When the science of astrology was in its nascent stage, only five other planets were visible to the naked eye – Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn. This is from the perspective of astronomy and space study. However, astrologists view planets quite differently! Also, there is a significant difference between Vedic astrology and western astrology.

When the science of astrology was in its nascent stage, only five other planets were visible to the naked eye – Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn. Remember, this was before the era of space probes and high-end telescopes. In addition, the sun and moon were considered planets. Together, these became the seven classical planets in astrology. This concept continues to be followed in western astrology. In fact, the seven days of the week are named after the seven planets in western astrology (In case you’re wondering who thought up of ‘Sunday’ and ‘Monday’!). Since the discovery of new planets, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto have also been used by modern astrologists. Today, astrologers refer to these planets and their effects on life. Yes, we know Pluto has since been declassified as a planet, but western astrology planetary positions remain, and modern astrologers continue to include it in their calculations and predictions.

But what exactly is the difference between Vedic and western astrology? The role of planets in Vedic astrology varies slightly from their western counterparts. In the planetary aspects in astrology here, the seven classical planets have stood the test of time. In addition, the two nodes of the moon – ascending (Rahu) and descending (Ketu) - make up the eighth and ninth planets. These are not physical planets and represent the points where orbits intersect. Because of this, they’re called ‘shadow planets’. Put together, these nine planets are known as ‘Navagrahas’, each of which emits a certain energy and exercises influence over a particular aspect of your life. In a nutshell, these are Vedic astrology planets explained.

Put simply, this is the main difference between Vedic astrology and western astrology. Early astrologers recognised the significance of planets in birth charts, and the link between astrology and planetary energies. By understanding planetary influences, they saw how the planets and their movements affected the earth and its people in inexplicable ways. These planets also reside in twelve houses, or twelve different areas of life. Based on planetary movements and the rotation of the earth, they shift and occupy houses in a person’s astrological or birth chart, impacting that aspect of their existence accordingly. These movements shape not just our experiences, but also our behaviours. How planets affect horoscopes and the influence of planets on personality is remarkable. These are the basic similarities and differences in the comparison of Vedic and Western astrology.

The sun, for instance, is associated with one’s ego and sense of self. The moon on the other hand, governs our emotions. Mercury governs intellect and communication, Venus influences love, and Mars drives our passions. Jupiter is associated with wisdom, and Saturn with karma or justice. The two shadow planets – Rahu and Ketu – represent fame/worldly desires and spirituality/detachment respectively.

By studying the planets in conjunction with an individual’s birth chart, one can unlock the complex depths of their role in governing our lives.

FAQs

How many planets are there in astrology? There are seven classical planets in western astrology, ten in modern western astrology, and nine in Indian or Vedic astrology, which shape our circumstances, personalities, and behaviours, governing various aspects of our lives. In this sense, there is a difference between Vedic and western astrology.

What are shadow planets? Rahu and Ketu shadow planets, because they are massless mathematical points in space that determine where the moon’s orbit crosses the earth’s. Rahu is associated with the colour black, and Ketu with the colour brown.

What are ‘houses’ in a birth chart? There are 12 houses in an individual’s birth chart, which are sections that each pertain to a different area. Each house is governed by a planetary body, which keeps shifting and moving.