What is Vedic Astrology And Why You Should Know About It With Dr Surya Chaudhri, Vedic Astrology Expert

A couple of weeks ago, I had the pleasure of meeting Dr Surya Chaudhri - a Vedic Astrology Expert and learning more about this ancient system. I decided to explore the topic and book a Birth Chart session (I was so curious to learn what the stars had in store for me as per the teachings of Vedic Astrology!). Amazed by the accuracy of the information, I invited Dr Chaudhri to talk about this subject for those of our readers who are as much of a newbie to the topic as I was (make sure you read the full article as we have a special announcement at the bottom of the blog post). 

Dr Chaudhri, I am delighted to have you on our blog today. I would love for our readers to learn more about Vedic Astrology. Before we start talking about today's topic, can you share more about what you do and what led you to enter the field of astrology?

First and foremost, thank you, for interviewing me on your blog today. I am a general practice doctor by education and profession, and a veteran Indian Navy officer. Currently, I am involved in the management of hospitals, across the globe.

A long time ago, I accidentally stumbled upon a book on Vedic Astrology by one of the renowned astrologers. It was an interesting read and it kindled the desire to dig deeper into the subject. So, I started studying the subject more seriously, and it's been more than 20 years since I have been a practitioner in this field.

What is Vedic Astrology?

Vedic Astrology is an ancient Indian science that deals with the position of each planet and its movement at a particular time; the astrologer interprets the meaning of such position and movement with respect to a person or an entity. In the case of an individual’s horoscope, for example, it is the photograph of the sky ( the planets at a particular moment) just above the place where the individual was born, at the exact time of his/ her birth. 

How does it differ from Western Astrology?

Well, a book can be written on this topic, however, for easy understanding, I shall narrate some basic differences.

1. Vedic Astrology is based on a system, in which the positions of planets are calculated real-time as to where they were actually present in the sky in respect of constellations. Western Astrology, on the other hand, uses the tropical (fixed) zodiac, which is the approximation of planetary positions in a given time. 

2. Vedic Astrology provides an insight into our life path and reveals our innate gifts and challenges. It helps us understand our relationships with others around us. Western astrology provides information about your character; the kind of person you are likely to become.

3. In Western Astrology, the zodiac sign changes around the 23rd of every month, whereas in Vedic Astrology, the zodiac sign changes around the 14th of each month.

4. Vedic Astrology considers the rising zodiac sign on the horizon when an individual is born (the ascendant) to be important. In Western Astrology, the zodiac sign is considered more important. 

5. The Moon is the most important planet in Vedic Astrology, and all the calculations of planets are done relative to the position of the Moon (your moon sign). Whereas in Western Astrology, most calculations are done relative to the position of the Sun (your sun sign). 

6. Apart from the usual planets, like the Sun, Moon (yes, in astrology, they are deemed as planets), Saturn, Jupiter, Mars, Venus, and Mercury, it uses two additional planets called Rahu & Ketu (North / South Node of the Moon respectively). It does not factor in the position of Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto. In Western Astrology, there is no North/ South Node of the Moon, however, the effects of Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto are factored in. 

In preparation for our session, you asked me to think of specific questions that you could answer with the help of your calculations. What questions do your clients typically come to you with when they request a prediction?

Two to three decades back, an important marriage ritual in India was to match the horoscope of a prospective bride with the one of the groom. This could have been one of the reasons why divorce rates were insignificant in those days, in my opinion.

Typically, people are interested in knowing more about their career or business. For instance - when should they start or change their career; how will the career/ business be; what career/ business would be most suitable; when is it likely for them to get a promotion/ raise?). 

They also come to me with marriage and relationship-related questions (when will they get married or find a partner; what kind of spouse/ partner will they have; how many children will they have; how will their married and sex life be?).

I answer money-related questions (will they have money; when are they most likely to reach their financial peak; will they have a comfortable life? ). People reach out to me when they have health-related questions too. 

Apart from predictions based on questions I receive, I also prepare yearly horoscopes and Life Path Horoscopes (these include a summary of personal characteristics and innate gifts; best area of work; romantic partnerships, etc.).  

Can you share a little bit more about how you prepare a prediction?

Calculations in Vedic Astrology are complex and time-consuming. Fortunately, these days, we have some good software to help do the calculations and prepare various horoscope charts and tables for an astrologer to interpret.

What I need is the date, place and the time of birth of an individual; the more accurate the time, the more precise the calculations would be. These details are entered in the software, which generates a series of charts and other relevant information. The astrologer then uses his knowledge and experience to interpret that information.

When we had our session, you shared information about key dates and the events that had occurred in my life on and around these dates; I found the information quite accurate. Talking about future predictions, I personally believe that such predictions are an estimate and not “set in stone”, what is your view on that? 

It is a wrong notion that astrologers predict the future. We don't. Astrologers tell you where, when and what is likely to happen in your life (based on the influence of certain Planets); and guide you through to the right path. You have your own free will, which shall override any astrological prediction. Hence, a gut feeling and strong willpower may definitely alter the course of events.

Thanks for joining me today, Dr Chaudhri.

** Special announcement **

I am excited to share that we have partnered with Dr Surya Chaudhri to offer Vedic Astrology sessions to our community. If you want to receive a prediction (horoscope) for the next three months or explore your Birth Chart and learn more about your ideal career pathway and all the innate gifts and talents you were born with, check out the sessions here.