Basics of Western Astrology
Knowledge of astrology has grown since ancient times, ever since people interpreted the position of the stars in correlation to agricultural needs, and told stories by the fireplace inspired by the skies. As an extremely potent tool for self-discovery and all sorts of predictions, it has developed in many different directions over time, to meet different needs of mankind. Astrology has been everything from an electional tool for the kings, to a beam of hope for those in need. Its dark ages and degradation turned out to influence it in a good way too, for now it is stronger than it has ever been, with so many different things to offer and numerous approaches to fit any need that comes to mind.
Basic division of astrology will place Modern Astrology to the Western hemisphere, and call it Western Astrology, while the East will be linked mostly to Vedic, or Indian Astrology. To add to that there is an entirely separate view that separately developed through Chinese Astrology. All of these have grown independently and differ greatly in their basic presumptions, as well as their astronomical points of interest, charts and their divisions.
To start with, Indian Astrology uses sidereal zodiac, while Western Astrology is based on the tropical zodiac defined by the beginning of spring. Sidereal zodiac is tied to a fixed star Spica that is considered to be the exact opposition of the beginning of Aries. This star is currently located near the 24th degree of Libra in the tropical zodiac, making a difference between these zodiacs approximately 24 degrees. These two zodiacs will be identical once in every 25920 years, and the next matching won’t occur for thousands of years to come.
Our attention will mostly be pointed to branches of Western Astrology, for it gives the strongest insight into a human being as an individual, with strengths and weaknesses, leaving room for change of personality and circumstances in life. It would be rough to say that Western Astrology comes closest to freewill, but it does leave more room for the change of fate of one specific person, than other astrological teachings. Eastern astrologers often claim right on the invention of astrology itself, holding on to constants of the zodiac that their entire system supports. The problem with this approach is mostly in the claim itself, since astrology is not possessed by anyone and there is no “right astrology” – just the one that each astrologer knows best. Simply put, if we want to believe that things are not set in stone, we will turn our heads to the left and find comfort, psychological explanations and potential for change in the West, just like we would find acceptance, sacrifice and modesty in the East.
Western Astrology recognizes many different branches within, and it is not easy to indicate all of them in our list. There might be other, non-listed approaches out there and even though most of them are included here or fall under one of these categories, some could have simply slipped my mind. If you find this to be the case, please contact me and let me know which additional branch would interest you.
There are 12 zodiac signs, and each sign has its own strengths and weaknesses, its own specific traits, desires and attitude towards life and people. By analyzing the projection of the position of planets, and the Sun and the Moon on the Ecliptic at the moment of birth. Astrology can give us a glimpse of a person's basic characteristics, preferences, flaws and fears.
Each of the 12 horoscope signs belongs to one of the four elements – Air, Fire, Water and Earth. These elements represent an essential type of energy that acts in each of us. Astrology aims to help us focus these energies on the positive aspects and to gain a better understanding of our potential and our positive traits and deal with negative ones.
These four elements help describe the unique personality types associated with astrological signs. The four zodiac elements exhibit profound influence on basic character traits, emotions, behavior and thinking.
Water Signs
Water signs are exceptionally emotional and ultra-sensitive. They are highly intuitive and they can be as mysterious as the ocean itself. Water signs love profound conversations and intimacy. They rarely do anything openly and are always there to support their loved ones. The Water Signs are: Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces.
Fire Signs
Fire signs tend to be passionate, dynamic, and temperamental. They get angry quickly, but they also forgive easily. They are adventurers with immense energy. They are physically very strong and are a source of inspiration for others. Fire signs are intelligent, self-aware, creative and idealistic people, always ready for action. The Fire Signs are: Aries, Leo and Sagittarius.
Earth Signs
Earth signs are “grounded” and the ones that bring us down to earth. They are mostly conservative and realistic, but they can also be very emotional. They are connected to our material reality and can be turned to material goods. They are practical, loyal and stable and they stick by their people through hard times. The Earth Signs are: Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn.
