An Examination of the Worldviews and Practices of Contemporary Chinese Astrologers

Lee, Ying Ching (2024) An Examination of the Worldviews and Practices of Contemporary Chinese Astrologers. Masters thesis, University of Wales Trinity Saint David.

Text Lee_Y_C_MA_2024.pdf - Accepted Version Available under License CC-BY-NC-ND Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial No Derivatives. Download (2MB)

Abstract

This qualitative research showcased a range of worldviews through in-depth interviews with contemporary Chinese astrologers in Hong Kong. Through the practitioners’ practices and lived experience, the study shows the approach to astrology is marked as much by diversity as they are by individual worldviews. In the regards to their work approach, the differences were shown due to their personal experience and understanding of the Chinese intellectual foundations such as I Ching 易經, that also extends into the understanding of the Chinese characters themselves. Various ways of understanding constitute a range of attitudes on fate. While most participants are of advocacy in human responsibility for free will, there was also one determinist. This result was seen to be due to the influences of the diverse culture or a mix of views in tian ming 天命. All these factors of different worldviews contribute to the distinct approach of Chinese astrologers’ attitudes on fate, as well as the Chinese notion of fate, ming yun 命運. Practitioners’ approach varied with their worldviews that is a combination of both of their inner and outer experiences with the world. In the study, some of the societal worldviews were seen to be impacted not only by diverse culture, but also the disruption of astrology in the recent century. Chinese astrology is regarded as superstitious influenced by the colonialism and the contemporary intellectual history of modern China. The ambiguity of knowledge and history allows misinterpretations, misuse, and misunderstandings in some of the literature. Throughout the exploration, the research offers insights by placing contemporary practices and the voice of practitioners in the evolution in its wider cultural environment, contributing to a more holistic history. The study completed 5 in-depth semi-structured interviews in Cantonese, Chinese, translated and transcribed in parallel with two approaches. Including simultaneous translations to English and verbatim transcriptions from Chinese to English. In this relatively small sample of my study, the attempt is to stay close in capturing deeper into the insider perspectives, understand the practice by examining the development of Chinese astrology through the practitioners’ experiences. With thematic analysis, the research reconnected Chinese astrology as an expression of nature, revisited the concept of change and free will from I Ching, rediscovering the practices as a way of life that is continuing to evolve in modern times.

Item Type:	Thesis (Masters)
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology D History General and Old World > DS Asia
Divisions:	Theses and Dissertations > Masters Dissertations
Depositing User:	Victoria Hankinson
Date Deposited:	20 Feb 2025 16:27
Last Modified:	20 Feb 2025 16:27
URI:	https://repository.uwtsd.ac.uk/id/eprint/3390

Administrator Actions (login required)

Edit Item - Repository Staff Only