Through your excellent questions, you have jumped right into a great controversy of modern astrology. There are two main zodiacs in use, one is the Sidereal or Niryana (Fixed) zodiac, and one is the Tropical or Ayana (moveable). They are based on the same-named signs/constellations, and much of their interpretation is the same from one system to the other, though they have different starting points. One of the main differences is that the Sidereal zodiac is aligned with the actual observable constellations, and the Tropical system is no longer aligned with them, even though named after them. The Tropical zodiac follows the seasons of the Northern hemisphere and some scholars actually believe it was originally a seasonal calendar that was inadvertently made into the zodiac.

The Tropical zodiac arbitrarily assigns the beginning of the zodiac (zero degrees Aries) to March 21 every year, around the time of the spring equinox when the Sun’s apparent path intersects the celestial equator. However on that date, the Sun no longer actually travels in the constellation of Aries due to precession of the equinoxes, the slow westward drift of the stars in relation to the earth due to the earth’s tilt and wobble. On March 21, per the Sidereal zodiac, the Sun is at this time in history transiting through the constellation of Pisces on March 21. But this is slowly moving all the time because of precession of the equinoxes.

The two zodiacs are about 24 degrees apart now and this number is growing larger all the time, so that before you know it, the two zodiacs will be a whole sign apart. The Sidereal zodiac is the one used traditionally in Vedic astrology and also in Western Babylonian astrology. I use the Sidereal zodiac and so have given my yearly report in that system. Hence, your confusion.

There is so much disagreement on this matter and I choose not to get in the middle of the fray. I used the Tropical system for 25 years or so before being convinced the Sidereal zodiac was the right one for me and my work. If you want to know more about the history of the zodiac, I recommend you start by reading one of Ken Bowser’s articles on it: http://www.westernsiderealastrology.com/articles/MountainAstrologerInterview.pdf

Thanks for your comments and good luck in your studies!
Juliana

I wanted to ask for clarification–the new moon onApril 10th is in Aries correct? In your introduction you say the vedic calendar uses the chart for the new moon in Pisces. So is it based on the new moon we had in March? Or the one coming on Wednesday April 10th?
Also you talk about Neptune in Aquarius–but currently it is in Pisces, so again I am looking for clarification.
I have just started using moon phases in my meditation so that is how my search brought me to your blog.
Thank you again for sharing your knowlege.
In gratitude–
Rob

You are quite welcome, and thank you for your insightful feedback. You make an important point here about resolving the past in order to move forward spiritually. Carl Jung actually said, “Enlightenment doesn’t occur from sitting around visualizing images of light, but from integrating the darker aspects of the Self into the conscious personality.” I think we are just skimming the surface on this topic!

As in Western astrology, Vedic astrology also refers to the symbolism of light and shadow played out between the Sun and Saturn, as Shani (Saturn) cast a shadow on his father Surya (the Sun) when he was born, and as the myth goes, Shani’s mother was a shadow named Chaya (Sanskrit for shade or shadow).

Love,
Juliana

Good morning!

Brilliant piece of writing and astrological critique, as usual. Most helpful.

Western astrology view of Saturn’s “psychological shadows that need to be integrated” has always puzzled me since, in my perception, our shadows need to be purified, transmuted into light. Your explanation aided in my understanding in the way that “in order to move forward spiritually” we need to relive past issues that require resolution.

Thank you for your bountiful sharing.

Love
Karina

This was also seen in the New Year Chart. The New Year Chart doesn’t have any astronomical or astrological basis but some astrologers use it and it does seem to work for very general predictions. Most places have the same ascendant sign but different ascending degrees and Mo position.

The New Year chart for Washington DC, 00.00, 1 Jan 2012 is highly afflicted in terms of 4th house matters ie communal harmony and environment.
The prediction is based on the close aspect of 8th lord Mars on Ascendant lord Mercury and 6th lord Saturn to 4 th lord(environment) Jupiter (also close). Ketu has exact aspect on Venus, the general significator of environment.

There is much external devastation which can be fixed in time. The main problem is the emotional and mental stress which will peak in a few months. This is an opportunity for the more fortunate people to be available for service and charity. This helps everyone and is where the real progress can come.

Best regards
Ron

Thanks for your comment. Even as I offer astrological counsel to grieving parents, I cannot fathom the depth of hurt one feels from the loss of a child. I am glad to know that you have been able to survive your loss of Jimmy based on your faith, and that he remains part of your family forever. One cannot “get on” from the loss, though I often feel that the child becomes like a guardian angel of sorts for the whole family. In many cases, I have seen that the death of a child serves some greater purpose in that it can be a motivation or inspiration toward seeking a deeper spiritual understanding of life. Love to you!