The Argument for the Tropical Zodiac in Vedic Astrology

A look at historical and theoretical evidence that knowledge of the precession of the equinox was lost, therefore giving birth to the erroneous Sidereal Zodiac for Rasis (Signs) within the Indian sub-continent.
Comments on article "The Argument for the Tropical Zodiac in Vedic Astrology"
Name Views and CommentsDate
Joseph Ledzion Salutations,

Firstly, to Jayesh Bhatt,

The idea of gravity being an important factor in understanding astrology is absurd! Astrology works in a way that archetypal and synchronistic; your approach is dull and wrong.

To Laura,

I absolutely commend your efforts!

It is now clear (enough) to those who will honestly look -- that the knowledge of precession was lost and Vedic astrologers were lead into a path of deception. Of course Vedic astrologers don't want to hear that, but if they are as faithful to God as they think, then I hope that other Vedic astrologers will start using the Tropical Zodiac in their delineations, and simply see if they get better results or not. Everything is measurable and testable. I am confident that the Tropical Zodiac is the proper zodiac.

Thank you.		 9/16/2009
Jayesh Bhatt A very good article, although some dates and personal attributions in the article may be debatable. For instance, the concept of Raashi is mentioned in several Hindu texts that far predate the arrival of Greeks in India. Also, the exact date of the origin of the Surya Siddhant is not known. A staggering number of original Hindu scripts were systematically destroyed by successive foreign invasions of India and this is why Hindus today find it hard to provide a solid proof of the authenticity of their eons-old cultural and scientific heritage. It is quite likely that Aryabhatt resurrected the astronomical knowledge and techniques formulated by many generation of sages before him.

Coming to the main point, it appears the more scientific minded people vouch for the Tropical Zodiac, while the more religious minded ones prefer to stick with the Sidereal Zodiac. I am an astrophysicist born in a Brahmin family (ancient Hindu astrology was predominantly formulated by Brahmins), so I hope I can try and see this topic in an unbiased way.

Scientifically, the thing that should be of the greatest importance in deciding a good system of astrology is the strength of gravity felt on the earth at a given time due to heavenly bodies. Sun and Moon have by far the greatest gravitational effect on Earth due to their size and proximity, while the rest of the bodies (planets, distant stars etc) have much weaker effect compared to Sun and Moon. It is for this reason that the Tropical Zodiac should be preferred in deciding the Raashis. In Vedic astrology, lunar phase (the ‘tithi’ or the ‘kala’) also plays an important part, as that indicates the overall gravitational strength of the Sun+Moon system at the centre of Earth. Considering the Tropical Zodiac would then give the projection of that gravitational strength at a given location on Earth’s surface.		 1/5/2009
Fernando Coelho Dear Laura,

I’m a Portuguese living in Brazil and a student of Astrology. When I start learning Vedic Astrology my first impact was in a Yahoo Group. Between the components of the Forum, the majority are Indians, few Americans and the managers Americans and Australians. Each one was using an Ayanamsa different of others and for the first time my delusion of the so called "perfect way to predict" was vanishing, because when exercises of prediction was posted, the rate of rights responses was bellow the average. So, I start studying Tropical Hellenistic Astrology and my performance rise above the majority. But the important point of my study of both schools is the discovery of an important and fundamental truth: the ayanamsa isn’t necessary and I’m using all the Vedic Techniques with the Tropical Zodiac, since the last year.
When I read your article my contentment was great. So, congratulations to you and pray God that the Indian community appreciates.
Pardon of my bad English.

Regards
Coelho		 9/25/2008
Use the feedback form below to submit your comments.
Your Comments:
Your Name:
Use the form below to email this article to your friends.
Recipient Email Address:
 Separate multiple email addresses by ;
Your Name:
Your Email Address: