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Understanding Chinese Astrology
EDITED By Kathleen Karlsen, MA
Last Updated:
July 1, 2010
What Is Chinese Astrology
Chinese Astrology Symbols
Rat
Ox
Tiger
Rabbit
Dragon
Snake
Horse
Sheep
Monkey
Rooster
Dog
Pig
More Resources for Chinese Astrology
More Resources for Chinese Symbols
What is Chinese Astrology
Last Updated
July 1, 2010
By Caroline Bourke
Chinese astrology is widely believed to be the most evolved and accurate form of horoscope in existence. The art is deeply rooted in classical Chinese philosophy and uses many of the same concepts as Chinese medicine and religion. Whereas western astrology is based on the elliptical solar year and constellations.
 Chinese astrology is founded on cycles of years, lunar months, and time of day. According to Chinese astrology, the year, date, and time of day during which an individual was born greatly influences their personality and fortune.
Twelve zodiac animals, also known as terrestrial branches, represent the sixty-year cycle of Chinese years: dog, horse, pig, ox, rat, dragon, tiger, rabbit, snake, sheep, monkey, and rooster. Depending on day of the year and hour of birth, these signs are combined with one of the five elements, or phases, to determine what is favorable to an individual and effective in terms of his or her feng shui (life force). The five elements in Chinese philosophy are wood, fire, metal, water, and earth. (Image courtesy of Mysid, WIkimedia Commons)
According to Chinese astrology, a person's entire future can be determined through complex calculations derived from Chinese philosophy, the Chinese calendar, and their relations with the stars, planets, and other heavenly bodies. These calculations are known as the Purple Star system. Given the date and hour of birth, the positions of certain stars are recorded in each of the prescribed sectors of the Chinese astrological chart. The chart as a whole maps an individual's journey through life.
Each sector, or zone, in the Chinese astrological chart represents a major aspect one's life. The main structure zone predicts one's physical appearance, natural talents and abilities, and overall success or failure. The stars' positions in other sectors foretell relationships, wealth, property and assets, health, career, opportunities for travel, and level of happiness that are predestined at birth. A person's zodiac animal indicates the individual's personality and character.
Perhaps the most important factor in Chinese astrology is the concept of yin-yang. Yin-yang describes the diametrically opposed forces that govern and create harmony and equilibrium in the universe. Yin and yang complement each other and are bound together, creating the whole. They are constantly changing places, transforming each other.
 Yin and yang are dynamic, yet always equal in relation to one another. Since yin-yang describes all natural phenomena, a person is part of one or the other polarity determined by the year of birth: even Chinese years are yang, odd years are yin. Yang is active, aggressive, focused, passionate, and masculine; associated with creativity, daylight and sun, spring and summer, and the element fire. Yin is passive, receptive, tranquil, negative, and feminine; associated with winter and fall, birth and fertility, night and moon, and the element water.
While Chinese astrology is much more complex than Western astrology, Chinese astrology is based more on philosophy and science. Both contain mystical elements, but the ancient art of divination is far more developed and inveterate in Chinese astrology than in its Western counterpart.
Chinese Astrology Symbols - Their Meaning Unveiled
By Henry KH Fong
 For many centuries the people of China have relied on ancient Chinese astrology symbols to represent their horoscopes. Chinese astrology symbols are astrological signs of 12 animals that represent a twelve year cycle that is aligned with the sun and the moon. Each one of them was carefully selected and used to represent human life and culture. The twelve symbols of Chinese astrology were carefully chosen and represent the first twelve animals that won the race that was to be set up by ancient gods. The twelve were the ones deemed to be the best.
Rat: This symbol is said to be the same as many of the ancient Chinese emperors. People who share this symbol are said to be practical and dominant minded. You may want to look out for the rat since they can be extremely cruel and of dangerous nature.
Ox: These people are supposed to be a very sincere person who wears their heart on their sleeve.
Tiger: One of the best friends that you can have is anyone who shares this symbol. They fight hard to maintain lasting friendships.
Rabbit: People holding political office tends to be rabbit symbols. They are stubborn and do not take well to any sort of change.
Dragon: This is a strong symbol in the culture of China. The symbol is generally held by someone who has a lot of strength and intelligence.
Snake: Known for being wise, the snake symbol represents someone who cares a lot about physical appearance. They adapt well to change and love new things.
Horse: They are brave in nature, but also tend to let their defensiveness get in their way. These people are very sensitive.
Sheep: These artistic creatures tend to care about the world around them and are easily hurt by any sort of negativity.
Monkey: This is the most scientific of all the symbols. They have to be in full control of what's going on around them and tend to be a good friend.
Rooster: These people are not happy unless they can be at the center of everyone's attention.
Dog: You will never be able to find a more loyal friend than the dog. Everyone is drawn to their enigmatic personality.
Pig: Most comfortable in rural areas, they are kind hearted and love to connect with nature.
 The other symbols on the Chinese astrological chart are the Yin and Yang which help you create harmony in your life. The chart uses the natural elements of nature to divide the cycle. By using these symbols you will be able to find out what the future holds for you.
More Resources for Chinese Astrology
For more information on Chinese astrology, see these recommended books on Amazon:
Chinese Astrology: Exploring The Eastern Zodiac
Animal Symbolism of the Chinese Zodiac
The Chinese Astrology Bible: The Definitive Guide to Using the Chinese Zodiac
The Year of the Tiger: Tales from the Chinese Zodiac
More Resources for Chinese Symbolism and the Five Elements
For more information about the Chinese five elements, try the following Amazon books:
Wood Becomes Water: Chinese Medicine in Everyday Life
Traditional Acupuncture: The Law of the Five Elements
Power of the Five Elements: The Chinese Medicine Path to Healthy Aging and Stress Resistance
Fusion of the Five Elements: Meditations for Transforming Negative Emotions
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