Learning Astrology Question

[ReincarnatedRainbow]

I'm very new to astrology; just started studying it. I had thought that I could study it without having to get into the whole traditional versus modern astrology topic and sidereal versus tropical, but apparently I can't. I've been pretty much learning a little bit of all the different types of astrology, but because I don't know what to focus on, I'm getting a little mixed up on what is what. I tried looking up articles on these topics, but I'm having a hard time finding something that doesn't talk as if everybody automatically knows what is what and where they stand.

Without anybody starting a fight, can someone please tell me what is modern astrology, traditional astrology, sidereal astrology, and tropical astrology, and western astrology, and eastern astrology, and blah blah. Explain to me the differences. Also, what do you prefer? If you must put down a certain method of astrology (because it seems that everyone is really passionate about their methods on here), make sure to say that it is your opinion. I really don't want to get criticized for starting an arguement just because people got offended by each other.

Or, to make things easier, you can reference me to an article..Please no YouTube videos. I hate having to wait for the person to get to the point. They always talk so slowly and never give straightforward answers.

Er..Thank you. I hope I don't sound stupid or demanding..

[Frank]

My advice is to learn the meanings of the planets before moving on to anything else. Then you need not worry about anything else until you have a firm grasp of the planets.

I talk about this a bit here:

http://www.astrologyweekly.com/forum...eginning+study

Originally Posted by ReincarnatedRainbow

I'm very new to astrology; just started studying it. I had thought that I could study it without having to get into the whole traditional versus modern astrology topic and sidereal versus tropical, but apparently I can't. I've been pretty much learning a little bit of all the different types of astrology, but because I don't know what to focus on, I'm getting a little mixed up on what is what. I tried looking up articles on these topics, but I'm having a hard time finding something that doesn't talk as if everybody automatically knows what is what and where they stand.

Without anybody starting a fight, can someone please tell me what is modern astrology, traditional astrology, sidereal astrology, and tropical astrology, and western astrology, and eastern astrology, and blah blah. Explain to me the differences. Also, what do you prefer? If you must put down a certain method of astrology (because it seems that everyone is really passionate about their methods on here), make sure to say that it is your opinion. I really don't want to get criticized for starting an arguement just because people got offended by each other.

Or, to make things easier, you can reference me to an article..Please no YouTube videos. I hate having to wait for the person to get to the point. They always talk so slowly and never give straightforward answers.

Er..Thank you. I hope I don't sound stupid or demanding..

[SniperBomber328]

On that note, also learn the general meanings of houses, signs, aspects and planets and the influences each have. Though for a person who has moderately studied astrology for a year - not trying to judge or criticize - shouldn't you know the difference(s) between Trad., Modern, Sidereal and Trop. by now?

Eastern is a whole nother case in-of-itself, since it sorta moves from the classical '4 Elements' and '12 Houses', and instead uses '5 Elements' and '4 Pillars of Destiny'.

Not thoroughly into Astrology yet to mention too many facts about it, so I can only give general explanations for now. For more in-depth stuff, try asking around, while being more specific, like what about Modern v. Trad. isn't very comprehending?

Sorry if I missunderstood your post, and/or strayed too far from the main topic.

[ReincarnatedRainbow]

Originally Posted by SniperBomber328

On that note, also learn the general meanings of houses, signs, aspects and planets and the influences each have.

I already know them all.

Originally Posted by SniperBomber328

Though for a person who has moderately studied astrology for a year - not trying to judge or criticize - shouldn't you know the difference(s) between Trad., Modern, Sidereal and Trop. by now?

Very moderately. I studied only the psychology of the signs for more than half of that year. I can guess many people's sun signs or rising signs after just meeting them. And I know the basics of everything, but not enough to carry on a conversation about them. I need more detail, but I can't find anything that gives me that.

Originally Posted by SniperBomber328

Not thoroughly into Astrology yet to mention too many facts about it, so I can only give general explanations for now. For more in-depth stuff, try asking around, while being more specific, like what about Modern v. Trad. isn't very comprehending?

Haha, well...I don't know what traditional is...

Originally Posted by SniperBomber328

Sorry if I missunderstood your post, and/or strayed too far from the main topic.

I don't see how you did.

