east/west – Time & Space Consulting

The differences between Eastern & Western astrology systems definitely illustrate some of the differences between the two cultures.

First, consider how each system looks at the moon. In the Vedic system, the moon is extremely important and is more relevant than the Sun. (a heresy to consider here in the west!) Whereas here in the west the moon represents our moods, our emotions, and our unconscious behavior patterns. In the east, the moon describes the mind….particularly the monkey mind, or the puppy mind as yoga teacher Steven Cope has described it. Either, or, it’s out of our control.

On the other hand, Mercury in the western system governs things like communication, networking, short distance travel, and our habitual thinking patterns. In the Vedic system, Mercury has more to do with our intellect, a higher function than we usually attribute to Mercury.

The yogi’s and other spiritual seekers of the east spend a lot of time studying the mind. Over the centuries they have written volumes on the nature of the mind and how to best use and control it. For anyone who has practiced yoga or meditation for a while it’s easy to see that they are definitely onto something. The Buddah tells us that our suffering is really a result of negative and disruptive mind states. Patanjali wrote in his famous sutras, that the ultimate purpose of yoga is about calming down the fluctuations of the mind.

Whether you follow eastern or western astrology there’s a lot of information to be gained by examining the condition of the moon and mercury in your chart. First consider the sign and house placement of each planet, and then spend some time looking at the aspect (or relationship) of them to each other. Perhaps you’ll get a sense of how your mind functions, or not! After all, your entire perspective is simply a result of your own mind.

Hmmmm.

Time to ponder.

Om shanti.

The differences between Eastern & Western Astrology parallel the differences in the cultures.

In the East spirituality is a priority in one’s life. And, spiritual practices can be performed in solitary, in groups, in organized religions, in beautiful architecture, nature, or any place one may find oneself. Spirit is a constant priority, sometimes surpassing food.

Western astrology is more focused on the material world and seekers ask a lot of ‘how & when’ questions of life rather than the who, what, or why questions of the East. Of course, that is ‘this’ astrologer’s perspective to date. Astrology can be very ‘fluid’, allowing for reversals, retrogrades, and repetitious activity.

Western astrology uses a hypothetical division of the cosmos and their charts look like this.

Western chart a western style chart

Eastern astrology measures it’s cycles from what can be actually seen in the sky. It’s a question of what is real and what is unreal…..the eternal questions of spirit. Their charts of the cosmos look like this.

an eastern style chart

Western astrology recognizes technology as a force in the world and that is symbolized by it’s recognition of the Outer Planets….those that require a telescope to be seen. Eastern Astrology continues to respect Saturn as the outermost boundary of our universe. What cannot be seen with the naked eye, does not exist. Sounds like another profound question for those on a spiritual path. If you can’t see it, is it there? Reminds me of the sound of a tree falling in the woods, or one hand clapping.

Perhaps you can now understand that the study of astrology can be a study of life in the same profound way as philosophy or law.

And yet, the practical application of astrological data can also make one’s life much easier in many mundane ways. Choosing good times, understanding people and our relationships, finding suitable locations, and discovering insights about oneself are more ways in which astrology can help.

……………………….to be continued