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Chinese astrology is the divination of the future from the Chinese calendar, which is based on astronomy, and ancient Chinese philosophy. In particular, it is based on the sexagenary cycle of 60 years that has been documented since the time of the Shang Dynasty at the latest. This basic cycle has been constructed from two cycles: the 10 heavenly stems (the five elements in their yin and yang forms) and the 12 earthly branches, or the 12-year cycle of animals referred to as the Chinese zodiac. The Chinese animal zodiac also operates on a cycle of months or 'moons' and of hours of the day. Hand-coloured version of the anonymous Flammarion woodcut (1888). ... Image File history File links Astrologyproject. ... The history of astrology encompasses a great span of human history and many cultures. ... Astronomy is the oldest of the natural sciences, dating back to antiquity, with its origins in the religious, mythological, and astrological practices of pre-history: vestiges of these are still found in astrology, a discipline long interwoven with public and governmental astronomy, and not completely disentangled from it until a... This article needs additional references or sources for verification. ... Much of the survival of classical sciences like astronomy, mathematics, geography and philosophy in the Western world is due to the fact that it was preserved and used by the Arab world from about the 8th Century, when Europe was going through its Dark Ages. ... This article or section is in need of attention from an expert on the subject. ... Hellenistic astrology is a tradition of horoscopic astrology that developed in the Mediterranean region and specifically Hellenistic Egypt sometime around the late 2nd or early 1st century BCE. Endnotes Note 1: See David Pingree - From Astral Omens to Astrology from Babylon to Bikaner, Roma: Istituto Italiano per LAfrica e... It has been suggested that Indian astronomy be merged into this article or section. ... Western astrology is the system of astrology most popular in Western countries. ... This is a list of differentiated systems of astrology. ... Horoscopic astrology is a form of astrology which uses a horoscope or chart to gain information from the position of cosmic bodies. ... Natal astrology, also known as genethliacal astrology, is the system of astrology based upon the concept that each individuals personality or path in life can be determined by constructing a natal chart for the exact date, time, and location of a persons birth. ... Electional astrology (called Muhurt or Muhurtha in Hindu astrology) concerns itself with finding the best time to do a particular activity. ... Horary astrology is a very old branch of astrology by which an astrologer will try to answer a question by drawing up an astrological chart or horoscope for the exact time and place at which that question came to mind or when it was put to them. ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged with Political astrology. ... This list is incomplete; you can help by expanding it. ... For other uses, see Divination (disambiguation). ... The Chinese calendar is a lunisolar calendar, incorporating elements of a lunar calendar with those of a solar calendar. ... Yin Yang symbol and Ba gua paved in a clearing outside of Nanning City, Guangxi province, China. ... The Chinese sexagenary cycle (Chinese: ; pinyin: ) is a cyclic numeral system of 60 combinations of the two basic cycles, the ten Heavenly Stems (天干; tiāngān) and the twelve Earthly Branches (地支; dìzhī). These have been traditionally used as a means of numbering days and years, not only in China... Remnants of advanced, stratified societies dating back to the Shang period have been found in the Yellow River Valley. ... The ten heavenly stems (Chinese: 天干; pinyin: ) or ten stems (Chinese: 十干; pinyin: ) are an ancient Chinese cyclic numeral system. ... The Earthly Branches (Chinese: ; pinyin: dìzhī; or Chinese: ; pinyin: shíèrzhī; literally twelve branches) provide one Chinese system for reckoning time. ... The term zodiac denotes an annual cycle of twelve stations along the ecliptic, the apparent path of the sun across the heavens through the constellations that divide the ecliptic into twelve equal zones of celestial longitude. ...

The Chinese zodiac refers to a pure calendrical cycle; there are no equivalent constellations like those of the occidental zodiac. In imperial times there were astrologers who watched the sky for heavenly omens that would predict the future of the state, but this was a quite different practice of divination from the popular present-day methods. This article is about the star grouping. ... Examples of omens from the Nuremberg Chronicle (1493): natural phenomena and strange births. ...

Background

The ancient Chinese astronomers called the 5 major planets by the names of the element they were associated with: Venus corresponds to Metal (gold); Jupiter to Wood; Mercury to Water; Mars to Fire; Saturn to Earth. According to Chinese Astrology, a person's destiny can be determined by the position of the major planets, along with the positions of the Sun, Moon and comets and the person's time of birth and Zodiac Sign. The system of the twelve year cycle of animal signs was built from observations of the orbit of Jupiter. Chinese astronomers divided the celestial circle into 12 sections to follow the orbit of 歳星 Suìxīng (Jupiter, the Year Star). Astronomers rounded the orbit of Suixing to 12 years (from 11.86). Suixing was associated with Sheti (ɳ Böotes) and sometimes called Sheti. Chinese Wood (木) | Fire (火) Earth (土) | Metal (金) | Water (æ°´) Japanese Earth (地) | Water (æ°´) | Fire (火) | Air / Wind (風) | Void / Sky / Heaven (空) Hinduism and Buddhism Vayu / Pavan — Air / Wind Agni / Tejas — Fire Akasha — Aether Prithvi / Bhumi — Earth Ap / Jala — Water In traditional Chinese philosophy, natural phenomena can be classified into the Five Elements (Chinese: ; Pinyin: ): wood, fire... (*min temperature refers to cloud tops only) Atmospheric characteristics Atmospheric pressure 9. ... Atmospheric characteristics Atmospheric pressure 70 kPa Hydrogen ~86% Helium ~14% Methane 0. ... [[Link titleBold text // ]] This article is about the planet. ... Mars is the fourth planet from the Sun in the solar system, named after the Roman god of war (the counterpart of the Greek Ares), on account of its blood red color as viewed in the night sky. ... Atmospheric characteristics Atmospheric pressure 140 kPa Hydrogen >93% Helium >5% Methane 0. ... For other uses, see Jupiter (disambiguation). ...

