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(Redirected from Chinese Zodiac)
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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 age-old 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.
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.
The ancient Chinese astronomers called the five 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.
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.
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.
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 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 pig (boar).
This combination of 5 elements × 12 animals creates the 60-year cycle, which always starts with ''Wood Rat'' and ends with ''Water Pig''. 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).
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.
The start of a new Zodiac is also celebrated on Chinese New Year along with many other customs.
Main articles: 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).
'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.'
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. This is a very complex concept. In this calendar, Combination Element is the result of the Elements movement.
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.
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.
★ The East
★ Spring
★ 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
★ The South
★ Summer
★ The Planet Mars
★ The Color Red
★ Circulatory system & Heart
★ Dynamic, Energetic, Passionate, Enterprising, Adventurous, Restless
★ Competitive, Leadership Skills, Strong, Single-minded, Loves a good laugh
Fire ''Governs'' the Snake, Horse and Sheep
★ Center
★ Three Enclosures, Change of seasons
★ The Planet Saturn
★ The Color Yellow
★ Digestive system, Spleen and stomach
★ Patient, Prudent, Stable, Reliable, Hard-working, Ambitious, Stubborn, and very energetic
★ Disciplined, 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.
★ The West
★ Autumn
★ The Planet Venus
★ The Color White
★ Respiratory system & Lungs
★ Determined, Self-reliant, Unyielding, Strong, Persistent, Forceful
★ Reserved, Needs Personal Space, Sophisticated, Seeks pleasure
Metal ''Governs'' the Monkey, Rooster, Dog
★ The North
★ Winter
★ The Planet Mercury
★ The Color Blue
★ Skeletal/Excretory System & Lungs
★ Diplomatic, Charming, Intuitive, Compassionate, Sensitive, Creative
★ Flexible, Compliant, Good at Communication, Intellectual
Water ''Governs'' the Pig, Rat, Ox
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.
'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
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]
'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.'
#鼠 子 'Rat' (Yang, 1st Trine, Fixed element Water): Forthright, disciplined, systematic, meticulous, charismatic, hardworking, industrious, charming, eloquent, sociable, shrewd. Can be manipulative, selfish, obstinate, critical, over-ambitious, ruthless, intolerant, scheming.
#牛 丑 'Ox' (Yin, 2nd Trine, Fixed Element Water): Dependable, calm, methodical, patient, hardworking, ambitious, conventional, steady, modest, logical, resolute, tenacious. Can be stubborn, narrowminded, materialistic, rigid, demanding.
#虎 寅 '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.
#兔 卯 '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.
#龍 辰 '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, demanding, eccentric, dogmatic, over-bearing, impetuous, brash.
#蛇 巳 '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.
#馬 午 '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.
#羊 未 '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.
#猴 申 '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.
#雞 酉 '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.
#狗 戌 '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.
#豬 亥 'Pig' (Yin, 4th Trine, Fixed Element Water): Honest, simple, gallant, sturdy, couragous, 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).
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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. It's important to note that while this chart is very accurate, the exact time each animal begins shifts by the day. Always consult an Astrologer for best results.
★ 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
'Power Signs'
★ Rat
★ Ox
★ Tiger
★ Dragon
★ Snake
★ Monkey
'Romance Signs'
★ Rabbit
★ Horse
★ Sheep
★ Rooster
★ Dog
★ Pig
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 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, judgemental, narrow-minded, petty, and pessimistic.
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 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, empathetic, tactful, and prudent. They can also be naive, pedantic, insecure, cunning, indecisive, and pessimistic.
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:
:''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).
Another popular legend has it that a race was used to decide the animals to report to the Jade Emperor.
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.
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.
Some versions of the tale say that the cattle nominated a water buffalo to represent them because he was more proficient at swimming. The trade was acceptable because both animals are bovines.
Another version of the tale expands the race. The route ran through a forest, over ranges of plains and grasslands and along a stream, before finally crossing a lake to the destination town.
Yet another variation tells of two different races. The first involved all the animals, in two divisions to avoid the fast animals dominating the top, and the top six in each division would "make the cut" for a second round, which would then determine the ''order of placement'' of the animals in the zodiac.
