Astrology is one of the oldest belief systems still popular today. While most people are familiar with Western astrology and the 12 zodiac signs, astrological signs have developed independently worldwide. A comparative study of Western astrology with the Vedic system from India and Chinese astrology reveals fascinating insights into how different cultures have interpreted the stars.
Western Astrology
Western astrology originated in Mesopotamia and was later developed and refined by the Greeks and Romans. In Western astrology, the zodiac is divided into 12 signs, each occupying 30º of the zodiac. The signs are Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces.
The planet and its position at the time of a person’s birth are believed to influence their personality and destiny. The worlds used in Western astrology include Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto. The sun and moon are considered luminaries. The sun represents a person’s core self and life purpose. The moon represents emotions, instincts, and the unconscious.
Western astrologers use the tropical zodiac, based on the seasons, with 0º Aries marking the vernal equinox. The position and movements of the moon, sun, and planets are interpreted about the 12 zodiac signs and 12 houses. The houses represent different aspects of life, like creativity, career, home environment, and relationships.
Progressions and transits are also used to forecast life events and trends. Transits compare the recent positions of the planets to the birth chart. On the other hand, progression involves advancing the birth chart at a standard rate to reveal the evolutionary path of an individual’s life.
Western astrology is a complex and multi-layered system. While controversial, most individuals find meaning in its symbolic insights and interpretations. At its core, Western Astrology aims to provide understanding into life’s most profound questions – who are we, why are we here, and where are we headed?
Vedic Astrology
Also known as Jyotisha, Vedic astrology is an ancient Indian system dating back over 5,000 years. Unlike Western astrology, Vedic astrology uses the sidereal zodiac – which more closely matches the actual constellations. Just like Western astrology, Vedic has 12 signs. However, some are named differently – for instance, Kanya instead of Virgo.
Nakshatras is a critical concept in the Vedic astrology. The sky is divided into 27 lunar mansions (Nakshatras), each spanning 13º 20′. A person’s Nakshatras is determined by the moon’s position at the time of their birth.
Another crucial feature in the Vedic astrology is the Dasha system. Planetary periods, known as Dasha, reveal the planet that will most influence a person at that time. This system provides timing for events indicated in an individual’s chart.
The ascendant and moon are of great significance in Vedic astrology. The ascendant signifies a person’s physical body and overall life. The moon relates to emotions, minds, and maternal relationships.
Chinese Astrology
The Chinese Zodiac is based on the lunar calendar and incorporates elements of animal signs and five elements. Legend has it that Buddha summoned all the animals to come to him before he left the earth. Only 12 animals came to him to bid farewell. As a reward, Buddha named a year after each animal in the order they arrived.
The Twelve Animals
The 12 animals are:
• Rat
• Ox
• Tiger
• Rabbit
• Dragon
• Snake
• Horse
• Donkey
• Monkey
• Rooster
• Dog
• Pig
Belief has it that people born in a particular zodiac year will have traits of the animal represented by that month. For example, people in the Year of the Rabbit are considered compassionate, while those born in the Year of the Tiger tend to be brave.
The Five Elements
The five elements: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water are also a vital part of Chinese astrology. The element of the year an individual is born, combined with their animal sign, helps provide a bigger picture of their personality and destiny.
Year, Month, and Hour in the Chinese Zodiac
An individual’s birth year animal sign signifies their overall destiny and traits. Their birth month represents their relationships with family and friends. Finally, the birth hour indicates a person’s talents.
Chinese astrology provides insights into a person’s relationship, traits, and fortune by considering birth dates and times. When used as a form of divination, it can guide crucial life decisions.
Astrology Across Cultures
Astrological systems worldwide share some similarities but differ in their interpretations and predictions. The Western, Vedic, and Chinese astrological methods have a rich history and cultural tradition. Here are the significant differences between these three.
Philosophical Foundation
Western astrology stems from ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt, incorporating elements of astrology and mythology. In contrast, Vedic astrology originates from ancient India and is based on Vedas – Hindu scriptures over 3,000 years old. Chinese astrology also has ancient roots, dating back over 2,000 years, based on the lunar calendar and five elements.
Role of the Planet
In Western and Vedic astrology, the planets, including the moon and sun, are key influencers that shape an individual’s destiny. Their positions and relationships with each other and the zodiac signs they occupy reveal details about a person’s traits, career, relationships, ups and downs in life, and more.
On the other hand, Chinese astrology focuses on animal signs and the five elements. The planets themselves do not directly signify or predict life events. However, the position of the moon, sun, and Jupiter at the start of the year does determine which animal sign rules that year.
While astrology remains controversial, its longevity and popularity across diverse cultures suggests it taps into some fundamental human need. While the stars truly shape our destinies or merely reflect them, astrology will continue to fascinate humankind for ages to come.
Tools and Techniques
Western and Vedic astrology uses birth charts based on the date, time, and place of birth to gain insight into a person’s life and future events. Vedic astrology also incorporates divisional charts and planetary periods. Chinese astrology primarily uses the lunar calendar, five elements, and the 12-year cycle of the zodiac animals.
While the three systems differ in their details, they believe there is a connection between the celestial realm and terrestrial events. Each guides life events and destiny aimed at helping people gain self-knowledge and live in harmony with the cosmos.
Interpretation and Meaning
Astrological interpretations and the meaning given to the positions and relationships of celestial bodies vary significantly across cultures. In Western astrology, the 12 zodiac signs are associated with distinct personality traits.
Vedic astrology, practiced in India, also uses the 12 zodiac signs but emphasizes the lunar mansions, of which there are 27. The villas are believed to reveal a person’s deeper purpose and karma in this lifetime. Vedic astrology is focused on spiritual enlightenment and liberation.
In contrast, Chinese astrology revolves around the 12 animal signs of the Chinese zodiac. A person’s animal sign, determined by their birth year, defines their personality, relationships, and fortune.
While the systems differ in many details, they share some similar foundations. All divide the sky into segments to map their celestial world onto human existence. All search the stars for insights into people’s essential selves, relationships, and destiny.
Final Remarks
Even though astrology systems worldwide vary in details and interpretations, their core ideas are similar. Whether you look to the Western Zodiac, the Vedic system of India, or traditional Chinese astrology, the belief is that the position and movement of the celestial bodies can reveal insights into human affairs and destiny.
