What Is Vedic Astrology & How To Find Your Sun Sign
Out with the Sun and in with the stars.
Eco Life / Shutterstock Most common zodiac readings use only Western astrology which, even though it’s not wrong, is not the most accurate way of reading birth charts. Vedic astrology might give you the accurate reading you’ve been searching for.
What is Vedic Astrology?
Vedic astrology is also known as Indian astrology, Hindu astrology, Jyotisha or Jyotishya, meaning “science of light.”
This practice observes the celestial bodies that reflect their energy and light upon the Earth, therefore influencing the course of human life. It tends to be more future-focused than Western astrology, which is concerned with the here and now.
But the biggest switch up, and the reason why many people think Vedic astrology is more accurate than Western astrology, is that Vedic astrology uses the Sidereal Zodiac.
Differences Between Western vs. Vedic Astrology
The main difference between Western and Vedic Astrology is that the Western zodiac signs are fixed while the Vedic Astrology signs change over time.
When Western astrology began with the Greeks and Babylonians 3,000 years ago, it was believed that the constellations, and the zodiac signs associated with them, were fixed in place in relation to the earth. This is not the case.
The earth is actually on a skewed axis and, as a result, sign placements have moved a lot in 3,000 years — 24 degrees to be exact, which is almost a full sign. Vedic astrology uses a fixed map and detailed mathematical equation to account for the difference in the axis.
Vedic astrology might be the older of the two practices — the earliest writings are found in the Vedas, ancient Hindu spiritual texts that are between 5,000-8,000 years old, making them the oldest books in existence — but that doesn’t mean it’s not up to speed with astronomical developments.
Science and pseudoscience aside, all you really need to know is that the zodiac sign you thought you were, based on your birth time, could be wrong. And all the people in your life you’ve dismissed as incompatible based on their Suns signs might actually be your soulmate.
Vedic Signs, Dates, and Meanings
The Vedic astrology sign dates readjust from time to time, shifting by one degree every 72 years. But for now, the Sun signs look at little something like this:
Sun in Aries: Meshna (April 14 - May 14)
The Sun’s power is amplified when positioned in Aries.
Being that this sign is ruled by Mars, your ferocity is practically doubled. You are not one to mess with! But, at the same time, all of this power makes you a natural-born leader.
As one of the movable signs in Vedic astrology, you jump in at the deep end and keep swimming, never looking back or overthinking things.
You feel responsible for others, which brings your compassion and sensitivity to others to the next level. You are quick on your feet, sharp-minded, and strong in both integrity and physicality.
Don’t let the heat rise to your head. You are more susceptible to becoming aggressive and expressing anger than other signs. You need to combat any urges to boost your own ego and take advantage of others. Being aware of your potential shortcomings can only improve your strengths.
Sun in Taurus: Vrishna (May 15 - June 14)
Taurus, which is ruled by Venus, is known as the Bull in Vedic Astrology.
You are a determined and stubborn personality that stops at nothing to achieve the things you want. You have great power within your relationships and can withstand especially trying times.
Taurus is one of the fixed zodiac signs, which explains why you might be stuck in your ways at times.
You have a naturally open personality that makes you very sociable. You are a host or hostess with the mostest.
You are driven by emotional expression, so beware of decisions made off the cuff. Be understanding and humble when it comes to the decisions you make that will impact others.
Sun in Gemini: Mithuna (June 15 - July 14)
Gemini is considered a masculine sign in Vedic Astrology.
Because you are ruled by Mercury, the messenger of the gods, your communication skills are spot-on. You are easy to talk to and can always fill any awkward spots when meeting new people.
You are turned on by intellectuals and find someone’s mind to be way more attractive than their accomplishments. You are witty and fast-paced, so you can easily get bored with people who don’t constantly challenge you.
Stick to your roots in being open-minded and give others a second chance to win you over. You may find yourself in surprising, fulfilling situations.
Sun in Cancer: Karka (July 15 - August 16)
Cancer is ruled by the Moon, which is a planetary being that does not enter a retrograde.
You are a very consistent and reliable person. You are incredibly in touch with your emotions and outwardly share your sensitivity with others.
You are naturally very maternal, which makes you an excellent caregiver. Sometimes you can find yourself wrapped up in the hectic nature of emotional overload and not know where to turn next.
Turn to others when you are unsure of your next move. Your compassion will circle back to you when you need it most. Work to make all of your important decisions with more than just your immediate reactions. Take time to think through the best possible solution for every crossroad you reach.
Cancer is another moveable sign, and though you might have a hard time trusting your instincts, your intuition has the power to keep you guided on your life path.