In yet another variation, each animal was called before its peers and had to explain why it deserved a position at the top of the Zodiac. The Boar, at a loss, proceeded to claim that the meat on its bones "tasted good". This explanation was apparently considered unsatisfactory, because the Boar was placed at the very end of the Zodiac.
Another variation shows that the cat was (informally) the 13th month (13 being an unlucky number or 1+3 = 4, also a bad number) so any cats (and especially the black cat) are considered a bad omen. Another variation tells the tale where the dogs and the wild boars were the last ones (and almost were left out), and they share a mutual affection despite their differences.
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 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.
Names of years
# Kuzgé - [Year of] Saravana
# Shiger (Syger) - Artom (Taurus)
# Kuman (Imén)
# Ügur - Tiger Myachè Ügur - Tiger
# Taushan - Rabbit
# Samar - Dragon Birgün (Bergen, Birig, Baradj)- Dragon
# Dilan - Snake
# Tuki (Tykha) - Horse
# Téké - Sheep (Ram or Goat)
# Bichin, Michin - Monkey
# Tavuk - Rooster, Hen (also written tağuk—''ğ'' is pronounced as ''v'' in Turk. verbs ''döğmek'' and ''öğmek'')
# It - Dog
# Shushma - Pig (many mistake it as boar though)(Turk., Russ. "Kaban" - Translator's Note, also cognate of Turkish ''şişman'', "fat")
1. Wolfram Eberhard, ''A Dictionary of Chinese Symbols'', pg 93, pg 105, pg 309, Routledge and Keegan Paul, London, 1986
2. Theodora Lau, ''The Handbook of Chinese Horoscopes'', pp2-8, 30-5, 60-4, 88-94, 118-24, 148-53, 178-84, 208-13, 238-44, 270-78, 306-12, 338-44, Souvenir Press, New York, 2005
★ Shelly Wu. (2005). "Chinese Astrology". Publisher: The Career Press, Inc. ISBN 1-56414-796-7
★ Chinese calendar
★ Indian astrology
★ Sexagesimal cycle
★ Zi wei dou shu
★ Four Pillars of Destiny
★
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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 age-old 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.
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.
Background
The ancient Chinese astronomers called the five 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.
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.
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.
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 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 pig (boar).
This combination of 5 elements × 12 animals creates the 60-year cycle, which always starts with ''Wood Rat'' and ends with ''Water Pig''. 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).
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.
The start of a new Zodiac is also celebrated on Chinese New Year along with many other customs.
Table of the sixty year calendar
Main articles: 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).
'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.'
