What is Vedic Astrology?

Vedic Astrology, also known as Jyotish, is a centuries-old system of astrology of India. It has similarities with Western Astrology, so if you are familiar with Western Astrology, you will recognize common elements like the 12 signs of the zodiac, 12 houses, planets, planetary aspects, and transits. Elements such as the 27 nakshatras (fixed stars), divisional charts, and planetary periods that do not exist in Western Astrology facilitate discovery of deep insights within a chart.

Perhaps the most readily apparent difference, though, is the use of the sidereal zodiac in Vedic Astrology, whereas Western Astrology typically uses the tropical zodiac. The sidereal system accounts for the precession of the equinoxes, and the end result is that the planets (and ascendant, aka rising sign) in your Vedic Astrology chart are behind their positions in your Western (tropical) chart by the Ayanamsa, which is currently approximately 24 degrees. Since each sign covers 30 degrees of the zodiac, it is likely your planets will be in different signs and you will have a different ascendant in your Vedic chart. The precession of the equinoxes is well-known within astronomy and astrology communities, and has been discussed considerably online, including in a New York Times article in 2025; and hence I won't go into detail here.

What to Expect From a Reading

Normally, in life, when we are at a decision point, or have a conflict, or positive or negative events happen to us, we try to invoke the best in our hearts and minds to face the situation and figure out how to move forward. We may, however, feel we are in the dark; if there is a map to help us through life, it feels obscured. A Jyotish chart is like a map, and although it is cryptic, the study of it by a skilled astrologer shines light on it, which can help us.

I do not endeavor to predict specific future events, but instead to help you better understand yourself and your relationship to our world. My hope is that you may use the knowledge gained from the Jyotish reading to make decisions that better align with a positive, healthy, and happy life path.

Your Inner Makeup. Your strengths, weaknesses, interests, inclinations, as well as to what areas of life these apply.
Talents and Tendencies Talents that may be dormant or repressed, as well as behavioral tendencies that may be beneficial or detrimental to your success and well-being; once understood, you can focus on cultivating the positive, beneficial tendencies and doing what you are best at and most suited to.
The External World, as it Relates To You. In what areas of life are you supported or obstructed by the seen and unseen world: where and in what you are more likely to succeed or face obstacles, along with suggested possible timing.