Chinese Astrology
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Informative Chinese Astrology and Zodiac Sites. |
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The Chinese Zodiac differs from the Zodiac of the West. Unlike Western astrology, which follows the cycles of the sun, Chinese Astrology follows the cycles of the moon. A complete cycle of sixty lunar years is made up of five - twelve year cycles. This twelve-year cycle is sometimes called "The Yellow Road of the Sun". A certain animal represents each year during the Chinese New Year. The twelve animals are: The Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig. Legend tells us that when Buddha lay on his deathbed, he asked the animals of the forest to come and bid him farewell. These 12 were the first to arrive. The cat, as the story goes, is not among the animals because it was napping & could not be bothered to make the journey. Based on the order of their arrival, Buddha gave each animal a year of its own, bestowing the nature and the characteristics of each to those born in that animal year. However, this is only one version of the legend. In certain far Eastern countries, the cat is the astrological symbol instead of the Rabbit. The animal year in which you were born profoundly influences your life. The Chinese say, "This is the animal that hides in your heart". In addition to the twelve animals of Chinese astrology there are also five elements (wood, fire, earth, metal and water). A Chinese horoscope is divided into interlocking sets of the numbers ten and twelve. (e.g. ten Heavenly Stem signs and twelve Earthly Branch signs). These three systems are used for counting and classifying the years: The Ten Heavenly Stems, The Twelve Earthly Branches and The Twelve Animals. The ancient principle of Yin and Yang (negative and positive forces) is also very much involved in charting a horoscope. Astrology is an integral part of everyday life in China. A Chinese person always knows his or her animal sign. Life decisions are made according to astrology, especially when seeking guidance about whom to marry and when. It is also to guide as to when to conclude financial agreements, begin journeys, start building a new home, and even where to bury the dead. To learn more about Chinese Astrology, please refer to the following resources for the animal sign that you were born under and other Chinese Zodiac information. |
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