Learn about the difference between Vedic and Western astrology, discover how to interpret a chart to gain insightful wisdom, and use our Vedic astrology calculator to create your own chart for free.
What is a Vedic Astrology Calculator?
You’ve most likely heard of an astrological chart or natal chart, which is essentially a snapshot of the position of planets at the time and date of birth.
Based on Western astrology, or the tropical zodiac, charts can be generated using a birth chart calculator and are said to provide powerful information about a person’s character and potentials in life.
On the other hand, a Vedic astrology calculator like the one below creates a similar astrology chart but based on the sidereal zodiac.
What is a Vedic Astrology Chart?
Also known as a D1, jyotish chart, or Rasi chart, a Vedic chart is a karmic blueprint of an individual’s life, which can be used to read a person’s past, present life, and future.
What’s the Difference Between Vedic Astrology and Western Astrology?
Before you create your Vedic chart, it’s important to understand how it differs to the more common zodiac chart you’ll be familiar with.
Vedic astrology is the traditional Hindu system.
Since we’ve established that the main difference is simply which zodiac calendar is used, perhaps a better question is:
What’s the distinction between the tropical and sidereal zodiac?
The tropical zodiac, which is used in Western astrology, is based on where the sun was positioned on each calendar day ∼2000 years ago.
According to old Sanskrit texts, the sidereal zodiac was used by ancient Vedic astrologers and is the oldest form of the modality. It uses a system called ayanamsa to account for the precession of the equinoxes (which essentially means the sky isn’t static), and tracks the movement of the sun through the various constellations over time.
The Vedic astrology technique adjusts for precession.
Vedic astrology is the traditional Hindu system and by default uses the whole sign system (there are many possible houses systems). Vedic astrology is also known as Jyotisha or Jyotishya, an ancient Sanskrit word which loosely translates to ‘light / heavenly body’.
According to astronomical calculations, the sidereal zodiac is more precise and accurate than the tropical zodiac – however it’s worth noting that the tropical zodiac system is not unsound, the same as the sidereal system is not perfect…
It’s true that the Vedic astrology technique adjusts for precession, but since the constellations do not form a perfect 360° circle in the sky, this isn’t a flawless correction.
Vedic astrology is more focused on life path.
Both systems have their merits and limits, but arguably the Vedic system is more accurate than the tropical zodiac.
But that’s not where the differences end! As well as the modalities being based on different systems, they also provide differing aspects of insight.
While Western astrology tends towards more psychological wisdom, Vedic astrology is more focused on karma and dharma, or life path, and makes predictions about personal challenges and innate gifts.
Where Can I Create a Vedic Chart?
You can create a free Vedic chart below. Simply enter the following birth data:
- Date of birth
- Exact time of birth
- Place of birth
Note: Since the Ascendant moves 1° every four minutes on average, using the precise birth date and time is important for an accurate chart. If your place of birth is not available because it’s a small town, use a nearby larger city name.
This calculator uses Lahiri Ayanamsha and Tropical Rasis with Sidereal Nakshatras, as per the research of Ernst Wilhelm.
Click ‘Continue’, and your chart will appear.
Generate Your Free Vedic Chart
Create your chart below, and then scroll down to learn how to interpret the information.
If you used the above calculator to create your birth chart, or kundli in Vedic astrology, you’ll be able to see that two square charts have been generated, one being your South Indian chart and one being you North Indian chart, followed by:
- Ascendant
- Sun sign
- Moon sign
- Moon’s nakshatra
Below this information is a box containing planetary details.
Now let’s take a deep dive into what all of this actually means…
How to Read a Vedic Chart
Firstly, it’s important to understand the difference between a South and North Indian chart.
The most important thing to note, is that the data included on each is essentially the same information, just represented in different ways, visually speaking.
Here’s what you need to know to interpret each type…
How to Read a South Indian Vedic Chart
Signs stay fixed, Pisces will always govern top left square.
- Comprised of boxes around the outside of a square.
- Signs stay fixed, Pisces will always govern top left square.
- Rising sign, or ascendant, is represented on the chart with a slash across the house.
- Ascendant is the first house.
- Read clockwise.
How to Read a North Indian Vedic Chart
Houses stay fixed.
- Comprised of triangles around the outside of a diamond.
- Houses stay fixed.
- Rising sign, ascendant, or lagna is always the top middle diamond; whatever number is shown here represents your rising zodiac sign.
- Read counter-clockwise.
Components of a Vedic Chart – the Terminology
Rising sign: Considered the moment a soul begins its life on earth.
These are the most important elements to know about in Vedic astrology:
- Signs – Represent how energy is expressed, eg. Aries is playful and confident.
- Planets – Represent a theme, eg. Jupiter represents wisdom and wealth, while Saturn rules responsibility and discipline.
- Houses – Represent various areas of your life, eg. the 7th House is associated with partnerships and marriage.
- Ascendant / Rising Sign / Lagna – The rising sign on the Eastern horizon at time of birth. Considered the moment a soul begins its life on earth, according to Vedic astrology.
- Nakshatra – 27 houses along the ecliptic (as compared to the 12 houses of the zodiac), each 13°20’ long. Also known as lunar mansions.
- Pada – One quarter of a nakshatra, each around 3°20’ in length.
Vedic Chart Interpretation
Reading a Vedic birth chart is quote different to reading one based on Western astrology. Let’s take a closer look at each of the components identified above…
1. Familiarise Yourself With the Twelve Signs of the Zodiac
Just the same as in Western astrology, the 12 signs comprise:
- Aries
- Taurus
- Gemini
- Cancer
- Leo
- Virgo
- Libra
- Scorpio
- Sagittarius
- Capricorn
- Aquarius
- Pisces
You may notice the difference in order of the signs compared with Western astrology – the first in Vedic astrology is Aries. This is important to note for later.
