Astral Advice Aug 23
Is There More Than One Zodiac System?
Dear Ann,
I have to admit that although I find astrology fascinating, I'm very much a novice. I've read that the calendar that the zodiac is based upon is actually very different than the calendar that we use today. How does this affect the zodiac and the different signs? For instance I'm a Scorpio - but wouldn’t I be a Libra based on the older zodiac system?
by anonymousScorpio
Dear Anonymous,
Yes, I hate to say it, but you are right. There are two zodiac systems, and yours is a common question. In the West, we use the "Tropical Zodiac" system. In the Eastern/Vedic tradition, a system called the "Sidereal Zodiac" is commonly used. The Western/Tropical system calculates the actual position of the sun at the beginning of each equinox here on earth. The Eastern/Sidereal system calculates the actual position of the sun against the backdrop of stars. To make a very long story short, the Western/Tropical system is more earth-oriented, and the Eastern/Sidereal system is more star-oriented. Currently, there is a difference of about 23 degrees between the two zodiacs, so yes, if we used the Sidereal system, you would be a Libra. How can you cope with this discrepancy you ask? Well, the way I see it, the earth-oriented Western system, being earthy, tells us more about your psychological characteristics, and the Eastern/Sidereal system, being heavenly, tells us more about your soul. So when you think about your actions and reactions here on earth, think Scorpio, and when you think about your deep inner soul, think Libra. This may be too much to chew on being a novice, but at least you can rest assured that there might be some meaning behind what appears to be madness!
by
