An Overview Of Chinese Astrology
Chinese astrology is based on science and mathematical principles, using them to help determine a person's present, future, and personality. It is rich with tradition, legends, and is used in everyday practices, such as Feng Shui, and other divination tools like I-Ching.
Chinese astrology, based on math and science concepts, does not use the Western constellations or twelve houses as the standard zodiac does. Instead, it is based on the Chinese calendar and uses animals instead. It is a unique combination of astronomy and philosophy, and there are no constellations in the night sky that matches the animals the Chinese zodiac utilizes.
The Chinese zodiac runs on a sixty year cycle and the animal of the year is in force all year round, not just for a month. 2008 is the year of the Rat, the very first zodiac sign in the Chinese calendar. Because Chinese New Year starts sometime between mid-January and late February, the year of the Rat technically does not start until February 7, 2008. The year the Ox, 2009, starts on January 26, 2009. The pattern repeats every twelve years. If you know the order of the animals and what animal the current year is, you can determine someone’s Chinese zodiac by adding or subtracting twelve years from the year they were born and the difference of the current year.
Because the zodiac is the same throughout the year, a comprehensive astrology chart for an individual must use other factors, such as birth date, and birth time. The animal is the basic characteristics of the person. Five elements – wood, earth, fire, metal, and water – are then considered into the equations. From there it is broken down even further by determine the person’s Yin and Yang. Those who are well versed in this method of divination can take it further by looking at a person’s inner animal, hidden animal, and the season in which they were born.
Chinese astrology has twelve animals. If you to look at them as if they were on a clock, the number 12 position, the first of the animals, is the Rat. Rats are forthright and disciplined, hardworking and charming, but also manipulative, selfish, critical and scheming. The Ox is dependable, steady, calm and patient, and modest. But Ox’s can also be tenacious, narrow-minded, rigid, and demanding. Tigers, the third in the circle, are unpredictable, passionate, colourful, and sincere. The downside of this stripped cat is recklessness, impatience and obstinacy. Rabbits are gracious, sensitive, artistic, and flexible, but also moody, superficial, and lazy. Dragons are strong, proud, passionate, generous and loyal, but watch out! They can be arrogant, tyrannical, and brash. The snake is a deep thinker, mystical and wise, sensual and ambitious, but they tend to be loners and very possessive.
The Horse is a cheerful type, popular and agile, and very open-minded. Yet, they are fickle, rude, stubborn and gullible. Sheep are righteous, creative, gentle, mothering, and shy, but they can be moody, indecisive, and pessimistic. The monkeys are the inventors of the group, the ones who are innovative, intellectual, and polite. This also makes them egotistical, vain, selfish, and jealous. Roosters are neat but over zealous, organized yet critical, alert, responsible, and practical, although abrasive and opinionated. Dogs are loyal, honest, amiable, and affectionate. They can also be lazy, cynical, and a worrier. The pigs (or boar depending on who you speak to) are honest, sturdy, hard-working, understanding, passionate and calm. Their downfalls, though, is naivety, over-reliant, gullible, fatalistic, and materialistic.