| Year | Associated | Heavenly | Earthly | Associated | Year | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| '1924 - 1983' | 'Element' | 'Stem' | 'Branch' | 'Animal' | '1984 - 2043' | |
| 1 | Feb 05 '1924' - Jan 23 1925 | Yang Wood | 甲 | 子 | Rat | Feb 02 '1984' - Feb 19 1985 |
| 2 | Jan 24 '1925' - Feb 11 1926 | Yin Wood | 乙 | 丑 | Ox | Feb 20 '1985' - Feb 08 1986 |
| 3 | Feb 12 '1926' - Feb 01 1927 | Yang Fire | 丙 | 寅 | Tiger | Feb 09 '1986' - Jan 28 1987 |
| 4 | Feb 02 '1927' - Jan 21 1928 | Yin Fire | 丁 | 卯 | Rabbit | Jan 29 '1987' - Feb 16 1988 |
| 5 | Jan 22 '1928' - Feb 08 1929 | Yang Earth | 戊 | 辰 | Dragon | Feb 17 '1988' - Feb 05 1989 |
| 6 | Feb 09 '1929' - Jan 28 1930 | Yin Earth | 己 | 巳 | Snake | Feb 06 '1989' - Jan 25 1990 |
| 7 | Jan 29 '1930' - Feb 16 1931 | Yang Metal | 庚 | 午 | Horse | Jan 26 '1990' - Feb 13 1991 |
| 8 | Feb 17 '1931' - Feb 05 1932 | Yin Metal | 辛 | 未 | Sheep | Feb 14 '1991' - Feb 02 1992 |
| 9 | Feb 06 '1932' - Jan 24 1933 | Yang Water | 壬 | 申 | Monkey | Feb 03 '1992' - Jan 21 1993 |
| 10 | Jan 25 '1933' - Feb 13 1934 | Yin Water | 癸 | 酉 | Rooster | Jan 22 '1993' - Feb 09 1994 |
| 11 | Feb 14 '1934' - Feb 02 1935 | Yang Wood | 甲 | 戌 | Dog | Feb 10 '1994' - Jan 30 1995 |
| 12 | Feb 03 '1935' - Jan 23 1936 | Yin Wood | 乙 | 亥 | Pig | Jan 31 '1995' - Feb 18 1996 |
| 13 | Jan 24 '1936' - Feb 10 1937 | Yang Fire | 丙 | 子 | Rat | Feb 19 '1996' - Feb 06 1997 |
| 14 | Feb 11 '1937' - Jan 30 1938 | Yin Fire | 丁 | 丑 | Ox | Feb 07 '1997' - Jan 27 1998 |
| 15 | Jan 31 '1938' - Feb 18 1939 | Yang Earth | 戊 | 寅 | Tiger | Jan 28 '1998' - Feb 15 1999 |
| 16 | Feb 19 '1939' - Feb 07 1940 | Yin Earth | 己 | 卯 | Rabbit | Feb 16 '1999' - Feb 04 2000 |
| 17 | Feb 08 '1940' - Jan 26 1941 | Yang Metal | 庚 | 辰 | Dragon | Feb 05 '2000' - Jan 23 2001 |
| 18 | Jan 27 '1941' - Feb 14 1942 | Yin Metal | 辛 | 巳 | Snake | Jan 24 '2001' - Feb 11 2002 |
| 19 | Feb 15 '1942' - Feb 03 1943 | Yang Water | 壬 | 午 | Horse | Feb 12 '2002' - Jan 31 2003 |
| 20 | Feb 04 '1943' - Jan 24 1944 | Yin Water | 癸 | 未 | Sheep | Feb 01 '2003' - Jan 21 2004 |
| 21 | Jan 25 '1944' - Feb 11 1945 | Yang Wood | 甲 | 申 | Monkey | Jan 22 '2004' - Feb 08 2005 |
| 22 | Feb 12 '1945' - Feb 01 1946 | Yin Wood | 乙 | 酉 | Rooster | Feb 09 '2005' - Jan 28 2006 |
| 23 | Feb 02 '1946' - Jan 21 1947 | Yang Fire | 丙 | 戌 | Dog | Jan 29 '2006' - Feb 17 2007 |
| 24 | Jan 22 '1947' - Feb 09 1948 | Yin Fire | 丁 | 亥 | Pig | Feb 18 '2007' - Feb 06 2008 |
| 25 | Feb 10 '1948' - Jan 28 1949 | Yang Earth | 戊 | 子 | Rat | Feb 07 '2008' - Jan 25 2009 |
| 26 | Jan 29 '1949' - Feb 15 1950 | Yin Earth | 己 | 丑 | Ox | Jan 26 '2009' - Feb 13 2010 |
| 27 | Feb 16 '1950' - Feb 05 1951 | Yang Metal | 庚 | 寅 | Tiger | Feb 14 '2010' - Feb 02 2011 |
| 28 | Feb 06 '1951' - Jan 25 1952 | Yin Metal | 辛 | 卯 | Rabbit | Feb 03 '2011' - Jan 22 2012 |
| 29 | Jan 26 '1952' - Feb 13 1953 | Yang Water | 壬 | 辰 | Dragon | Jan 23 '2012' - Feb 09 2013 |
| 30 | Feb 14 '1953' - Feb 02 1954 | Yin Water | 癸 | 巳 | Snake | Feb 10 '2013' - Jan 30 2014 |
