The Difference between Hellenistic and Modern Astrology

Unlike Modern astrology, Hellenistic astrology did not have nor use the “Twelve Letter Alphabet” to correlate the correspondences of the Planets and Signs in such a way that their correspondences overlap. More importantly, because the ancient astrologers did not have the technological means we have today to see the outer planets in our solar system, they did not include the outer planets in their practice. Rather ancient astrologers used only the traditional “planets” including the sun, moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn. And most importantly, modern astrology does not take Sect into consideration, which is the first, foremost, and furthest-reaching interpretive factor in Hellenistic astrology.

With the rise of interest and research into psychology or mental phenomena, modern astrology has a strong focus on the non-physical and psychological: describing personality, attitude, or character traits. Whereas Hellenistic astrology has a wide range of foci including both physical (appearance, health, actions and consequences) as well as non-physical (career/life direction, character traits, and relationships)-- these seem to play a big role if we consider the lots of various family relations, and many planetary and house correspondences (i.e., Asclepius’ eight-house system).

Additionally, the reintroduction of Whole Sign Houses from Traditional Astrology not only simplifies, but also clarifies, the personal houses based on a native’s birth chart—though other house systems, such as Porphyry’s Quadrant houses were considered for particular techniques (e.g., Length of Life) or indications (i.e., exact degree of the MC). Modern astrology often uses various other versions of equal house systems based on the exact degree of the ascendant, and unequal house systems based on degree of both the AC and MC (in various ways). These are all more complex than the Traditional house system, but the Whole Sign House system is not only adequate to interpret angularity and general tenth house placement, but in-fact additive when it comes to interpreting planetary aspects (by degree or sign), planets in signs and houses (where the general significations of both can blend together within a clear boundary), and most impressively in the ancient timing techniques. And, though various timing techniques have been discovered from ancient astrological texts from Vettius Valens and others, these techniques are still far separated from most modern astrological practices due to their complexity but also their implications for free-will and determinism. No modern technique is as precise, nor as incredible as that of the timing technique known as Zodiacal Releasing, which is able to exemplify how far-reaching and affectual astrology is in our individual lives.