Sun in Leo: Simha (August 16 - September 15)
Leo is a Fire sign ruled by the Sun.
You are definitely someone others should not mess with. You are an aggressive leader that always aims to end up in first place. You have the most courage and bravery out of all of the signs.
Trust in your instincts, but be mindful of the consequences of your actions. The spotlight is very attractive to you, but sometimes it’s better to let someone else steal the stage.
As a fixed sign, you are very grounded in your beliefs and speak up when you feel something is unjust. People around you rely on that trait; they can always count on you to make things right.
Sun in Virgo: Kanya (September 16 - October 16)
Like Gemini, Virgo is ruled by Mercury, the messenger of the gods.
You love to learn and find schooling to be a natural talent of yours. You are very articulate and a great public speaker.
Entertaining crowds comes naturally to you. Stage fright who? You are a polite friend who is always respectful of boundaries and restraints. Your natural inclination toward logical reasoning makes decision-making an easy task for you.
You have a friendly connection with the Sun, so you shouldn’t find too many hardships throughout the course of your life.
Sun in Libra: Tula (October 17 - November 14)
With the Sun being a masculine planet with a Fire element, and Libra being feminine energy with an Air element, you may often find yourself in the middle of inner turmoil or struggle.
Your sign fuels the fire of the Sun, but at what cost? The dominating and contrasting energies can make you selfish, inconsistent, and unloyal. Decision-making is one of your greatest weaknesses.
In an attempt to remain diplomatic and balanced, you can get wrapped up in the minor details of a decision that delays a favorable outcome. Work towards letting go of minor inconveniences and hiccups. The show must go on!
Libra is a moveable sign, which means you have the power to wash influence and calmness over others so long as you don't allow yourself to get caught up in the wave.
Sun in Scorpio: Vrishchika (November 15 - December 15)
Scorpio is ruled by Mars, a masculine planet. These vibes are elevated and amplified by the Sun.
You are a mysterious and intriguing personality. With great emotional depth, you have the power to be almost like a psychic influence over others if you harness your compassionate side.
People like to think that they have you figured out when, in reality, they are just seeing what you want them to see.
You are excellent at debates because you are quick on your feet and analytical of others’ words. Be careful that you don’t let the heat of the moment spoil your fun; not everything has to be a fight.
Sun in Sagittarius: Dhanu (December 16 - January 13)
Your planetary ruler, Jupiter, has a friendly relationship with the Sun.
You are fortunate to find most of your life to come easily. You have a compassion that is unmatched for the people you care about.
You want to make sure everyone is having a good time and enjoying themselves. You are an adventurer that is always looking for what is new.
With your mind fixated on the future, it can be easy for you to get lost in planning for what is next. Slow down and enjoy the moments you have now. You never know when they can be your last.
Sun in Capricorn: Makara (January 14 - February 13)
You are a very serious and devoted personality. You are careful when embarking on new adventures and like to think out your moves in full before you make them. You are incredibly patient in life.
You don’t mind waiting for things to play out because you know it will all end up working in your favor in the end. Being adaptable and flexible will allow many successes to find their way to you.
Although you find yourself inclined to take on a highly competitive subject, remind yourself that it’s okay to have fun, too.
Sun in Aquarius: Kumbha (February 14 - March 14)
You are a hot tamale ready to pop off at a moment's notice. Your brain is wired in a different way than the other signs; people are often drawn to your eccentric ideas and contemplative thoughts.
If they want to learn something new, you are their first stop. You are very sociable and friendly to everyone you meet. It adds to your charm. Although you are deeply connected to your emotions, you often put others’ needs before your own.
It makes you a great team player or group member, but your personal happiness can suffer because of it. Make sure you are paying attention to where you need help and seek it when you need it. It doesn’t make you weaker to rely on others.
Sun in Pisces: Meena (March 15 - April 15)
Pisces is ruled by Jupiter, which is all about the new and exciting things in life.
You are very friendly, which likely makes you part of the most popular demographic in mixed crowds. You are highly adaptable and trust your instincts in unfamiliar territory.
Although you may always appear to have it together on the outside, you can find yourself struggling to truly identify what you want in life.
Outside influences of others’ opinions can make you unsure and doubtful. Brush it off — people’s opinions are just that: opinions. Go with your gut and take the first step toward your personal greatness.
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Alice Kelly is YourTango’s Deputy News and Entertainment Editor. Based in Brooklyn, New York, her work covers all things social justice, pop culture, and human interest. Keep up with her Twitter for more.