The concept of aspects in Vedic astrology (Jyotish) differs significantly from Western astrology in terms of how aspects are formed, their influence, and how they are interpreted. Here are the key differences:

What Are Aspects in Astrology

In astrology, an aspect is the angular relationship between two planets or between a planet and a point (like the Ascendant or Midheaven) in a birth chart. Aspects describe how celestial bodies interact and influence each other, shaping personality, life events, and energies in an individual’s horoscope.

Think of aspects as conversations between planets—some are harmonious and supportive, while others create tension and challenges. These planetary dialogues affect how a person expresses emotions, pursues goals, or deals with obstacles.

Differences Between Aspects in Vedic and Western Astrology

Here are the key differences between the two belief systems when it comes to the concept of aspects

1. Aspect Formation

Western Astrology:

• Aspects are based on specific angular distances (0°, 60°, 90°, 120°, 180°) between planets.
• Orbs (degree allowances) are used to determine how strong an aspect is.
• All planets can form aspects with each other based on these angles.

Vedic Astrology:

• Aspects (called Drishti, meaning “sight”) are based on planetary influence rather than angular degrees.
• Only some planets have full aspects, while others have partial aspects.
• Unlike Western astrology, aspects are counted by house positions rather than degree-based angles.

2. The Role of Houses in Aspects

Western Astrology:

• Aspects are calculated by degree, meaning two planets can form an aspect even if they are in different houses.

Vedic Astrology:

• Aspects are house-based, meaning a planet in one house casts its Drishti on specific other houses, regardless of degree.

3. Planetary Aspects in Vedic Astrology

In Vedic astrology, the Sun, Moon, Mercury, and Venus only aspect the 7th house from their position. However, the outer planets have special aspects:

• Mars aspects the 4th, 7th, and 8th houses from its position.
• Jupiter aspects the 5th, 7th, and 9th houses from its position.
• Saturn aspects the 3rd, 7th, and 10th houses from its position.
• Rahu & Ketu (Shadow Planets) are said to aspect the 5th, 7th, and 9th houses from their placement.

4. Strength and Influence

• In Western astrology, harmonious aspects (trine, sextile) are considered beneficial, while hard aspects (square, opposition) create tension.
• In Vedic astrology, aspects are more deterministic—planets strongly affect the houses they aspect, and the influence depends on the nature of the planet (benefic or malefic).

Which System Should You Follow?

• Western aspects work well for psychological and personality analysis.
• Vedic aspects focus more on destiny, karma, and predictive accuracy.

Would you like a deeper dive into how aspects impact specific areas like relationships, career, or health in Vedic astrology?