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2: The Status of Astrology in Vietnam
As expected, there is widespread use of the Chinese astrological system in Vietnam with the 12 animals from Rat to Pig. However, in this sequence, they prefer the Buffalo to the Ox, and the Cat to the Rabbit. They also use the Can-Chi (Heavenly Stems- Earthly Branches) system which alternates Yin and Yang with each of the five elements: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water. So each animal year differs in kind based on that element, creating a much more complex set of variations. But as for Western or traditional astrology, it may be known by anyone using the internet, but not generally understood. There are however some Indian astrologers working in Vietnam who offer black magic removals and use the Vedic system. The majority of Vietnam is loosely Buddhist and even that is heavily influenced by Confucian traditions from China. Catholicism is also prevalent with many church spires dotting the landscape.
Yet what many do not realise is that there are remains of a Hindu culture at My Son, 60 kilometers outside Da Nang and Hoi Ann. This is where the Cham people, a distinct ethnic group followed Indian practices of cremation and temple building and who used Sanskrit as their mode of communication.
Volkov (2013) provides an overview of divination practices in Vietnam among the Kinh people. It lists “geomancy, astrology, “sorcery,” physiognomy, and “zoochiromancy” as the most widely practiced forms of divination”. Traditionally, their system over the centuries was inclined to use Hemerology which is prediction by the use of calendars. Several documents from centuries back were translated from the Chinese into Vietnamese or Nom (logographic characters) and these exist in archives showing astronomical data and horoscopes based on the Indian system. After vilifying it for decades, by 2020 the attitude has softened and the Prime minister of Vietnam Nguyen Xuan Phuc recognised astrologers and others involved in spiritual activities as a ‘profession’.
Astrology is a multi-faceted tree which grows in many directions both personal and in world affairs. Here I want to use Geodetic Equivalents along with Astro-cartography and some Mundane astrology to illuminate what I learned by going to north and central Vietnam. I offer these insights, not just for travellers anywhere to be on the alert for synchronicities, but for everyday life and understanding of the world. If I don’t mention Saigon, it is because I didn’t go there. But there’s always another time for that.
