Andromeda DavisIn this article, we’ll give you a brief and quick guide to understanding what these two forms of astrology have in common and where they differ.
What Western and Chinese astrology has in common
The first thing that the two forms of astrology have in common is that both systems are based on the date and time of a person’s birth.
Another thing both systems have in common is the number 12. Both use twelve symbols and signs to give meaning.
Similarities and differences signs
Both systems also use characters for each sign. Chinese astrology uses all animals, while Western astrology uses some animals, but also other beings or objects.
That 12 signs of Western astrology: Aries (ram),Taurus (bull), Gemini (twins), Cancer (crab), Leo (lion), Virgo (Virgin), Libra (scales), Scorpio (scorpion), Sagittarius (Centaur), Capricorn (goat), Aquarius (water bearer), Pisces (fish).
The 12 signs of Chinese astrology: Rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, pig.
Differences in months
Both systems use calendar months that are associated with the signs. However, they differ in both the calendars that they use and the cycles in which signs begin and end.
Chinese monthly system: The Chinese astrology system is based on lunar cycles or phases of the moon, thus the lunar year (even though in practical terms, it is more of a solar system).
The lunar aspect of interpretation is translated to four moon phases: New Moon, waxing moon, full moon, and waning mood. Those associated with new moon seek out innovative environments; those associated with the waxing moon are hard-working; those associated with the full moon are diplomatic, and those associated with the waning moon seek a peaceful environment.
The four pillars of the Chinese system
One very significant difference to the Chinese system is a concept known as “four pillars.” In this system, someone has four signs – there is a sign for the birth year, the birth month, birthday and birth hour.
The animals in the Chinese system are on 12-year cycles.
Western astrology system: is based on solar calendars, thus the solar year and zodiac signs being called Sun signs. In Western astrology, associations are made with celestial alignment (sun, moon, planets, etc.).
Differences in elements
Chinese astrology elements: Fire, earth, metal, water, and wood. Each element in Chinese astrology is linked to a 2-year period governing the motivating forces in your life. Fire-born signs seek excitement, Earthborn signs are security-minded, metal seeks order, water seeks emotional connections, would our explorers.
Considering the 12-year cycles of each animal in the Chinese system, when you add the 5 element cycles (fire, earth, metal, water, and wood), (5 x12), it equates to a 60-year cycle.
Western astrology elements: Fire, earth, air, and water. Each of these elements is connected to three zodiac signs. Fire signs are impulsive, earth signs are practical, air signs are driven by intellect, and water signs are driven by emotion.
Shea Lee
