Nakshatra is believed to have a unique energy or vibration that influences human behaviour, character, and destiny.
Each Nakshatra covers 13° 20 degrees, and there is a 28th nakshatra Abhijeeta, which is not commonly used as it is viewed as the ruler of all nakshatras.
However, the Abhiśeka Nakshatra is regarded as the king of these nakshatras. It is believed that worshipping and gaining favour over this Nakshatra can mitigate negative karma and bestow great power upon the individual.
The 27 nakshatras are further divided into equal quarters or padas which are 3° 20 degrees each.
Padas are the divisions of each zodiac sign into four parts. “Pada” is a Sanskrit word that translates to “foot” or “step.”
Each sign has four padas, totalling 108 padas in the entire zodiac.
Each pada is associated with a particular planet and has its own meaning and significance.
The sign’s ruling planet rules the first pada, the next sign rules the second pada, the third pada is ruled by the following sign, and the fourth pada is ruled by the sign after that.
For example, in Aries, the first pada is ruled by Mars, Venus rules the second pada, Mercury rules the third pada, and the fourth pada is ruled by the Moon.
In addition, the first pada represents the natural expression of the zodiac sign, the second is related to material gains and wealth, the third is the emotional nature and creativity inherent in the sign, and the fourth is the spiritual and transcendental-metaphysical aspect of the sign.
Understanding the significance of each pada can provide valuable insights into the nature of an individual’s personality, strengths and weaknesses, and life path.
Although many Vedic astrologers use 12th houses, the houses in Vedic astrology are then based on the position of these nakshatras at the time of one’s birth.
This ultimately results in a fundamentally different system from Western astrology and may yield different interpretations of a person’s planetary positions and birth chart.
Elements, qualities- modalities and decans how houses are divided in western astrology
The four elements – Earth, water, air, and fire – are significant in Western astrology.
Each element is associated with certain characteristics and qualities and is essential in determining an individual’s astrological profile.
For example, Earth symbolises stability, persistence, and practicality, while air represents intellect, innovation, and communication.
Water relates to emotions, intuition, and creativity, while fire signifies boldness, passion, and inspiration.
The three qualities represent three different modes of action, while the elements symbolise different energies or forms of expression.
- Cardinal signs are associated with initiation, leadership, and action.
- Fixed signs represent stability, determination, and resistance to change.
- While mutable signs are connected to flexibility, adaptability, and versatility.
Each zodiac sign and house belongs to one of the three qualities and 1 of the four elements.
The 12 houses are divided into the following elements houses 1,5,9 are fire houses, 2,6 and 10th earth houses, 3,7 and 11 are air houses, and 4,8 and 12 are water houses.
Houses 1,4, 7 and 10 are cardinal, 2,5,8 and 11 are fixed houses and houses 3,6, 9 and 12 are mutable.
The houses are also divided into Decans, which are 36 subdivisions of the zodiac wheel in western astrology; the word ‘decan’ is derived from the Greek word for ‘ten’.
Each decan comprises 10 degrees of each house; each house is 30 degrees in total and has three decans.
Decans give extra insight into how each sign operates within the 12 houses of the Western zodiac.
As mentioned, the houses represent different areas of life, and the decans can help pinpoint specific traits or qualities prominent within every 10 degrees of the 12 houses.
For example, The first decan of Aries, which corresponds to the first ten degrees of the sign, is ruled by Aries itself and its ruling planet, Mars.
This emphasis on individuality and taking the initiative is reflected in the characteristics of those born under this decan.
They are often quick to act on their impulses, assertive in their relationships, and unafraid to take risks.
In contrast, those born with their natal Sun in the 3rd decan f aries associated with the 9th house and Jupiter represent expansion, growth, and good fortune.
Those born under this decan tend to be optimistic, adventurous, and idealistic individuals who are constantly seeking higher meanings in life.
They strongly desire to explore the world around them and expand their knowledge and understanding of the Universe.
They may be very passionate about learning and often pursue higher education or travel to broaden their horizons.
As you can see, elements, qualities-modalities and decans give further insight into someone’s personality traits in western astrology.
The Western system is more focused on the sun sign, while the Vedic system also considers the Moon sign.