2. Familiarise Yourself With the Planets
In Vedic astrology, the planets do not mirror our astronomical planets. They comprise:
| Planets | Abbreviation | Nava Grahas (Sanskrit) | Represents |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sun | Su | Surya | Health and ego |
| Moon | Mo | Chandra | Emotions and the mind |
| Mercury | Me | Budha | Communication and intelligence |
| Mars | Ma | Mangala | Energy, passion, and initiative |
| Venus | Ve | Shukra | Relationships, beauty, and art |
| Jupiter | Jp | Brihaspati | Wisdom and wealth |
| Saturn | Sa | Shani | Responsibilities and discipline |
| Ascending node / north node of the moon | Ra | Rahu | Materialism and ambition |
| Descending node / south node of the moon | Ke | Ketu | Spirituality and liberation |
Notice the similarities and differences between the planets in Human Design and in Western astrology.
3. Familiarise Yourself With the Houses
Like Western astrology, there are 12 houses in Vedic astrology, collectively called bhava. The houses also have similar (but not identical) themes.
Predictions can be made based upon which houses various planets are positioned in on a chart.
| House Number | Vedic House Name | Vedic Theme | Western Theme |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lagna | Identity and the self. | Identity and the self. |
| 2 | Dhana | Possessions, finances, education. | Possessions and finances. |
| 3 | Parakrama | Communication, younger siblings, courage, sport, and hobbies. | Communication and siblings. |
| 4 | Suhṛda | Home, the mother, and beliefs. | Home, family, and security. |
| 5 | Suta | Creativity, romance, and fertility. | Creativity, romance, and fertility. |
| 6 | Ripu/Roga | Disease, fears, and debt. | Work and health. |
| 7 | Kāma | Romantic partners, passion, desire, loyalty. | Partnerships and marriage. |
| 8 | Mṛtyu | Death and the occult. | Shared resources, commitment, and transformation. |
| 9 | Bhāgya | Philosophy, religion, and spirituality. | Education, travel, and culture. |
| 10 | Karma | Career, reputation, and the father. | Ambition and career. |
| 11 | Āya | Community, friends, elder siblings, and remuneration. | Friends, community, and charity. |
| 12 | Vyaya | Loss, forgiveness, and the unconscious. | Intuition, spirituality, and healing. |
With the above information, insight can be drawn and predictions made based upon which houses various planets are positioned in on a chart.
4. Identify Your Ascendant / Rising Sign / Lagna
The first step to reading you Vedic chart is to identify your rising sign, or ascendant / lagna.
This is represented on a South Indian chart with a slash through the corresponding square, or by the number located in the first house on a North Indian chart (the top middle diamond).
5. Locate the Sun and Moon
Next, find your Sun and Moon and note which houses they’re in.
Your Sun will be abbreviated to Su, or Sy in Sanskrit (for Surya).
Your Moon will be abbreviated to Mo, or Ch in Sanskrit (for Chandra).
6. What Are Your Sun and Moon Signs?
Look at the number in the house where your Sun and Moon are located in order to determine your Sun sign and Moon sign.
7. What Are the House Placements of Your Planets?
Look at the abbreviations on your chart to determine which house each planet is in.
8. What Are Your Planetary Signs?
Look at the numbers in each house where a planet sits to identify which sign each is placed in, just as you did for your Sun and Moon in step 6.
Important Elements of a Vedic Chart
Some of the important things to consider on a Vedic chart include specific houses and what they represent, as well as the way various signs elevate or agitate the influence of a planet, known as Exaltation or Debilitation.
Understanding the Significance of Houses
Placements within the following houses should be paid special attention as they have elevated influence.
Trikona
The first, fifth, and ninth house (forming a triangle on a North Indian chart) are powerful and represent favourable areas and opportunities in life.
Quadrants
The first, fourth, seventh, and tenth house (forming the center diamond on a North Indian chart) are the most auspicious on the chart.
Dusthanas
The sixth, eighth, and twelfth house (forming a lopsided triangle on a North Indian chart) symbolise negativity and major challenges in life.
Planetary Exaltations and Debilitations
In addition to above, when each planet is placed in a specific sign, its influence is either exalted (harmonious or favourable), or debilitated (weakened or unfavourable):
| Planet | Exalted Sign | Debilitated Sign |
|---|---|---|
| Sun | Aries | Libra |
| Moon | Taurus | Scorpio |
| Venus | Pisces | Virgo |
| Mars | Capricorn | Cancer |
| Saturn | Libra | Aries |
| Jupiter | Cancer | Capricorn |
| Mercury | Virgo | Pisces |
| Rahu | – | – |
| Ketu | – | – |
Making Sense of Your Vedic Chart
The same chart may mean something different to different people.
Understanding your Vedic birth chart can take some time. Once you have all of the above information, it’s a case of bringing it together and interpreting how it relates to you personally.
This is an art, and the same chart may mean something different to different people, depending upon individual circumstances. There’s really no right or wrong, it’s a case of taking the information and decoding it in a way that fits you.
Spend time meditating on the knowledge gleaned from your chart, and apply it to your life to gain insight and enlightenment.
What Does the Science Say?
As we’ve explored in other astrology posts, there’s no scientific evidence to support the modality.
Studies suggest the popularity of horoscopes is likely due to a combination of the Barnum Effect and ‘self-attribution bias’.
Read more in our birth chart calculator post.