Air Signs
Air signs are rational, social, and love communication and relationships with other people. They are thinkers, friendly, intellectual, communicative and analytical. They love philosophical discussions, social gatherings and good books. They enjoy giving advice, but they can also be very superficial. The Air Signs are: Gemini, Libra and Aquarius.
Basic division of astrology will place Modern Astrology to the Western hemisphere, and call it Western Astrology, while the East will be linked mostly to Vedic, or Indian Astrology. To add to that there is an entirely separate view that separately developed through Chinese Astrology. All of these have grown independently and differ greatly in their basic presumptions, as well as their astronomical points of interest, charts and their divisions.
To start with, Indian Astrology uses sidereal zodiac, while Western Astrology is based on the tropical zodiac defined by the beginning of spring. Sidereal zodiac is tied to a fixed star Spica that is considered to be the exact opposition of the beginning of Aries. This star is currently located near the 24th degree of Libra in the tropical zodiac, making a difference between these zodiacs approximately 24 degrees. These two zodiacs will be identical once in every 25920 years, and the next matching won’t occur for thousands of years to come.
Our attention will mostly be pointed to branches of Western Astrology, for it gives the strongest insight into a human being as an individual, with strengths and weaknesses, leaving room for change of personality and circumstances in life. It would be rough to say that Western Astrology comes closest to freewill, but it does leave more room for the change of fate of one specific person, than other astrological teachings. Eastern astrologers often claim right on the invention of astrology itself, holding on to constants of the zodiac that their entire system supports. The problem with this approach is mostly in the claim itself, since astrology is not possessed by anyone and there is no “right astrology” – just the one that each astrologer knows best. Simply put, if we want to believe that things are not set in stone, we will turn our heads to the left and find comfort, psychological explanations and potential for change in the West, just like we would find acceptance, sacrifice and modesty in the East.
Western Astrology recognizes many different branches within, and it is not easy to indicate all of them in our list. There might be other, non-listed approaches out there and even though most of them are included here or fall under one of these categories, some could have simply slipped my mind. If you find this to be the case, please contact me and let me know which additional branch would interest you.
There are 12 zodiac signs, and each sign has its own strengths and weaknesses, its own specific traits, desires and attitude towards life and people. By analyzing the projection of the position of planets, and the Sun and the Moon on the Ecliptic at the moment of birth. Astrology can give us a glimpse of a person's basic characteristics, preferences, flaws and fears.
Each of the 12 horoscope signs belongs to one of the four elements – Air, Fire, Water and Earth. These elements represent an essential type of energy that acts in each of us. Astrology aims to help us focus these energies on the positive aspects and to gain a better understanding of our potential and our positive traits and deal with negative ones.
These four elements help describe the unique personality types associated with astrological signs. The four zodiac elements exhibit profound influence on basic character traits, emotions, behavior and thinking.
Water Signs
Water signs are exceptionally emotional and ultra-sensitive. They are highly intuitive and they can be as mysterious as the ocean itself. Water signs love profound conversations and intimacy. They rarely do anything openly and are always there to support their loved ones. The Water Signs are: Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces.
Fire Signs
Fire signs tend to be passionate, dynamic, and temperamental. They get angry quickly, but they also forgive easily. They are adventurers with immense energy. They are physically very strong and are a source of inspiration for others. Fire signs are intelligent, self-aware, creative and idealistic people, always ready for action. The Fire Signs are: Aries, Leo and Sagittarius.
Earth Signs
Earth signs are “grounded” and the ones that bring us down to earth. They are mostly conservative and realistic, but they can also be very emotional. They are connected to our material reality and can be turned to material goods. They are practical, loyal and stable and they stick by their people through hard times. The Earth Signs are: Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn.
Air Signs
Air signs are rational, social, and love communication and relationships with other people. They are thinkers, friendly, intellectual, communicative and analytical. They love philosophical discussions, social gatherings and good books. They enjoy giving advice, but they can also be very superficial. The Air Signs are: Gemini, Libra and Aquarius.