As humans, we are fascinated with the mysteries of the universe and the forces that govern our lives. For centuries, many cultures have turned to astrology as a way of understanding the influence of the stars and planets on our personalities, behaviors, and destinies. One such system that has captivated people for over 2,000 years is Chinese Astrology, also known as the Shengxiao or the Chinese Zodiac.
Chinese Astrology is based on a twelve-year cycle, each year associated with an animal sign. The twelve animals of the Chinese Zodiac are the Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. Each animal represents certain personality traits, strengths, weaknesses, and compatibility with other signs.
According to legend, the twelve animals were chosen by the Buddha who invited all the animals to a race to determine their order in the zodiac. The first twelve animals to cross the finish line were granted a place in the zodiac and named after them. This race also determined the order in which the years are assigned to each animal sign.
In addition to the animal sign, Chinese Astrology also takes into account the Five Elements: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. These elements interact with the animal signs to create a sixty-year cycle that further refines a person’s character traits, destiny, and compatibility with other signs.
To find out your animal sign and element, you need to know your birth year according to the Chinese lunar calendar. The Chinese New Year falls on a different date each year, usually between January 21st and February 20th, so it’s important to consult a Chinese Astrology chart to determine your sign accurately.
People born in the Year of the Rat (1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020) are said to be clever, quick-witted, and adaptable. They have a sharp mind, a natural charm, and are skilled at handling money. However, they can also be manipulative and self-centered.
Those born in the Year of the Ox (1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021) are known for their diligence, strength, and dependability. They are reliable, patient, and able to endure hardship. However, they can also be stubborn and inflexible.
People born in the Year of the Tiger (1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022) are said to be brave, confident, and ambitious. They are natural leaders, fiercely independent, and unafraid of taking risks. However, they can also be impulsive and reckless.
Those born in the Year of the Rabbit (1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023) are known for their gentleness, sensitivity, and intuition. They are artistic, compassionate, and skilled at diplomacy. However, they can also be moody and indecisive.
People born in the Year of the Dragon (1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024) are said to be powerful, charismatic, and inspiring. They have a magnetic personality, are confident, and possess great energy and vitality. However, they can also be arrogant and domineering.
Those born in the Year of the Snake (1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989 2001, 2013, 2025) are known for their wisdom, intuition, and grace. They are often mysterious and enigmatic, with a deep understanding of human nature. However, they can also be secretive and suspicious.
People born in the Year of the Horse (1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026) are said to be adventurous, passionate, and free-spirited. They are enthusiastic, charming, and enjoy taking risks. However, they can also be impulsive and restless.
Those born in the Year of the Goat (1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027) are known for their artistic talents, sensitivity, and compassion. They are often creative, peaceful, and enjoy spending time in nature. However, they can also be indecisive and pessimistic.
People born in the Year of the Monkey (1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028) are said to be witty, intelligent, and playful. They are curious, adaptable, and often have a great sense of humor. However, they can also be mischievous and selfish.
Those born in the Year of the Rooster (1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029) are known for their confidence, hard work, and attention to detail. They are often perfectionists, with a strong sense of responsibility and a desire for recognition. However, they can also be critical and opinionated.
People born in the Year of the Dog (1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030) are said to be loyal, honest, and dependable. They are often protective of their loved ones, with a strong sense of justice and fairness. However, they can also be stubborn and overly cautious.
Those born in the Year of the Pig (1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031) are known for their kindness, generosity, and easygoing nature. They are often cheerful, with a love for the finer things in life. However, they can also be naive and gullible.
In Chinese Astrology, the interaction between the animal signs and the Five Elements creates a complex system of compatibility and conflict. For example, people born in the Year of the Rat are said to be compatible with those born in the Year of the Dragon or Monkey, but clash with those born in the Year of the Horse.
Chinese Astrology is not just limited to individual horoscopes. It is also used to determine the best time for important life events, such as weddings, business deals, and travel. The Chinese Lunar Calendar, which is based on the cycles of the moon, is used to calculate auspicious dates for such events.
Chinese Astrology also plays a significant role in traditional Chinese medicine. Each animal sign is associated with a different organ in the body, and imbalances in these organs can cause health problems. Practitioners of Chinese medicine use this knowledge to diagnose and treat illnesses.
The Chinese Zodiac has also had a significant influence on popular culture. It has been featured in movies, books, and even fashion. In 2020, luxury fashion brand Gucci released a collection inspired by the Chinese Zodiac, featuring clothing and accessories adorned with animal motifs.
In addition to the twelve animal signs, there are also Four Pillars of Destiny, which is another important aspect of Chinese Astrology. This system is based on a person’s year, month, day, and time of birth, and it is used to provide a more detailed analysis of a person’s personality, career, and relationships.
The Four Pillars of Destiny system is also used to determine a person’s BaZi, which is a chart that shows the interaction between the Five Elements and the animal signs. BaZi is often used by businesspeople and politicians to make important decisions and gain insight into their strengths and weaknesses.
In addition to the animal signs and the Four Pillars of Destiny, there are also twelve Earthly Branches, which are used to determine the time of day. Each Earthly Branch is associated with an animal sign, and the interaction between the Earthly Branch and the animal sign can provide additional insight into a person’s personality and destiny.
