Philosophy of 'Best of West & Eastern' Astrologys

[Guest guest]

Best of West &

East

 

 

Dear Friends,

Subscribers:

 

 

We’ve had so many new people join over these last couple of

months I thought today, it might be helpful to focus a little on the

relationship between Western & Eastern Astrology.

So, if you have any personal experiences of both of your Western

& Eastern charts, let us know!

 

For me, I first started studying Western when I was in high school

and college. Back then one tended to just read

one’s daily Horoscope or those cute little Sun Sign books that

appear quite often in the check out lines of most grocery

stores!

So, I picked up one and felt something when I read about my Western

Sun in Virgo description. Some of it, of

course didn’t seem to fit me, but hey, I didn’t know enough

about Astrology to know one way or the other.

But, I did hear that there was a complete Astrological chart which

is more thorough then just one’s Sun Sign.

I knew that must be more important. So,

I sent away for mine. But, in 1969 it cost me

20$ for a 20 page computerized print out all about my chart.

I devoured it. The specificity, the

details enthralled me. It was so fascinating

to read about so many aspects about myself. On and off over the next ten

years or so I continued reading about Western Astrology.

Then, in 1988 while attending an Ayurvedic conference in

New Delhi At the time I knew that Eastern was supposed to be

different then Western but I couldn’t have told you why. I first got introduced to the Eastern version of Astrology

called Jyotish or Vedic Astrology.

While I was there I had a professional reading of my Jyotish. I have to tell you though; it was nothing I was

prepared for. As the Indian Jyotishee went

through the different aspects of my seat, I was on pins and needles. I was alternating between,…

“wow”, to “mmmm”, to “yes”, and

finally “WOW….that’s me!”

Now, of course, I know this is the classic experience of good

Astrological resonance. One is supposed to

feel touched, or some synchronicity as to one’s chart. Why? Because, our

charts are supposed to fit us?

But, how can both our Western and Eastern charts fit us? They do after all describe very different

charts. Right now, the two systems are about

23 degrees apart. In fact, they’ve been

drifting apart for over 1600 years.

1600 years ago, the Mathematics of Western was very close to the

Mathematics of Jyotish. Then, Western

Astrology got the notion that the Stars should be calculated on the day of

the Spring Equinox. At the time, the dark ages

were going on in Europe and people were interested

in reviving Astrology. In the East the Astrology chart is calculated with

the Sun moving into the first degree of Aries as the first day of the

year.

At that time there wasn’t much difference between the

outcomes of these two very different systems.

However, over the years the divide between West and East

deepened. With each 72 years passing, the two

systems drifted 1 degree apart. Now, after

over 1600 years, the two systems are that 23 degrees apart.

So, if you want to know your Eastern chart, subtract 23 degrees

from your Western chart. Each part of your

Western chart is also 23 degrees before your Western one. Now, study both of these charts. They will tend to be somewhat different, though

they also tend to overlap slightly.

This is a coincidence because the two systems are still only 23

degrees apart. So, for example, my Sun moves

from Virgo into Leo between the two systems, in fact all the Planets that

are in Virgo move into Leo in my Eastern chat, but the Moon in Libra, in

my Western chart moves into Virgo. Also, my

Saturn in my Eastern chart is in Virgo.

So, I do have some Virgo planets in my chart.

Western says my Sun, Mercury and Venus are all in Virgo while my

Eastern chart says my Moon & Saturn are in Virgo.

No wonder I related to some of the ideas of my Western chart. The descriptions of Virgo, being a perfectionist,

and detailed oriented, even self-critical were all true. But, something felt slightly uneasy or incorrect

though I couldn’t put my finger on it at the time.

Then, when I learned my Jyotish chart and read about the difference

between my Eastern vs. my Western planets in Virgo it finally made

sense. I do relate to some of those typical

Virgo descriptions. When I was a kid I’d

run into my friends at school and the first thing I’d do is say as I

reached up and straightened up their clothes:

“Hey, who dressed you!”

They, of course, would say, “Hey, bug off,…who are

you, .. my Mother!” he he. That should have been my first clue. I was being the Mother, the Virgo Mother. But, when I read about the Sun in Virgo that

didn’t seem quite correct either.

So, I moved onto the Leo in my chart.

