Astrology in Different Culture

From ancient times, astrology has been an inseparable part of several cultures around the world. It ranges from sophisticated astrological systems in the East to zodiac traditions in the West. It has been the tool to shape beliefs and guide decisions and a recurring comfort to the people for several centuries. In this blog, we will explore the approach and practice of astrology in numerous cultures and traditions.

Western Astrology

The best known, called Western astrology, has its roots in ancient Babylon, around 2000 BCE. It was later refined by the Greeks, who developed the concept of the zodiac: a circle broken down into 12 'signs,' named after constellations, that have developed some rather sophisticated metaphorical relationships with different aspects of personality. Western astrology is mostly based on the positions of the Sun, Moon, and planets at the time one was born. These positions are believed to influence different features in a person's character and life events.

Horoscopes are a popular feature of Western astrology, and they represent the predictions or guidance taken from an individual's zodiac sign. People refer to their horoscopes to assist in the events of daily life, love matters, careers, and many other things. Western astrology gives a lot of credence to the natal chart concept, which is a person's personalized map of the heavens at the exact time of birth and a tool that many astrologers use to better explain people's strengths, weaknesses, and life pathways.

Vedic Astrology

Vedic Astrology is a timeless and over 5,000-year-old practice whose practice originates in India. It is deeply ingrained in the philosophy and spiritual values of the Hindu religion. Unlike Western astrology with the tropical zodiac, Vedic Astrology uses the sidereal zodiac. This means the vernal equinox, or the beginning of spring, happens when the sun enters Pisces. In this system, therefore, one usually falls their moon sign behind their tropical zodiac sign, or that of the generally used Western system.

Vedic astrology lays heavy emphasis on the concept of "karma" and "dharma" (one's duties). It has its unique system of planetary periods known as "dashas," said to be influential for various phases in a person's life. For example, a man can be under the domination of a period with the Saturnian influence of Shani, which brings either sorrow or a postponement. Vedic astrology is mainly resorted to not only for predicting one's future but for big life decisions, such as choosing the right time for marriage, starting any business, or spiritual practices.

Chinese Astrology

Thousands of years ago, Chinese astrologers devised a lunisolar calendar. As this was done in a repeating 12-year cycle, each year came to be symbolized by an animal in the 12-year cycle of animals that began with the Rat, then the Ox, then a Tiger, and so on, through the animals. According to popular belief, each of the animals possesses particular traits and this modulates the personal characteristics and fate of whoever was born in that particular year.

Other than this 12-year cycle, Chinese astrology also involves the concepts of "Five Elements" and "Yin and Yang," which are the dual forces of nature. All these elements and forces blend with the animal signs to project a more detailed understanding of destiny and life path for a person. It is also essential in determining many other aspects of life in Chinese astrology, like determining auspicious dates for weddings, starting new ventures, and even selecting a location for one's home.

Astrology of the Maya

The Mayans were one of the most developed civilizations in pre-Columbian America that worked out a highly complex system of astrology. Mayan astrology is based on a 260-day calendar called the Tzolk'in, divided into 20 periods, each ruled by a particular deity; every day, each of these periods receives a different sort of energy, or "Nahual," which appears to impact a person's personality and destiny when they are born.

Mayan astrology would be distinguished by deeper time and cosmic knowledge. The Mayans applied their astrological knowledge in planning agricultural operations and conducting religious ceremonies, and political activities. Mayan astrology is still in use among the descendants of the great Mayan civilization, and they frequently seek astrological wisdom for personal consultation and spiritual guidance.

Native American Astrology

It is very much attuned to nature and the Earth's rhythms. Most tribes of Native Americans have their systems of astrology, which normally runs along the animals native to a particular region. For example, some signs of the Native American zodiac could be the Beaver, Wolf, Bear, and Hawk. According to their system of belief, each animal reflects certain qualities that are expressed in those individuals born under its sign.

Native American astrology is about the interconnection of all living beings and living in harmony with nature. This is what is used most of the time to learn about oneself, the relationships with the people around you, and the spiritual path.

Conclusion

Astrology is a beautiful matrix across different practices diversified and taken by many world cultures: the Western zodiac, Vedic astrologers in India, Chinese animal signs, and spiritual systems of Mayan and Native American cultures. They have all equally described astrology as the tendencies in human affairs as well as otherworldly phenomena. It gives a synthesis of heaven and Earth, helping one find their place and purpose in the Universe.

If you feel that you're interested, then try to communicate with the best astrologer in Ujjain for personalized experiences and guidance. The wisdom of this oldest tradition coming from the East or the West can furnish tools to assist one in both meeting the challenges of life and opening up opportunities.