| 31 | Feb 03 '1954' - Jan 23 1955 | Yang Wood | 甲 | 午 | Horse | Jan 31 '2014' - Feb 18 2015 |
| 32 | Jan 24 '1955' - Feb 10 1956 | Yin Wood | 乙 | 未 | Sheep | Feb 19 '2015' - Feb 07 2016 |
| 33 | Feb 11 '1956' - Jan 29 1957 | Yang Fire | 丙 | 申 | Monkey | Feb 08 '2016' - Jan 27 2017 |
| 34 | Jan 30 '1957' - Feb 17 1958 | Yin Fire | 丁 | 酉 | Rooster | Jan 28 '2017' - Feb 18 2018 |
| 35 | Feb 18 '1958' - Feb 06 1959 | Yang Earth | 戊 | 戌 | Dog | Feb 19 '2018' - Feb 04 2019 |
| 36 | Feb 07 '1959' - Jan 27 1960 | Yin Earth | 己 | 亥 | Pig | Feb 05 '2019' - Jan 24 2020 |
| 37 | Jan 28 '1960' - Feb 14 1961 | Yang Metal | 庚 | 子 | Rat | Jan 25 '2020' - Feb. 11 2021 |
| 38 | Feb 15 '1961' - Feb 04 1962 | Yin Metal | 辛 | 丑 | Ox | Feb 11 '2021' - Jan 31 2022 |
| 39 | Feb 05 '1962' - Jan 24 1963 | Yang Water | 壬 | 寅 | Tiger | Feb 01 '2022' - Jan 21 2023 |
| 40 | Jan 25 '1963' - Feb 12 1964 | Yin Water | 癸 | 卯 | Rabbit | Jan 22 '2023' - Feb 09 2024 |
| 41 | Feb 13 '1964' - Jan 31 1965 | Yang Wood | 甲 | 辰 | Dragon | Feb 10 '2024' - Jan 28 2025 |
| 42 | Feb 01 '1965' - Jan 20 1966 | Yin Wood | 乙 | 巳 | Snake | Jan 29 '2025' - Feb 16 2026 |
| 43 | Jan 21 '1966' - Feb 08 1967 | Yang Fire | 丙 | 午 | Horse | Feb 17 '2026' - Feb 05 2027 |
| 44 | Feb 09 '1967' - Jan 28 1968 | Yin Fire | 丁 | 未 | Sheep | Feb 06 '2027' - Jan 25 2028 |
| 45 | Jan 29 '1968' - Feb 15 1969 | Yang Earth | 戊 | 申 | Monkey | Jan 26 '2028' - Feb 12 2029 |
| 46 | Feb 16 '1969' - Feb 05 1970 | Yin Earth | 己 | 酉 | Rooster | Feb 13 '2029' - Feb 02 2030 |
| 47 | Feb 06 '1970' - Jan 25 1971 | Yang Metal | 庚 | 戌 | Dog | Feb 03 '2030' - Jan 22 2031 |
| 48 | Jan 26 '1971' - Feb 14 1972 | Yin Metal | 辛 | 亥 | Pig | Jan 23 '2031' - Feb 10 2032 |
| 49 | Feb 15 '1972' - Feb 02 1973 | Yang Water | 壬 | 子 | Rat | Feb 11 '2032' - Jan 30 2033 |
| 50 | Feb 03 '1973' - Jan 23 1974 | Yin Water | 癸 | 丑 | Ox | Jan 31 '2033' - Feb 18 2034 |
| 51 | Jan 24 '1974' - Feb 10 1975 | Yang Wood | 甲 | 寅 | Tiger | Feb 19 '2034' - Feb 07 2035 |
| 52 | Feb 11 '1975' - Jan 30 1976 | Yin Wood | 乙 | 卯 | Rabbit | Feb 08 '2035' - Jan 27 2036 |
| 53 | Jan 31 '1976' - Feb 17 1977 | Yang Fire | 丙 | 辰 | Dragon | Jan 28 '2036' - Feb 14 2037 |
| 54 | Feb 18 '1977' - Feb 06 1978 | Yin Fire | 丁 | 巳 | Snake | Feb 15 '2037' - Feb 03 2038 |
| 55 | Feb 07 '1978' - Jan 27 1979 | Yang Earth | 戊 | 午 | Horse | Feb 04 '2038' - Jan 23 2039 |
| 56 | Jan 28 '1979' - Feb 15 1980 | Yin Earth | 己 | 未 | Sheep | Jan 24 '2039' - Feb 11 2040 |
| 57 | Feb 16 '1980' - Feb 04 1981 | Yang Metal | 庚 | 申 | Monkey | Feb 12 '2040' - Jan 31 2041 |
| 58 | Feb 05 '1981' - Jan 24 1982 | Yin Metal | 辛 | 酉 | Rooster | Feb 01 '2041' - Jan 21 2042 |
| 59 | Jan 25 '1982' - Feb 12 1983 | Yang Water | 壬 | 戌 | Dog | Jan 22 '2042' - Feb 09 2043 |
| 60 | Feb 13 '1983' - Feb 01 1984 | Yin Water | 癸 | 亥 | Pig | Feb 10 '2043' - Jan 29 2044 |
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. This is a very complex concept. In this calendar, Combination Element is the result of the Elements movement.