One significant difference between Vedic and Western astrology house systems is the focus on the Sun sign versus the Moon sign.
The Western astrology system emphasises the Sun sign as the primary sign for character and destiny prediction.
On the other hand, the Vedic system focuses on the Moon sign as a crucial factor in determining an individual’s overall horoscope.
In the Vedic system, the moon sign, commonly known as the Janma Rashi, is believed to be significant, as it represents an individual’s mind and inner self.
By considering both the sun and moon signs, the Vedic system offers a more holistic approach to astrology, while the Western system tends to be more specific and personality-based.
Dashas
The Vedic system also uses a complex system of planetary periods (Dashas) to determine the timing of events.
Another way the Vedic astrology and Western astrology systems differ is the use of planetary periods or dashas in the Vedic system to determine the timing of events.
Dashas are a predictive tool in Vedic astrology. They are a system of planetary periods where each planet rules over a certain period of time.
The dashas divide a person’s lifespan into a series of planetary periods, each ruled by a specific planet.
The system is quite complex and has been used in India for centuries by astrologers.
The dashas help determine which planet’s energy will be most prominent during a particular period and what kind of effect it will have on an individual’s life.
Dasha periods give a snapshot of the tendencies and events that are likely to manifest in a person’s life during that time, providing valuable insight into past, present, and future circumstances.
With the help of dashas, astrologers can offer their clients more accurate and precise predictions.
The calculation of dashas involves a complex system of planetary positions and mathematical calculations, which requires a deep understanding of Vedic astrology.
Dasha periods, which are also known as “planetary rulerships”, can be calculated for each individual based on the position of the Moon in their birth chart.
In Vedic astrology, the Moon represents the mind and emotions, and its position in the birth chart is considered to be a significant indicator of a person’s character and destiny.
Therefore, the dashas are also believed to be important in determining the key events and experiences that may occur during different phases of a person’s life, as each planet is believed to exert a different influence during its period of rulership.
Dashas can give insight into significant life events, both favourable and unfavourable; dashas give an idea of the periods when a person can expect changes, opportunities, challenges, and other significant life events.
By analysing the dashas, astrologers can provide insights to individuals and help them prepare for any negative events, enabling them to maximise their positive occurrences and bring balance to their life.
The dashas can help astrologers to predict future trends and provide guidance on how to navigate through different challenges and opportunities in life.
Understanding the meaning and significance of dashas can help individuals better prepare for upcoming events, make important decisions, and navigate their lives with greater insight and wisdom.
Western astrology focuses more on transits and progressions to determine timing.
In simple terms, transits refer to the movement of planets through the zodiac signs, while progressions refer to the movement of planets in a person’s natal chart.
These two concepts work together to provide insight into how a person’s life will unfold.
Western astrology relies heavily on the analysis of transits and progressions to determine timing, while Vedic astrology places more emphasis on the position of the planets in the natal chart.
In Western astrology, the movement of the planets after a person’s birth is critical in understanding the timing of significant events such as career changes, relationships, and other milestones.
In contrast, Vedic astrology tends to focus more on the influence of the planets at the time of a person’s birth, paying particular attention to the position of the planets in the Vedic chart.
As discussed, Transits in Western astrology refer to the movement of planets over time and how they affect your natal chart.
Every planet has a different orbit, so they move at different speeds; these movements are called transits; some transits last longer than others.
The effects of transits can last for a few hours, days, or even years.
The interpretation of each transit can depend on the planet involved, the sign and house it is transiting, and how it is impacting the other planets in the natal chart.
Transits can represent a time for growth and personal development or a time to let go of old patterns and beliefs.
They can be seen as an opportunity to align our inner selves with the external world, leading to a deeper understanding of our journey on this planet.
Progressions in Western astrology refer to the gradual movement of your natal chart over time as you age and develop.
Transits and progressions are two important concepts in the field of Western astrology.
Progressions refer to the gradual movement of your natal chart over time as you age and develop, while transits refer to the movement of the planets as they make their way through the zodiac.
Progressions are calculated by taking the position of the planets at the time of your birth and moving them forward incrementally, typically at a rate of one day, equating to one year of life.
This movement gives astrologers insight into long-term trends, potential life changes, and personal growth or stagnation.
