Vedic Astrology vs. Western Astrology: Here's Everything You Need to Know ~ VOUX MAG

Vedic Astrology vs. Western Astrology: Here's Everything You Jessica Estrada, Monisha HolmesSeptember 10, 2025 at 7:53 PM 0 The Differences Between Vedic Astrology and Western Astrology Getty/Margie Rischiotto "Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these lin...

- - Vedic Astrology vs. Western Astrology: Here's Everything You

Jessica Estrada, Monisha HolmesSeptember 10, 2025 at 7:53 PM

The Differences Between Vedic Astrology and Western Astrology Getty/Margie Rischiotto

"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."

If you're an astrology-loving baddie, you likely know your birth chart like the back of your hand; you can recite the Sun, Moon, and Rising signs of everyone you know; and you check your horoscope daily, because how else will you know the vibe of the day? Still, even with all that cosmic knowledge, something may not quite resonate. Maybe you were technically born during Taurus season but feel like a fiery Aries. Besides being born on a cusp, there is another possible explanation for this: Vedic astrology, which is an astrological system that differs from Western astrology.

Vedic astrology is vast and complex, with cultural nuances so precise that even seasoned astrologers know there will always be more to learn. Recently, The New York Times published an article titled "Your Zodiac Sign is 2,000 Years Out of Date," which suggested that your Sun sign might not be what you think it is due to the "Earth's wobble." The Times isn't necessarily wrong, it's just actually closer to Vedic astrology (more on that below). Most American astrologers practice Western astrology, which isn't about constellations—it's about an agreed-upon symbolic system tied to the seasons, mythology, and the occasional scientific references.

"Every few years this conversation becomes a hot topic," says astrologist Lisa Stardust. "Western astrology uses the data from NASA, math calculations, the solstices, and equinox dates that confirm the current system and alignment of planets. Nothing is changing! You're still an Aries if you were born an Aries, so don't stress!"

Keep reading to learn more about what Vedic astrology is, how it differs from Western astrology, and why both systems remain powerful tools for self-discovery.

What is Vedic astrology?

"The Vedic word is derived from Vedas [meaning] sacred knowledge," says Kamlesh Trivedi, a Vedic astrologer for horoscope and astrology app Nebula. "It is a large body of religious texts originating in ancient India." Vedic—also known as Jyotish, which translates to light—astrology is rooted in these religious texts, called the Vedas. The main scriptures are believed to be written by Bhrigu, a sage known as the father of Vedic astrology, during the Vedic era.

"Vedic astrology explains planetary motions and position with respect to time, space, and their effect on humans and all the other entities on the planet Earth," Trivedi says. Furthermore, he adds, Vedic astrology has a branch called Muhurat astrology that you can use to determine the most auspicious dates to do something (like a big life event, for instance) to get the most positive results.

The difference between Vedic and Western astrology

Vedic and Western astrology are two astrological systems with some similarities and some differences. Both Vedic and Western astrology focus on time and space and feature the same 12 zodiac signs. Where they differ, Trivedi says, is in their understanding of the positions of the constellations. As a result, the dates of each zodiac sign shift too, almost by a full sign. For instance, if you're a bold Aries baby (like me!) in Western astrology, you may be a watery Pisces in Vedic astrology, depending on your exact birth date.

Here's why: "Vedic astrology is based on the sidereal zodiac system and calculated and observed in the sky in connection [with the] constellations," Trivedi explains. On the other hand, "Western Astrology is linked up with the tropical fixed zodiac system, and mainly relies on the movement of the Sun. It also depends upon four seasons that represent the Sun's movement, equinoxes, solstices, as well as the tilt of Earth on its axis."

In other words, the big difference between the two is that Western astrology focuses on the immediate solar system, while Vedic astrology also takes into account the other aspects of the galaxy. Another way to look at it: Western astrology connects more with the Sun while Vedic astrology is more connected to the Moon.

Another difference between the two systems is that Western astrology is more psychologically focused, while Vedic astrology focuses more on an individual's karma, dharma, and unique life path.

According to Trivedi, both astrological systems have their own merits and value and are equally as powerful—one is not better or more correct than the other. He adds that many people now reference both to cement their cosmic findings further. Like Western astrology, Vedic astrology has many nuances and is considered an advanced astrological system, but it's definitely worth diving into if you're curious to learn more about yourself or want to use it to plan for a fruitful future event.

The Vedic astrology signs and dates

Aries: April 13–May 14

Taurus: May 15–June 14

Gemini: June 15–July 14

Cancer: July 15–August 14

Leo: August 15–September 15

Virgo: September 16–October 15

Libra: October 16–November 14

Scorpio: November 15–December 14

Sagittarius: December 15–January 13

Capricorn: January 14–February 11

Aquarius: February 12–March 12