[sandstone]

i agree strongly with what frank said..

[ReincarnatedRainbow]

Originally Posted by Frank

My advice is to learn the meanings of the planets before moving on to anything else. Then you need not worry about anything else until you have a firm grasp of the planets.

I talk about this a bit here:

http://www.astrologyweekly.com/forum...eginning+study

I already know the houses, planets, and signs. So that's good!

[dr. farr]

Well, here's my take on what you asked about "modern", and "traditional":

-"Modernist" astrology is the approach to astrological concepts and methods developed around the late 19th/early 20th century, with subsequent additions and modifications occuring throughout the 20th century, and continuing up to the present time.

-"Traditional" astrology is the body of doctrines, outlooks and methods developed from late Islamic-transitional era time (c.10th/11th centuries AD) through to the early 18th century, and especially as developed during that time period in Europe. This approach was heavily influenced by the astrological works of Ptolemy (2nd century AD), which were re-introduced to the later Islamic and medieval European world and had a profound effect.

-Hellenistic astrolgy is the name given to various astrological schools of practice in the West, prior to the end of the Classical period (approx. 6th-7th century AD) Basic ideas regarding signs, elements, stars, planets, basics of horoscopy, all arose from the Hellenist foundation (Hellenist astrology probably arose as a complete synthesis in Alexandria around the 3rd century BC) However, Hellenistic astrology as such, vanished by around the 7th century AD, but portions/modifications of Hellenistic astrology were carried on by the Harrians and also into the early Islamic-transitional era period (8th/9th century AD)

In the 20th century, "Traditionalist" astrology was very rare (as a practice), and Hellenist astrology all but unknown: "Modern" astrology pretty completely dominated the picture relative to books, courses and practitioners. "Traditionalist" astrology was rekindled beginning in the late 1980's/early 1990's, and has continued to grow.
Hellenistic astrology also was rekindled in the 1990's, and a small but growing number of neo-Hellenists have become increasingly active since that time.

[Anachiel]

Originally Posted by ReincarnatedRainbow

Without anybody starting a fight, can someone please tell me what is modern astrology, traditional astrology, sidereal astrology, and tropical astrology, and western astrology, and eastern astrology, and blah blah.

OK, here is my take:

Modern astrology is marked by its use of the outer planets; Uranus, Neptune and Pluto plus a plethora of asteroids, and deep space objects. It is a relatively new practice in light of the history of astrology and is also known for it's use of psychological traits ascribed to the planets as well as a penchant for "free-will" dominating "fate".

Traditional astrology is the root of everything we know about astrology. It is marked by it's use of the traditional five planets and two luminaries and also holds strong to certain rules and proceedures in reading a chart. It seems to take a more fate dominating free-will perspective which would have to hold true if one also agrees that astrology is predictive.

Sidereal astrology is both modern and traditional but, only measures the celestial scheme without the use of precession but fails in that it still divides that very scheme by equal 30 degree segments (which nothing 'up there' is) while claiming to measure the "true view" of the heavens.

Tropical Astrology is what we all, generally, are looking at. It takes into account precession of the equinoxes, divides the zodiac in to equal 30 degree segments and is the most popular way to view any type of chart.

Eastern astrology is sidereal, has it's own rules and formula as well as has a touch of Hindu religion added to it. It is unique, however, in that they offer prescriptions on how to appease or fortify certain planetary influences in one's life through practice, donation, charity, mantra or religious prayer (puja). It is also more fate than free-will oriented and is traditional, it's use being passed down for centuries virtually unchanged. They hinge the argument of fate vs free-will on the fact that following certain prescriptions can make certain planetary influence more or less prevalent in one's experience/life.

Western astrology includes the first four catagories and is, generally, immune from religious atributes being ascribed to the planets or signs. It also, generally, takes a more psychological approach and is inclined to try anything new rather than follow it's traditional roots - not always though

Then you have Uranian astrology, Heliocentric and a few other semi-popular methods that haven't really caught on as much as the others and are generally considered specialized forms of western astrology, modern astrology and, occasionally, even sidereal astrology

[Kaiousei no Senshi]

Yes, I agree with what Frank suggested. Learn the basics: Signs, Planets, Houses, Aspects, and Dignities.