A laborious system of computing one's fate and destiny based on one's birthday and birth hours (known as Zi Wei Dou Shu 紫微斗數 zǐwēidǒushù) is still used regularly in modern day Chinese astrology to divine one's fortune. The 28 Chinese constellations (宿 xìu) are quite different from the 88 Western constellations. For example, the Big Bear (Ursa Major) is known as 斗 dǒu; the belt of Orion is known as 參 shēn, or the "Happiness, Fortune, Longevity" trio of demigods. The seven northern constellations are referred to as xúanwǔ (玄武). Xuan Wu is also known as the spirit of the northern sky or the spirit of Water in Taoism belief. Chinese constellations are different from the western constellations, due to the independent development of ancient Chinese astronomy. ... This article is about the constellation. ... Orion (IPA: ), a constellation often referred to as The Hunter, is a prominent constellation, one of the largest and perhaps the best-known and most conspicuous in the sky[1]. Its brilliant stars are found on the celestial equator and are visible throughout the world, making this constellation globally recognized. ... Taoism (or Daoism) is the English name referring to a variety of related Chinese philosophical traditions and concepts. ...

In addition to astrological readings of the heavenly bodies, the stars in the sky form the basis of many fairy tales. For example, the Summer Triangle is the trio of the cowherd (Altair), the weaving maiden fairy (Vega), and the "tai bai" fairy (Deneb). The two forbidden lovers were separated by the silvery river (the Milky Way). Each year on the seventh day of the seventh month in the Chinese calendar, the birds form a bridge across the Milky Way. The cowherd carries their two sons (the two stars on each side of Altair) across the bridge to reunite with their fairy mother. The tai bai fairy acts as the chaperone of these two immortal lovers. See Qi Xi for more versions of this story. A fairy tale is a story, either told to children or as if told to children, concerning the adventures of mythical characters such as fairies, goblins, elves, trolls, giants, and others. ... The Summer Triangle is an astronomical asterism involving an imaginary triangle drawn on the northern hemispheres celestial sphere, with its defining vertices at Altair, Deneb, and Vega. ... Altair (α Aql / α Aquilae / Alpha Aquilae / Atair ) is the brightest star in the constellation Aquila and the twelfth brightest star in the nighttime sky, at visual magnitude 0. ... For other uses, see Vega (disambiguation). ... Deneb (α Cyg / α Cygni / Alpha Cygni) is the brightest star in the constellation Cygnus and one of the vertices of the Summer Triangle. ... For other uses, see Milky Way (disambiguation). ... Altair (α Aql / α Aquilae / Alpha Aquilae / Atair ) is the brightest star in the constellation Aquila and the twelfth brightest star in the nighttime sky, at visual magnitude 0. ... Qi Xi (Chinese: ; Pinyin: ; literally The Night of Sevens), sometimes called Chinese Valentines Day or Magpie Festival, falls on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month on the Chinese calendar; thus its name. ...

The lunisolar calendar

The 60-year cycle consists of two separate cycles interacting with each other. The first is the cycle of ten heavenly stems, namely the Five Elements (in order Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water) in their Yin and Yang forms. The ten heavenly stems (Chinese: 天干; pinyin: ) or ten stems (Chinese: 十干; pinyin: ) are an ancient Chinese cyclic numeral system. ... Chinese Wood (木) | Fire (火) Earth (土) | Metal (金) | Water (水) Japanese Earth (地) | Water (水) | Fire (火) | Air / Wind (風) | Void / Sky / Heaven (空) Hinduism and Buddhism Vayu / Pavan — Air / Wind Agni / Tejas — Fire Akasha — Aether Prithvi / Bhumi — Earth Ap / Jala — Water In traditional Chinese philosophy, natural phenomena can be classified into the Five Elements (Chinese: ; Pinyin: ): wood, fire... In Chinese alchemy, wood was one of the five elements. ... . Bön . Hinduism (Tattva) and Buddhism (Mahābhūta) Prithvi / Bhumi — Earth Ap / Jala — Water Vayu / Pavan — Air / Wind Agni / Tejas — Fire Akasha — Aether . ... . Bön . Hinduism (Tattva) and Buddhism (Mahābhūta) Prithvi / Bhumi — Earth Ap / Jala — Water Vayu / Pavan — Air / Wind Agni / Tejas — Fire Akasha — Aether . ... This does not adequately cite its references or sources. ... Chinese Wood (木) | Fire (火) Earth (土) | Metal (金) | Water (水) Japanese Earth (地) | Water (水) | Fire (火) | Air / Wind (風) | Void / Sky / Heaven (空) Hinduism and Buddhism Vayu / Pavan — Air / Wind Agni / Tejas — Fire Akasha — Aether Prithvi / Bhumi — Earth Ap / Jala — Water Water has been important to all peoples of the earth, and it is rich in spiritual tradition. ... Japanese name Kanji: Hiragana: Vietnamese name Vietnamese: In Chinese philosophy the yin and yang (simplified Chinese: ; traditional Chinese: ; pinyin: ) are generalized descriptions of the antitheses or mutual correlations in human perceptions of phenomena in the natural world, combining to create a unity of opposites in the theory of the Taiji. ...

The second is the cycle of the twelve Zodiac animal signs (生肖 shēngxiāo) or Earthly Branches . They are in order as follows: the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep (ram or goat), monkey, rooster, dog, and boar . The Earthly Branches (Chinese: ; pinyin: dìzhÄ«; or Chinese: ; pinyin: shíèrzhÄ«; literally twelve branches) provide one Chinese system for reckoning time. ... The Rat ( é¼  ) was welcomed in ancient times as a protector and bringer of material prosperity. ... The Ox ( 丑 ) is one of the 12-year cycle of animals which appear in the Chinese zodiac related to the Chinese calendar. ... The Tiger ( 寅 ), associated with good fortune, power, and royalty, is viewed with both fear and respect. ... This article or section is not written in the formal tone expected of an encyclopedia article. ... A Chinese dragon The Dragon ( 龍 ) is the only mythical creature in the Chinese zodiac. ... The Snake (蛇) (also known as the Serpent) is one of the 12-year cycle of animals which appear in the Chinese zodiac related to the Chinese calendar. ... The Horse (馬 午) is one of the 12-year cycle of animals which appear in the Chinese zodiac related to the Chinese calendar. ... The Sheep ( 羊 ) (also known as Goat) is the eighth sign of the 12-year cycle of animals which appear in the Chinese zodiac related to the Chinese calendar. ... The Monkey (申) is one of the 12-year cycle of animals which appear in the Chinese zodiac related to the Chinese calendar. ... The Rooster ( é…‰ ) is one of the 12-year cycle of animals which appear in the Chinese zodiac related to the Chinese calendar. ... The Dog ( ç‹— ) is one of the 12-year cycle of animals which appear in the Chinese zodiac related to the Chinese calendar. ... Hai (亥) is the twelfth sign of the Earthly Branches. ...

