Western Astrology vs Chinese Astrology: What’s the Difference?

Astrology, the study of celestial bodies and their influence on human affairs and natural world, has been used for centuries for divination and guidance. There are two main systems of astrology widely used today: the Western Astrology and the Chinese Astrology. Although both systems are based on astrology, they have vastly different origins, methods, and philosophies.

Origins

Western Astrology originated in ancient Mesopotamia more than 2,000 years ago and spread to Greece, Rome, and Egypt, where it was refined and further developed. This system is based on the tropical zodiac, which divides the 12 months of the year into 12 signs that correspond to the constellations in the path of the Sun, as seen from Earth. Each sign is associated with an element (earth, air, fire, or water) and a ruling planet.

Chinese Astrology, on the other hand, is based on the lunar calendar and dates back more than 2,500 years. It was first used by farmers to predict the best times for planting and harvesting crops. This system divides time into cycles of 12 years, with each year represented by an animal sign, based on a legend that says the Buddha invited all the animals to a race and only 12 of them made it to the finish line. Each animal sign is also associated with one of the five elements (wood, fire, earth, metal, and water) and one of the yin-yang principles.

Methods

Western Astrology uses a birth chart, also called a horoscope, that is based on the exact time, date, and place of birth of an individual. The birth chart shows the positions of the Sun, Moon, and planets at the moment of birth and their relationships with each other, and provides insights into the individual’s personality, strengths, weaknesses, and potential. Western Astrology also uses transits, progressions, and other predictive techniques to analyze future events and trends.

Chinese Astrology, on the other hand, uses the animal sign and element that correspond to the year of birth to determine a person’s personality traits, strengths, and weaknesses. It also uses the cycles of the five elements, such as the year of the Metal Rat or the Water Pig, to analyze the interactions between different energies and their impact on a person’s fortune and destiny.

Philosophy

Western Astrology is based on the concept of free will and personal responsibility. It views the birth chart as a map of potentials rather than a fixed fate, and suggests that individuals have the power to make choices and shape their own lives. Western Astrology also emphasizes the individualistic and humanistic aspects of life, and often provides advice on how to improve oneself, relationships, and career.

Chinese Astrology, on the other hand, is based on the concept of fate and destiny. It views life as a cycle of ups and downs, and suggests that individuals have a predetermined path in life that is influenced by cosmic forces, family background, and cultural traditions. Chinese Astrology also emphasizes the collectivistic and holistic aspects of life, and often provides advice on how to harmonize with the environment, family, and society.

Western Astrology vs Chinese Astrology: What’s the Difference?

Astrology is an ancient divination system that has been in practice in different parts of the world since time immemorial. It is basically the study of celestial bodies, their movements, and their influence on human affairs. Astrology is wide and diverse, with different forms such as Western astrology and Chinese astrology. While both systems use a horoscope to help individuals understand their lives, they differ in their approach and the way they interpret the movements of celestial bodies. In this blog post, we’ll be taking a closer look at the main differences between Western astrology and Chinese astrology.

What is Western Astrology?

Western astrology is also known as Tropical astrology. It is based on the Sun’s yearly cycle and uses the position of the planets and stars relative to the Earth’s axis at the exact moment of a person’s birth to determine their chart. Western astrology is based on the zodiac, which consists of 12 signs, each named after a constellation of stars in the sky. The 12 zodiac signs are Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces. Each sign has its unique characteristics, influences, and compatibility with other signs.

What is Chinese Astrology?

Chinese astrology is based on the lunar cycle and uses a 12-year cycle of animals to represent personality traits and predict future events. The system is known as the Chinese zodiac, which is based on the lunar calendar. The cycle includes the Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. The system is based on the five Chinese elements, which are wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. The Chinese zodiac cycle is divided into five parts, with each part assigned an element.

What are the Main Differences?

Now that we have a brief idea of what each system entails let’s explore the main differences between Western and Chinese astrology.

1. Zodiac Signs

Western astrology has 12 zodiac signs, while Chinese astrology has 12 signs in its zodiac cycle. However, in Chinese astrology, the signs are represented by animals, while in Western astrology, they are represented by constellations.

2. Interpretation of the Planets and Stars

Western astrology places emphasis on the impact of the planets and stars on an individual, while Chinese astrology focuses on the lunar cycle and the relationship between the planets, the moon, and the sun.

3. Astrological Chart

Western astrology uses a horoscope chart that is circular in shape, divided into 12 houses, each representing different areas of life. The chart is determined by the exact position of the planets at the exact moment of a person’s birth. Chinese astrology also has a chart, but it is simpler than the Western astrology chart. It is calculated based on the year of a person’s birth and their corresponding animal sign.

