Print article - What Are the Main Differences Between Western and Eastern Branches of Astrology?

Of the various branches of Eastern and Western astrology, the two most popular Eastern branches are unmistakeably Indian and Chinese, yet we tend to refer to Western astrology as such because of its popularity in West and because the same zodiac characterises all branches of Western astrology.

Beautifully intricate, all branches of astrology offer profound insight into our dynamic relationship with the cosmos, yet there are many differences between them. Besides the Indian astrologer's most notable difference, which is their use of the sidereal zodiac, their approach seems to have a very scriptural and spiritual leaning that we might otherwise associate with the teachings of mysticism or prophetic wisdom.

Astrology and fortune telling are unabashedly associated and both widely accepted in India and they are still deeply etched into the Hindu lifestyle in such a way. This means that Indian astrologers may still be positively fatalistic in their deliverance of interpretations and Eastern natives seem more than happy with this approach, while it has become a general practice of Western astrologers to purposefully leave readings open to interpretation and subject to change, while maintaining that natives of a reading have full responsibility the course their life takes and of their decisions.

Also, Western astrologers have felt they are 'up against' scientists and socialites for along time, with a predominantly Western concern with scientific evidence that insists on hard facts and proof. Because of this, our approach tends to be significantly more humble and cautious, while we often disclaim responsibility for complete accuracy while dissociating our work from science.

How may these differences impact an astrological consultation?

Indian Versus Western Astrology Prediction

In consultation, these differences may mean that the Indian astrologer's tends to focus on luck and karma within the natal chart, especially regarding financial and career success, well-being, personal advantages and shortcomings while Western astrologers may tend to focus more on psychology, character, personal development and the free will of the client.

In predictive astrology, Indian planetary time cycles that are known as dashas have no corresponding method in Western astrology. Patterns called yogas between planets through to Saturn (trans-Saturnians are omitted) and the twenty-seven Naksatras (lunar horoscope mansions or divisions) are used with a lunar calendar, as are many calculations for relative positive and negative states of planets, signs and houses. For these reasons some consider Indian Astrological prediction more accurate. Could this also be that the lunar view is considered more 'microscopic'?!

Western Astrologers' planetary cycles do include the trans-Saturnian planets (Uranus, Neptune and Pluto), therefore I imagine more 'major life change' predictions are made, both psychologically and externally and with a greater time-scope availability.

Chinese Astrology Prediction

Chinese Astrology, which seemingly more-so based on lore and superstition, is regularly referred to as 'Chinese fortune telling' and uses twelve animal signs originating from myth. They say that when God developed a calendar, he summoned all Earth's creatures to race and the first finishing twelve were awarded Chinese zodiac signs.

With five elements rather than four as in Western astrology and a lunar-based calendar like in Indian Astrology (with twenty-eight 'Sieu' lunar mansions), a 'four pillars' chart is used for prediction in Chinese astrology. This is reckoned from the eight natal date/month/year/hour digits, with two digits per pillar. One digit per pillar forms a 'heavenly stem' and the other an 'earthly branch’, which are used to count time cycles and were originally created from lunar and solar cycles.

A Chinese Astrological consultation may again lack the once-in-a-lifetime impacts of the slower moving, outer planets. Chinese predictions tend to focus on foreseeing periods of good and bad luck, of course benefiting clients who are faithful to the tradition. However, while entering with curiosity, a Western Astrologer might have to wonder if they would feel a disconnect without their psychological chart and transiting outer planets through my houses as a backdrop??

For a detailed astrology reading, visit Esotelcard.com