In my Western chart I had only Mars in Leo.

And, I kind of liked the descriptions of Mars in Leo: Strong, dynamic, enterprising. I even had many

of these qualities, but not belligerent, dictatorial.

Eventually, I read about my Eastern chart.

All my Virgo planets, Sun, Mercury and Venus were supposed to move

into Leo in my Jyotish chart. Wow,

that’s a lot of Leo. I wonder if I have

any of these qualities. Then, I remembered,

ever since I was young I had business of my own.

When I was in high school I had my own little lawn mowing

business. Wow, I loved being in business for

myself. Now, that’s very symbolic of the

Sun in Leo. Sun in Virgo then, doesn’t

seem to fit me as well as the Sun in Leo.

But both systems do seem to overlap so I couldn’t quite see

the real difference until I read about my Mars.

In my Western chart my Mars was supposed to be in Leo, while my

Eastern chart has it moving into Cancer.

Of all the configurations in my two charts this one is the clearest

example of what is really correct in my life.

In my whole life, yes, I did have that Leo side, but I was also

slightly timid. I hated competing against

people and looking back now, I had a hard time standing up for

myself.

Now, that’s a clearer description of my Mars in Cancer, and

not in Leo. Other planets that shift

dramatically are Jupiter, Moon, and my Rising Sign.

In my Western system my Jupiter moves into Aries while it’s

in Pisces in my Eastern chart. Not only do I

like my better Eastern Jupiter/Pisces but upon reflection it too is more

accurate.

Ever since I was young I had a tremendous reflective and

philosophical nature. I loved talking about

philosophy even before I ever hear the word.

Also, I had a tremendous faith even though I liked to call myself a

doubting Thomas as well. Now, I understand

these two different qualities are due to my Jupiter in Pisces on the one

hand and my Moon in Virgo on the other.

Finally, I’d like to say that the difference between a

Scorpio and Libra rising is another clear example of my Jyotish chart,

fitting better. I have a very obvious love of

Libra harmony in my life. The qualities and

characteristics of Scorpio are not strong in me.

Since the Rising sign represents how we get along there’s too

much of a difference between Scorpio & Libra for me to think I could

be a Scorpio.

Also, if I had a Scorpio rising and a Mars in Leo I’d be much

more intense.

So, study both of your Western and Eastern charts. Actually, first write down what you know about

yourself. Without thinking of your Astrology,

just write down what you already experience about yourself. Then, when you read about both your Western and

Eastern; see which one of them fits you, best!

 

Best of West vs.

East

 

So, when I reflect on what I consider the best of the Western vs.

Eastern systems I have to say I believe the Eastern system of calculating

the chart is superior. Though it’s

fascinating to me how similar the two systems are too. Now, see, that’s the Libra in me! He

he.

For example, both systems believe in the basic idea of Astrology

that our charts fit us! Both systems also

believe in the same basic structure of the Astrological chart. Both systems believe in

Planets in Signs and Planets in Houses. Both

systems mostly disagree as to how to calculate the Astrological

chart.

There is one other difference which I think is extremely

important. The Western system believes in free

will and the ability to change and improve one’s stars. The Eastern system tends to not. In the Eastern system you’ll read a lot more

about the pre-determined, fatalistic aspect of life.

In the West there’s much more of an emphasis on

self-determination!

In the , for example, we have an old adage.

It goes like this: “Any young person is free to become

President!” This belief of complete

freedom and growth potential is peculiar to the West.

In the East the emphasis has been on fate and pre-condition

aspects.

In the West I believe the system of calculating the exact

Mathematics is incorrect. In the Eastern

system I believe the belief in fate is incorrect.

So, if we take the best of the East and it’s more accurate

Mathematics and combine it with the best of the West and its belief in

progress and growth; then I believe we’ll come to a better

understanding as to Astrology.

See, in nature there really is no Eastern or Western systems. There’s only one nature’s

Astrology. We should then be able to find in

nature a verification of which principles are correct. Let your own experiences be a guide to help you

discover your truest Astrological nature.

 

 

End Part 1

Best of West & East

 

I’m very interested in hearing other people’s

experiences as to their Western & Eastern charts.

 

Sincerely,

 

Mark Kincaid