Astrology is a science that studies planetary movements and how they influence human behavior. Scientists have divided this subject into two parts- one is Astronomy, and the other is Horoscope Astrology. Therefore, Astronomy helps to understand the position of planets in space, and their motion throughout the day, year, and life of Earth. While horoscope astrology focuses on studying an individual’s characteristics based on their date, time, and place of birth.
It also predicts future events like relationships, marriage, etc. There are mainly five types of astrology: Vedic, Western or Tropical, Sidereal, Chinese and Lunar. Here we will discuss each type separately:
The five types of astrology are:
1. Vedic Astrology
It is also known as Jyotish, which originated in India. This type depends on the movement of planets and stars and their impact on human lives. The online Astrologer here uses a ‘Parashara’s system’ to predict future events. The planets and stars move towards the east in the sky, while Earth rotates from west to east. Hence, Vedic astrology calculates planetary movement and its impact on an individual’s life based on their actual place of birth and not the place they are currently living in.
2. Western or Tropical Astrology
It is mainly used in Europe and America and is based on the vernal equinox- the first spring day (20th or 21st March). The online Astrologer here uses the ‘House System’ to predict future events. This system divides the whole sky into twelve equal parts, and the location of planets and stars measures according to their position in each house.
3. Sidereal Astrology
This type is mainly used in Asia and Africa and precession of equinoxes. It is believed that on the 21st of March, the vernal equinox was in Pisces, Aries, and Capricorn. But now it is in Aquarius, which means the new age starts on 21st March 2022. Federalists feel that this change would increase the accuracy of predictions.
4. Chinese Astrology
This type uses animals and elements to make predictions about future events. The twelve animals of the Chinese Zodiac are rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep (or goat), monkey (or ape), rooster (or chicken), dog, and pig.
5. Lunar Astrology
This type is moon-based astrology and mainly uses moon signs or moon phases to predict future events. It is different from Western and Vedic as it relies on the lunar calendar rather than solar. So, the first day of a lunar month call as Chowringhee and can be either 29 or 30 days long, depending on where you live on Earth.
6. Horary Astrology
Under horary astrology, an astrologer answers any question by doing calculations as per the date and the time of birth of the person making the question. This type also relates to Vedic astrology, as Jyotish first used it.
Hence, Astrology is a vast subject with various kinds of branches. Some use their references from the Vedas, some belief in sidereal zodiacs, and others have created new methods to study planetary movements. Therefore, In this way, many kinds of astrology are used differently across regions and cultures.
Conclusion
There are many different branches of astrology. The primary divisions are Western or Tropical, Vedic, Sidereal, and Lunar astrology. Therefore, Horary astrology is also a branch of astrology, though it can be combined with other types. Each type of astrology has its methods and references and is used differently in different parts of the world. Astrology is a complex subject with many different methods and branches, but it ultimately boils down to studying an individual’s characteristics and future events based on their date, time, and place of birth. Also, check our other blogs on this site.