I already know the houses, planets, and signs. So that's good!

Excellent! Do you know why they mean what they mean? Understanding the philosophy is extremely important and can open up a whole new world view of astrology to you. I know that, personally, I couldn't get astrology to really "open up" for me until I started learning the philosophy behind different things. Once I could figure out why the first house ruled what it ruled, everything made more sense.

[dr. farr]

I fully second the above member's statements regarding the philosophy at the root of the symbolisms involved-really makes all the difference in understanding!

[Anachiel]

Oh, almost forgot - DeVore's Encyclopedia of Astrology is an excellent read. I believe it is part of astrologyweekly.com. You can just pop in any term and it probably has the definition, all in one place.

[ReincarnatedRainbow]

Originally Posted by Kaiousei no Senshi

Yes, I agree with what Frank suggested. Learn the basics: Signs, Planets, Houses, Aspects, and Dignities.



Excellent! Do you know why they mean what they mean? Understanding the philosophy is extremely important and can open up a whole new world view of astrology to you. I know that, personally, I couldn't get astrology to really "open up" for me until I started learning the philosophy behind different things. Once I could figure out why the first house ruled what it ruled, everything made more sense.

Ah, working on it. I understand the reasoning behind some things, but not all..Not most, either...I tried to get a family member of mine to explain the reasoning of houses once because she used to study astrology, but she explained in such a way that it didn't even sound like it was part of the English language. So I figured to put off learning the philosophy later...

[ReincarnatedRainbow]

@Anachiel
@ dr. farr

Thanks! Dr. farr helped with background and Anachiel helped with the methods. So ****, that was perfect.

[ReincarnatedRainbow]

Originally Posted by Anachiel

Oh, almost forgot - DeVore's Encyclopedia of Astrology is an excellent read. I believe it is part of astrologyweekly.com. You can just pop in any term and it probably has the definition, all in one place.

I'll make sure to look it up after I've finished my to-do list.

TO-DO LIST:
Procrastinate going to the bathroom
Read a perverted manga
Look for overly romantic anime
Go to the bathroom
Procrastinate on looking up the encyclopedia
Subtly suggest that my mom pay for a book that I have the money for
Look up encyclopedia

I'll be done with the check list in four hours, so don't worry.

[Kaiousei no Senshi]

Ah, working on it. I understand the reasoning behind some things, but not all..Not most, either...I tried to get a family member of mine to explain the reasoning of houses once because she used to study astrology, but she explained in such a way that it didn't even sound like it was part of the English language. So I figured to put off learning the philosophy later...

I got your back.

Philosophy of Signs Start there and work your way down.

Philosophy of Houses Best book ever.

Philosophy of Dignities

Philosophy of Aspects

Maybe you could squeeze one of those in during your bathroom breaks?

[ReincarnatedRainbow]

I'll add that to my TO-DO list.

[Imitation_Scorpion]

Traditional astrology is a combination of what remains after the crusades, the burning of libraries the bastardization of knowledge and so forth through the victors of wars etc.

Essentially its what remains and what has been fused from Greek, Arabic and older sources.

Essentially some scholar took greek astrology and traded it with the arabics In which greek and arabic astrology fused together. Then the crusades happened. Greek version was destroyed, Arabic versions survived.
(Due to the nature of the crusades.)

After some time passed, the two were re-uinted. With fragments of classical Greek knowledge imbuned with more Arabic.

Then they split again, and re-uinited a couple more times.

This is classical astrology, the best we can do with remaning bits of information, that are now becoming more and more avaliable and with more knowledge thanks to the internet, and people more widley avaliable to get and work on translations.

Modern astrology was ultimately created in the 1900's by Alan Leo, who tried to bring astrology from an ancient mindset, to a modern mindset. As the "enlightened man" would not accept astrology in its original form, and more skeptics were about to disprove it, then actually work with it.

And then the work of carl jung with psychology thrown in as well.

Ultimately what you get is a choice between millions of years of surviving knowledge that's had thousands of years to be improved and a system unto its self, that will make predictions, can be used for divination with absolute accuracy, and can tell you when you will die, and what sickness you have.

Or, you can have a system based in psychology that makes no predictions, no absolute statements, and is more concerned about feeling and thinking then anything else.


