Astrology as a Source
of Inspiration

There are many more interesting texts further down on this page:
The moon, the glasses through which we see the world
The meaning of the sun
Moon vs. Sun: Which planet is more powerful?
Sidereal and tropical zodiac

The Moon, the glasses through which we see the world

In Vedic astrology (Jyotish), the moon is considered the most important factor because it represents the mind, perception and the entire way of personal experience.

Vedic astrology focuses on how the mind (psyche, thoughts, consciousness) shapes our reality. In this system, the way a person feels, thinks and processes emotions has the greatest impact on his karmic journey and spiritual progress.

Jyotish teaches that the mind (symbolized by the moon) is the filter through which all karma and experiences are perceived. The placement and state of the moon in the horoscope determines how an individual feels, reacts and understands his reality, and is thus the basis of a person's happiness and suffering.

The moon (Chandra) is associated with the feminine principle Shakti. The sun (Surya), on the other hand, symbolizes the soul, vitality, willpower, authority and the principle of Atman (the higher self). It corresponds to the masculine energy or Shiva, which is the static, unchanging consciousness or the Absolute.

The Sun

Of course, the Sun also plays an important role in Vedic Astrology, representing the soul (Atman), authority and ego. But its meaning relates more to the connection to dharma (life purpose) and vitality than to the emotional and mental aspects of life.

Since the Sun is physically the center of our solar system, Western Astrology metaphorically aligns the Sun as the "center" of a person's astrological profile. Western Astrology, greatly influenced by Greek and Roman traditions, tends to take a more individualistic view, with the Sun (symbolizing individuality, ego and will) seen as the anchor of one's personality. This corresponds to a rather egocentric worldview in which individual goals and self-realization are central themes.

Western Astrology follows the tropical zodiac, which is aligned with the course of the sun and the seasons. Vedic Astrology follows the sidereal zodiac, which is based on the positions of the fixed stars. In Western Astrology, the position of the sun at the time of birth is considered the most stable and consistent factor for identity, as it stays in each sign for about 30 days and marks the change of the seasons.

Moon vs. Sun: Which planet is more powerful?

Although the moon is so important it is not the case that the emphasis on the moon over the sun in Vedic Astrology implies a preference for female power. The ancient Vedic worldview viewed male and female energies as complementary forces. Together they form a cosmic balance between inner and outer life.

The Moon represents the mind, emotions, intuition, nurturing qualities and receptivity. These are associated with the feminine principle, often called Shakti in Vedic philosophy. Shakti is the dynamic, creative force of the universe, and without it nothing can manifest.

The Sun is aligned with the masculine energy or Shiva. In Vedic understanding, the Sun provides the life force or vitality that sustains existence and gives life meaning and direction.

Historically, many ancient cultures, including Vedic society, have worshipped the feminine power through deities such as Saraswati, Lakshmi, Durga and Parvati. These goddesses represent wisdom, abundance, power and transformation and demonstrate the high regard for feminine energy.

However, the male deities such as Shiva, Vishnu and Indra are equally worshipped as they represent consciousness, protection and life-sustaining powers.

Sidereal and Tropical Zodiac

If someone is born on July 1, in the West it is assumed that this persons sun sign is Cancer. According to the sidereal zodiac, however, the Sun is still in the sign of Gemini at that time.

In both systems, the ecliptic (the plane on which the earth orbits the sun, or in other words, the sun‘s orbit) is divided into twelve signs. The ecliptic is a strip of sky in which the Sun and all the planets relevant in astrology move and the constellations are located.

The celestial equator (Earth‘s equator projected into the universe) intersects the ecliptic at two points. These points are the vernal point and the autumnal point. Thus, the points of the equinox.

In the tropical zodiac, it is said that the vernal equinox also marks the beginning of the zodiac sign Aries. Thus, a relationship of the Earth to the Sun is represented. The sidereal zodiac is based on the fixed, or sidereal constellations.

The beginning of the sidereal zodiac was determined in ancient times on the basis of various fixed stars. The distance from the vernal equinox to the sidereal 0 degree Aries is called Ayanamsha.

Since the Earth has an inclination of 23.27 degrees to the ecliptic plane, it describes a kind of gyroscopic motion around the ecliptic pole. The equator (and therefore the vernal equinox) moves very slowly (a complete rotation of the Earth‘s axis takes 25,770 years) backwards through the constellations on the ecliptic plane. This movement is called precession. Precession is accounted for in the sidereal zodiac.

About 1,600 years ago, the vernal equinox and the sidereal beginning of the constellation Aries were in approximately the same place. Nowadays, they are about 23 degrees apart.

The sidereal system is used in Vedic astrology and also by some Western astrologers. In the meantime I prefer to work sidereal, because I find the statements more comprehensive and more accurate.

In a few words, an explanation of the applicability of the two systems could be, for example, as follows: In the sidereal zodiac our BEING as an eternal being shines through more clearly. The sign placement in the tropical zodiac (relationship of sun to earth) expresses more clearly our conditioning and efforts to adapt to the circumstances of this incarnation.

I work mainly with techniques of Vedic astrology.