While Chinese Astrology is steeped in tradition and history, it is also constantly evolving. Today, many modern practitioners use a combination of traditional Chinese Astrology and Western Astrology to provide a more comprehensive and accurate analysis of a person’s horoscope.
In conclusion, Chinese Astrology is a fascinating and complex system that has been used for centuries to gain insight into human nature, destiny, and the world around us. Whether you are a true believer or a skeptic, there is no denying the enduring popularity and influence of the Chinese Zodiac.
So, whether you’re a Dragon seeking adventure or a Rabbit seeking peace and harmony, take comfort in knowing that the stars above have a special message just for you. And who knows, maybe one day you’ll discover your true destiny and fulfill your witchy potential in ways you never thought possible.
The Legend Of Chinese Astrology
Chinese astrology was formed by Buddha. To celebrate the Chinese new year Buddha invited 12 animals to a race and the order in which they would arrive would determine their place in the Chinese zodiac. The order in which they arrived are as follows; Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, Pig. The cunning rat who won the race did so by sneaking a ride on the oxen back then running to victory. The dragon whom should have won the race because it could fly stopped to help villagers who were caught in a flood, though this tale differs depending on the story teller.
The origins of Chinese Astrology
The origins of Chinese astrology date back thousands of years and is deeply rooted inside Chinese philosophy and culture. The basics of Chinese astrology is that everything and everyone has a purpose on earth and the highest purpose is to archive harmony and fulfillment within. Chinese believe is that every object including empty space has its own energy or “qi”, and that this energy either has a yin (female) or yang(male) energy. Yang is vibrant and outgoing were as yin is the opposite and is quiet and subdued, though they are opposites they both depend on each other for harmony. Examples of the balance of energies; Yang Yin, Day Night, Summer Winter, Sun Moon, Sunrise Sunset, Life Death, Land Sea. Yin Yang energy plays a central role in determining common traits and potential for compatibility between the animal signs.
The Elements
it is said that all life is created and destroyed by the interaction of the 5 elements- Wood, earth, fire, water and metal.
The cycles are depicted as destructive or productive. Wood produces fire, Fire produces earth, Earth produces Metal, Metal produces Wood, these are the productive cycles. The destructive cycles are as follows, Wood destroys earth, Earth destroys water, Water destroys Fire, Fire destroys Metal, Metal destroys Wood.
Time is calculated in sixty-year cycles, in this time each of the five elements come together with each of the twelve zodiac signs and influences them in certain ways. The Chinese measure time in Lunar Years.
The year of your birth shows your dominant sign. The month of your birth gives a more detailed analysis of your personality and relationships. The time of your birth is you ascendant sign, your inner self is revealed by this sign.
Each sign will find himself drawn to two of the other twelve signs, one in a personal way, the other in a business sense. Below is shown a chart which give a compatibility rating from 1 – 5, with 5 being the best and 1 the worst.
Chinese Zodiac Compatibility Chart
Rat:
Best match: Dragon, Monkey, Ox
Good match: Rat, Tiger, Snake
Ox:
Best match: Rat, Snake, Rooster
Good match: Ox, Dragon, Monkey
Tiger:
Best match: Horse, Dragon, Pig
Good match: Tiger, Dog, Rabbit
Rabbit:
Best match: Sheep, Pig, Dog
Good match: Rabbit, Monkey, Rat
Dragon:
Best match: Rat, Monkey, Rooster
Good match: Dragon, Snake, Ox
Snake:
Best match: Ox, Rooster
Good match: Monkey, Dragon, Snake
Horse:
Best match: Tiger, Sheep, Rabbit
Good match: Dog, Horse, Pig
Sheep:
Best match: Rabbit, Horse, Pig
Good match: Sheep, Dog, Tiger
Monkey:
Best match: Rat, Dragon, Snake
Good match: Monkey, Ox, Rabbit
Rooster:
Best match: Ox, Snake, Dragon
Good match: Rooster, Rabbit, Dog
Dog:
Best match: Rabbit, Tiger, Horse
Good match: Dog, Sheep, Pig
Pig:
Best match: Rabbit, Sheep, Tiger
Good match: Pig, Dog, Horse
Friendship bonds
Friendship bonds; Rat, Dragon, Monkey.
Friendship bonds; Tiger, Dog, Horse.
Friendship bonds; Hare, Sheep, Pig.
Friendship bonds; Ox, Rooster, Snake.
For a more detailed look into your Chinese zodiac love compatibility click here:
Final Musings:
In the end, Chinese Astrology is a fascinating and powerful tool that has been used for centuries to understand ourselves, our relationships, and our place in the universe. Whether you’re a firm believer in the stars or a skeptic, there is no denying the influence and popularity of the Chinese Zodiac.
So, if you’re curious to learn more about your animal sign and what the stars have in store for you, consider seeking out a professional Chinese Astrologer. They can provide a personalized analysis of your horoscope and help you uncover the secrets of your destiny.
But even if you’re not ready to dive into the world of Chinese Astrology just yet, take comfort in knowing that the stars are always there, guiding us and reminding us of our true nature. Whether you’re a fierce Dragon or a gentle Rabbit, embrace your animal sign and all that it represents.
Chinese Astrology is not just a tool for predicting the future or understanding our personality traits, but also a way to connect with the world around us and find our place in the universe. So, embrace your inner animal and let the stars guide you on your journey through life. Who knows where it may lead you?
