The Zodiac Signs
In Vedic astrology, the Sidereal Zodiac is used to map the sky, aligning directly with the constellations. Unlike the Tropical Zodiac, which is based on the Earth’s seasonal cycle, the Sidereal system follows the fixed positions of the stars. This difference stems from the precession of the equinoxes, a gradual shift in the Earth’s axial alignment over time. As a result, the two zodiacs currently differ by approximately 23 degrees of solar arc, which often shifts a person’s Sun sign from what they may know in Western astrology.
While both systems share the same twelve signs, Vedic astrology interprets them with subtle distinctions and deeper connections to the cosmic order. Each sign in the Vedic tradition carries not only individual traits but also associates with a natural house, reflecting its core themes within the Kalapurusha Kundali (the Cosmic Body):
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Aries (1st house): The Self – Courage, vitality, and new beginnings
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Taurus (2nd house): Resources – Wealth, speech, and family values
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Gemini (3rd house): Expression – Communication, siblings, and skills
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(…and so on through Pisces, completing the cosmic cycle.)
Vedic astrology goes beyond personality traits, offering insights into one’s karma, life path, and destiny through the planetary rulers of these signs and their placement in the chart.
