Western Astrology Benefits

Those that prefer a more psychological approach to astrology will find that Western astrology offers more reflective interpretations in this regard.  Robert Hand does a great job of interpreting the meanings of aspects between planets on the individual’s temperament and personality.  Upon studying astrology I came to know myself better and to learn how to work on my shortcomings. In the beginning, I just wanted to know if astrology worked.  It does and from then on I knew when the times of joy and hardship would be coming and going.  This is the whole point, from my perspective, of using astrology in daily life.  No other oracle can give the timing of events and cycles in one’s life like astrology can.

 

It is hard to compare Vedic to Western Astrology because I only studied Western, but from what I understand, Vedic does not use the outer planets of Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto.  There has been extensive research into the effects of the three outer planets and I cannot see how one can read a chart without these three planets in the reading of one’s nativity or what I like to call the blueprint of one’s life and reason for being.  Ultimately, it is for the individual to decide which astrological system is most beneficial based on personal preferences as well as accuracy with interpretations.

 

 Note: In horary astrology, most astrologers do not use the outer planets either.  Horary astrology is very different from reading a natal chart.  You cannot use the same rules that apply to a natal reading.

 

The timing of transits and progressions suggest when we can expect trouble and or great happiness.  Sometimes both at the same time.  When a person goes through a bad time and thinks this is how life is going to be from now on and contemplates alternatives such as suicide or reckless behavior, the timing is shown and then the individual knows when this too shall pass.   The only constant in life change. 

 

Both Vedic and Western Astrology use the Nodes of the Moon regarding karma and reincarnation.

Also, Vedic astrology utilizes Nakshatras which are 27 lunar constellations.  Western does not use that, but similarly uses the phases of the Moon for interpretation of the individual and for the time of planting and harvesting crops. The Farmer’s Almanac has been using the phases of the Moon for decades to help the farmers.