What's the Deal with Vedic (Sidereal) Astrology? - 6/12/06

Dear Lipstick Mystic,

In your most recent Mystic Mail, you answered a question about astrology. I had done some research, trying to learn more about astrology, and I came across a different system called Sidereal (I believe). It was a system used by the Hindus. Under this system I am Pisces but under the system we use in the West, I am Aries. I have never quite felt like a Aries, so when I found the Sidereal system I was thrilled. Which system should I use and how do we pick our signs? Thank you.

--L.

Hi L.,

Thanks for sending your question. It's a good one!

There are useful things within both systems. Again, the two systems are the tropical system (which is what I use and most Western astrologers use) and the sidereal system (also called Vedic astrology, originating in the East.) 

I found a great essay which explains the difference in pretty simple terms. You might like to have a peek. So many related astrology articles are filled with too much astro-lingo to be clearly understood! http://members.aol.com/discord23/astrol.htm

Basically, in my own life, I've found that the sidereal/Vedic system can be excellent if I want an alternate view of things.  Vedic/sidereal astrology is sometimes better when you want to look deep into the soul and figure out issues you are working on in this lifetime, core traits you have brought forward from past lives, and choices that you want to make to achieve your highest good in this reality.  So I find in many ways it's a better system for the DEEP contemplation stuff.

The Western system seems to be better for looking at day-to-day activity, issues like dealing with people and relationships and money. It seems very accurate with these things.

So, when looking at both systems, it's important to realize that in many metaphysical matters there is a PARADOX going on - two seemingly contradictory things that are both correct in their own way.  Instead of approaching it as "Which path is right?" you might want to look into both systems and see "Which system seems right for dealing with this issue."  Because each system is great in its own way.

Now, have I confused you?  I hope not!  Basically, people raised here in the West will tend to find the Western/tropical system most accurate, because this system seems really attuned to what Westerners are all about.....achievement, expression, competition, etc.  But when you want to examine "Eastern" issues in your life, such as spiritual growth, past lives, psychic gifts, dreams, etc., you may find the Vedic/sidereal system to be much more accurate. 

I find that the two systems "live" side by side as energy holograms or psychic blueprints that we move through depending on what issues we're focused on at the moment. So you can definitely use both as a guide and measure one against the other to see how they each correspond to what's happening in your life, and you might discover, as I have, that there are times to use one and times when it is best to use the other. 

The two systems are like two different mirrors for reality, representative of the conscious and the subsconscious minds, the male and the female aspects of the spirit. The more you study duality (as in the Chinese yin/yang) the more you will see how both systems - even though they would appear to contradict each other on the surface - are actually equally valid pieces of one "whole."

Okay, this is the end of my astrology "Jedi" lecture for the day! I encourage you to keep exploring both systems, read up on each, and see what resonates for you.  If you are the type of person who is drawn to all things "Eastern" in this life, which is truly a different way of looking at life than the more achievement-oriented and sometimes superficial Western way, then you might find that the Vedic/sidereal contains greater wisdom and accuracy for you. But test them both out. You're on a quest - have fun with it!

--Lipstick Mystic