Astrology

Core Frameworks Within Astrology

Astrology can be understood through four foundational frameworks. These frameworks intersect but are not interchangeable.

 

1. Zodiac Frameworks (How the Sky Is Measured)

Zodiac frameworks define how celestial positions are calculated.

Tropical Zodiac- The tropical zodiac is based on the relationship between the Sun and the Earth’s seasons. It is anchored to the equinoxes and solstices, with Aries beginning at the spring equinox in the Northern Hemisphere. This system tracks seasonal symbolism rather than fixed star positions.

Used by:

• Hellenistic astrology

• Medieval astrology

• Modern Western astrology

• Most mundane astrology

Sidereal Zodiac- The sidereal zodiac is based on the fixed stars and accounts for the gradual shift of the equinoxes over time (precession). It measures planetary positions relative to constellations rather than seasons.

Used by:

• Vedic astrology (Jyotish)

• Some modern sidereal Western schools

Important distinction:

Tropical vs sidereal describes measurement, not interpretive philosophy.

Hellenistic and Vedic astrology differ in both zodiac framework and worldview, but these are separate axes.

 

2. Methodological Traditions (How Charts Are Interpreted)

Astrological traditions describe how meaning is derived from charts.

Major traditions include:

• Hellenistic astrology

• Vedic astrology (Jyotish)

• Medieval / Islamic astrology

• Modern Western astrology

Each tradition emphasizes different techniques, philosophical assumptions, and areas of strength. No single tradition is universally “correct”; each is internally coherent within its own framework.

 

3. Application Domains (What Astrology Is Used For)

Application domains describe what astrology is applied to, regardless of tradition.

Key domains include:

• Mundane astrology (collective and world events)

• Natal astrology (individual charts)

• Horary astrology (specific questions)

• Electional astrology (choosing timing)

• Synastry and relationship astrology

A single tradition may be strong in one domain and weaker in another. For example, Hellenistic astrology excels at mundane and timing work, while modern astrology often emphasizes psychological natal interpretation.

 

4. Astrological-Adjacent Calendars & Cycles

Some systems use celestial timing without full chart calculation. These are best understood as astrology-adjacent temporal systems.

Examples include:

• Pagan and witchcraft calendars (Wheel of the Year)

• Lunar cycle observances (new moons, full moons)

• Norse and other cultural seasonal calendars

These systems track solar and lunar rhythms rather than planetary geometry. They complement astrology but are not identical to technical chart-based practice.

 

Why Structure Matters

Without clear frameworks, astrology can easily become overgeneralized, fatalistic, or guru-driven. By separating measurement from interpretation, tradition from application, and astrology from ritual calendars, this structure preserves astrology as a tool of insight rather than authority.