Astrology has long been a fascinating subject, attracting people with its alluring connection to the celestial world. The worship of heavenly bodies and the search for meaning in their movements date back centuries. Throughout history, astrology has evolved and branched into various traditions and systems, each offering unique insights into our lives and destinies. In this article, we will explore two prominent systems: sidereal and tropical astrology.
The Origins and Distinctions of Sidereal and Tropical Astrology
In astrology, the terms "sidereal" and "tropical" refer to different systems used to divide the ecliptic into twelve "signs," each consisting of 30 degrees. However, these terms also extend beyond coordinates and encompass different definitions of a year.
sidereal astrology calculates zodiac signs based on the observable sky, accounting for the apparent backward movement of fixed stars due to the Earth's axial precession. On the other hand, tropical astrology defines signs based on the seasons, particularly the March equinox, which marks the beginning of Aries. This system does not consider the Earth's axial precession and its effect on the observable sky.
Over time, these differences have caused sidereal and tropical zodiac systems to drift apart, although they were aligned around 2,000 years ago. While sidereal astrology adjusts for the Earth's axial precession through corrective systems called ayanamsas, tropical astrology remains rooted in the seasonal cycle of the Northern hemisphere.
Exploring the Significance of Sidereal and Tropical Astrology
Sidereal astrology, with its emphasis on the Earth's axial precession, maintains a close alignment between signs and constellations. This system is prevalent in Hindu astrology, where ayanamsas like the Lahiri and Raman are widely used. Western sidereal astrology often employs the Fagan-Bradley ayanamsa.
Tropical astrology, by contrast, largely follows the seasons of the Northern hemisphere, assuming that the zodiac signs remain consistent worldwide. However, a handful of tropical astrologers modify the zodiac to reflect the seasons in the Southern hemisphere, where Libra coincides with the spring equinox.
Fig. 1: Precession of equinoxes - the shifting position of the vernal equinox over thousands of years.
The Astronomic Zodiac
While the traditional zodiac divides the ecliptic into twelve equal sections, a select group of sidereal astrologers recognizes that constellations have varying widths and influence on the ecliptic. These astrologers consider the constellation boundaries established by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) in 1930, which disregards astrological purposes.
For instance, the Sun enters the IAU boundary of Aries on April 19, closer to the "body" of Pisces. This discrepancy arises because the IAU's boundaries do not align precisely with astrological definitions. Nevertheless, these astrologers believe that these constellations, even those excluded by the traditional zodiac, still interact with the ecliptic.
Conclusion
Astrology, with its rich history and diverse traditions, continues to captivate and intrigue us. Sidereal and tropical astrology offer distinct perspectives on our lives and the cosmos. The sidereal system accounts for the Earth's axial precession and maintains a close alignment with constellations, while the tropical system focuses on the seasonal cycle. Whether you resonate with one or both systems, astrology invites us to explore the wonders of the universe and our place within it.
References:
- "The Primer of Sidereal Astrology," Cyril Fagan and Brigadier R. C. Firebrace, American Federation of Astrologers, Inc., (1971) ISBN 0-86690-427-1
- "The Real, Real Constellations of the Zodiac." John Mosley, Planetarian, Vol. 28, # 4, December (1999).
- "The Real Constellations of the Zodiac." Dr. Lee T. Shapiro, Planetarian, Vol 6, #1, Spring (1977).
- Raymond, Andrew (1995). Secrets of the Sphinx Mysteries of the Ages Revealed. Hawaii: U N I Productions. ISBN 0-9646954-6-4.
- A History of Western Astrology, by S. Jim Tester, 1987, republished by Boydell Press (January 1999), ISBN 0-85115-255-4, ISBN 978-0-85115-255-4
