List of astrological traditions, types, and systems

Most human civilizations – India, Greece, Egypt, Mesopotamia, Rome, and Persia, among others – based their culture^[1] on complex systems of astrology, which provided a link between the cosmos with the conditions and events on earth.^[2]

Astrological tradition contributed to the development of astronomy as the study of the skies provided invaluable insights about celestial bodies. For instance, the Ptolemaic astrological tradition has already listed some of the planets in the Solar System and their movements.^[3]

Astrology encompasses various approaches. Sidereal and tropical astrology represent different ways of mapping the zodiac against the backdrop of the stars from a geocentric perspective. Heliocentric astrology focuses on the Sun as the central point of reference, while psychological astrology delves into the intricate connections between celestial movements and the human psyche.

Across different cultures, astrology has taken on unique forms and interpretations. Chinese, Hindu, Islamic, Jewish, Tibetan, and Western astrology each offer distinct insights into the connection between the cosmos and human affairs.

The following is an incomplete list of the different traditions, types, systems, methods, applications, and branches of astrology.

By type

Horoscopic astrology – Astrology defined by the ascendant
Natal astrology – Form of astrology based on time of birth
Sun sign astrology – Astrology focused on the Sun sign

By period and place

Babylonian astrology (c. 1800 BCE – c. 1200 BCE)
Chinese astrology (c. 1050 BCE – present)
Hellenistic astrology (2nd century BCE – 7th century CE)
Hindu astrology (2nd century CE – present)
Western astrology (2nd century CE – present)
Jewish astrology (c. 350 CE – present)
Early Irish astrology (7th – 11th centuries CE)
Islamic astrology (7th century CE – ?)
Heliocentric astrology (c. 1640 – present)
Christian Astrology — a book written in 1647 by the English astrologer William Lilly
Psychological astrology — rooted in the work of psychologist-astrologer Carl Jung, beginning c. 1920

By function

Electional astrology – Form of astrology used for planning events
- Agricultural astrology – Electional astrology for horticulture
- Katarchic astrology – Historical form of electional astrology
Horary astrology – Form of astrology for answering questions posed
Judicial astrology – Form of astrology for forecasting events
Locational astrology – Astrology that factors in locations on Earth
Medical astrology – Astrology of the human physiology
Meteorological astrology – Using astrology for weather forecasting
Mundane astrology – Branch of astrology dealing with politics, government, and law

Recent Western developments

Traditions which have arisen relatively recently in the West:

Relationships with other disciplines and systems of belief

Notes

^ Campion, Nicholas (2019-05-23). "Astrology in Ancient Greek and Roman Culture". Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Planetary Science. doi:10.1093/acrefore/9780190647926.013.46. ISBN 978-0-19-064792-6. Retrieved 2023-01-21.
^ Frawley, David (2005). Ayurvedic Astrology: Self-healing Through the Stars. Twin Lakes, Wisconsin: Lotus Press. p. 3. ISBN 8120831349.
^ Mancuso, Piergabriele (2010). Sefer Ḥakhmoni. Leiden: BRILL. pp. 321. ISBN 9789004167629.