A Brief History Of Hellenistic And Vedic Astrology

By Jose Edwards


In astrology, the two most common forms of astrological readings come from either Hellenistic or Hindu astrology. While Vedic astrology is basically the same as the Hindu practice, the term Vedic did not become popular until during the 1970s. Whereas, both practices have been around for quite some time, with Hindu forms becoming more well known during the 19th century.

While there are some astrologists whom suggest the Hindu astrological practice was derived from Hellenistic practices, thus post-dating the practice to the Vedic period, there are many others whom disagree. In addition, while a number of authors have suggested that original forms of astrology only included information provided by omens, dreams and physiognomy, the majority still base interpretations and predictions on the alignment of planets and stars in the universe.

Both forms of the practice were originally thought to be part and parcel to the occult. While this may have once been the case, Indian universities are now offering advanced degrees in Vedic astrological practices. In the beginning, the offerings were not without protest from local scientists whom see the practice as nothing more than a pseudoscience. However, the High Court favored the practice in a 2001 court case, thus allowing the universities to continue providing such degrees.

The practice is also considered one of the six disciplines which support Hindu observances and rituals. In the beginning, the Hindu form used a calendar to determine sacrificial ritual dates and had nothing to do with planets. While this is the case, demons were mentioned in some forms of the practice. Then, later the term graha, the word formerly recognized as demon became known to mean planet which led to new interpretations of the zodiac.

Hindu astrology comes from a basic foundation which focuses on the connection between the macrocosm and microcosm. As such, current practice relies on the sidereal zodiac which is different from the more popular tropic zodiac now used in Western astrological practices. In addition, the Hindu form includes nuances and sub-systems of prediction and interpretation of the elements not generally found in Western forms.

The zodiac known as sidereal or Nirayana consist of a 360 degree imaginary belt which like the tropical zodiac is divided into twelve equal sections. Each part being called a rasi or sign. While this is the case, Western and Hindu forms differ when it comes to measurement methods.

Both the Hellenistic and Hindu forms also appear almost identical on a synchronous basis. While appearing to be the case, the Vedic form primarily refers to the sidereal zodiac in which the planets are measured amidst fixed stars. Whereas, in the Western tradition, the measurement of the planets takes place closest to the Sun at the time of the Spring equinox.

In addition, Western astrological practices and astronomy have always referred to the twelve signs of the zodiac beginning with the sign of Aries. Whereas, the first introduction to the Greek aspects of astrology appeared to have occurred much earlier in history. While this is the case, the earliest astrological chart or reading to be discovered was an Indian text referring to the days of week dating back to 476 A. D.




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