Eastern and Western Zodiac
Most people have seen or at least heard of horoscopes, which use astrological signs going either by the month or the year. I posts the only picture I could find that had the two side by side, but I just noticed it’s written in Spanish. Why do most of my Google and Yahoo image searches end up bringing back a lot more Spanish than English lately? At least the point is getting across here.
Anyway, these are ways to ‘predict’ a great range than other fortune telling systems. Part of this is because it has a more general focus than on specific situation like runes and tarot. With the latter, you ask a question and use that to guide you through deciphering the answers. Zodiac is used more to give an overview of your day and ‘explain’ parts of your personality. For example, Aries are supposed to be leaders, have tempers, be passionate, and have more of an interest in starting projects than finishing. Those born in the year of the monkey are witty, intelligent, mischievous, and can get bored very easily. That’s what I’m supposed to be, which isn’t telling my future so much as giving an explanation about me.
Zodiac is a challenge for writing when it comes to fantasy. The Western symbols are connected to astrological symbols, so you can’t use them if you aren’t on Earth. Same goes for any science fiction that travels to another galaxy or stories that take place prior to these symbols being created. With Eastern astrology, you run into a problem because it stems from a specific culture. If that doesn’t exist then you can’t use it. Other genres aren’t much better since you need to know what you’re talking about at least a basic level. Last thing you want to do is have someone claim they’re a Libra Rabbit, but a reader does the research to find that they’re really a Sagittarius Rooster. Trust me, people take these things seriously.
The answer for fantasy authors comes down to making a variation of them for your world, so here are some tips:
- The Eastern Astrology system divides up the year. You might have to create a basic calendar for months and amount of days. Seasons can help a bit, but they aren’t necessary outside of details. After all that, you can choose as many symbols as you can using a variety of sources. For Windemere, I went with 11 Gods and Goddesses that had main purposes and a connection to the Zodiac.
- Western Astrology systems switch by the year, so you need to think up a slight history and calendar. This might be a little easier since you choose the symbols first and then put them in order. A more difficult trick here is deciding on what they’ll be. You can go with animals found in the world, but other options are flowers, gems, and whatever else you can think of.
- Even if you don’t mention it in the books, pick out the symbols for your characters. It requires choosing a birthday, which is at the core of these systems. Best to have at least one character on each symbol too. The reason is because this will help you figure out the personality traits that are connected to each one.
You don’t really see this one in fantasy as often, but it can be a useful part of world building. If anything, it can make you stand out since non-Earth stories don’t usually go for zodiac systems.
Legends of Windemere 
Part of the problem is some will always know more than the author about the system. When you invent a system it seems safer. Oh, and people like monkeys. I was born in the year of the rat.
LikeLike
That is a big problem with using an established system. Kind of like when science experts tear about sci-fi. I think accepting an alteration to an established system is a big part of suspension of disbelief. Not to mention, I’ve seen people tear about invented systems by comparing it to other things. People will always find a way to complain.
LikeLiked by 1 person
As long as they buy and read the book before complaining, let them. In our fields, suspension of disbelief is a requirement.
LikeLike
I know far too many people who refuse to suspend their disbelief. Why they think fantasy should be utterly realistic is beyond me. As long as it works with the rules of that world, it’s all good.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve seen similar things. We got a review for a horror anthology I took part in. The review said she didn’t like scary stories. It isn’t like we tried to pull the wool over her eyes.
LikeLike
I’ve gotten a few where people say they never liked the genre, but read it anyway. Not sure why they do that.
LikeLiked by 1 person
People can be strange.
LikeLike
What a terrific idea, Charles. This never occurred to me and I’m going to try it on the next book (Ned Tranes)
LikeLike
Awesome. Good luck with it. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
😀
LikeLike
“Zodiac is a challenge for writing when it comes to fantasy. The Western symbols are connected to astrological symbols, so you can’t use them if you aren’t on Earth.”–Excellent point! So true! Although making up constellations can be challenging, it makes sense to do so. (And it’s fun.)
