Western astrology studies the influence of heavenly bodies (the sun, moon, stars and planets) on the earth and on human beings. To study their influence, one of the things used are the star groups in the zodiac. The zodiac is the part of the sky through which the orbits of the sun, moon and planets run.
Differences between exoteric and esoteric astrology
There are different kinds of interpretations and levels to be studied in western astrology. Broadly speaking, there is the more common exoteric astrology (known to the general public as astrology) and esoteric astrology (better known as esotericism). You’ll find more information about esotericism under the heading ‘What is esotericism?‘.
The most common form of astrology is exoteric astrology. Exotericism deals with everything you experience from the outside. Time and space play an important part in our lives. The same goes for this type of astrology. The position of the planets at a specific time are compared to the position of the planets at the time of someone’s birth. On the basis of the position of the planets and someone’s constellation an impression is made of someone’s personality and it becomes clear by which energies someone is governed.
Many people think that the astrological zodiacal signs Leo and Aquarius are the same as the “constellations”. In a literal sense, a constellation is a collection of stars that seem to make up a figure if you would connect them by lines. Examples are “Ursa Major” and “The Big Dipper”.
The 12 astrological signs are the most famous examples of constellations. The signs are the parts of the heaven through which the sun moves in the course of the year. Every part takes up 1/12 of the sky.
Planets and signs
Every astrological sign is accompanied by a certain planet. This planet, that belongs to your specific sign, can be in one of the other 12 astrological signs. The sign in which your planet stands is very important for interpreting your horoscope.
The reason is that every sign of the zodiac has its own energy pattern. If a planet stands in a specific sign, it will also show the characteristics of that specific sign.
If you are an Aries, for instance, then your planet would be Mars. If Mars is in the sign of Taurus, Mars will help you in a very different way to achieve your goals, then when Mars is in Gemini.
Chinese astrology is a beautiful complement to western astrology and predates it many centuries. It could be said that they only have the word “astrology” in common; the eastern approach differs significantly from the western one in many other aspects. A very important part in Chinese astrology is played by their Chinese philosophy which is based on wisdom and knowledge that is many centuries old.
Chinese astrology uses the moon and the moon houses, to which belong 28 constellations. In addition to the moon houses, Chinese astrologers base their insights on 3 specific philosophical elements: the philosophy of the Chinese calendar, the philosophy of the five elements and Yin and Yang. Furthermore, they take account of the directions of the wind and the seasons.
The form of Chinese astrology that’s most common in the west, has its foundations in the Ba Zi Chinese Zodiac. This zodiac represents the constellations as animals. The 12 animals do not at all resemble the western signs. According to some sources these animals stem from Buddhism, but according to other sources Chinese astrology existed long before Buddha.
The Chinese calendar
The most important difference is that our western calendar is based on the sun, while the Chinese calendar is based on the moon. The Chinese year doesn’t begin on the first of January, as is the case in the west. The Chinese year begins on a well-defined date between January 21 and February 20. On top of that, a Chinese month consists of 29 to 30 days. A Chinese day is divided in 12 hours; such that 1 hour in the west corresponds to 2 hours in Chinese time.
Also, centuries are differently calculated then in the west. In the west, a century is made up of 100 years; the Chinese, however, divide it into 60 years. Furthermore, every period of 60 years is divided into 5 periods of 12 years.
These five periods correspond to the 5 elements. This means that a water rabbit is born only once every 60 years.
The five elements: earth, metal, water, wood and fire.
The Chinese use the five elements to describe movement and change. They believe that changes occur as a result of the influence of the elements on the balance between Yin and Yang.
Each of the 12 animals is for the most part made of one of the elements. The elements are based on the cardinal directions and correspond with the seasons.
The years also have their own natural element. The element which belongs to the year is the dominant one. Some year’s elements cooperate with the element of your animal, others work in opposition to it. Every element is dominant for two years in a row (one Yang year, followed by a Yin year), and returns 10 years later.
Consequently, change occurs due to the influence of the five main elements. These five elements are responsible for harmony, as well as disharmony. Therefore it is important to deal with them carefully.
Philosophy of Yin, Yang and CHI.
Our exterior is Yang (active, masculine, aggressive, socially indifferent) and our inner selves are Yin (passive, feminine, receptive, focussed on society).
Yin and Yang are each others opposites, but they can’t exist without each other. Everything is related to everything else. The principle of Yin and Yang states that everything is connected.
According to Chinese philosophy, each state of the universe is a direct consequence of a balance of energies or an imbalance between Yin and Yang.
Some animals are more Yin, others are more Yang.
Years are also either Yang or Yin. All even years are Yang, and all odd years are Yin. This says something about the best activities (either more inside or outside) to carry out in that specific year.
The word astrology consists of the word ‘astro’, or star, and the word ‘logos’, or study.
In other words: astrology is the study of the connection between the stars and especially planets of our solar system and a human life.
In astrology, planets symbolise parts of ourselves and they indicate how we act in certain situations and how we deal with experiences.
There are many kinds of astrology and they all have their own approach. For instance, western astrology studies the influence of heavenly bodies (the sun, moon, stars and planets) on the earth and the people on earth, while Chinese astrologers also take account of the seasons and, among other things, the philosophy of Yin and Yang.