| Begin | End | Heaven Element | Combination Element | Sign |
| 1960 Feb 4 | 1961 Jun 3 | 金 Metal 庚 | earth | 鼠 Rat |
| 1961 Feb 4 | 1962 Jun 3 | 金 Metal 辛 | earth | 牛 Ox |
| 1962 Feb 4 | 1963 Jun 3 | 水 Water | Gold | 虎 Tiger |
| 1963 Feb 4 | 1964 Jun 3 | 水 Water | Gold | 兔 Rabbit |
| 1964 Feb 4 | 1965 Jun 3 | 木 Wood | fire | 龍 Dragon |
| 1965 Feb 4 | 1966 Jun 3 | 木 Wood | fire | 蛇 Snake |
| 1966 Feb 4 | 1967 Jun 3 | 火 Fire | water | 馬 Horse |
| 1967 Feb 4 | 1968 Jun 3 | 火 Fire | water | 羊 Sheep |
| 1968 Feb 4 | 1969 Jun 3 | 土 Earth | earth | 猴 Monkey |
| 1969 Feb 4 | 1970 Jun 3 | 土 Earth | earth | 雞 Rooster |
| 1970 Feb 4 | 1971 Jun 3 | 金 Metal | Gold | 狗 Dog |
| 1971 Feb 4 | 1972 Jun 3 | 金 Metal | Gold | 豬 Pig |
| 1972 Feb 4 | 1973 Jun 3 | 水 Water | wood | 鼠 Rat |
| 1973 Feb 4 | 1974 Jun 3 | 水 Water | wood | 牛 Ox |
| 1974 Feb 4 | 1975 Jun 3 | 木 Wood | water | 虎 Tiger |
| 1975 Feb 4 | 1976 Jun 3 | 木 Wood | water | 兔 Rabbit |
| 1976 Feb 4 | 1977 Jun 3 | 火 Fire | earth | 龍 Dragon |
| 1977 Feb 4 | 1978 Jun 3 | 火 Fire | earth | 蛇 Snake |
| 1978 Feb 4 | 1979 Jun 3 | 土 Earth | fire | 馬 Horse |
| 1979 Feb 4 | 1980 Jun 3 | 土 Earth | fire | 羊 Sheep |
| 1980 Feb 4 | 1981 Jun 3 | 金 Metal | wood | 猴 Monkey |
| 1981 Feb 4 | 1982 Jun 3 | 金 Metal | wood | 雞 Rooster |
| 1982 Feb 4 | 1983 Jun 3 | 水 Water | water | 狗 Dog |
| 1983 Feb 4 | 1984 Jun 3 | 水 Water | water | 豬 Pig |
| 1984 Feb 4 | 1985 Jun 3 | 木 Wood | Gold | 鼠 Rat |
| 1985 Feb 4 | 1986 Jun 3 | 木 Wood | Gold | 牛 Ox |
| 1986 Feb 4 | 1987 Jun 3 | 火 Fire | fire | 虎 Tiger |
| 1987 Feb 4 | 1988 Jun 3 | 火 Fire | fire | 兔 Rabbit |
| 1988 Feb 4 | 1989 Jun 3 | 土 Earth | wood | 龍 Dragon |
| 1989 Feb 4 | 1990 Jun 3 | 土 Earth | wood | 蛇 Snake |
| 1990 Feb 4 | 1991 Jun 3 | 金 Metal | earth | 馬 Horse |
| 1991 Feb 4 | 1992 Jun 3 | 金 Metal | earth | 羊 Sheep |
| 1992 Feb 4 | 1993 Jun 3 | 水 Water | Gold | 猴 Monkey |
| 1993 Feb 4 | 1994 Jun 3 | 水 Water | Gold | 雞 Rooster |
| 1994 Feb 4 | 1995 Jun 3 | 木 Wood | fire | 狗 Dog |
| 1995 Feb 4 | 1996 Jun 3 | 木 Wood | fire | 豬 Pig |
| 1996 Feb 4 | 1997 Jun 3 | 火 Fire | water | 鼠 Rat |
| 1997 Feb 4 | 1998 Jun 3 | 火 Fire | water | 牛 Ox |
| 1998 Feb 4 | 1999 Jun 3 | 土 Earth | earth | 虎 Tiger |
| 1999 Feb 4 | 2000 Jun 3 | 土 Earth | earth | 兔 Rabbit |
| 2000 Feb 4 | 2001 Jun 3 | 金 Metal | Gold | 龍 Dragon |
| 2001 Feb 4 | 2002 Jun 3 | 金 Metal | Gold | 蛇 Snake |
| 2002 Feb 4 | 2003 Jun 3 | 水 Water | wood | 馬 Horse |
| 2003 Feb 4 | 2004 Jun 3 | 水 Water | wood | 羊 Sheep |
| 2004 Feb 4 | 2005 Jun 3 | 木 Wood | water | 猴 Monkey |
| 2005 Feb 4 | 2006 Jun 3 | 木 Wood | water | 雞 Rooster |
| 2006 Feb 4 | 2007 Jun 3 | 火 Fire | earth | 狗 Dog |
| 2007 Feb 4 | 2008 Jun 3 | 火 Fire | Gold | 豬 Pig |
| 2008 Feb 4 | 2009 Jun 3 | 土 Earth | fire | 鼠 Rat |
