Vedic Astrology/Jyotisha - The Science of Light

"The cosmos is within us. We are made of star-stuff.

We are a way for the universe to know itself"

― Carl Sagan

The Sanskrit word for Vedic Astrology is “Jyotisha” which means “the science of light”.

It is one of the oldest systems of astrology in the world, rooted in the Vedas, India’s ancient system of knowledge. Jyotisha is considered “the eye of the Vedas” because as one observes the movement of the planets one can “see” how this affects life on earth. As a sister science to Yoga and Ayurveda, Jyotisha is one more tool that can help to restore you to your sacred self.

Vedic and Western astrology have some similarities, including the 12 signs of the zodiac, but there are distinct and important differences. Vedic astrology emphasizes the rising sign which is based on the exact time of birth rather than the 30-day sun sign that is used in Western astrology. Vedic astrology also puts a strong emphasis on the moon which reveals our mind and emotions. The sun sign in the two systems of astrology are about 24 degrees different, therefore one may even identify with a different sun sign. The reason for this difference is that the Vedic system considers trillions of years.

Let’s geek out on science for a little bit shall we. The zodiac originates along the ecliptic path; the path that the planets follow as they orbit around the sun. As the Earth spins on its axis, it experiences a wobble, known as precession. This wobble tilts the Earth, also tilting its ecliptic plane. A full wobble takes 26,000 years to complete, and the ecliptic plane shifts about 1 degree every 72 years. The ecliptic plane has shifted enough in the last 2,000 years that the position of the sun and planets in relation to the signs no longer matches that of the old ecliptic plane. Vedic astrology takes precession into account and therefore calculates astrology based on the adjusted ecliptic path.

Another important difference is that Vedic astrology is based on the sideral zodiac. This unique system focuses on twenty-seven fixed star constellations called Nakshatras. Our Nakshatra can reveal our Core Power, the power that can help us to navigate the hurdles we all inevitably face in this life. Not surprisingly this power is usually the thing that we doubt the most about ourselves. Both the Western and Vedic zodiac use 12 distinct signs to describe a person, but have you noticed that you are not quite like your friend although you both share the same sign? There are three different star constellations that occupy each sign, and each is unique in its aspects which explains the nuances between two people within the same sign.

Your Vedic astrological chart is the story of you, written in the stars. This knowledge can help us to stop doubting ourselves and instead to co-participate with the path we’ve been given. By co-participating in the path we’ve been given, we can rediscover our true self which in turn can help to make life much sweeter. Like honey helps to lighten the bitter taste of tea, knowing our true self helps to lighten the harder aspects of life. We are here not only to learn certain lessons and grow, but also to experience joy.

May we all learn to dance through the difficulties and laugh at the cosmic missteps.

With Love and Light,

Melanie