This combination of 5 elements × 12 animals creates the 60-year cycle, which always starts with Wood Rat and ends with Water Boar. Since the zodiac animal cycle of 12 is divisible by two, every zodiac sign can also only occur in either yin or yang: the dragon is always yang, the snake is always yin, etc. The current cycle began in the year 1984 (as shown in "Table of the sixty year calendar" below). This article is about the year. ...

When trying to calculate the relevant year, an easy rule to follow is that years that end in an even number are yang, those that end with an odd number are yin. The cycle proceeds as follows:

• If the year ends in 0 it is Yang Metal.
• If the year ends in 1 it is Yin Metal.
• If the year ends in 2 it is Yang Water.
• If the year ends in 3 it is Yin Water.
• If the year ends in 4 it is Yang Wood.
• If the year ends in 5 it is Yin Wood.
• If the year ends in 6 it is Yang Fire.
• If the year ends in 7 it is Yin Fire.
• If the year ends in 8 it is Yang Earth.
• If the year ends in 9 it is Yin Earth.

However, since the (traditional) Chinese zodiac follows the (lunisolar) Chinese calendar, the switch over date is the Chinese New Year, not January 1 as in the Gregorian calendar. Therefore, a person who was born in January or early February has the sign of the previous year. For example, if a person was born in January 1970, his or her element would still be Yin Earth, not Yang Metal. Similarly, although 1990 was called the year of the horse, anyone born from January 1 to January 26, 1990 was in fact born in the Year of the Snake (the sign of the previous year), because the 1990 Year of the Horse did not begin until January 27, 1990. For this reason, many online sign calculators (and Chinese restaurant placemats) will give a person the wrong sign if he/she was born in January or early February. How does space sound? Barren and desolate? An empty vacuum of astral winds spinning the darkened horizons. ... The Chinese calendar is a lunisolar calendar, incorporating elements of a lunar calendar with those of a solar calendar. ... Chinese New Year (Simplified Chinese: ; Traditional Chinese: ; pinyin: ), or Spring Festival or the Lunar New Year (Simplified Chinese: ; Traditional Chinese: ; pinyin: ), is the most important of the traditional Chinese holidays. ... is the 1st day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... For the calendar of religious holidays and periods, see liturgical year. ...

The start of a new Zodiac is also celebrated on Chinese New Year along with many other customs. Chinese New Year (Simplified Chinese: ; Traditional Chinese: ; pinyin: ), or Spring Festival or the Lunar New Year (Simplified Chinese: ; Traditional Chinese: ; pinyin: ), is the most important of the traditional Chinese holidays. ...

Table of the sixty year calendar

Main article: sexagenary cycle

The following table shows the 60 year cycle matched up to the Western calendar for the years 1924 - 2043 (see main article for years 1804 - 1923). The Chinese sexagenary cycle (Chinese: ; pinyin: ) is a cyclic numeral system of 60 combinations of the two basic cycles, the ten Heavenly Stems (天干; tiāngān) and the twelve Earthly Branches (地支; dìzhī). These have been traditionally used as a means of numbering days and years, not only in China...

Note: The Chinese symbols in the table for the elements and animal signs are special ones used only in astrology, not the ordinary symbols used in general writing.

Chinese agricultural calendar

There are some newer astrological texts which follow the Chinese Agricultural Calendar (the jie qi), and thus place the changeover of zodiac signs at the solar term li chun (beginning of Spring), at solar longitude 315 degrees. (See Chinese calendar) The Chinese New Year is determined by the start of the Lunar calendar, however the annual division between the signs is not the Chinese New Year. Rather, it is the beginning of spring, which is the 4th or 5th of February of each year. In this calendar, Combination Element is the result of the Elements movement. The Chinese calendar is a lunisolar calendar, incorporating elements of a lunar calendar with those of a solar calendar. ...

Five elements

The Yin or Yang is broken down into Five Elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water) on top of the cycle of animals. These are modifiers and affect the characteristics of each of the 12 animal signs. Thus, each of the 12 animals are governed by an element plus a Yin Yang Direction. Chinese Wood (木) | Fire (火) Earth (土) | Metal (金) | Water (水) Japanese Earth (地) | Water (水) | Fire (火) | Air / Wind (風) | Void / Sky / Heaven (空) Hinduism and Buddhism Vayu / Pavan — Air / Wind Agni / Tejas — Fire Akasha — Aether Prithvi / Bhumi — Earth Ap / Jala — Water In traditional Chinese philosophy, natural phenomena can be classified into the Five Elements (Chinese: ; Pinyin: ): wood, fire... In Chinese alchemy, wood was one of the five elements. ... . Bön . Hinduism (Tattva) and Buddhism (Mahābhūta) Prithvi / Bhumi — Earth Ap / Jala — Water Vayu / Pavan — Air / Wind Agni / Tejas — Fire Akasha — Aether . ... . Bön . Hinduism (Tattva) and Buddhism (Mahābhūta) Prithvi / Bhumi — Earth Ap / Jala — Water Vayu / Pavan — Air / Wind Agni / Tejas — Fire Akasha — Aether . ... This does not adequately cite its references or sources. ... Chinese Wood (木) | Fire (火) Earth (土) | Metal (金) | Water (水) Japanese Earth (地) | Water (水) | Fire (火) | Air / Wind (風) | Void / Sky / Heaven (空) Hinduism and Buddhism Vayu / Pavan — Air / Wind Agni / Tejas — Fire Akasha — Aether Prithvi / Bhumi — Earth Ap / Jala — Water Water has been important to all peoples of the earth, and it is rich in spiritual tradition. ... The word modifier applies to either the adjective or the adverb in a sentence. ...