I wonder if this is why some authors are now anchoring their fantasies in known places within the history of our world. Less world building, I guess. Because what you brought up in this post is really important to note.
LikeLike
I tried doing constellations for Windemere, but ended up creating a group of 11 gods that covered it. I might make it that they each have a star or something in the sky.
I’m curious about that world building too. It could be that people are taking a path that has more familiarity. Audiences have gotten a little more finicky if you go by social media. This can make it easier to create a bridge.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The only concern I have about that is based on what I’ve seen: people wanting fantasy to be more realistic because they don’t like made up worlds and think everything should be set in our world. Don’t get me wrong. I love many urban fantasy series set in our world. But I love made up worlds too. I get irritated when people want to take the fantasy out of fantasy.
LikeLike
People really are pushing for more less fantasy in fantasy. Low magic worlds are another thing that has gotten popular in the last decade. It’s closer to medieval fiction than fantasy at times.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very true, Charles.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very interesting post, also I found the comments spot on too. I have seen more astrology in fantasy than runes though, which is interesting, maybe I just read different fantasy authors.
LikeLike
Astrology is more common among people when compared to runes and tarot. You see them in every newspaper. There’s also less negative connotations with the other two being more strongly associated with paganism.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on DSM Publications and commented:
Check out this helpful post from the Legends of Windemere blog on the use of zodiac signs in storytelling.
LikeLike
Thanks for sharing. 😁
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome.
LikeLike
I don’t think it had ever occurred to me to develop a zodiac system. Well done, Charles. Story-building at its best!
LikeLike
Thanks. It was something I came up with in college when I had a slow weekend. There was a story that involved going to temples to free gods who could defeat a demon. I needed a theme and ended up with a zodiac system, vague calendar, and holidays for Windemere. Though I’m not bright enough to remember to use them very often. It’s amazing how hard it is to insert month names into conversations without it feeling forced.
LikeLiked by 1 person
In one of my early novels, The Magister’s Mask, it was in a world with five moons visible in the sky. People came to associate each moon with an aspect of human nature and they would make forecasts depending on which moons were waxing and waning. It was pretty fun, if I do say so myself.
LikeLike
I actually gave Windemere four moons, but associated each one with a primordial deity. They were the kingdoms for each one before they vanished. Never thought about going zodiac though. Really cool and unique idea there.
LikeLike
As you say, this one would be more difficult to make work in a fictional world. It’s doable though,.
If you’re interested: I’m a Scorpio, born on a day when the Moon was in Cancer, in the year of the rat. So my Sun sign is Scorpio, my Moon sign is Cancer, and my Chinese Zodiac sign is the rat.
LikeLike
I never figured out anything beyond Ares for myself. We have a book that includes moon signs, but I haven’t looked at it.
LikeLike
I only learned my Moon sign more recently. I Googled it before posting here to make sure I had it right. 😉
LikeLike
Still a step further than I’ve gone. 👍😉
LikeLike
Interesting post, Charles. I’m not much into the Zodiac, although I’ve found that many characteristics for Virgo describe me. My husband and daughter are Libras. My son another Virgo – we clash!
LikeLike
I used to know about the clashes part. Forgot how Ares and Libra do.
LikeLike
Wow this was so informative. 🙂
LikeLike
Thanks.
LikeLike
I wrote this about cancerians. Do u think it fits?: https://thatswhatshesaid169.wordpress.com/2018/06/19/cancerians-be-like-2/
I’d love your input.
LikeLike
I actually don’t know any Cancers, so I can’t tell how well it fits. Seems to work with what I’m reading though.
LikeLike
Great article. Thank you
LikeLike
Glad you enjoyed it.
LikeLike
Pingback: Aries Zodiac Sign: 25 Things To Know About The Ram | astroligion.com