Vedic Astrology has been around for at least a few millenia. The reason why it is so difficult to predict the exact age of Vedic astrology is because it is so old. The science of the Vedas extends to a period before writing, which means the wisdom and knowledge were around much before what is officially quoted as the "age" of the Vedas. It should always be kept in mind that the Vedas have been "Shruti" for a very long time, which mean "Oral transmission of knowledge" and were written down only much later. This makes it difficult to date Vedic Astrology, which is quite an integral part of the Vedas.
Vedic astrology permeates many aspects of Hindu life and tradition - whether knowingly or unknowingly. Astrology tends to have a highly negative prejudice especially among the Westerners and people inclined to think in those terms.
To clear initial misconceptions, Vedic Astrology -
- Has NOTHING to do with your newspaper astrology columns.
- Is quite different from Linda Goodman's sun signs.
- Follows the Sidereal zodiac, not the Tropical zodiac.
- Takes many more planetary and star positions than Western astrology.
- Is NOT fatalistic.
- Is NOT unscientific - in fact can be more scientific than psychoanalysis!
- Is an integral part of the Vedas
- Is as old as the Vedas, with some elements perhaps even older.
- Has many different aspects but they DO NOT contradict.
I will write more about Vedic Astrology in my subsequent posts. Suffice it to say for now that Vedic Astrology can be profoundly insightful into the lives people live and can help you lead a happier, more fulfilling life.
