Sidereal astrology is the astrological system that aligns with the fixed star system, as opposed to the tropical astrological system which aligns with the seasons. The term "sidereal" is derived from the Latin word "sidus" meaning "star," and in Hebrew, it is translated as אסטרולוגיה סידרית. In Sanskrit, it is known as Nakshatra astrology. This system is primarily used in Hindu astrology and is based on the actual positions of the constellations, rather than the seasonal points used in Western astrology. A key difference between sidereal and tropical astrology is the method of measuring the precession of the equinoxes. Sidereal astrologers believe that the stars' positions relative to the Earth remain constant, and thus, the zodiac signs should be interpreted based on these fixed points. This approach is contrasted with tropical astrology, which uses the vernal equinox as the starting point for the zodiac, leading to a discrepancy known as the "ayss issue" or the "precession of the equinoxes."
Forms of astrology
In astrology, sidereal and tropical are terms that refer to two different systems of ecliptic coordinates used to divide the ecliptic into twelve "zodiac signs". Each sign is divided into 30 degrees, making a total of 360 degrees. The terms sidereal and tropical may also refer to two different definitions of a year, applied in sidereal solar calendars or tropical solar calendars.