Vedic astrology, also known as Jyotish, is an ancient system of astrology that originated in India more than 5,000 years ago. It is based on the sidereal zodiac, which uses the actual positions of the stars in the sky as reference points for the zodiac signs. This makes Vedic astrology more closely aligned with the actual movements of the celestial bodies than Western (tropical) astrology, which is based on the position of the Sun in relation to the Earth and the four seasons.

The difference in the zodiac dates between Vedic and Western astrology is due to the fact that the two systems use different reference points. In Vedic astrology, the beginning of the zodiac is defined by the fixed star Spica (Chitra), which is located at 0 degrees Libra. In Western astrology, the beginning of the zodiac is defined by the position of the Sun at the vernal equinox, which is usually around March 20th.

Because Vedic astrology is based on the sidereal zodiac, the dates of the zodiac signs are slightly different from those in Western astrology. For example, in Vedic astrology, the sign of Aries begins around April 14th, while in Western astrology, it begins around March 21st.

One of the unique features of Vedic astrology is its emphasis on past life karma. According to Vedic astrology, the positions of the planets at the time of a person's birth can reveal information about their past lives and the karma they have accumulated. This information can be used to help people understand their current life challenges and opportunities, and to make positive changes that can help them grow spiritually.

For example, if someone has a challenging placement of Saturn in their birth chart, it may indicate that they have unresolved karma related to responsibility, discipline, or authority. By understanding this, they can work to address these issues and move towards a more positive manifestation of Saturn's energy.

In addition to providing insights into past life karma, Vedic astrology can also be used to identify favorable times for important life events, such as starting a business, getting married, or buying a house. By aligning these actions with the natural cycles of the planets, people can increase their chances of success and fulfillment.

Overall, Vedic astrology offers a unique perspective on the movements of the celestial bodies and their impact on human life. By understanding the differences between Vedic and Western astrology, and by using the insights provided by Vedic astrology to address past life karma and make positive changes in the present, people can enhance their spiritual growth and find greater meaning in their lives.