Chinese and western Astrology have many similarities and also many differences. They are both based on date and time of birth, and they both use symbols to communicate their insights to people. However, each theory can differ substantially and more often than not individuals will relate to one or the other. As the Chinese new year (February 3) draws closer we will take a look these differences and similarities.
Chinese vs Western Astrology: Main Differences
It is widely known how Western Astrology divides its astrological signs by month. Chinese Astrology however is divided by years. Chinese Astrology says that people who are born in the same year share similar personality traits, similar to how Western Astrology has similar ideas but between months instead. The reason for this major difference is that in the west we tend to put a great emphasis on psychological differences, whereas the east puts the same emphasis on generational differences.
The 12 signs of Chinese Astrology are entirely derived from myth and legend. In Chinese Astrology it is said that when God was creating the calendar, he called upon all of the different creatures on earth to take part in a great race. The legend says that the first 12 creatures that crossed the finish line were awarded a place in the Chinese zodiac. For example: The rat is said to have won the race by using cunning and strategy, while the pig is said to have finished last because of its meticulousness as it was constantly distracted by details. Western Astrology has been focused on a seasonal zodiac for more than 2,500 years. This is represented by the use of the constellations, however not aligned or derived exclusively within them.
Chinese Astrology is based heavily on the lunar calendar. This calendar is arranged by the different phases of the moon. Each month begins with a new moon and lasts for 29 days (though there are special circumstances that lead to it lasting 28 or 30 days, though these occurrences are rare). Western Astrology is based on the Solar Calendar. This calendar arranged according to the Earth’s orbit around the sun. Each month begins on a set date and can last between 28-31 days.
Western Astrology identifies 4 different elements. They are known as; Earth, Air, Fire, and Water. Each of these elements has 3 different signs and the psychological impact of each group is governed by this. For example: People born under the Fire element are said to be impulsive. People born under the Earth element are known to be very practical. People born under the Air element are very intellectual. People born under the Water element are said to be very passionate and emotion driven. Chinese Astrology views the world as being made up of 5 different elements. They are Fire, Wood, Metal, Water, and Earth. Each element is said to be linked to a 2-year period, and this period governs the motivating factors involved in your life. For example: The Earth element is motivated by a secure foundation. The Metal element is motivated by the need to create order. The Water element is motivated by the need to from bonds based on emotion. The Wood element is motivated by the need to explore and discover. The Fire element is motivated by the need for excitement.
A great emphasis in Chinese Astrology is placed on the lunar phase of birth. This is said to link a person’s personality and temperament with the phase of the Moon and that person’s time of birth. There are 4 types of lunar phases in Chinese Astrology; New Moon, Waxing Moon, Full Moon, and Waning Moon. People born under a New Moon are innovative and are seeking adventure. People born under a Waxing Moon are hard working and desire things to feel earned. People born under a Full Moon desire things to be diplomatic and are very schedule oriented. People born under a Waning Moon are peaceful and desire to at times live inside their own head rather than the outside world.
Chinese vs Western Astrology In Today’s World
Western Astrology identifies and greatly emphasizes 3 modes. These modes are known as Cardinal, Fixed, and Mutable. Each mode is directly linked to 4 different signs and will help to determine how someone will operate in different environments. The Cardinal signs are seeking to become leaders and be accepted. The Fixed signs are extremely hard working and wish to leave a legacy. The Mutable signs like to form deep personal relationships and want nothing more than to just fit in
As you can see, Chinese vs Western Astrology when compared in the same light have very vast detailed differences, yet a similar overall scope and methodology as they were developed and honed in vastly different regions of the world. Knowing the basics of these differences will help you decide with one is right for you when looking to gain insight about your life, love, career, etc.
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