The signs of the
zodiac in Indian astrology (jyotisha) are almost similar to those in Western
astrology, and it is widely assumed that the Greek zodiac was carried to India
through Greek kingdoms in modern Afghanistan in the first to third centuries.
The Indian zodiac uses Dhanus ("bow") instead of
Sagittarius, Makara (a sea monster that is commonly mistaken for a crocodile)
instead of Capricorn, and Kumbha ("[water] pot") instead of Aquarius.
Each of the twelve signs, like Western astrology, has its
own set of qualities that those born under them are infused with.
Although both begin with the sign of Aries, the two systems
vary significantly in how they calculate the yearly beginning point.
The Western astrological zodiac starts on the spring
equinox, with the sign of Aries being the first sign.
According to Indian legend, the zodiac begins when the sun
touches the midway of a group of stars known as Ashvini.
It is therefore based on the sun's position in relation to
the fixed stars, while the Western zodiac is based on the sun's position in
relation to the earth—that is, when it meets the equator—and hence is
independent of the fixed stars.
These disparities have resulted in a discrepancy between the
two systems, which is now more than three weeks apart—Aries begins on March 21
in the Western zodiac, but not until around April 14 in the Indian zodiac.
This inconsistency may also be found in the accounts of
Makara Sankranti and Karka Sankranti, which are considered the winter and
summer solstices yet fall in the second weeks of January and July,
respectively.
Given the three-week time gap, it's not surprising that the
astrological calculations between these two systems diverge significantly.
You may also want to read more about Hinduism here.
Be sure to check out my writings on religion here.
