What is Traditional Astrology?
The term “traditional astrology” is very broad, encompassing a lengthy span of western astrology’s lineage. It includes western astrological practices from ancient times through the Renaissance (just, you know, about eighteen hundred years…)
While variations exists within the vast field of traditional astrology, the western lineage remained largely unbroken for those many centuries. Hellenistic astrology differs from that of the Renaissance in numerous practical details, but they share a basic rationale for analysis and interpretation. They have more in common with each other than either of them have with “modern astrology.” Modern astrology arose from a renewed interest in the subject at the turn of the 19th into 20th century, after a significant break in the lineage had occurred. This modern revival of astrology is what most people in the west are familiar with.
This is not to say that traditional and modern astrology are two entirely separate languages. Instead, they might be likened to very distinct dialects of the same language.
So, what makes traditional astrology different? Below are a few key characteristics of traditional astrology. This should not be taken as an exhaustive definition. However, it should give you an idea of some key ways that traditional astrology may differ from other forms of astrology you’ve encountered.
Seven Traditional “Planets”
Traditional astrology only considers seven astrological “planets” (the Sun, Moon, & five visible planets, Mercury through Saturn). This is because we hadn’t yet discovered the outer planets, which are not detectable by the naked eye. Uranus was discovered in 1781, Neptune in 1846, and Pluto in 1930.
“But we know about them now…why not use them?”
Traditional astrologers aren’t outer planet deniers—we recognize their existence. And many contemporary traditional astrologers do pay mind to the outer planets. However, the outer planets move so slowly that their effect is typically more generational than personal. Traditional technique also, of course, developed before our awareness of the outer planets and thus does not use them. This is important and leads to the next big difference.
Planetary Rulerships
Compared with modern astrology, traditional astrology places massive emphasis on planetary rulership. Each sign of the zodiac has one of the seven traditional “planets” ruling over it—one sign each for the Sun & Moon, and two per each planet, one diurnal and one nocturnal. There is a very elegant symmetry to the traditional rulership scheme, depicted in a chart called the Thema Mundi. Modern astrology has planetary rulers, too, though the rulership scheme includes the outer planets and is not as crucial a factor in interpretation as it is in traditional technique. Where modern astrology tends to emphasize the zodiac sign, traditional astrology focuses more on planetary rulership. For instance, modern astrology would interpret a Moon in Scorpio using descriptors associated with the sign of Scorpio; traditional astrology would interpret a Moon in Scorpio using descriptors associated with the ruling planet, Mars, and its particular placement in the chart.
Planetary Condition
With a greater focus on planetary rulerships comes a greater focus on the condition of each planet. Traditional interpretation involves a great deal of assessment of the planets and how well or not well they are doing in their particular placement, which translates to how well or not they are able to bring forth the most favorable of their significations. This is where some folks might think that traditional astrology is more fatalistic, with some planets described as being “benefic” or “malefic,” or in fortunate or unfortunate places. However, this arises from a recognition and acceptance that life isn’t always sunshine and rainbows! Fortune and circumstance wax and wane.
Philosophical Differences
Underlying the differences in technique and interpretation are various differences in philosophy and worldview. In general, traditional astrology tends to focus more on external circumstances and events, while modern astrology gravitates more toward personal character and psychological matters. For this reason, traditional astrology is often considered to be more deterministic than modern astrology. However, it is important to note that this is a generalization when it comes to contemporary practitioners—many traditional astrologers practicing in modern times include some degree of character or psyche analysis in their interpretation.