Astrology Types
The 3 Types of Astrology
Astrology is a multidimensional concept, which is manifested with various rituals and norms in different areas of the world. Let’s take a look at these 3 major types of astrology studies.
Astrology flourished in many parts of the ancient world as a science and slowly became a part of their tradition. In this post, we will be talking about the background and significance of Chinese, Indian, and Western Astrology and how they work.
Chinese Astrology
In Chinese Astrology, animals represent each Zodiac and the year of births allocate a person what sign they belong to.
The Chinese zodiac signs are known as Sheng Xiao or Shu Xiang and are all based on 12 animals. We have the 12 zodiac signs beginning from Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and ending at Pig. According to renowned astrologers of Chinese Astrology, they believe that personal horoscopes in China became an idea when Buddhism entered the Chinese border during the Han Dynasty, around 150 CE. People gradually started to believe that there are more esoteric forces that map an individual’s destiny and are often obscured from the public eye.
The 12 Chinese zodiac animals represent years and are thought to influence people’s personalities, careers, marriage, etc.
Apart from knowing your animal zodiac sign corresponding to the year you are born in; Chinese Astrology also harks at the five elements philosophy. The five elements of Chinese Astrology are metal, water, wood, fire, and earth.
Indian Astrology
In Indian Astrology, the main emphasis is given on the aspect of Moon in a person’s personality.
The Indian form of Astrology is known as Vedic Astrology or Jyotisha in the Hindu system. It is the oldest form of Astrology known to us and follows a blend of both sun and moon affecting a person when one is looking at their natal horoscope.
The term Hindu astrology has been used synonymously for Jyotisha since the early 19th century. Whereas Vedic Astrology is a term that has been used only after the 1970s when people started publishing books themselves on Ayurveda and Yoga. According to Vedic Astrology, the sky is divided into 12 zodiac signs and 27 constellations or Nakshatras by assuming 360 degrees.
In Western Astrology, the main emphasis is on the position of the Sun in a person’s horoscope. Whereas in Hindu or Indian Astrology, there is more emphasis laid upon the position of the Moon as the Moon changes its position frequently and the effects of it can be seen visibly during a shorter period like in a month. There are 12 zodiac signs in Indian Astrology as well corresponding to elements of fire, earth, air, and water.
The most well-known use of Indian Astrology is to check the compatibility of the groom and the bride, known as Kundali Milan. The natal horoscope is referred to as Janam Kundali. Many other reports can be inferred with the use of Indian Astrology.
However, the main point to notice is that Indian Astrology is not malleable and follows its conventions and rules that are entirely different from the Western standards. For an accurate report using Indian Astrology, all you need is your date of birth, time of birth, and place of birth for an accurate report that will answer all your queries in a jiffy.
Western Astrology
Western Astrology only regards the masculine parts of the person’s personality.
Western Astrology gives more focus on the Sun or the masculine aspect of a person’s personality and way of being. There are 12 zodiac signs in Western Astrology beginning from Aries and ending at Pisces. Each of these Zodiac signs corresponds to the element of Nature.
For example, we say that Aries is a Fire sign. We say it because it is ruled by the Element of Fire and some of the qualities of Fire are manifested in people who are born under this Zodiac.
In Western Astrology, people who are born between 21 March and 19 April are known as Aries. 20 April to 20 May is for Taurus, 21 May to 21 June is for Gemini, 22 June to 22 July is the window for a Cancer, 23 July to 22 August is for Leo, 23 August to 22 September is for Virgo, 24 October to 22 November is for Scorpio, 23 November to 21 December is for Sagittarius, 22 December to 19 January is for Capricorn, 20 January to 18 February is for Aquarius and 19 February to 20 March is for Pisces.
Astrology is thus a medium to discover different aspects of ourselves so we can improve upon them and live a life that we have always wanted to live. I hope you enjoyed reading about these. Detailed posts about these Astrology methods are coming soon.
