Vedic Astrology ~ Jyotisha: The Science of Light

Why I Transitioned from Western to Vedic Astrology

Many people have asked me why I shifted from Western tropical astrology to Vedic sidereal astrology, so I wanted to share my journey. My experience mirrors that of my teacher, Joni Patry, who also embraced Vedic astrology after over two decades in the Western system.

Today, more newcomers are discovering Vedic astrology (Jyotisha) and the sidereal zodiac. Below, I’ll explain my reasoning—and I hope it resonates. My background also includes clairvoyant Tarot reading since 1989, when I earned certification through the Builders of the Adytum (B.O.T.A.) correspondence course. Since each Tarot card reflects an aspect of the zodiac, my astrological studies naturally intertwined with my practice.

The Shift: Like Music, Like Astrology

My transition between systems parallels my shift from ballet and modern dance to Arab dance—it was all about the music and its scales. Western music relies on a pentatonic scale (five notes), while Arab music uses the maqam system, with scales spanning up to 12 or even 13 notes. The quarter-tones between notes create depth, richness, and healing qualities that Western music often lacks. Arab music’s fluidity—its melisma, or sliding between notes—mirrors the nuanced layers of Vedic astrology.

Similarly, Vedic astrology divides each rashi (sign) into nakshatras—27 lunar mansions, each split into four padas. This granularity, like the microtones in Arab music, reveals subtleties that tropical astrology overlooks. Though I’m less familiar with Indian classical music, its ties to Persian traditions (the foundation of Arab classical music) suggest a shared philosophical depth. Even historically, Babylonian and Vedic astrology share roots—some theorize that ancient Indian astrologers descended from Babylonian tribes.

My Astrological Awakening

My fascination with the stars began at age nine, poring over astrology books with my mother in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Yet, growing up in the Bible Belt meant her interest waned—she became a Born Again Christian and regretted introducing me to astrology, citing its conflict with scripture. The idea that faith should negate curiosity about the cosmos never sat right with me. Why shouldn’t we study the “Science of Light” (Jyotisha) to understand our place in the universe?

In my 20s, a Persian mentor—a gifted astrologer—taught me Western astrology using early software (a rarity in the 1990s). Years later, she stunned me by switching to the sidereal zodiac. Overnight, my fun-loving Sagittarius teacher became a brooding Scorpio, and my Cancer Sun shifted to Gemini. I resisted fiercely—until decades later, when Vedic astrology’s precision won me over.

The Turning Point

After a hiatus from astrology, a chance encounter with Vedic astrologer Kapiel Raaj changed everything. He analyzed my sidereal chart with uncanny accuracy, detailing life events my Western chart couldn’t explain. That was it—I was convinced. The hurdle? Learning Sanskrit terms, myths, and cultural context. But as a lifelong language enthusiast learning French, Spanish, and Arabic (thank you, 12th-house Sun), I embraced the challenge.

Why Others Hesitate

For many, the biggest barrier is attachment to their Western Sun signs. Telling a tropical Aries Sun they’re a sidereal Pisces Sun? Brace for backlash! Yet, my Western foundation made learning Vedic smoother. Now, I read charts across systems—Western, North Indian, and South Indian—and the depth of Vedic astrology feels like stepping into a candy shop of cosmic wisdom.

Final Thoughts

Astrology is the sheet music of the soul. A skilled astrologer can “sing” your chart, and when the frequency resonates, you know. Whether you stay with Western or explore Vedic, may you find the system that harmonizes with your spirit.

Namaste.

Why Vedic