Astrology can therefore be seen as a source of self-knowledge. Astrology doesn’t answers questions about who you really are and therefore interpretations shouldn’t be taken too literally. Astrology helps you think about certain issues and in that way gives you signals through which you get to know yourself.
When you look at astrology this way, the discussion whether it is ‘true’ or not is not a relevant one anymore. Anyone can take from it what is of interest to him or her and leave the rest for what it is.
This way, you can use astrology to give a positive turn to your life.
The origin of the Chinese signs of the zodiac is a mystery. According to some sources, Chinese Astrology originated around 1000 B.C., other sources state they come from Buddha. There is a legend about Buddha that says that at the end of his life, Buddha called for all animals to appear before him. He rewarded their loyal service by giving every animal the reign over one lunar year. Every lunar year was named after the animal and would be characterised by its qualities. The twelve animals would form the Chinese wheel. They reflect the cosmos.
There are twelve animals, in an order running from Rat to Pig. Every year there is a new animal. These 12 animals already give a good description of the different types of personalities. Most people do not however belong completely to one type but rather have the characteristics of several animals. This is because every person is made up of three animals:
o One animal for the year of birth.
o One animal for the month in which you were born .
o One animal for the exact time of birth, also known as the ascendant animal.
The year animal represents your behaviour.
The month animal is the same as in western astrology and plays an important part in how we form a personality and how we establish relationships.
The inner animal is derived from the exact time of birth and says something about the way you are inside.
In Chinese Astrology it is believed that we are not supposed to become a certain animal, but that we should be the qualities of the animals. The animals represent the content of our soul. The characteristics of the animals are those qualities, which we have to learn to master in our life’s journey.
The meaning of esotericism
Esotericism is related to the ‘inner world’ or ‘that which is hidden’; it is the opposite of exotericism, which deals with ‘the world out there’ or ‘that which is in public’.
Esotericism encompasses a diverse range of philosophical denominations and societies. Esotericism is aimed at achieving knowledge, which can be gained by learning and applying certain methods. At the core of it is the development of the individual self and its place in the universe.
Esotericism doesn’t encompass astrology. Esoteric astrology does exist, though. Astrologers practicing it also look at esoteric levels within astrology. This kind of astrology doesn’t only look at the level of personality, but also at the soul and consciousness.
Esotericism, another language
The esoteric aspects of astrology throw light on another aspect of human existence. Esotericism represents the invisible, that what cannot be directly perceived by our senses. It is connected to inner strength. At the centre of esotericism are the soul and consciousness. Consciousness means: being conscious about who you are.
Because esotericism deals with the soul it is very difficult to describe in words. The concepts are not taken from our normal level of consciousness and everyday vocabulary.
That’s the reason why, throughout the ages this knowledge has been passed on through symbols. By means of interpreting symbols which appeal to our emotions, they can however be translated.
Expressing knowledge through imagery and symbols in stead of through ‘everyday language’ can be a source of much miscommunication. Even when they are literally translated certain statements may lose their validity.
Tarot
A good and well-known example of esotericism and astrology are the tarot cards. You can decide for yourself how would like to express a certain symbol.
Esotericism isn’t that much about contemplating other, non-material things, but rather about thinking differently about things that already exist.
Are you looking for self-knowledge and valuable
insights into your life?
Every human being has a unique walk of life. Some people do this by living for the moment, others are less conscious about it and take life the way it comes.
Whatever walk of life you’re from, you may sometimes have questions about the meaning of life.
Learning to understand symbols, imagery and experiences mainly falls under the heading “Esotericism”. It helps you to find answers to your questions and to take your life into your own hands.
Esotericism represents the invisible; that which cannot be perceived directly with our senses. It’s all about inner strength and how conscious you are about who you really are. Because esotericism deals with things located at the level of the soul our normal level of consciousness can’t deal with it, and it can’t be expressed in everyday language either. Its deeper truths are communicated by means of symbols and mythological imagery.
The imagery and symbols may be experienced when you’re dreaming and can be read from the lines of your hand. The most well-known instance of symbolism are tarot cards. You will find more information about the tarot cards in our range of tarot products.
Word Warrior
Your IQ Score is: 115-120
You are equipped with a verbal arsenal that enables you to understand complex issues and communicate on a particularly high level. These talents make you a Word Warrior.
Whether or not you recognize it, your vocabulary is your strongest suit—use it whenever you can. Since your command of words is so great, you are also a terrific communicator — able to articulate big ideas to just about anyone. Your wordsmithing prowess will also help in artistic and creative pursuits. The power of words translates to fresh ideas off paper too. Since you have so many words at your disposal, you are in a unique position to describe things in an original way, as well as see the future in your mind’s eye. In short, your strengths allow you to be a visionary — able to extrapolate and come up with a multitude of fresh ideas. And you are in good company — bask in the brilliance of Word Warriors who have walked before you. William Shakespeare let loose the power of his pen. His ability to articulate the most subtle nuances of human nature and to create colorful characters are why his stories still have a major impact — even 400 years after he first wrote them. Whether you put pen to paper or use your understanding of the words around you to come up with creative approaches to problems, your potential as a Word Warrior is terrific.