Sidereal astrology is a system of astrology that calculates the positions of the planets and zodiac signs based on the actual observable positions of the stars. It uses the sidereal zodiac, which aligns with the fixed positions of the constellations in the sky. This differs from tropical astrology, which is more commonly used in Western traditions and bases its zodiac on the seasons and the Earth's relationship to the Sun.
Our team works alongside Sidereal astrology with 13 signs as it incorporates the constellation Ophiuchus. Ophiuchus lies along the ecliptic (meaning as the Earth travels around the Sun, the Sun appears to pass in front of a succession of constellations. The linear path that the Sun describes across the sky is called the ecliptic). The constellations on the ecliptic path are collectively called the zodiac and extend a few degrees above and below the ecliptic line. This approach is not universally adopted but is a variation that some astrologers explore to align more closely with the astronomical reality of the sky.
Why the 13-Sign System?
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Astronomical Reality:
The Sun passes through 13 constellations in its annual journey across the sky. In addition to the 12 traditional zodiac signs, it also passes through Ophiuchus between November 29 and December 17. This makes the inclusion of Ophiuchus a more precise representation of the Sun's actual path. -
Sidereal Focus:
Sidereal astrology prioritizes aligning the zodiac with the observable positions of the stars. Since Ophiuchus is clearly part of the ecliptic, its exclusion in traditional 12-sign systems could be seen as a simplification. -
Uneven Constellation Sizes:
The constellations of the zodiac are not all of equal size. For example, Virgo spans a much larger section of the ecliptic than Scorpio. A 13-sign system acknowledges this irregularity, though traditional astrology divides the zodiac into 12 equal 30° sections for simplicity.
Key Features of Sidereal Astrology:
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Constellation-Based System:
Sidereal astrology calculates planetary positions in alignment with the actual constellations as seen in the night sky. -
The Precession of the Equinoxes:
Due to the Earth's axial wobble, there is a slow shift in the apparent position of the stars over time. This phenomenon, called the precession of the equinoxes, causes a divergence between the sidereal and tropical zodiacs, which is now approximately 24 degrees. This means most people's Sun signs in sidereal astrology are one sign "earlier" than in tropical astrology. -
Popular in Eastern Traditions:
Sidereal astrology is the basis of Vedic astrology (Jyotish), a traditional system from India. It is also used in some other astrological traditions that focus on the visible heavens. -
Accurate Star Mapping:
It relies on precise astronomical calculations to align with the current positions of the stars and constellations.
Why Choose Sidereal Astrology?
Proponents argue that sidereal astrology is more astronomically accurate because it reflects the actual positions of the stars and constellations. It may also resonate with those who seek a deeper connection to the visible cosmos.
Yours in health and happiness
Sandy B Simmons
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