A major confusion in the collective is that astrology studies the present-day sky and constellations. This is incorrect. Though there are real sky astrologer truthers out there, astrology in its origin is the study of the zodiac.

 

The astrological zodiac is a diagram created by man through divine inspiration as a representation of the planets’ paths moving along the constellations. Essentially, the zodiac is its own symbolic sky that has its own measurements and structure that vary from the real sky.

 

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This means that when an astrologer says the Sun is in Scorpio, or the Moon is in Cancer, they are referring to the symbolic Sun and Moon in the zodiacal diagram, falling under the respective zodiac sign and not the real life constellation that shares the sign’s name.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Furthermore, there are two main zodiacal systems, and so not only is the zodiac different from the real sky, there are also two main different ways to draw and calculate the zodiac itself. Both ways do hold great validity in astrology, and so as much as people wonder which is the “right way”, asking that would be the same as asking to pick which theory is the right way to analyze the mind between Jung or Freud.

 

So, just for clarity, astrology is a discipline that studies the positions and movements of symbolic celestial bodies (Sun, Moon, planets, stars) along the zodiac and their correlation to human lives and earthly events. Each astrologer has their own way and understanding of how they practice and read astrology, so let’s start to break this discipline down so that you can begin to identify between the many different astrologers out there.

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Firstly, culturally, there are three main types of astrology:

1) Western Astrology

2) Vedic Astrology

3) Chinese Astrology

 

As mentioned, the zodiac is the diagram used for study and there are two main zodiacal systems:

1) the Tropical Zodiac, which is used only in Western Astrology

2) the Sidereal Zodiac, which is used primarily in Vedic Astrology​​

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Additionally, there are calculated, divisional systems within the zodiac diagram known as house systems, and there are two main house systems used today:

1) Placidus, which is reserved for the Tropical Zodiac

2) Whole Sign, which can be used with both the Tropical and Sidereal Zodiacs

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When it comes to the different understandings of how to read astrology, under Western Astrology, there are two main categories that it breaks down into:

1) Traditional, whose astrologers stick with the Whole Sign House System

2) Modern, whose astrologers often use the Placidus, but can also use the Whole Sign House System

 

Traditional Western Astrology is the foundation of Western Astrology, and is also known as Hellenistic Astrology because of its development during the Hellenistic period (c. 323–31 BCE). It focuses on the seven visible planets (Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn) and promotes a belief in divine timing, fate, and fortune.

Traditional Astrologers are your bookworms who more often use astrology as a prediction tool. For the most part, they stick to the original rules set about each house, planet, and sign, and their interpretations are often quite literal and applicable to the physical, external world. Another notable aspect of traditional astrology is the emphasis that not all of your birth chart is about you as some of it points to ones close to you or the environment around you.

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Modern Western Astrology includes the later discovered outer planets, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto, and is more focused on a psychological approach, aiming to use the birth chart to explore one's personal development, particularly one's self vs. one's shadow.

Many of the stereotypes about the zodiac signs come from Modern Astrology, however, because of the focus on the symbolism and mythology of planets, houses, and signs in this category, there are endless interpretations for these astrologers to come up with.

Each Modern Astrologer will be unique as they are free to use more of a creative license when reading one's chart. Most importantly, in this category of astrology, every part of the chart points back to you directly.​​

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Many astrologers today often use a blend of traditional and modern astrology in their practice, so this is where you now have to understand what it is you're looking for from astrology so that you can then find the astrologer who can best provide you with what you need.

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To go even deeper into this large discipline, under both Traditional and Modern Astrology, there are also many branches or specialties that astrologers can gravitate towards or prefer. Knowing these and their differences will better help you get the most out of your reading as you'll be better equipped to ensure your chosen astrologer practices what you need. The most popular specialties are:

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1) Natal Astrology 🎂 - This is most common type of study amongst astrologers as it's simply describing the specialty of the individual natal (birth) chart.

 

As an example but certainly not limited to this, you'd go to a traditional natal astrologer in order to learn what the best career path would be for yourself, what you should look for in friendships and relationships, personal likes and dislikes, etc., basically for more direct answers to current life events.

 

You'd go to a modern natal astrologer if you want to discover what your personal limitations are, understand the inner workings of your subconscious mind, learn more about your personality, and how you thrive when you authentically express yourself.

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As mentioned, most astrologers today form their personal philosophy using a blend of traditional and modern astrology, and so before going into your reading, talk with your astrologer about what you're trying to get from the reading so that they have a better idea on which areas to focus more on.

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2) Horary Astrology ⏳ - This is a very specific kind of study as it wholly relies on astrology as a prediction tool. This branch of astrology does not look at the birth chart at all, which means your date, time, or location of birth is not necessary. However, if you go to a modern astrologer for horary as opposed to a traditional, they more likely may still want to look at your birth chart for reference. But, you simply go to an horary astrologer when you have a specific question, often starting with "Will I...?", and they use the astrological chart of the moment to delineate an answer for your question. 

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This branch of astrology is most similar to tarot or oracle card pulls. It is often a quick read but takes a very special eye or an astrologer who has dedicated their practice to horary to do this type of reading.