Although it is usually translated as 'element' the Chinese word xing literally means something like 'changing states of being', 'permutations' or 'metamorphoses of being'. ^[1] In fact Sinologists cannot agree on one single translation. The Chinese conception of 'element' is therefore quite different to the Western one. The Western elements were seen as the basic building blocks of matter. The Chinese 'elements', by contrast, were seen as ever changing and moving forces or energies - one translation of xing is simply 'the five changes'.

The balance of yin and yang and the five elements in a person's make-up has a major bearing on what is beneficial and effective for them in terms of feng shui, the Chinese form of geomancy. This is because each element is linked to a particular direction and season, and their different kinds of qì or life force. Fēng Shuǐ (風水 – literally, wind and water pronounced fung shuway), which may be more than 3000 years old, is the ancient practice of placement to achieve harmony with the environment. ... For other uses, see QI (disambiguation). ...

木 Wood

• The East
• Spring
• Azure Dragon
• The Planet Jupiter
• The Color Green
• Liver and gallbladder
• Generous, Warm, Persuasive, Co-operative, Seeks to Expand and Grow
• Idealistic, Ethical, Enthusiastic, Seeks to Explore

Wood 'Governs' the Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon

火 Fire

• The South
• Summer
• Vermilion Bird
• The Planet Mars
• The Color Red
• Circulatory system & Heart
• Dynamic, Humanitarian, Energetic, Passionate, Enterprising, Adventurous, Restless
• Competitive, Leadership Skills, Strong, Single-minded, Loves a good laugh

Fire 'Governs' the Snake, Horse and Sheep

土 Earth

• Center
• Three Enclosures, Change of seasons
• The Yellow Dragon
• The Planet Saturn
• The Color Yellow
• Digestive system, Spleen and stomach
• Patient, Militaristic, Prudent, Stable, Reliable, Hard-working, Ambitious, Stubborn, and very energetic
• Disciplined, Tenacious, Logical, Governed by Service and Duty to Others

'Governs' Dragon, Rat, and Ox. It is the central balance of the elements and can lend qualities to all 12 animals as well.

金 Metal

• The West
• Autumn
• White Tiger
• The Planet Venus
• The Color White
• Respiratory system & Lungs
• Determined, Self-reliant, Unyielding, Strong, Tenacious, Forceful
• Reserved, Needs Personal Space, Sophisticated, Seeks pleasure, caring, respectful

Metal 'Governs' the Monkey, Rooster, Dog

水 Water

• The North
• Winter
• Black Tortoise
• The Planet Mercury
• The Color Black
• Skeletal/Excretory System & Lungs
• Secretive, Charming, Intuitive, Compassionate, Sensitive, Creative
• Flexible, Compliant, Eloquence, Intellectual

Water 'Governs' the Pig, Rat, Ox

Element cycles

Interactions of Five Chinese Elements - Cycles of Balance and Cycles of Imbalance

The doctrine of five phases describes two Cycles of Balance, a generating or creation (生, shēng) cycle and an overcoming or destruction (克, kè) cycle of interactions between the phases. Image File history File links Size of this preview: 528 × 600 pixelsFull resolution (634 × 720 pixel, file size: 74 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) Chinese Five Elements Cycles of Balance: Creation (Sheng) Cycle Destruction (Ke) Cycle Cycles of Imbalance: Overacting (Cheng) Cycle Insulting (Wu) Cycle Author: Don Reynolds, March 2007... Image File history File links Size of this preview: 528 × 600 pixelsFull resolution (634 × 720 pixel, file size: 74 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) Chinese Five Elements Cycles of Balance: Creation (Sheng) Cycle Destruction (Ke) Cycle Cycles of Imbalance: Overacting (Cheng) Cycle Insulting (Wu) Cycle Author: Don Reynolds, March 2007...

Generating:

• Wood feeds Fire;
• Fire creates Earth (ash);
• Earth bears Metal;
• Metal collects Water and
• Water nourishes Wood.

Overcoming:

• wood parts earth;
• earth absorbs water;
• water quenches fire;
• fire melts metal and
• metal chops wood

The 12 zodiac animals

In Chinese astrology the zodiac of twelve animal signs represents twelve different types of personality. The zodiac traditionally begins with the sign of the Rat, and there are many stories about the Origins of the Chinese Zodiac which explain why this is so (see below). The following are the twelve zodiac signs in order and their characteristics.^[2] In astrology, the Signs of the Zodiac represent twelve equal segments or divisions of the zodiac. ... According to one legend, in the sixth century B.C. the Jade Emperor invited all the animals in creation to a race, only twelve showed up: the Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Lamb, Monkey, Cock, Dog, and Pig, and according to their places in the race, the Jade...

Note: The first symbol is simply the name of the animal written in Chinese, while the second Chinese symbol is the character specifically used in astrology to denote the animal sign.

1. Rat (Yang, 1st Trine, Fixed Element Water): Forthright, disciplined, systematic, meticulous, charismatic, hardworking, industrious, charming, eloquent, sociable, shrewd. Can be manipulative, cruel, dictatorial, rigid, selfish, obstinate, critical, over-ambitious, ruthless, intolerant, scheming.
2. Ox (Yin, 2nd Trine, Fixed Element Water): Dependable, calm, methodical, patient, hardworking, ambitious, conventional, steady, modest, logical, resolute, tenacious. Can be stubborn, narrow-minded, materialistic, rigid, demanding.
3. Tiger (Yang, 3rd Trine, Fixed Element Wood): Unpredictable, rebellious, colorful, powerful, passionate, daring, impulsive, vigorous, stimulating, sincere, affectionate, humanitarian, generous. Can be restless, reckless, impatient, quick-tempered, obstinate, selfish.
4. Rabbit (Yin, 4th Trine, Fixed Element Wood): Gracious, kind, sensitive, soft-spoken, amiable, elegant, reserved, cautious, artistic, thorough, tender, self-assured, astute, compassionate, flexible. Can be moody, detached, superficial, self-indulgent, opportunistic, lazy.
5. Dragon (Yang, 1st Trine, Fixed Element Wood): Magnanimous, vigorous, strong, self-assured, proud, direct, eager, zealous, fiery, passionate, decisive, pioneering, ambitious, generous, loyal. Can be arrogant, tyrannical, demanding, eccentric, dogmatic, over-bearing, impetuous, brash.
6. Snake (Yin, 2nd Trine, Fixed Element Fire): Deep thinker, wise, mystic, graceful, soft-spoken, sensual, creative, prudent, shrewd, ambitious, elegant, cautious, responsible, calm, strong, constant, purposeful. Can be loner, bad communicator, possessive, hedonistic, self-doubting, distrustful, mendacious.
7. Horse (Yang, 3rd Trine, Fixed Element Fire): Cheerful, popular, quick-witted, changeable, earthy, perceptive, talkative, agile mentally and physically, magnetic, intelligent, astute, flexible, open-minded. Can be fickle, anxious, rude, gullible, stubborn, lack stability and perseverance.
8. Sheep (Yin, 4th Trine, Fixed Element Fire): Righteous, sincere, sympathetic, mild-mannered, shy, artistic, creative, gentle, compassionate, understanding, mothering, determined, peaceful, generous, seeks security. Can be moody, indecisive, over-passive, worrier, pessimistic, over-sensitive, complainer.
9. Monkey (Yang, 1st Trine, Fixed Element Metal): Inventor, motivator, improviser, quick-witted, inquisitive, flexible, innovative, problem solver, self-assured, sociable, polite, dignified, competitive, objective, factual, intellectual. Can be egotistical, vain, selfish, cunning, jealous, suspicious.
10. Rooster (Yin, 2nd Trine, Fixed Element Metal): Acute, neat, meticulous, organized, self-assured, decisive, conservative, critical, perfectionist, alert, zealous, practical, scientific, responsible. Can be over zealous and critical, puritanical, egotistical, abrasive, opinionated.
11. Dog (Yang, 3rd Trine, Fixed Element Metal): Honest, intelligent, straightforward, loyal, sense of justice and fair play, attractive, amiable, unpretentious, sociable, open-minded, idealistic, moralistic, practical, affectionate, dogged. Can be cynical, lazy, cold, judgmental, pessimistic, worrier, stubborn, quarrelsome.
12. Pig (Yin, 4th Trine, Fixed Element Water): Honest, simple, gallant, sturdy, courageous, persevering, resolute,sociable, peace-loving, patient, loyal, hard-working, trusting, sincere, diligent, calm, understanding, thoughtful, scrupulous, passionate, intelligent. Can be naive, over-reliant, self-indulgent, gullible, fatalistic, materialistic.

In Chinese astrology the animal signs assigned by year represent what others perceive you as being or how you present yourself. It is a common misconception that the animals assigned by year are the only signs, and many western descriptions of Chinese astrology draw solely on this system. In fact, there are also animal signs assigned by month (called inner animals) and hours of the day (called secret animals). The Rat ( 鼠 ) was welcomed in ancient times as a protector and bringer of material prosperity. ... The Ox ( 丑 ) is one of the 12-year cycle of animals which appear in the Chinese zodiac related to the Chinese calendar. ... The Tiger ( 寅 ), associated with good fortune, power, and royalty, is viewed with both fear and respect. ... This article or section is not written in the formal tone expected of an encyclopedia article. ... A Chinese dragon The Dragon ( 龍 ) is the only mythical creature in the Chinese zodiac. ... The Snake (蛇) (also known as the Serpent) is one of the 12-year cycle of animals which appear in the Chinese zodiac related to the Chinese calendar. ... The Horse (馬 午) is one of the 12-year cycle of animals which appear in the Chinese zodiac related to the Chinese calendar. ... The Sheep ( 羊 ) (also known as Goat) is the eighth sign of the 12-year cycle of animals which appear in the Chinese zodiac related to the Chinese calendar. ... The Monkey (申) is one of the 12-year cycle of animals which appear in the Chinese zodiac related to the Chinese calendar. ... The Rooster ( 酉 ) is one of the 12-year cycle of animals which appear in the Chinese zodiac related to the Chinese calendar. ... The Dog ( 狗 ) is one of the 12-year cycle of animals which appear in the Chinese zodiac related to the Chinese calendar. ... Hai (亥) is the twelfth sign of the Earthly Branches. ...

To sum it up, while a person might appear to be a dragon because they were born in the year of the dragon, they might also be a snake internally and an ox secretively. In total, this makes for 8,640 possible combinations (five elements x 12 animals in the 60 year cycle (12 x 5 = 60) , 12 months, 12 times of day) that a person might be. These are all critical for the proper use of Chinese astrology. A Chinese dragon The Dragon ( 龍 ) is the only mythical creature in the Chinese zodiac. ... The Snake (蛇) (also known as the Serpent) is one of the 12-year cycle of animals which appear in the Chinese zodiac related to the Chinese calendar. ... The Ox ( 丑 ) is one of the 12-year cycle of animals which appear in the Chinese zodiac related to the Chinese calendar. ...

The months - the inner animals

Main article: Solar term

The 12 animals are also linked to the traditional Chinese agricultural calendar, that runs alongside the better known lunar calendar. Instead of months, this calendar is divided into 24 two week segments known as Solar Terms. Each animal is linked to two of these solar terms for a period similar to the Western month. Unlike the 60 year lunar calendar, which can vary by as much as a month in relation to the Western calendar, the agricultural calendar varies by only one day, beginning on the Western February 3rd or 4th every year. Again unlike the cycle of the lunar years, which begins with the Rat, the agricultural calendar begins with the Tiger as it is the first animal of spring. A Solar term is one of 24 days in the traditional East Asian lunisolar calendars that match a particular astronomical events or signify some natural phenomenon. ... The Chinese calendar is a lunisolar calendar, incorporating elements of a lunar calendar with those of a solar calendar. ...

An individual's monthly animal sign is called their inner animal and is concerned with what motivates a person. Since this sign dictates the person's love life and inner persona, it is critical to a proper understanding of the individual's compatibility with other signs. Astrological compatibility, also known as synastry, describes how one particular Zodiac sign is compatible with another. ...

As each sign is linked to a month of the solar year, it is thereby also linked to a season. Each of the elements are also linked to a season (see above), and the element that shares a season with a sign is known as that sign's fixed element. In other words, that element is believed to impart some of its characteristics to the sign concerned. The fixed element of each sign applies also to the year and hour signs, and not just the monthly sign. It is important to note that the fixed element is separate from the cycle of elements which interact with the signs in the 60 year cycle.

The hours - the secret animals

The Chinese zodiac is also used to label times of day, with each sign corresponding to a "large-hour" or shichen (時辰), which is a two-hour period (24 divided by 12 animals). It is therefore important to know the exact time of birth to determine it. The secret animal is thought to be a person’s truest representation, since this animal is determined by the smallest denominator: a person’s birth hour. As this sign is based on the position of the sun in the sky and not the time of your local clock, it is important to compensate of daylight savings time. However, some online systems already compensate for daylight savings time, and astrologers may compensate your time for you oblivious to the fact that you've compensated it yourself, leading to an inaccurate reading. The Chinese units (Chinese: 市制; pinyin: ; literally market system) are the customary and traditional units of measure used in China. ...

The large-hour in which a person is born is their secret animal. It is a person's own true sign which their personality is based on. Note that while this chart is quite accurate, the exact time at which each animal begins shifts by the day.

• 23:00 - 01:00: 子 rat
• 01:00 - 03:00: 丑 ox
• 03:00 - 05:00: 寅 tiger
• 05:00 - 07:00: 卯 rabbit
• 07:00 - 09:00: 辰 dragon
• 09:00 - 11:00: 巳 snake
• 11:00 - 13:00: 午 horse
• 13:00 - 15:00: 未 sheep
• 15:00 - 17:00: 申 monkey
• 17:00 - 19:00: 酉 rooster
• 19:00 - 21:00: 戌 dog
• 21:00 - 23:00: 亥 pig

Categorizations of the twelve signs

Power Signs

• Rat
• Ox
• Tiger
• Dragon
• Snake
• Monkey

Romance Signs The Rat ( 鼠 ) was welcomed in ancient times as a protector and bringer of material prosperity. ... The Ox ( 丑 ) is one of the 12-year cycle of animals which appear in the Chinese zodiac related to the Chinese calendar. ... The Tiger ( 寅 ), associated with good fortune, power, and royalty, is viewed with both fear and respect. ... A Chinese dragon The Dragon ( 龍 ) is the only mythical creature in the Chinese zodiac. ... The Snake (蛇) (also known as the Serpent) is one of the 12-year cycle of animals which appear in the Chinese zodiac related to the Chinese calendar. ... The Monkey (申) is one of the 12-year cycle of animals which appear in the Chinese zodiac related to the Chinese calendar. ...

• Rabbit
• Horse
• Sheep
• Rooster
• Dog
• Pig

This article or section is not written in the formal tone expected of an encyclopedia article. ... The Horse (馬 午) is one of the 12-year cycle of animals which appear in the Chinese zodiac related to the Chinese calendar. ... The Sheep ( 羊 ) (also known as Goat) is the eighth sign of the 12-year cycle of animals which appear in the Chinese zodiac related to the Chinese calendar. ... The Rooster ( 酉 ) is one of the 12-year cycle of animals which appear in the Chinese zodiac related to the Chinese calendar. ... The Dog ( 狗 ) is one of the 12-year cycle of animals which appear in the Chinese zodiac related to the Chinese calendar. ... Hai (亥) is the twelfth sign of the Earthly Branches. ...

The Four Animal Trines

The First Trine

The first trine consists of the Rat, Dragon, and Monkey. These three signs are intense and powerful individuals, capable of great good or great evil. They make great leaders, but the three have different approaches. Rats and Dragons have a tendency to be quite dictatorial and autocratic, whilst Monkeys are more diplomatic. Frustrated when hampered, these signs are ruled by highly potent energy and unpredictability. They are intelligent, magnanimous, charismatic, charming, authoritative, confident, eloquent and artistic. They can also be tyrannical, bombastic, prejudiced, deceitful, imperious, ruthless, power-hungry, and megalomaniacal.

The Second Trine

The second trine consists of the Ox, Snake, and Rooster. These three soul mates conquer life through endurance, application, and slow accumulation of energy. Although each sign is fixed and rigid in opinions and views, they are genius in the art of meticulous planning. They are hardworking, discreet, modest, industrious, charitable, loyal, punctual, philosophical, patient, and good-hearted individuals with high moral standards. They can also be self-righteous, vain, critical, judgmental, unimaginative, narrow-minded, petty, and pessimistic.

The Third Trine

The third trine consists of the Tiger, Horse, and Dog. These three signs seek one another, and are like-minded in their pursuit of humanitarian causes. Each is a gifted orator and excels at verbal communication. Relationships and personal contact are of highest priority and each one seek their intimate soul mate. Idealistic and impulsive, the Tiger, Horse and Dog follow the beat of their own drummer. Defiant against injustice, these three signs wilt without large amounts of physical affection and loyal support for causes. They are productive, enthusiastic, independent, engaging, dynamic, and honourable. They can also be rash, rebellious, quarrelsome, hot-headed, reckless, anxious, moody, disagreeable, stubborn, and selfish.

The Fourth Trine

The fourth trine consists of the Rabbit, Sheep and Pig. The quest for these three signs is the aesthetic and beautiful in life. Their calm nature gives them great leadership abilities. They are artistic, refined, intuitive, and well-mannered. These souls love the preliminaries in love, and are fine artists in their lovemaking. The Rabbit, Sheep and Pig have been bestowed with calmer natures than the other 9 signs. These three are compassionately aware, yet detached and resigned to their condition. They seek beauty and a sensitive lover. They are caring, unique, self-sacrificing, obliging, sensible, creative, emphatic, tactful, and prudent. They can also be naive, pedantic, insecure, cunning, indecisive, and pessimistic.

Zodiac origin stories

It has been suggested that Origins of the Chinese Zodiac be merged into this article or section. (Discuss)

The 12 Zodiac animal signs (生肖 shengxiao) are, in order, the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep (ram or goat), monkey, rooster, dog, and pig. There are many legends to explain the beginning of the zodiac (see Origins of the Chinese Zodiac). One of the most popular reads, in summarized form, as follows: Image File history File links Mergefrom. ... According to one legend, in the sixth century B.C. the Jade Emperor invited all the animals in creation to a race, only twelve showed up: the Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Lamb, Monkey, Cock, Dog, and Pig, and according to their places in the race, the Jade... The Rat ( é¼  ) was welcomed in ancient times as a protector and bringer of material prosperity. ... The Ox ( 丑 ) is one of the 12-year cycle of animals which appear in the Chinese zodiac related to the Chinese calendar. ... The Tiger ( 寅 ), associated with good fortune, power, and royalty, is viewed with both fear and respect. ... This article or section is not written in the formal tone expected of an encyclopedia article. ... A Chinese dragon The Dragon ( 龍 ) is the only mythical creature in the Chinese zodiac. ... The Snake (蛇) (also known as the Serpent) is one of the 12-year cycle of animals which appear in the Chinese zodiac related to the Chinese calendar. ... The Horse (馬 午) is one of the 12-year cycle of animals which appear in the Chinese zodiac related to the Chinese calendar. ... The Sheep ( 羊 ) (also known as Goat) is the eighth sign of the 12-year cycle of animals which appear in the Chinese zodiac related to the Chinese calendar. ... The Monkey (申) is one of the 12-year cycle of animals which appear in the Chinese zodiac related to the Chinese calendar. ... The Rooster ( é…‰ ) is one of the 12-year cycle of animals which appear in the Chinese zodiac related to the Chinese calendar. ... The Dog ( ç‹— ) is one of the 12-year cycle of animals which appear in the Chinese zodiac related to the Chinese calendar. ... Hai (亥) is the twelfth sign of the Earthly Branches. ... According to one legend, in the sixth century B.C. the Jade Emperor invited all the animals in creation to a race, only twelve showed up: the Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Lamb, Monkey, Cock, Dog, and Pig, and according to their places in the race, the Jade...

The rat was given the task of inviting the animals to report to the Jade Emperor for a banquet to be selected for the zodiac signs. The cat was a good friend of the rat, but the rat tricked him into believing that the banquet was the next day. The cat slept through the banquet, thinking that it was the next day. When he found out, the cat vowed to be the rat's natural enemy for ages to come.

Interestingly, the cat does make it into the Vietnamese Zodiac, in place of the rabbit (see below). The Jade Emperor (Chinese: ; pinyin: or 玉帝 Yù Dì), are known by many names including Heavenly Grandfather (天公 Tiān Gōng), the Pure August Jade Emperor, August Personage of Jade (玉皇上帝 Yu Huang Shangdi or 玉皇大帝 Yu Huang Dadi), is formally known as Peace-Absolving Central-August-Spirit Exalted-Ancient-Buddha-Most-Pious...

Another popular legend has it that a race was used to decide the animals to report to the Jade Emperor. The Jade Emperor (Chinese: ; pinyin: or 玉帝 Yù Dì), are known by many names including Heavenly Grandfather (天公 Tiān Gōng), the Pure August Jade Emperor, August Personage of Jade (玉皇上帝 Yu Huang Shangdi or 玉皇大帝 Yu Huang Dadi), is formally known as Peace-Absolving Central-August-Spirit Exalted-Ancient-Buddha-Most-Pious...

The cat and the rat were the worst swimmers in the animal kingdom. Although bad swimmers, they were both intelligent. They decided that the best and fastest way to cross the river was to hop on the back of the ox. The ox, being a naïve and good-natured animal, agreed to carry them across. However, overcome with a fierce competitiveness, the rat decided that in order to win, it must do something and promptly pushed the cat into the river. Because of this, the cat has never forgiven the rat, and hates the water as well. After the ox had crossed the river, the rat jumped ahead and reached the shore first, and it claimed first place in the competition, as was named the 1st animat in the zodiac.

Following closely behind was the strong ox, and it was named the 2nd animal in the zodiac. After the ox, came the tiger, panting, while explaining to the Emperor just how difficult it was to cross the river with the heavy currents pushing it downstream all the time. But with powerful strength, it made to shore and was named the 3rd animal in the cycle.

Suddenly, from a distance came a thumping sound, and the rabbit arrived. It explained how it crossed the river: by jumping from one stone to another in a nimble fashion. Halfway through, it almost lost the race but the rabbit was lucky enough to grab hold of a floating log that later washed him to shore. For that, it became the 4th animal in the zodiac cycle. Coming in 5th place was the dragon, flying and belching fire into the air. Of course, the Emperor was deeply curious as to why a strong and flying creature such as the dragon should fail to reach first. The mighty dragon explained that he had to stop and make rain to help all the people and creatures of the earth, and therefore he was held back a little. Then, on his way to the finish line, he saw a little helpless rabbit clinging on to a log so he did a good deed and gave a puff of breath to the poor creature so that it could land on the shore. The Emperor was very pleased with the actions of the dragon, and he was added into the zodiac cycle. As soon as he had done so, a galloping sound was heard, and the horse appeared. Hidden on the horse's hoof is the snake, whose sudden appearance gave the horse a fright, thus making it fall back and gave the snake 6th spot while the horse took the 7th.

Not long after that, a little distance away, the ram, monkey and rooster came to the shore. These three creatures helped each other to get to where they are. The rooster spotted a raft, and took the other two animals with it. Together, the ram and the monkey cleared the weeds, tugged and pulled and finally got the raft to the shore. Because of their combined efforts, the Emperor was very pleased and promptly named the ram as the 8th creature, the monkey as the 9th, and the rooster the 10th.

The 11th animal is the dog. His explanation for being late—although he was supposed to be the best swimmer amongst the rest—was that he needed a good bath after a long spell, and the fresh water from the river was too big a temptation. For that, he almost didn't make it to finish line. Just as the Emperor was about to call it a day, an oink and squeal was heard from a little pig. The pig got hungry during the race, promptly stopped for a feast and then fell asleep. After the nap, the pig continued the race and was named the 12th and last animal of the zodiac cycle. The cat finished too late (thirteenth) to win any place in the calendar, and vowed to be the enemy of the rat forevermore.

