Different Types of Astrology
A recent survey that surveyed more than 2300 people showed that an estimated 53% of people read their horoscope in the newspaper or online. The fact remains that even though people may profess a disbelief in astrology, nevertheless they remain fascinated to know what the stars have in store for them.
Fundamentally, when we talk of horoscopes and astrology we are actually making reference to a set of beliefs associated with the position of the moon, sun, stars and planets during a person’s time and date of birth. The position of the heavenly bodies on a particular date can predict and matters of destiny and explain character traits.
Astrology as a science or art has flourished in different cultures over the time. However, the most commonly practiced today include Western, Chinese and Vedic astrology.
Chinese Astrology
The roots of Chinese astrology go back to the second century. It is based on the premise that there is a harmony between the heaven, earth and water and the alignment of planets and their relationship to the sun, moon and other celestial bodies at the time of a person’s birth determines his/her fate. Based on this theory, each individual is assigned a zodiac animal that rotates on a 12-year cycle.
Western astrology
Western astrology is a type of fortune telling or interpretation of a person’s life. A horoscope, which means, to mark the hour in Greek, refers to a personalized chart that represents the position of the sun, moon and planets at the moment of an individual’s birth. The horoscope is based on the 12 signs of the zodiac and is used to predict the identity, appearance, well being, attitude and temperament, health and physical traits of the person in question.
Vedic Astrology
Vedic astrology is also known as Hindu or Indian astrology and it finds documentation in the early sacred Indian scriptures. It is based on the premise that karma and luck are predetermined based on celestial formations. In Vedic astrology, a person’s natal or birth chart maps his or her exact moment of birth by the alignment of planets, which is represented by signs of the zodiac.