By contrast, transits involve the current positions of the planets in relation to your natal chart and offer insight into shorter-term movements and events.
Transits and progressions are two of the most common techniques used in Western astrology for interpreting the movement of planets and the positions they hold in the sky.
They offer a glimpse into the various influences that are impacting our lives and how these forces may shape our experiences in the future.
Transits are essentially the movements of the planets in the present time and how they align with the planets in our natal birth chart.
Astrologers use these transits to get a sense of the overriding themes and energies that may permeate a particular period. Progressions, on the other hand, are a bit different.
They represent the ongoing movement of the planets in relation to our natal chart but at a much slower pace.
This technique is used to analyse how our natal chart is unfolding and progressing over time. Both transits and progressions provide valuable insight into your life and the challenges and opportunities you may face in the future.
In conclusion, the Vedic and Western astrology house systems are different
While Western astrology follows a ‘tropical’ approach, Vedic astrology is based on the ‘sidereal’ zodiac that considers the position of fixed stars.
This focus on the natal chart can make Vedic astrology more deterministic.
Still, western astrology’s use of the fixed zodiac and ignoring the progression of the equinox can be deterministic too.
Ultimately, both systems offer unique insights into the complexities of human existence and can provide valuable guidance to those seeking to understand themselves and their place in the Universe.
And have their advantages and limitations; it’s up to the individual to choose the system that resonates with still; nevertheless, understanding the differences between the Vedic and western house systems can help you better appreciate your chart and the astrological concepts that govern your life.
FAQ
Vedic astrology, also known as Jyotish, is believed to have originated in ancient India and strongly emphasises past karma and the role of planets in determining our life path.
On the other hand, Western astrology, with its roots in ancient Greece and Rome, focuses more on the present and future and emphasises the Sun, Moon, and planets’ positions at the time of a person’s birth.
While both systems can offer insightful information and guidance, it ultimately comes down to personal preferences and beliefs.
Remembering that astrology should not be relied upon as the sole means of decision-making in your life is crucial.
Instead, it can be used as a tool for self-awareness, personal growth and finding your free will.
Vedic astrology, also known as Jyotish and Western astrology, are two different systems of astrology that have evolved over the centuries in different parts of the world.
The main difference between the two is their approach to calculation and interpretation.
Vedic astrology is founded on the sidereal zodiac system, which considers the fixed stars as stationary and the position of the planets relative to them.
Western astrology, on the other hand, uses the tropical zodiac system, which is based on the apparent motion of the Sun relative to the Earth.
Another difference is that Vedic astrology places great importance on the Moon’s position in a person’s chart, while Western astrology focuses more on the Sun’s position.
Although there are differences between these two systems, they share similar underlying principles and techniques in interpreting the celestial influences on human life.
Regarding the houses in astrology, both Western and Vedic astrology use houses to signify different areas of life and experience.
However, the meaning and interpretation of the houses can vary depending on the system. In Western astrology, houses are typically associated with the 12 zodiac signs and represent different aspects of a person’s life, such as relationships, career, and health.
In Vedic astrology, the houses are based on the rising sign or Ascendant, which determines the starting point for the rest of the houses.
The houses in Vedic astrology are used to identify different aspects of a person’s nature, karma, and potential for growth.
Additionally, each house in Vedic astrology is associated with a specific planetary ruler, which can further influence its meaning.
Vedic astrology originated in India more than 5,000 years ago.
While both Vedic and Western astrology use the zodiac signs, planets, and houses to make predictions, the fundamental approaches used in each system are different.
Vedic astrology places greater importance on the positions of the lunar nodes, known as Rahu and Ketu, which are not as crucial in Western astrology.
Vedic astrology also uses sidereal, or star-based, calculations that take into account the fixed positions of the stars and constellations, while Western astrology uses tropical, or season-based, calculations that are not based on the actual fixed positions of celestial bodies.
Additionally, Vedic astrology puts emphasis on the idea of karma, which is not a central theme in Western astrology.
These differences contribute to Vedic astrology’s reputation for being more accurate in its predictions than Western astrology.
The fundamental difference between Western and Indian astrology lies in the calculation methods and interpretation of the zodiac signs.
Western astrology was created using the tropical zodiac, which is aligned to the seasons and divided into 12 equal parts, with each sign covering 30 degrees of the zodiac circle.
