Western astrology
Pandit Vyas Ji practises both Vedic and Western astrology. Here is how the Western system works and how it differs from jyotish.
What Western astrology is
Western astrology grew out of Babylonian and Greek traditions. It uses the tropical zodiac, which is tied to the seasons: Aries always begins at the spring equinox, around 21 March. Its best-known feature is the sun sign, the sign the Sun was in on your birthday.
Key differences from Vedic astrology
Zodiac
Western uses the tropical zodiac; Vedic uses the sidereal zodiac, measured against the fixed stars. Today they are about 24 degrees apart.
Main focus
Western astrology centres on the sun sign and personality; Vedic astrology centres on the Moon sign, lagna and nakshatras.
Planets
Western charts add Uranus, Neptune and Pluto; Vedic charts use the seven visible planets plus Rahu and Ketu.
Timing
Vedic astrology times events with dashas; Western astrology uses transits, progressions and solar returns.
Find both your sun signs
Western sun signs by date
| Sign | Dates | Traits |
|---|---|---|
| Mesha Aries | 21 Mar – 19 Apr | bold, energetic |
| Vrishabha Taurus | 20 Apr – 20 May | steady, loyal |
| Mithuna Gemini | 21 May – 20 Jun | curious, witty |
| Karka Cancer | 21 Jun – 22 Jul | caring, protective |
| Simha Leo | 23 Jul – 22 Aug | confident, generous |
| Kanya Virgo | 23 Aug – 22 Sep | precise, helpful |
| Tula Libra | 23 Sep – 22 Oct | fair, charming |
| Vrishchika Scorpio | 23 Oct – 21 Nov | intense, loyal |
| Dhanu Sagittarius | 22 Nov – 21 Dec | adventurous, honest |
| Makara Capricorn | 22 Dec – 19 Jan | ambitious, disciplined |
| Kumbha Aquarius | 20 Jan – 18 Feb | original, humane |
| Meena Pisces | 19 Feb – 20 Mar | dreamy, compassionate |
Why PanditJi looks at both
The two systems answer slightly different questions. Western astrology is a good mirror for personality and psychology, while Vedic astrology is especially strong for timing and life events. PanditJi uses the Vedic chart for predictions and draws on Western ideas when they add insight into character.
For most people the Vedic sun sign is one sign behind the Western one. If you were born roughly between the 15th and 20th of a month, the two usually match. Both are correct within their own system.