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3) Electional Astrology 📆 - This branch of astrology answers the questions you have in life that start with "When...?" or if you're wondering if you have something scheduled at the best time for its success. Most traditional and modern astrologers are familiar enough with this technique, but if you're looking to get specific dates on your "when...?" questions, it's best to be sure that your chosen astrologer is well studied and practiced in this specific area.

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These astrologers often tell you the luckiest dates of the year, best dates to socialize, worst dates to get married, when to launch your business, and so forth and so on.

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4) Medical Astrology 🩺 - Each zodiac sign and planet is aligned to a specific part of the body, and so if you're looking for help in terms of wanting to improve your overall health or just looking to get a wellness check, you may want to consider looking for someone who has invested in Medical Astrology.

 

While many traditional and modern astrologers are casually familiar with the signs and planets' respective connections to the body, if you're looking to understand a medical diagnosis through a spiritual lens, it's best to go to someone who only studies in this branch. Medical Astrology is a huge endeavor and so, often, these astrologers do not practice or study any other kind of astrology. This branch is also far more common in Vedic astrology than Western. So if you want to get the most out of it, you may want to consider finding a Vedic astrologer with a specialty in Medical Astrology.

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5) Relationship Astrology 😘 - As the name may suggest, this branch of astrology studies and focuses on the connection between two (or more) individuals through looking at how their charts connect. Oftentimes, this refers to romantic relationships, but any astrologer who classifies themselves as a relationship astrologer will also look at friendships, business relationships, and familial relationships.

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It is a requirement to be natal astrologer in order to be a relationship astrologer, so this type of astrologer will still be able to read your individual birth chart, but not all natal astrologers understand or can translate the dynamic of two birth charts molding into one. There are also two different kinds of relationship charts: synastry and composite; and not all relationship astrologers are skilled in both charts.

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This is also another branch that is quite popular in Vedic Astrology, and so it's beneficial to consider getting a reading from a Vedic astrologer's POV. However, if you are looking for a Western relationship astrologer, hop over here to read on my personal philosophy in astrology to see if we align, and then book a reading whenever you're most comfortable to.

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Note: As this branch involves two birth charts, this does mean knowing the time of birth of yourself and the other person involved. This type of reading also works best when both parties in the relationship are open to the reading. However, if they are not, this means that this type of reading would focus more on how the relationship affects the individual asking for the reading and what that individual can change and improve themselves. Many relationship astrologers will not go deep into the other person's chart without their consent.

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6) Mundane Astrology 🌎 - This focus in astrology looks at politics and world events. These astrologers analyze the collective and can also be found making collective predictions on where society is heading. This is one of the oldest forms of astrology, developed before birth chart reading, as people would often use the moon cycles or eclipses to predict what would happen with crops or with rulers and nations.

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A mundane astrologer will be well kept up-to-date on current events and will also most likely be very knowledgeable in world history. Despite this branch being one of the first to form in astrology, many modern astrologers can also be seen practicing mundane astrology, focusing particularly on Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto's influence.

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7) Locational Astrology 🧭 - This branch is all about assessing how a specific location can affect one's life. Astrocartography is a type of locational astrology that has become more popular in recent days, though that is specific to mapping one's birth chart across the world map to see how different cities and towns activate certain areas of your life. However, locational astrology also includes reading any chart that uses any location outside of your birth town to help interpret how living in that new area would possibly change you.

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Though some traditional and modern astrologers choose to only focus on astrocartography, most are also well enough equipped to read a relocation chart. Even still, it's best to discuss this with your astrologer before booking to be sure that they can give you the best reading or connect you with someone more knowledgeable.

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If you are new to the astrology world, this may be a lot of information to intake. However, I'm hoping at the very least this gives you an idea of how large this discipline of astrology really is. While reading through this, you may even start to see that you recognize some of these specialities and categories in some of your favorite astrologers across social media, and it may now be starting to make sense why two people who call themselves astrologers seem to talking about or portraying astrology in completely different lights.

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Please note, the descriptions above are also just a very brief introduction to these topics, and so if you'd like to know more about one branch or category, I encourage you to do your own research as you can find many articles online about one or the other, especially if you're interested in knowing more about Vedic and Chinese Astrology. As a Western Astrologer myself, I can only speak for my type of astrology, but there's a whole new insight and perspective in Vedic and Chinese astrology that may be more aligned to you and your personal beliefs.

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It's important to know that on top of the different types, zodiacal systems, house systems, categories, and branches of astrology, some astrologers will view the discipline as a science, some as a spiritual tool, and others can fall anywhere in between. Some see the validity in asteroids and others see them as insignificant. Some astrologers also blend their other spiritual gifts (tarot, clairvoyance, human design, etc.) into their practice while others believe all tools should remain separate. So, ultimately, the more specific you can get on what you like, the better off you are in finding the best astrologer for you. But it starts here, on being knowledgeable that all these differences can even exist.

 

Reading my own personal philosophy may just serve to give you an example of how unique an astrologer can be and what to be on the lookout for. As mentioned, I do classify myself as a Relationship Astrologer, and so if you'd like to read more on my personal philosophy on astrology to see if we align or just to use it as an example, head over here to learn more. You can also check out my About Me, which is more of my personal story of how I got into this craft in the first place, but it does also include a bit of my personal philosophy on this incredibly insightful discipline.