The question "Which astrology is more accurate — Vedic or Western?" misses the point entirely. Each system is a self-consistent, internally coherent tradition with different emphases, tools, and philosophical roots.
The Core Difference: Two Zodiacs
Tropical Zodiac (Western): Tied to the seasons. Aries begins at the Spring Equinox. Signs describe psychological archetypes and personality expression.
Sidereal Zodiac (Vedic): Tied to actual star constellations. Due to the precession of equinoxes, there is currently a ~24-degree difference called the Ayanamsha. Signs map more literally to their stellar counterparts.
This is why your Sun sign in Western astrology often differs from your Rashi in Vedic.
Planets: Shared and Unique Tools
Both systems use the Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn. Western astrology adds the modern outer planets: Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto.
Vedic astrology uniquely emphasizes Rahu and Ketu (lunar nodes) as first-class planets, giving them extraordinary karmic significance not found in most Western approaches.
Divisional Charts: Vedic's Secret Depth
One of Jyotish's most powerful unique features is the Varga or Divisional Chart system. The D1 (Rashi chart) is just the beginning. Practitioners use D9 (Navamsha for marriage and dharma), D10 (Dashamsha for career), D60 (Shastiamsha for past-life karma), and up to 16 standard divisional charts.
This layered system allows for extraordinary precision in specific life domains.
Predictive Systems: Dasha
Vedic astrology's Vimshottari Dasha system — a 120-year cycle of planetary periods — provides a unique predictive tool. Western astrology uses progressions and solar returns for timing, but the Dasha system's precision for major life events is among Jyotish's most celebrated strengths.