Western Astrology and the Thirteenth Sign - What's the Difference?

Western astrology differs from the schools of astrology that use thirteen signs because the standard twelve signs are used as a method of measurement as opposed to direct planetary relationships.

Nothing happens in straight lines. As a matter of fact, there is no such thing as a straight line in nature. Astrology measures events in orbs.

For further reading, look for astrologer Robert Hand. He's traceable on the internet. His father made a killing on the stock market using astrology. Robert graduated with a science degree, but decided to pursue astrology as his lifetime career.

Each sign establishes patterns according to the position of the sun, which have a different effect contingent on which part of the earth is facing the sun. The sun is like the interpreter of the energies of surrounding celestial bodies and constellations.

The American Ephemeris records all of these planetary movements with precise timing.

Eastern astrologers use a different time standard which is called Sidereal, having roots going back to antiquity. Western astrologers use Tropical timing.

Tropical time references are constructed symbolically using thirty degree divisions that act as gateways for the cosmic energies to manifest through liaisons with our sun. There are twelve of these reference points.

Here is where the divide between astronomy and astrology happens. Metaphorically described, astrology uses the gateways that happen to have the names of constellations. The energies of these constellations are used in a descriptive metaphor.

When someone from the field of astronomy remarks about constellations, it is observational. As an example, we may be able to look into the night sky and see Mars. But through the interpretation of the sun as a carrier the energies are blended.

Taurus the Bull, or Aries the Ram, Cancer the Crab, and so on symbolize each division of thirty degrees from which the point of interpretation happens. It does not mean that the actual planet is positioned directly above in the night skies.

This is why astronomers locate, and astrologers interpret.

Any weird happenings are more in line with the precession of the equinoxes, and with earth's magnetic poles shifting, and earth wobbles that accompany this phenomenon. Because an astronomer or scientist observes does not mean conclusions are end all.

When I took an astronomy course in college, at least half of the information dispensed was prefaced with "we formerly believed. . . now we believe that. . ."

Although each wobble takes approximately 25,765 years to complete a precession, changes do happen. It accounts for one day every 71 years.

The zodiac is the oldest known system that serves to give coordinates, and it dates back possibly to 5,000 years ago. About 2000 years ago Libra, which represents one of the equinoxes, was added to the zodiac.

Western astrology only uses the coordinates in combination with the sun's positions.

What happened with the booga booga that went around about the thirteen planets? Someone took one piece of historical information out of context, and then it went viral.