Chinese astrology and Vedic astrology are two different aspects of astrology which are equally important and have their own peculiarities. There are both ancient art but differ in terms of their approach and many other parameters. Some of the important differences between them are as follows.
Vedic astrology also known as Jyotish Shastra comprises of Ganitha which is astronomy and Phalita which is astrology. In this system the position of planets and constellations are used for calculations and predictions. Chinese astrology mainly differs from Vedic astrology in terms of the symbol of zodiac signs. Vedic astrology has a variety of symbols representing the zodiac signs whereas in Chinese astrology there are 12 different animals representing each of the zodiac signs.
In Vedic astrology there are 12 different signs. They are Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius and Pisces. Such classification is based on monthly division people born between specific dates and months are allocated a particular zodiac sign. These zodiac signs are useful in making several predictions and calculations about an individual’s character and personality traits. In this astrology they also have 27 nakshatras each with a span of 13.20 degrees. They are Ashwini, Bharani, Krittika, Rohini, Mrigashira, Aridra, Punarvasu, Pushya, Ashlesha, Magha, Poorva Phalguni, Uttara Phalguni, Hasta, Chitra, Swati, Vishakha, Anuradha, Jyestha, Moola, Purva Ashadha, Uttar Ashadha, Sravana, Dhanishta, Satabisha, Purva Bhadra, Uttara Bhadra, Revati. These nakshatras play a very important role in determination of various aspects of life.
Instead of these sun signs or Zodiac signs the Chinese astrology has 12 different animals each representing each of the zodiac signs. They are – rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and pig. Each year is marked under a specific animal and everyone born in that particular year will be assigned to a specific animals. Such classifications help to make generalizations about an individual’s characteristics and traits. Hence the main difference between Vedic and Chinese astrology in terms of signs is that in the former the division is monthly and in the latter it is yearly.
The other basic differences between the two of them are:
In Vedic astrology zodiac signs are represented by various symbols whereas in Chinese astrology they are represented by animals.
In Vedic astrology they use only four elements for the representation of symbols whereas in Chinese astrology they have 5 elements which represent the zodiac cycle.
The four elements used in Vedic astrology are water, earth, fire and air whereas in Chinese astrology they use the elements of earth, fire, wood, water and metal.
In Vedic astrology the details of the position of the planets at the time of birth is used to do the prediction whereas in Chinese astrology the details at the time of birth is used to make the predictions.
Both of them are ancient and tested methods of astrology and has been in practice for a lot and lot of years.
They have been successfully used by people to find answers to various complex questions of life and has played a major role in their lives.