| 2009 Feb 4 | 2010 Jun 3 | 土 Earth | fire | 牛 Ox |
| 2010 Feb 4 | 2011 Jun 3 | 金 Metal | wood | 虎 Tiger |
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.
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.
木 Wood
★ The East
★ Spring
★ 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
★ The Planet Mars
★ The Color Red
★ Circulatory system & Heart
★ Dynamic, 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 Planet Saturn
★ The Color Yellow
★ Digestive system, Spleen and stomach
★ Patient, Prudent, Stable, Reliable, Hard-working, Ambitious, Stubborn, and very energetic
★ Disciplined, 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
★ The Planet Venus
★ The Color White
★ Respiratory system & Lungs
★ Determined, Self-reliant, Unyielding, Strong, Persistent, Forceful
★ Reserved, Needs Personal Space, Sophisticated, Seeks pleasure
Metal ''Governs'' the Monkey, Rooster, Dog
水 Water
★ The North
★ Winter
★ The Planet Mercury
★ The Color Blue
★ Skeletal/Excretory System & Lungs
★ Diplomatic, Charming, Intuitive, Compassionate, Sensitive, Creative
★ Flexible, Compliant, Good at Communication, 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.
'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]
'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.'
#鼠 子 'Rat' (Yang, 1st Trine, Fixed element Water): Forthright, disciplined, systematic, meticulous, charismatic, hardworking, industrious, charming, eloquent, sociable, shrewd. Can be manipulative, selfish, obstinate, critical, over-ambitious, ruthless, intolerant, scheming.
#牛 丑 'Ox' (Yin, 2nd Trine, Fixed Element Water): Dependable, calm, methodical, patient, hardworking, ambitious, conventional, steady, modest, logical, resolute, tenacious. Can be stubborn, narrowminded, materialistic, rigid, demanding.
#虎 寅 '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.
#兔 卯 '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.
#龍 辰 '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, demanding, eccentric, dogmatic, over-bearing, impetuous, brash.
#蛇 巳 '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.
#馬 午 '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.
#羊 未 '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.
#猴 申 '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.
#雞 酉 '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.
#狗 戌 '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.
#豬 亥 'Pig' (Yin, 4th Trine, Fixed Element Water): Honest, simple, gallant, sturdy, couragous, 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).
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.
The months - the inner animals
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.
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.
