Monday 20 May 2019

A Brief History Of Hellenistic And Vedic Astrology

By Jose Edwards


When it comes to astrology, there are a number of different forms and aspects. In one case, Vedic Astrology, also known as the Jyotisha or Hindu form is one of the most popular. For, the practice has been around since the 19th century. While this is the case, the term Vedic is a far more recent term.

Although the practice had been ongoing for quite some time, it was not until the 1970s in which Vedic became the common term for this type of practice. Whereas, there are some horoscopic astrologists whom suggest this form of Indian astrological practice was derived from Hellenistic influences, thus post-dating the Vedic period. While a number of astrologists and authors believe that the myths of Maharharata and Ramayana forms of the practice only included information found in physiognomy, dreams and omens, there are far many more whom associated astrology with the zodiacal signs of the universe, often known as the Rashi form.

Both forms were originally considered to be a part of the occult. While this is the case, universities in India are now offering advanced degrees in Vedic astrological practices. Upon hearing about these offerings, a number of individuals in the scientific community protested due to ongoing beliefs that any aspect of astrology is nothing more than a pseudoscience. Regardless, in 2001, a High Court ruled in favor of the universities and has continued to allow students to acquire degrees in this area.

The Hindu form is also considered one of the 6 disciplines which are part of Hindu holiday rituals and observances. While in the beginning, the form used a calendar to mark the date of sacrificial rituals, this is no longer the case. In addition, while the word demons was originally found in the Hindu form, later the term graha which had been thought to refer to demons was determined to mean planet.

Coming from a basic foundation focusing on a connection between the microcosm and macrocosm, the sidereal zodiac is much different from the tropic zodiac. In addition, there are interpretations and predictions in the Hindu zodiac which often do not exist in the Western one. Ultimately, both aspects of astrology are used to determine personality aspects and future events though the latter is often much more difficult when it comes to the Hindu zodiac.

For, the Western zodiac is divided into twelve equal parts. Whereas, the Nirayana or sidereal zodiac consist of a imaginary belt of 360 degrees which is also divided into 12 sections known as rasi. However, the forms differ when it comes to methods used to measure the position of the planets. As such, while appearing the same, the two offer different definitions and meanings on astrological charts.

Both the Hindu and Hellenistic forms appear to be identical on a synchronous level. While this may appear to be the case, the Vedic form primarily uses the sidereal zodiac in which stars are fixed to measure the position of the planets. Whereas, measurement in the Western zodiac is based on the motion of the planets against the Sun at the Spring equinox.

In addition, Hellenistic astronomy and astrology have always transmitted the 12 zodiac signs beginning with Aries. Whereas, the first introduction to Greek astrology to India was through the Yavanajataka, meaning sayings of the Greek which date back to the earliest centuries known to man. While this is the case, the only version to survive being the Indian astronomical text to define the weekday dating back to 476 A.D.




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