Recomended books:
Tetrabiblos - Claudius ptolemy
Carmen Astrologicum - Dortheus of sidon (David pingree Translation)
Aspects in astrology - Sue tompkins
Astrometerology - Kris Brandt Riske
Temperment astrology's forgotten key - Dorian gieseler greenbaum
Anything by
Robert Hand,
John Frawley
And of course,
Christian astrology - William Lilly

[sandstone]

try to stay away from those with an axe to grind regardless of the type of astrology they are promoting... if you are into axes or learning how to watch someone use an ax on the other hand, you might want to follow what they say closely...

[ReincarnatedRainbow]

Originally Posted by Imitation_Scorpion

And then the work of carl jung with psychology thrown in as well.

Ultimately what you get is a choice between millions of years of surviving knowledge that's had thousands of years to be improved and a system unto its self, that will make predictions, can be used for divination with absolute accuracy, and can tell you when you will die, and what sickness you have.

Or, you can have a system based in psychology that makes no predictions, no absolute statements, and is more concerned about feeling and thinking then anything else.

You sound as if you're more of a traditional astrologer

[ReincarnatedRainbow]

Originally Posted by Haizea

All the answers above are from Traditional Astrologers. In all Astrologies you will want to learn about Signs, Houses and Planets but the sources can vary. Dignities were despised in Modern Times so you can skip them and still be an astrologer.

There are not two people who have the same Astrology. They can be more or less similar, but they are never the same. Choose what you like, if you like anything.


When you have decided what you really want to learn, say so. There are too many different sources to learn from.

There are threads where you can read about each's favorite sources.

Hmm. I was first inspired to learn astrology from a dusty book I stumbled upon in my mom's pathetic "bookshelf". The astrologer was definately modern, although I think she had some traditional beliefs, as well. Of course, I like the psychological take on astrology more than the predictive half. I believe that predictive astrology contains some truth - if the astrologer who does the predicting is truthful. (And obviously experienced.)

However, I will ask for readings every now and then, when the future starts to intimidate me. I don't see predictive astrology as being set in stone, though. I'm a firm believer in free will, and I think "fate" is fake. But i could be wrong. No expert.

[ReincarnatedRainbow]

Originally Posted by sandstone

try to stay away from those with an axe to grind regardless of the type of astrology they are promoting... if you are into axes or learning how to watch someone use an ax on the other hand, you might want to follow what they say closely...

I'm not quite catching on to your analogy.

[dr. farr]

For an excellent outlook on signs (from Modernist pioneer Charles Carter), take a look at his "Zodiac and the Soul", and also his extensive elaboration of signs in his "Essays on the Foundations of Astrology"; I agree with the recommendation (above) regarding Houlding's "Houses:Temples of the Sky", for the domification issue, although as a supplement to that I would suggest Robert Hand's "Whole Sign House" booklet (which led me to try-and then switch-to whole sign houses, after 3 decades of having used Placidus)

(Note: I am an eclectic in astrological matters, taking what I have found valuable in Modern, Traditional, Hellenist sources, and some material from Vedic and even Chinese astrological sources as well!)

[sandstone]

r-r don't worry about understanding my comment... take advantage of all the useful ideas others here are offering and above all else - keep an open mind while making your own observations independent the opinions of others......

i will answer one question you are asking about - sidereal verses tropical...
they are 2 different reference points for doing astrology... 90% of those in the west use tropical.. primarily in india and some other areas around asia 90% or more use sidereal... it changes the sign positions and all the descriptions that go with them... there is about a 28 degree lag at present where 0 aries in tropical is around 2 or 3 pisces in sidereal.. most of the info that is readily available and discussed around the net is tropical based, as opposed to sidereal.. you might find it easier to work with when you are first starting out.

[JUPITERASC]

For those interested to discover more regarding the differences between sidereal and tropical then these links are most informative:

Western Sidereal Astrology - Kenneth Bowser's site http://www.westernsiderealastrology....cyrilfagan.asp also http://siderealist.com/welcome%20to%...astrology.html as well as http://www.eclipses.biz/ancient_mistake.html

[ReincarnatedRainbow]

Originally Posted by sandstone

r-r don't worry about understanding my comment...

Tell me, anyway.