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.
| Solar Longitude | Solar term | Western date | Lunar Month | Fixed Element | Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 314° | 立春 lìchūn | 'Feb 04' - Feb 18 | 1st -寅 'Tiger' | Wood | Spring |
| 329° | 雨水 yǔshuǐ | Feb 19 - 'Mar 05' | |||
| 344° | 啓蟄 qǐzhé (驚蟄 jīngzhé) | 'Mar 06' - Mar 20 | 2nd - 卯 'Rabbit' | Wood | Spring |
| 0° | 春分 chūnfēn | Mar 21 - 'Apr 04' | |||
| 14° | 清明 qīngmíng | 'Apr 05' - Apr 19 | 3rd - 辰 'Dragon' | Wood | Spring |
| 29° | 穀雨 gǔyǔ | Apr 20 - 'May 04' | |||
| 44° | 立夏 lìxià | 'May 05' - May 20 | 4th - 巳 'Snake' | Fire | Summer |
| 59° | 小滿 xiǎomǎn | May 21 - 'June 05' | |||
| 74° | 芒種 mángzhòng | 'Jun 06' - Jun 20 | 5th - 午 'Horse' | Fire | Summer |
| 89° | 夏至 xiàzhì | Jun 21 - 'Jul 06' | |||
| 104° | 小暑 xiǎoshǔ | 'Jul 07' - Jul 22 | 6th - 未 'Sheep' | Fire | Summer |
| 119° | 大暑 dàshǔ | Jul 23 - 'Aug 06' | |||
| 134° | 立秋 lìqiū | 'Aug 07' - Aug 22 | 7th - 申 'Monkey' | Metal | Autumn |
| 149° | 處暑 chùshǔ | Aug 23 - 'Sep 07' | |||
| 164° | 白露 báilù | 'Sep 08' - Sep 22 | 8th - 酉 'Rooster' | Metal | Autumn |
| 181° | 秋分 qiūfēn | Sep 23 - 'Oct 07' | |||
| 194° | 寒露 hánlù | 'Oct 08' - Oct 22 | 9th - 戌 'Dog' | Metal | Autumn |
| 211° | 霜降 shuāngjiàng | Oct 23 - 'Nov 06' | |||
| 224° | 立冬 lìdōng | 'Nov 07' - Nov 21 | 10th - 亥 'Pig' | Water | Winter |
| 244° | 小雪 xiǎoxuě | Nov 22 - 'Dec 06' | |||
| 251° | 大雪 dàxuě | 'Dec 07' - Dec 21 | 11th - 子 'Rat' | Water | Winter |
| 271° | 冬至 dōngzhì | Dec 22 - 'Jan 05' | |||
| 284° | 小寒 xiǎohán | 'Jan 06' - Jan 19 | 12th - 丑 'Ox' | Water | Winter |
| 301° | 大寒 dàhán | Jan 20 - 'Feb 03' |
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 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. It's important to note that while this chart is very accurate, the exact time each animal begins shifts by the day. Always consult an Astrologer for best results.
★ 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'
★ Rabbit
★ Horse
★ Sheep
★ Rooster
★ Dog
★ Pig
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, judgemental, 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, empathetic, tactful, and prudent. They can also be naive, pedantic, insecure, cunning, indecisive, and pessimistic.
Zodiac origin stories
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:
:''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).
Another popular legend has it that a race was used to decide the animals to report to the Jade Emperor.
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.
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.
Some versions of the tale say that the cattle nominated a water buffalo to represent them because he was more proficient at swimming. The trade was acceptable because both animals are bovines.
Another version of the tale expands the race. The route ran through a forest, over ranges of plains and grasslands and along a stream, before finally crossing a lake to the destination town.
Yet another variation tells of two different races. The first involved all the animals, in two divisions to avoid the fast animals dominating the top, and the top six in each division would "make the cut" for a second round, which would then determine the ''order of placement'' of the animals in the zodiac.
In yet another variation, each animal was called before its peers and had to explain why it deserved a position at the top of the Zodiac. The Boar, at a loss, proceeded to claim that the meat on its bones "tasted good". This explanation was apparently considered unsatisfactory, because the Boar was placed at the very end of the Zodiac.
Another variation shows that the cat was (informally) the 13th month (13 being an unlucky number or 1+3 = 4, also a bad number) so any cats (and especially the black cat) are considered a bad omen. Another variation tells the tale where the dogs and the wild boars were the last ones (and almost were left out), and they share a mutual affection despite their differences.
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 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.
Torè calendar
Names of years
# Kuzgé - [Year of] Saravana
# Shiger (Syger) - