Glossary definition
Ayanamsa: Definition, Meaning and Example
The full guide linked below has the longer version, with examples.
Read Tropical vs. Sidereal Zodiac →- An offset used by sidereal zodiac systems to relate a tropical reference to a stellar reference.
- Commonly connected with sidereal zodiac, precession.
Definition
An offset used by sidereal zodiac systems to relate a tropical reference to a stellar reference.
Why it matters
Sidereal zodiac systems need an ayanamsa to define how their zodiac is offset from the tropical zodiac. Different ayanamsas can place a planet at slightly different sidereal degrees.
Example
A sidereal chart calculated with the Lahiri ayanamsa can differ from one calculated with another ayanamsa, even when the birth data are identical.
Common confusion
Ayanamsa is relevant to sidereal calculations. It is not an extra zodiac sign and it does not change the tropical zodiac itself.
Related terms
Tropical vs. sidereal · Zodiac systems
Editorial note: Astrological meanings on this page describe traditional interpretations. They are not presented as scientifically proven personality facts.