Tropical and Sidereal Astrology: Two Views of the Same Sky

Astrology is one of the most unifying things on Earth. We all live under the same sky, regardless of our nationality or culture or any other characteristic. However, Tropical astrology and Sidereal astrology are two different ways of looking at the stars.  

Tropical astrology, also known as Western astrology, defines the Zodiac signs in relation to the Spring Equinox and follows the seasons we experience here on Earth. This means that Western astrology's interpretations are NOT based on the actual positions of the planets (or stars) but on the relative positions of the planets based on the Spring Equinox. This is the most commonly used form of astrology in the United States. 

Sidereal astrology includes Vedic astrology, which is more commonly used in India. The Sidereal Zodiac considers Earth's axial precession and uses the actual positions of the planets and constellations, which shift slightly over time in terms of relative position to Earth. 

Tropical vs. Sidereal

In the astrology community, people tend to pin Topical and Sidereal astrology against each other. But as I've tuned into the subtle energies & looked at the patterns for years, I've realized that BOTH are relevant and useful. 

So...What does this actually mean?

Currently, the Tropical and Sidereal Zodiacs are about 24° apart. This means that in Tropical astrology, Aires season starts on March 21 and ends on April 19. However, in Sidereal astrology, Aries season is April 14 – May 14. 

This 24° difference may feel drastic and often means that people are reporting a mercury retrograde in Aries using tropical astrology when mercury is actually in Pisces using sidereal astrology. 

Each system works according to its own internal logic, with the Tropical Zodiac following the obvious shifts of the seasons. (which is still meaningful and relevant.) 

For Example, it's hard not to embody the energy of Libra on the day of the Fall Equinox, when the day and night are equal in length—this is the physical manifestation of balance on Earth!  

The Seasons & Duality 

Since Tropical astrology is based on the seasons, our Tropical birth charts can represent our earthly or physical self, and our Sidereal birth chart better represents our higher or intuitive self. 

Each method simply provides two different lenses into the same world and this duality is present in ourselves as the manifestation of the shadow self and also everything in nature. Day/Night, Summer/Winter, Physical/Spiritual, Good/Bad, Male/Female, Left/Right the world works in harmony of opposites! 

Even the basis of astrology itself is about embodying the polarities. For Example: Aries / Libra are zodiac opposites and represent the Self / Relationships. 

Daylight plays a significant part in how we operate and organize our lives. We are diurnal animals, and our responses to daylight are very real and experienced firsthand. Tropical astrology best represents the consideration of how much daylight we get and how that daylight affects our mood. 

This is also true for the seasons. We notice many physical shifts in our surroundings with the change of each season. Including our exposure to light, plants shedding leaves, and changing temperatures. 

Therefore, many people resonate with tropical astrology and find it accurate for predicting the "mood of the moment." 

Actual Placement of the Stars & Planets

Since Tropical astrology fails to consider the actual placements of the planets, it tends to offer only surface-level interpretations that are not great for predictions or even understanding the deeper parts of yourself (when studying your birth chart.) 

Sidereal astrology can help explain why, although we are in Aires season (in topical astrology), you still feel unmotivated and can't seem to get things done. This is because typically, when the sun is in Aries in tropical astrology, it is actually in Pisces using Sidereal astrology. 

Sidereal better explains the deeper feelings and emotions we are feeling outside of the season we are in or how much daylight we are getting. 

Another cool thing about sidereal astrology is that it is observable!! This means that if you take a telescope and look into the sky, the planet's position will reflect the sidereal positions, not the tropical positions. 

Astrology Is Not A Science

From a purely scientific standpoint, both forms of astrology lack actual evidence to support its claims. There is no scientific basis for the influence of celestial bodies on human behavior and personality.

This is an important note since astrology is a metaphysical belief - not a scientifically proven reaction to the planets placement in the stars.

Those following the Sidereal system who are fully focused on actual placements may get more stuck on science, and less so on feeling. I have found that Sidereal interpretations are not always felt as strongly or obviously as the Tropical (seasonal) method. This does not mean that Sidereal does not make accurate predictions!

I find that sidereal interpretations are more subtle and can offer a different perspective on the same issues. A different perspective that is much needed to solve problems!

Similarities between Tropical and Sidereal Astrology 

• The planets are in the same position relative to each other. Aspects like Venus conjunct Mars or Saturn square Neptune happen at the same time in both Tropical and Sidereal astrology. 
• The New Moon and the Full Moon happen at the same time. The Moon in the sky is easy to see no matter what system you use, so it would definitely be a problem if this were not the case. 
• The meanings of the planets and the houses are the same in both Tropical and Sidereal astrology. 
• Planetary rulerships are the same in both Tropical and Sidereal astrology. 

Differences between Tropical and Sidereal Astrology 

• The Tropical Zodiac is based on relative position to the spring equinox, while the Sidereal Zodiac is based on the actual physical positions of the constellations. 
• The Tropical Zodiac is about 25° ahead of the Sidereal Zodiac. The planets, the Sun, and the Moon are therefore usually not in the same signs. 
• Most Sidereal astrologers use only the seven historic planets and luminaries (the Sun through Saturn). Most Tropical astrologers add Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto. However, there are exceptions in both directions. 

Both astrological systems are valid, so you just have to decide which one fits your purposes better at a given time. 

What does that mean for me? 

Understanding both your Tropical and Sidereal birth chart can give you deeper insights about yourself and more insight into how you can embody your higher self. 

If you pull your Sidereal zodiac, you may find that your sun sign is in a totally different zodiac than your Tropical birth chart! This will reveal a deeper layer to yourself that you may or may not totally resonate with up front. 

After people give themselves time to sit with their sidereal birth chart, they usually unlock access into a deeper part of themselves. If you have never seen your Sidereal chart, you can schedule a reading here and choose your reading type as "Sidereal."