4. Time Frames

Western astrology is based on the yearly cycle of the Sun, while Chinese astrology is based on the lunar cycle that lasts for 12 years. The two systems also have different ways of calculating time frames. Western astrology uses the Tropical Zodiac, which divides the year into four seasons, while Chinese astrology uses the Lunar Zodiac, which splits time frames by years.

5. Cultural Influences

The two systems are also different in their cultural influences. Western astrology is more popular in western countries, while Chinese astrology is more popular in Asian countries, such as China, Japan, and Korea. Also, while Western astrology is influenced by Greek, Roman, and Babylonian mythology, Chinese astrology draws its influences from Taoism and Buddhism.

Western Astrology vs Chinese Astrology: What’s the Difference?

Astrology is one of the most fascinating and intriguing topics that has been in existence for centuries. It is a system that uses the positions of celestial bodies to determine and interpret events and human characteristics. But did you know that there are two prominent styles of astrology – Western and Chinese? While both styles use the positions of stars and planets, they differ significantly in their approach, history, and methodology. In this blog post, we will explore the differences between Western astrology and Chinese astrology.

What is Western Astrology?

Western astrology is an astrological system that originated in ancient Greece and has been in use since the 2nd millennium BCE. It is the most widely practiced form of astrology in the Western world and is based on the tropical zodiac – a system of 12 signs based on the movements of the sun.

The 12 Zodiac Signs in Western Astrology

The 12 zodiac signs in Western astrology are Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces. Each sign is associated with a range of dates and has specific characteristics assigned to it. For instance, Aries is known to be a fiery and assertive sign, while Libra is associated with balance and harmony.

The Role of Planets in Western Astrology

In Western astrology, the planets play a significant role in determining one’s personality traits, strengths, and weaknesses. The placement of planets in the chart has its significance, and each planet is believed to have a specific influence on the zodiac signs. For example, the sun represents the ego and the self, while the moon governs emotions and inner feelings.

Types of Western Astrology

There are many types of Western astrology, such as horary astrology, which provides answers to specific questions using astrology, and evolutionary astrology, which focuses on past life experiences and their influence on the current life. However, the most popular type is Natal astrology, which is used to create a birth chart that maps the positions of planets at the moment of birth to determine personality traits, strengths, and weaknesses.

What is Chinese Astrology?

Chinese astrology, also known as Eastern or Oriental astrology, has its roots in ancient China and is based on a lunar calendar. Unlike Western astrology, which uses the tropical zodiac, Chinese astrology follows a 12-year cycle, with each year represented by an animal sign.

The 12 Animal Signs in Chinese Astrology

The 12 animal signs in Chinese astrology are Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. Each animal sign has specific traits and characteristics assigned to it. For instance, people born in the year of the Rat are known to be intelligent, shrewd, and adaptable, while those born in the year of the Monkey are witty, curious, and playful.

The Role of Elements in Chinese Astrology

Chinese astrology also gives significance to elements, which are believed to interact with the animal signs to create a more complex picture of an individual’s personality. These elements include Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water, and each element is associated with a set of traits and characteristics.

Types of Chinese Astrology

There are mainly two types of Chinese Astrology – Ba Zi and Zi Wei Dou Shu. Ba Zi is also known as the Four Pillars of Destiny, and it involves calculating a chart based on the date, time, and place of birth to identify an individual’s strengths, weaknesses, and potential outcomes. On the other hand, Zi Wei Dou Shu is a more complex form of Chinese astrology that uses a person’s birth date, the gender of the person, and the time of birth to reveal the future.

Key Differences between Western and Chinese Astrology

While both Western and Chinese astrology use celestial bodies to determine the influence on human lives, they have some significant differences:

Methodology

Western astrology relies on the tropical zodiac and is based on the position of the sun when an individual is born. Chinese astrology, on the other hand, uses a lunar calendar and a 12-year cycle that is based on animal signs and elements.

The Use of Time

In Western astrology, time is used to determine an individual’s personality traits using a natal chart. However, Chinese astrology uses the year of birth and considers the individual’s interactions with others to make predictions about their future.

Cultural Differences

Another significant difference between Western and Chinese astrology is cultural. Western astrology has its roots in ancient Greece and has been in use for centuries, while Chinese astrology originated in China and is based on Chinese traditions and beliefs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Western astrology and Chinese astrology are two distinct styles of astrology that use celestial bodies to interpret human characteristics and events. While they share some similarities, such as the use of the 12 signs, they differ significantly in their methodology, history, and cultural context. Understanding these differences is crucial in determining which astrological system resonates more with an individual.