Astromergency

An interview with astrologer Berna Lee about the history, philosophy, and practice of Chinese astrology. Berna is a graduate of the MA in Cultural Astronomy and Astrology program from the Sophia Centre, with a thesis examining the theory and practice of astrology in modern Hong Kong, and she is a 45th generation Chinese astrologer. During the course of the episode we discuss the historical development of Chinese astrology, and the different eras in which specific technical practices arose. We also touch on a number of other topics, including fate and free will, the Chinese zodiac, and the role of comets as omens in mundane astrology. You can follow Berna through Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/astromergency/ This is episode 482 of The Astrology Podcast: https://theastrologypodcast.com/2025/03/10/chinese-astrology/ Be sure to like and subscribe! Timestamps 00:00:00 Introduction 00:01:22 Berna's Background & 45-Generation Lineage 00:07:28 The Legendary & Archeological Origins of Chinese Astrology 00:11:09 The Textual Tradition: Oracle Bones & the First Characters 00:15:22 Mundane vs. Natal Astrology 00:27:08 How Astrology Became Institutionalized in the Royal Court 00:28:58 The Mandate of Heaven: The Emperor's Right to Rule 00:32:56 Reading Omens: Eclipses, Comets & Novas 00:40:27 Chinese Astrologers' Detailed Records of Comets 00:47:41 Fate & Free Will in Chinese Astrology 00:55:51 A Personal Story About a Prediction of Death 01:11:07 The 12 Animal Signs of the Zodiac 01:13:09 When Natal Astrology (BaZi) Developed in the Tang Dynasty 01:16:20 How the Zodiac Animals Are Used in a Chart 01:22:38 How Chinese Astrology Was Sidelined and Moved to the Periphery 01:33:09 The Impact of the Cultural Revolution 01:39:23 Is Astrology Making a Comeback in China? 01:43:35 How Contemporary Practitioners Approach the Tradition 01:51:33 Berna's Future Work 01:54:41 Conclusion

Astrologer Berna Lee joins host Jenn Zahrt from London, England to chat about the long lens of history, astrology books, the Chinese sky and more, including: various translations of the I Ching; the 28 lunar mansions; a collaborative research project distilled into a poetic archive for 45 generations; and personal empowerment and growth as a key part of life, healing, and creative inspiration! All that, plus: growing up with a deep astrological lineage, choosing your own adventure, and chameleon synchronicity! ***** Episode timestamps (conversation recorded February 2025): 00:31 – Berna Lee, an MA graduate in Cultural Astronomy and Astrology, earned distinction for her dissertation on the theory and practice of Chinese astrology in modern Hong Kong. A Chinese astrologer and 45th-generation practitioner, she descends from the Lees of Wong Jim 凰漸李氏, a royal lineage tracing back to the Tang Dynasty. Berna has inherited and preserved the teachings of the Tang royal family, passed down through generations from the esteemed royal astrologer Yang Junsong 楊筠松. 01:40 – Berna’s first astrology book was 通勝 Tung Shing, or The Chinese Farmer’s Almanac. 09:29 – If Berna could bring only three books to a deserted island, her first pick would be the previously mentioned Chinese Almanac! But since that’s her “freebie,” her next choice would be a copy of the I Ching (stay tuned for more)! The discussion kicks off, however, with You Were Born For This: Astrology for Radical Self-Acceptance by Chani Nicholas. 11:48 – Interlude: Join the CAELi Support Drive and for only $35, you can enjoy your morning beverage out of a gorgeous CAELi mug! 12:34 – More discussion on the I Ching! The version Berna suggests for English readers is Understanding the I Ching: The Wilhelm Lectures on the Book of Changes by Hellmut Wilhelm and Richard Wilhelm. 22:16 – The third title Berna would bring is an unpublished book passed on from her long line of royal astrological ancestors, which Berna describes as a collection of poems of the stars! 30:49 – For beginners, Berna recommends a few, including the Tao Te Ching and the I Ching. 32:18 – Find Berna at her Instagram page: @astromergency. 33:20 – Thanks for listening to Within Orb! If you love the show, please help support it at no cost to you: Follow or subscribe wherever you listen, rate it five stars, or write a happy review! And if you’d like to become a CAELi member or support our work with a contribution of any amount, we’d be delighted – thanks! Show notes by Jen Braun, JJ Boots Productions LLC. View full show notes at our Within Orb pod page! http://withinorb.com Learn more about the CAELi Institute. http://caeli.institute Visit our bookshop.org page to support CAELi and purchase books mentioned on the show! https://bookshop.org/lists/within-orb-top-astrology-picks/ Become a CAELi member or renew your membership! https://caeli.institute/memberships/ Love the show? Support our work with a financial contribution or book donation. https://caeli.institute/donate/ Transcripts available upon request. Song “Wake Up” used with permission by The E-Block Band.

Welcome to the Chinese New Year of the Snake on the 3rd of February 2025 with Berna Lee, consultant Chinese astrologer from Hong Kong (there is a little background noise as Berna is recording this in a common room). Berna's astrological heritage dates back to the Tang Dynasty, and she is the 45th generation to carry her family's astrological linage. The preparations for the Chinese New Year are full of ritual cleansing of the family home following by days of feasting on special cakes and dumplings, and chasing away demons with fire crackers! If you want to have your Chinese astrology chart read by Berna, please contact her here: bernaxlee@gmail.com