Summary: Comparison of the two main types of birth-chart format used in Jyotish – North Indian and South Indian, with suggested modifications for students of Jyotish. This is particularly helpful when learning Jyotish.
North Indian and South Indian Chart Formats Compared
Most Western Astrologers use a circular format birth-chart, but this is not used in Jyotish.
There are two main types of chart formats used in Vedic Astrology – the North Indian and the South Indian system. This often causes confusion to those new to the subject as the charts seem completely different. However, each format is just a different way of representing the same information.
The ‘diamond’ type grid is mainly used in North India and the ‘rectangular grid’ type of chart in South India. Both charts in the diagram below represent exactly the same astrological data. In the North Indian system the ascending sign is always placed in the ‘top diamond’ box and the signs are often numbered 1 to 12, i.e. Aries to Pisces. For the horoscope shown the ascendant is in the 12th sign Pisces, with both Jupiter and Venus in the ascending sign, Rahu in the 4th sign Cancer (corresponding with the 5th house in this chart), etc.
Comparison between North and South Indian Jyotish Chart Formats
Signs in Jyotish have exactly the same names as those in Western Astrology (e.g. Aries, Taurus, etc.) – but their position in the sky is different from the position of the Western Astrological signs. This is because Vedic Astrology references the signs to the background of the fixed stars in the sky – so it uses the Sidereal Zodiac and not the Tropical one used in the West. Currently there is approximately a 24 degree difference between the two zodiacs (the tropical zodiac uses the spring equinox point as a ‘zero’ reference for the start of Aries and this moves against the background of the fixed stars due to the precession of the equinoxes.)
If we are just beginning the study of Jyotish I believe a slightly modified form of the rectangular South Indian chart format is much easier for Westerners to use (see the diagram at the end of this article).
South Indian Jyotish Birth-chart Format
In the South Indian system each sign always stays in the same box (e.g. Pisces top left, Virgo bottom right).
The sign count is always made clockwise around the rectangle (e.g. Aries 1, Taurus 2, Gemini 3, Cancer 4, Leo 5, etc.)
The ascendant is shown by a single diagonal line in the appropriate sign on the chart – regardless of the angle of the ascendant (e.g an ascendant of 1 degree Leo or 29 degrees Leo is still shown in exactly the same way)
Houses, which correspond exactly with signs in this system, are counted clockwise from the ascendant. For example, if the ascendant is in Leo (regardless of the exact degree, be it 1 degree or 29 degrees) then the whole of Leo becomes the first house, the whole of Virgo the second house, the whole of Libra the third, etc.
South Indian Vedic Astrology Chart Format
Modified Form of South Indian Chart
To help students access and process a lot of information I have added extra compartments to each of the rectangles. This enables us to put in additional, important and at-a-glance information such as the house number (counting clockwise from the ascending sign), in which house the sign ruler is placed, planetary aspects to the house and what the house number would be if the moon was used as an ascendant. This modification is particularly helpful when learning Jyotish.
Jyotish Chart feature for students
Additional Resources on Jyotish
Introduction to Jyotish. A range of articles for people entirely new to Vedic Astrology. Including: Introduction, FAQs, Origins and Karmic Implications.
Key Concepts in Jyotish. Articles covering the Sidereal Zodiac, Planetary Forces, Forecasting Analogies and ‘Planetary Antidotes’.
For Western Astrologers. Articles examining major differences between the two systems and the paradigm shift needed by Western Astrologers wanting to understand the subject.
Learn Jyotish. An extensive collection of articles covering key facts, concepts and methods. Aimed at ‘foundation level’ students. Includes essential information needed before beginning chart interpretations. Covering: Chart Formats, Planets, Houses, Mahadasha Periods, Transits, Aspects, Birth-time Errors, Natural and Functional Benefics / Malefics, Chart Interpretation Basics, etc.