I am a student of energy. Through various mathematical equations, we learn that energy comprises all matter, and energy has the ability to influence other things made of energy. From this concept of energy, we can begin to understand our surroundings and build tools that aid and guide us.
Through the study of energy, we can start to see the influences in our lives and learn how to integrate these influences. That way, we are knowledgeable on a conscious level and can take action. Be that modifying negative influences or enhancing positive influences.
Astrology is a tool built upon the premise of energy, meant to help people identify the types of energy present in the world that is influencing their lives. Used as a form of divination, astrology observes the movement and positions of celestial objects in order to ascertain what energy is present.
From these positions and years of observation and intuition, we can identify the style of energy at play at our birth and each day of our lives.
A Little History of Astrology:
Astrology dates back to the 2nd millennium BCE and there is still evidence of people having kept records of the heaven’s movement, on walls and bones from 25,000 years ago. In addition to these records, we can see evidence of the use of astrology in ancient cultures.
Astrology had a great level of importance years ago, because from the records of astrologers, people were able to be better prepared in life. For the farmers the movement of the stars helped them know when to plant.
At the same time, astrology was woven into ancient cultures. Whether you wanted to know when to duck during tornado season or travel farther inland during hurricane season. Before astrology became a means to understanding ourselves and how we weave into the world around us, it was a means to improve crops and to keep us safe and prepared.
As time passed, astrology began to unveil new depths and layers. Astrologers took this idea of energy and witnessed the influence it had on people at birth and each day since then.
How Astrology Readings Work:
When you consider the energetic influence of the moon on our tides and then think about the fact that we are mostly water. You can begin to understand the great forces within the heavens influencing our lives. When the moon can influence the tide, us smaller beings are no problem.
This influence the moon’s energy has on us is only a part of astrology. There are larger planets out there and moving stars from far away. Each of these celestial objects sends out different types of energy, that influence us each in different ways.
At birth we are fresh to this world and in that moment we are born, we are exposed to the energy of the heavens for the first time without the protection of our mother’s body. In that moment, we are imbued with energy that in my opinion is related to what we have planned for our life (Soul Contract).
This influence that imprints on us is what astrologers call our Natal Chart or Birth Chart. A reading pertaining to our Natal Chart takes a look at the energies present at our birth and analyzes what impact they have had on us. What kind of person are we because of them? What are our strengths and weaknesses? And if you get a really good astrologer, what sort of things can we expect from our lives?
The other component of astrology is to look at where the heavens are in this moment. Each day the stars change positions, due to this the energy that has the most impact on our lives, changes from day to day.
This changing influence impacts what is happening on Earth and on a more personal level, how our Natal Chart (the energy at birth) interacts with the energy currently present.
The Different Styles of Astrology:
While the tool of astrology dates back thousands of years, it has differed from culture to culture. Each group of people has taken time to stare up into the heavens and think. What each culture did after that was individualistic.
For the ancient Hindus, Mayan, and Chinese they each took their own stab at understanding the forces at play in the universe. While we each look at the same heaven over the course of the year, what we understand and how we work with the celestial objects in the sky has lead to a variety in styles that are still being used today, and each has something to offer.
Western Astrology:
During the 19th-17th Century BCE in Mesopotamia, western astrology was being created. From there it spread to ancient, Greece, Rome, the Arab world, and Central and Western Europe. For those of us in Europe and the United States, this is probably the style of astrology we know most.
This style is made up of, 12 Zodiac signs, 12 Houses, the planets, and other notable celestial objects. From these factors we can learn about a person’s Birth Chart as well as what energy is traveling to our home from the sky.
Each zodiac is a notable constellation of stars (Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces). Within each zodiac, there is a ruling planet, an element, masculine or feminine, and a fixed, mutable, or cardinal sign.
Each zodiac and planet offer a different type of energy, and in our Natal Chart, the placement of the heavens at time of birth determines where they will fall in each of the 12 Houses. Since the placement changes from moment to moment, we each have unique charts.
In western astrology, your Birth Chart is determined by your date of birth, time of birth, and place of birth. From these three factors, you can find your own chart.
Check out this video on the basics of western astrology: Astrology 101
Check out this website to calculate your own Natal Chart FREE: AstroCafe
Taoist Astrology:
Another prominent style of astrology is the Taoist or Chinese Astrology. You might know them as the 12 animals or zodiacs (Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Phoenix (or Rooster), Dog, and Pig).
These 12 animals according to Taoist philosophy, is the manifestation or embodiment of heavenly energy here in physical form. Along those same lines, Taoist astrology was nurtured in order to help people achieve Taoist goals.
In their philosophy, to experience great happiness in life means finding harmony with all that we know. To that end, they discovered and dedicated their resources to building tools that would aid them in guiding them to a harmonious life.
In this case, they used astrology to achieve that same goal. From their understanding, they saw the Celestial Realm (stars and planets) influencing the Terrestrial Realm (time, month, day, fortunes). The use of animals as their 12 zodiacs were meant to help people understand the different types of energy. From this understanding of this rhythm of nature, people could be guided.
Check out this website on: Taoist Astrology
Hindu Astrology: Jyotisha, Indian Astrology, or Vedic Astrology
This style of astrology is relatively new to me. While it falls under the tool of astrology, it has a different style and history to western astrology. For this reason, you will discover a different viewpoint of the energy within the heavens, not to mention what you might discover.
The first great difference is the way in which Hindu astrology approaches mapping the heavens. While in western astrology we use the Tropical Zodiac, utilizing the motion of the planets based on the position of the Sun based on the Spring Equinox. In Hindu Astrology, they use the Sidereal Zodiac. In this case, they view the stars in the sky as fixed and it is the movement of the planets that determine their readings.
The second great difference is the history astrology has played in India over the years. This ancient tool has not diminished in use overtime, like many other styles, but in 2001 it became an official degree, students could go to college for.
To this day, people of the Hindu faith utilize astrology to determine many factors in their lives. Including the naming of their children. The difference of this style of astrology continues with the 12 zodiac symbols (Ram, Bull, Twins, Crab, Lion, Virgin Girl, Balance, Scorpion, Bow & Arrow, Goat, Water Bearer, and Fishes).
At this time my knowledge and work with this style of astrology is still in the beginning phases. But as you can see, the history itself is fascinating. What you can learn from this style of astrology can expand your understanding of astrology, yourself, and the world.
Cherokee Astrology:
The final style of astrology I am familiar with is Cherokee Astrology. In my search of literature on western astrology, when I began my studies, led me to a book on Cherokee Astrology. Before that moment I was unaware that this Native American tribe had crafted their own style.
In my researching I found another layer of wisdom to be found within the field of astrology. This time, this style of astrology is based upon a calendar of 260 days as opposed to our 365-day year. From this calendar, there are 20 Day Signs and 13 numbers. Based upon your date of birth, you can find your Day Sign and Number.
Within the Cherokee faith, they believed that everything on Earth was a representation of the stars. This included people, animals, trees, rivers, and rocks. Which they see as all sentient beings.
Final Thoughts:
Over the course of time we have each taken a moment or two to gaze into the sky. With each look we learn a little more about the grand scheme of the universe.
Whether you are a student of energy, a fan of the esoteric, or simply taking a look into a new tool, astrology has something to share with each person. How have the energies of the universe impacted you? What can you learn about yourself by looking at how you weave into the world we share?