Cat Years

According to the legend, the cat was not included in the zodiac, but due to its naturally tricky nature, it "sneaks" into the zodiac anyway; for instance, the year 1989 and 2002 (this is under the Gregorian calendar, rather than the Chinese calendar, so it is merely an example) are cat years because their number is divisible by 13. These years are also snake and horse years, respectively, so the person under this zodiac would have traits associated with both the cat and the animal they are born under. Because this is a thirteen year cycle, rather than a 12 year one, each time the cat advances by one place, going until it gets to the end of the cycle.

The following years are divisible by 13 (using the Chinese calendar, ending with the divisible year at Chinese New Year): (1903-1904) - Dragon, (1916-1917) - Snake, (1929-1930) - Horse, (1942-1943) - Sheep, (1955-1956) - Monkey, (1968-1969) - Rooster, (1982-1983) - Dog, (1994-1995) - Boar, (2007-2008) - Rat, (2020-2021) - Ox, (2033-2034) - Tiger, (2046-2047) - Rabbit The Chinese calendar is a lunisolar calendar, incorporating elements of a lunar calendar with those of a solar calendar. ...

Chinese zodiac in other countries

The Chinese zodiac signs are also used by cultures other than Chinese. For one example, they usually appear on Japanese New Year's cards and stamps. The United States Postal Service and those of several other countries issue a "Year of the _____" postage stamp each year to honor this Chinese heritage. However, those unfamiliar with the use of the Chinese lunar calendar usually just assume that the signs switch over on Jan 1 of each year. Those who are serious about the fortune telling aspect of the signs can consult a table, such as the one above. The kadomatsu is a traditional decoration for the new year holiday. ... USPS and Usps redirect here. ...

The Chinese zodiac is also used in some other Asian countries that have been under the cultural influence of China. However, some of the animals in the Zodiac may differ by country.

For example, the Vietnamese zodiac is almost identical to Chinese zodiac except that the second animal is the water buffalo instead of the ox, the fourth animal is the cat instead of the rabbit and the eighth animal is the goat instead of the sheep. The Japanese zodiac includes the wild boar instead of the pig, and the Thai zodiac includes a naga in place of the dragon. The European Huns used the Chinese Zodiac complete with "dragon", "pig". This common Chinese-Turkic Zodiac was in use in Balkan Bulgaria well into the Bulgars' adoption of Slavic language and Orthodox Christianity. Following is the Hunnish or Turkic Bulgarian Pagan zodiac calendar, distinctive from the Greek zodiac but much in conformity with the Chinese one: Kam-Boyan Calendar. For the controversy at the University of Pennsylvania, see Water buffalo incident. ... Binomial name Felis catus Linnaeus, 1758 Synonyms Felis lybica invalid junior synonym The cat (or domestic cat, house cat) is a small carnivorous mammal. ... This article is about the domestic species. ... Binomial name Sus scrofa Linnaeus, 1758 The Wild Boar (Sus scrofa) is the wild ancestor of the domesticated pig. ... The nagas ( snake) are an ancient race of snake-humanoid beings first depicted in ancient Vedic Hindu mythology and oral folklore from at least 5000 B.C.E. Stories involving the Nagas are still very much a part of contemporary cultural traditions in predominantly Hindu (India, Nepal, and the island... For other uses, see Europe (disambiguation). ... Many historians consider the Huns (meaning person in Mongolian language) the first Mongolian and Turkic people mentioned in European history. ... For the people of Central Asia see Bulgars Bulgar language is an extinct language commonly considered Turkic but more recently Indo-Iranian Bulgar, or bulgarish is Yiddish word for Romanian dance bugarească (means Bulgarian cf. ... The Slavic languages (also called Slavonic languages) comprise the languages of the Slavic peoples. ... Topics in Christianity Movements · Denominations Ecumenism · Preaching · Prayer Music · Liturgy · Calendar Symbols · Art · Criticism Important figures Apostle Paul · Church Fathers Constantine · Athanasius · Augustine Anselm · Aquinas · Palamas · Luther Calvin · Wesley Arius · Marcion of Sinope Coptic Orthodox Pope · Roman Catholic Pope Archbishop of Canterbury · Patriarch of Constantinople Christianity Portal This box:      Faith... Many historians consider the Huns (meaning person in Mongolian language) the first Turkic people mentioned in European history. ...

Torè calendar

Names of years

1. Kuzgé - [Year of] Saravana
2. Shiger (Syger) - Artom (Taurus)
3. Kuman (Imén)
4. Ügur - Tiger Myachè Ügur - Tiger
5. Taushan - Rabbit
6. Samar - Dragon Birgün (Bergen, Birig, Baradj)- Dragon
7. Dilan - Snake
8. Tuki (Tykha) - Horse
9. Téké - Sheep (Ram or Goat)
10. Bichin, Michin - Monkey
11. Tavuk - Rooster, Hen (also written tağuk—ğ is pronounced as v in Turk. verbs döğmek and öğmek)
12. It - Dog
13. Shushma - Pig (many mistake it as boar though)(Turk., Russ. "Kaban" - Translator's Note, also cognate of Turkish şişman, "fat")

References

Sources

See also

• Chinese calendar
• Indian astrology
• Sexagesimal cycle
• Zi wei dou shu
• Four Pillars of Destiny

The Chinese calendar is a lunisolar calendar, incorporating elements of a lunar calendar with those of a solar calendar. ... This article needs to be cleaned up to conform to a higher standard of quality. ... The sexagesimal cycle in China is composed of two series that paired with one another. ... Zi Wei Dou Shu (Chinese: 紫微斗数, Zi wei dou shu, zi mei dau sou) is a form of fortune-telling in Chinese culture. ... The Four Pillars Life-ology Traditional Chinese: Four Pillars of Destiny is a Chinese conceptual term that describes the four components creating a persons destiny or fate. ...

External links

• Chinese Astrology at the Open Directory Project