Chinese And Western Astrology: 5 Differences And Similarities?

Chinese And Western Astrology: The astrology practiced in China and the astrology practiced in the west like USA, UK, Canada and Australia are two different beasts.

There are similarities, of course, because both systems are based on the motions of the planets, 5 elements and stars. However, there are several differences that set these systems apart.

In this article, we’re going to take a look at some of these differences and similarities on Chinese And Western Astrology.

Understanding The Two Types Of Astrology

Western astrology- is the branch of astrology that is based on the movements of the planets and stars in relation to the earth.

It is seen as a “horoscopic” form of astrology, which means that it looks at the alignment of the planets and stars in relation to a person’s birth chart in order to divine their future.

On the other hand, the lunar cycle underpins Chinese astrology. Whereas western astrology looks at the movements of the planets and stars in relation to the earth, Chinese astrology looks at the movements of the moon in relation to the earth.

This means that it is called a “synodic” form of astrology, which means it looks at the alignment of celestial bodies in relation to each other.

Differences Between Chinese and Western Astrology

Key Differences	Chinese Astrology	Chinese and Western Astrology
Talk On	Individual Person	Family & Relationships
Focuses On	Cycles of life	Predicting the future
Remedies	Symbolic	Mathematics
Study On	Elements	Less elements oriented

1. Western Astrology Focuses On The Individual, While Chinese Astrology Focuses On Relationships

One of the main differences between Chinese astrology and western astrology is that western astrology focuses on the individual, while Chinese Astrology focuses on relationships.

• Western astrology can give you an idea of how Taurus couples could fare for example, but it doesn’t account for other people who make up your world.
• Meanwhile, Chinese astrology takes into account all of the people in your life and how they will affect your future.
• For example, if you’re born under the sign of the Rat, according to Chinese astrology, you are said to be a very resourceful person. But Rats also need to be careful not to be too aggressive, because they can easily rub people the wrong way.
• So, in order to be successful, Rats need to learn how to strike a balance between their own needs and that of their loved ones. Find the quick guide on the Chinese Zodiac Signs Compatibility. and the Zodiac Signs Prediction For 2022.

2. Chinese Astrology Is More Focused On The Cycles Of Life, While Western Astrology Is More Focused On Predicting The Future

Another major difference between Chinese astrology and western astrology is that Chinese astrology is more focused on the cycles of life, while western astrology is more focused on predicting the future.

For example, Western astrology might seek to answer questions such as how a Virgo will fare in a career as a doctor. What kind of salary can they expect? Will their marriage be long and happy? And so on and so forth.

But Chinese astrology doesn’t really care about where you land on the career path. It is more focused on the cycles of life, such as your birth, coming of age, mid-life crisis, and so on.

For instance, people who are born in the year of the rabbit might need to be wary when the year of the snake rolls along. However, you have a wood element in your sign, you are likely to benefit from added resilience in the face of these adversities. 

3. Western Astrology Is More Heavily Based On Mathematics, While Chinese Astrology Is More Heavily Based On Symbolism

While both western astrology and Chinese astrology make use of symbolism, western astrology is more heavily based on mathematics.

For example, in order to calculate someone's sun sign in western astrology, you need to know their exact date, time, and place of birth. It's also important to note the location of the other planets in relation to their sun sign at the time of their birth.

But Chinese astrology is more heavily based on symbolism. The animal signs are said to represent different personality characteristics that everyone possesses to varying degrees.

For example, people who are born in the year of the dragon are said to be very resourceful, but also aggressive at times.

4. The Elements In Western Astrology Are More Important Than They Are In Chinese Astrology.

Another major difference between western astrology and Chinese astrology is that the elements (Five Elements) are more important in western astrology than they are in Chinese astrology.

In western astrology, the elements are said to represent different areas of life, such as your health, your love life, your finances, etc. And each element is said to have positive and negative associations.

For example, water is said to be associated with emotions and feelings, while fire is associated with passion and energy.

But in Chinese astrology, the elements are not quite as important. They are said to be associated with different seasons of the year, and each season is said to have different qualities.

For example, winter is associated with the element of water, which is why it is often seen as a time of introspection and reflection.

Similarities Between Chinese And Western Astrology

Similarities	Chinese Astrology and Chinese and Western Astrology
Influence By	Both Systems Are Based On The Idea That The Planets And Other Celestial Bodies.
Zodiac Signs	People Born Under The Same Sign Have Many Personality Traits In Common.
Forecaste	Both Systems Contain An Element Of Prediction.

Both Systems Are Based On The Idea That The Planets And Other Celestial Bodies Have An Influence On Our Lives.

Both western astrology and Chinese astrology are based on the idea that the planets and other celestial bodies have an influence on our lives.

For example, in both systems, it is believed that the position of the planets at the time of your birth can determine your personality and your future. 

Both systems also use symbolism to represent different areas of life. For example, in western astrology, the sun is associated with your self-identity and the moon is associated with your emotions.

Western astrology also uses symbolism to represent different seasons and years in a person’s life.

For instance, Cancer is said to be associated with the fourth house of a horoscope, which is why it's often seen as a turning point in life, such as heading off to college or getting married.

People Born Under The Same Sign Have Many Personality Traits In Common

Another similarity between Chinese and western astrology is that people born under the same sign usually share similar personality traits.

For instance, western astrologists often believe that Virgos are organized, regimented, and diligent, just as Chinese astrologists believe that people born under the sign of the rat are cunning and friendly.

This generalized approach to personality traits differs slightly from the conventional belief that our genetics and life experiences predispose us towards having specific personality traits.

However, the fact that both systems have retained their relevance over the course of time speaks to their legitimacy and importance.

Both Systems Contain An Element Of Prediction

Last but not least, both Chinese and western astrology contain an element of prediction. Although Chinese astrologists believe in five elements instead of four, both systems believe that your time of birth and its corresponding sign yields an extent of influence over your lives.

For instance, Western astrologists might believe that Tigers are likely to pursue careers that require a high amount of attention to detail, be slow yet intentional in their approach to love, and feel drawn to hobbies that involve a high degree of technical knowledge and skills.

Meanwhile, Chinese astrologists believe that individuals born under the sign of the pig are likely to be diligent workers, who run the risk of being overtly gullible.

Though the specific modes of prediction differ between the two systems, they both posit that our astrological signs dictate the direction our lives are likely to take.

Also take a look at 2022 Zodiac signs predictions.

• Ox Sign
• Rat Sign
• Pig Sign
• Dog Sign
• Tiger Sign
• Snake Sign
• Goat Sign
• Horse Sign
• Monkey Sign
• Rooster Sign
• Rabbit Sign
• Dragon Sign

Chinese and western astrology compatibility Signs Chart

Chinese	Western Astrology Compatibility
Scorpio,	Rat,
Libra,	Ox,
Virgo,	Tiger,
Capricorn,	Rabbit,
Pisces,	Dragon,
Taurus,	Snake,
Aries,	Horse,
Leo,	Sheep,
Cancer,	Monkey,
Cancer,	Rooster,
Sagittarius,	Dog,
Gemini and	and Pig compatibility
Aquarius compatibility

Conclusion

Both Chinese and western astrology have survived the test of time and garnered legions of practitioners.

Though there may be differences between the two systems, the fact remains that they are both capable of lending some insight into ourselves and the way in which we interact with the world.

Whether you believe in Chinese or western astrology (or both!), we hope you found this article helpful. This list of differences and similarities is by no means exhaustive, but we hope that they gave you a basic overview of the two!

Thanks for reading, and we hope the stars align for you!