Popular Types of Astrology (Chinese, Vedic, western astrology)

Astrology has been popular for thousands of years. It is an excellent way to understand both yourself and other people. By reading an astrology chart, you can discover a great deal about the inner and outer workings of someone’s personality – and sometimes even things they wished you didn’t know!

There are three types of astrology that are considered the most popular or well known: Chinese astrology, Vedic astrology and Western astrology. There are some similarities within each of the types of astrology – but there are also some differences as you’ll soon see. Many people have a preference to an astrologer using either Chinese, Vedic or Western astrology.

Chinese Astrology

Chinese astrology has a great connection both to astronomy and also Chinese philosophy. It became quite popular during the Han Dynasty in the 2nd century BC through 2nd century AD. Chinese astrology includes the five planets, ten Celestial stems and twelve Earthly branches. It also has the lunisolare calendar, otherwise known as the moon and sun calendar. Planets also represent elements such as metal, wood or water. There are five elements in total. Venus for example is also known as White Tiger and is the element of metal. Mars is also known as Vermilion Bird and is Fire.

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Vedic Astrology

Vedic astrology can also be called Indian astrology and is in many ways similar to Western astrology in that there are 12 houses. Astrology remains important in India, as many life decisions are considered through Vedic astrology. A marriage, new business or the naming of a baby is often done with the assistance of Vedic astrology in India. As in Western astrology, there are 12 astrological signs and 12 astrological houses on an astrological chart. The signs and houses correspond to Western astrology. The sign Karka is known in India as “the crab” and in Western astrology as the sign of Cancer, so they both mean the same thing. Often Vedic astrology charts are done in a square but can also be done as a circle, depending on the astrologer. The planets that rule the Vedic astrology signs are also the same as for Western astrology. For example Dhanus (Sagittarius) is ruled by Dvisvabhava (Jupiter).

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Western Astrology

Western astrology is most often known throughout Northern America and European countries. There are 12 astrology signs from Aries through Pisces. There are 12 astrology houses – also named through Aries to Pisces. Western astrology can be used as Chinese and Vedic astrology can be to create a natal (birth) chart or for predictive purposes. You also can ask a question to obtain advice from astrology with Western astrology, just as with Vedic and Chinese astrology. The most popular in Western astrology is knowing your sun sign, which is the sign the sun was in during the time of your birth. However other planets were in different places and this will create a more extensive chart. A good and thorough astrologer will spend time on every planet and some of the asteroids to give you a deep understanding of yourself or the issue at hand.

Find a Western Astrologist here.

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