What is Vedic astrology?

Vedic astrology, known as Jyotish, is one of the oldest systems of astrology in the world — a 5,000-year-old Vedic science that uses the actual positions of the planets against fixed stars to map the timing, patterns, and purpose of a human life. The word Jyotish comes from Sanskrit and means 'light' or 'the science of light.' It is fundamentally a system of timing, concerned not just with who you are, but when things in your life are likely to move, open, or close.

What is the difference between Vedic astrology and Western astrology?

The core difference is that Vedic astrology uses the sidereal zodiac, which tracks the actual positions of planets against fixed stars, while Western astrology uses the tropical zodiac, which is based on the seasons and has drifted roughly 23 degrees from where the planets actually are in the sky. This means most people's sun sign shifts by one sign in Vedic astrology. Western astrology focuses on psychological archetypes; Jyotish is more concerned with the unfolding of a life through time. Vedic astrology also uses Dashas (planetary period sequences) and Nakshatras (27 lunar mansions) — tools that Western astrology either does not have or barely touches.

Jyotish is the Sanskrit name for Vedic astrology. It literally means 'science of light' and is one of six Vedangas — the auxiliary disciplines of the Vedic tradition. Where yoga works with the body and breath, and meditation works with consciousness, Jyotish works with time. Jyotish is not fortune-telling — it is a precision map that shows you the terrain of your life so you can navigate with far greater awareness.

What are Dashas in Vedic astrology?

Dashas are planetary period sequences in Vedic astrology that map the timing of your life. Each planet rules a specific number of years, and within those years there are sub-periods, each with its own distinct quality, lessons, and openings. The dasha system is arguably the most powerful timing tool in all of astrology. When you understand which dasha you are currently in, something about your life starts to make sense that may have felt confusing or random before.

Nakshatras are the 27 lunar mansions used in Vedic astrology. They are one of the most distinctive and precise tools in Jyotish, and they have no real equivalent in Western astrology. The nakshatras divide the sky into 27 segments and assign specific qualities, ruling deities, symbols, and characteristics to each one. When you know which nakshatra your Moon is in, your Ascendant, your key planets — the chart stops being a general sketch and becomes something that feels genuinely specific to you.

Why does my sign change in Vedic astrology?

Your sign changes in Vedic astrology because it uses the sidereal zodiac, which tracks real planetary positions against fixed stars. Over the last 2,000 years, the tropical zodiac used in Western astrology has drifted approximately 23 degrees from the actual sky — enough to shift most people back by one sign. What most people find, once they sit with it, is that the Vedic chart often feels more accurate — more specific to who they actually are rather than who they might ideally want to be.

What is a Vedic astrology (Jyotish ) reading?

A Vedic astrology reading is a one-on-one session where I read your birth chart using the sidereal Jyotish system. I'll show you your dharma, your current dasha (the planetary period you're in), and the practices that bring your chart into flow.

How long is the session and what's included?

Sessions are 60 to 90 minutes long. They include a full reading of your chart, a tailored practice (breath, mantra, kriya, or gemstone), and a full video recording sent to you after the call.

Do you read charts for people outside Australia?

Yes, I read charts for clients worldwide via Zoom, including the UK, US, New Zealand, and the Middle East. In-person readings are available in Sydney.

What is the difference between Vedic and Western astrology?

Vedic astrology uses the sidereal zodiac, which tracks actual planetary positions against fixed stars. Western astrology has drifted approximately 23 degrees from the real sky over 2,000 years, shifting most people's sun sign by one sign in Jyotish. Vedic astrology also uses Dashas and Nakshatras that have no real equivalent in Western astrology.

How much does a Vedic astrology reading cost?

Readings are $270 AUD for a 60-90 minute session, including the full chart reading, a tailored personal practice, and a video recording.

Where are readings available?

Readings are available via Zoom for clients worldwide, and in person in Sydney, NSW, Australia.

Chariot with elephant statue at procession during festival of the god Ganesh in Paris, France.

by Geoff Rupp | 18 Jul, 2025

Chariot with elephant statue at procession during festival of the god Ganesh in Paris, France.

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