ForecastLife

Progression and Vimshottari Dasha – comparison

Jul 12, 2009 English

Progressions (used by westerners) and Vimshottari Dasha (used by Indians along with Transits) are different methods of predicting the timing of events in astrological terms. Progression is basically a method of predicting and timing the events. This is commonly used by western astrologers.  There are two forms of progressions generally used. These are (1) Secondary Progression – or a day-for-a year –progression and (2) Solar Arc progression – or a degree-for-a-year progression.  Indian astrologers, whether they use Vedic Astrology or Krishnamurthi Paddhati, generally use “Vimshottari Dasha” for timing the events. However some astrologers are researching whether “Progression” can be used in combination with “Vimshottari Dasha” for pin-pointing the timing of fructification of the event.  Recently, I came across such articles in KP Year Book 2009. Such researches are in its initial stages at present and needs further probe.

Secondary Progression — In this method of progression, the Natal chart is progressed at the rate of 1 day per year. This means that the planetary positions formed on 20^th day after birth is taken to be symbolic of the 20^th year of the native. Why one day per year? Western astrology is based on movement of the sun and the Sun moves approximately ONE degree in ONE day. This appears to be the reason for such progression. According to me such a progressed chart may be indicative about the trends in that particular year, which may be based on observation and experience but certainly cannot forecast exact event. The reason is that planetary position in progressed chart will definitely be different than the actual one.

Solar Arc Progression – In this method, the progressed chart is prepared by moving all planets and the cusps by ONE degree irrespective of their natural speed of movement. In short they are made to follow the Sun (as Sun covers approximately ONE degree in a day). In fact such a planetary position never exists in real life. Inferences drawn from such a non-existent chart cannot be relied upon.

Vimshottari Dasha – There are many Dasha systems used by Indian Astrologers, but Vimshottari Dasha is most commonly used. This dasha system is based on the movement of Moon.  Since Moon moves about 13 times faster than the Sun this has to give more accurate results. In addition to Vimshottari Dasha actual transits of planets are checked to pin-point the timing of event. All such calculations are based on real time planetary positions and thus have to be more reliable.

Bottom line is that, in my humble opinion, Vimshottari Dasha system used along with transits is most accurate method of timing of events. Therefore it is not advisable to introduce progression in Vedic or KP in absence of extensive research.