Indian astrology, on the other hand, is based on the sidereal zodiac, which reflects the actual position of the planets and stars in the sky relative to the Earth’s position.
This is divided into 27 equal parts or nakshatras, with each Nakshatra being associated with a particular planet, deity, and quality.
Moreover, Western astrology relies heavily on sun-sign horoscopes, while Indian astrology emphasises the moon sign, representing a person’s personality’s emotional and mental aspects.
Therefore, while both systems share some similarities, they fundamentally differ in their approach and interpretation.
The house system in Vedic astrology is a fundamental aspect of interpreting a horoscope chart.
The chart consists of twelve houses representing different areas of an individual’s life.
These twelve houses are determined by the position of the planets at the time of an individual’s birth.
Each of these houses has its own significance in determining various aspects of a person’s life, such as their health, finances, family, career, and relationships.
The first house, the Ascendant, is the most important and represents the individual’s physical appearance, personality, and overall health.
The following houses are then numbered in a counter-clockwise direction, with each house influencing the next.
Accurately interpreting the positions of planets in these specific houses is essential in thoroughly understanding the individual’s astrological birth chart.
The Placidus system divides the zodiac into 12 houses based on the time and location of a person’s birth.
Many astrologers prefer the Placidus system because it accounts for the curvature of the Earth’s surface and the varying latitudes of different locations.
This system was developed by the French astrologer Placidus de Titis in the 17th century and is based on the premise that the Ecliptic (which is the path the Sun takes through the sky) is the primary reference for dividing the circle of the zodiac into twelve parts, or houses.
The Placidus system considers both the time and location of a person’s birth to determine the degree of the Ecliptic rising above the eastern horizon.
This is known as the Ascendant, and it marks the beginning of the first house. The remaining 11 houses are then divided based on the length of time that each zodiac sign takes to move across the sky.
The Placidus system is favoured for its effectiveness in accurately predicting the timing and nature of significant life events.
While several other house systems are in use in Western astrology, the Placidus system remains the most popular due to its historical significance and proven track record.
If you’re interested in astrology, you may have heard of the Placidus system. This house system is used in western astrology to divide the zodiac into 12 houses, each representing different aspects of a person’s life.
No, Vedic astrology does not use the Placidus system. Instead, Vedic astrology uses the Whole Sign House system.
In this system, the zodiac sign is considered the house, rather than dividing the horoscope into decreasing-sized sections like Placidus.
The interpretation of the planets and houses in Vedic astrology is based on the sign they are placed in, rather than the specific degree.
The Whole Sign House system has been used in Vedic astrology for centuries and is considered to be a more accurate system for understanding the placement and influence of planets in a person’s horoscope.
The two most commonly used systems are the whole sign system and the Placidus system.
The whole sign system is the oldest and simplest system and is used by vedic astrologers, where each of the 12 houses of the zodiac is exactly 30 degrees wide, starting from the Ascendant, and the first house always begins at 0 degrees of the zodiac sign that rules over the Ascendant.
On the other hand, the Placidus system, used mainly in western astrology, is a more complex system that divides the sky into unequal sections, so it can account for the Earth’s curvature and its tilt axis.
Many astrologers favour the Placidus system, arguing that it is more accurate when it comes to determining the cusp of each house and the positioning of planets.
However, others argue that the whole sign system is more accurate as it is simpler and doesn’t require making mathematical adjustments.
Ultimately, it largely depends on the astrologer’s personal preference and the chart they work with.
Your birth chart is a detailed snapshot of where the planets and stars were positioned at the exact moment of your birth.
Western astrology is built on the tropical zodiac, and Vedic astrology uses the sidereal zodiac.
The main difference between vedic and western astrology is that the sidereal zodiac takes into account the wobbling motion of the Earth on its axis, which slowly changes the position of the stars over time.
As a result, Vedic astrology calculates the planetary positions based on the fixed position of the stars, which can result in a different birth chart than the one you would get from Western astrology.
Additionally, Vedic astrology strongly emphasises the lunar nodes, called Rahu and Ketu, which are not given as much importance in Western astrology.
Therefore, it is common to see differences in the birth chart interpretation between the two astrological traditions.
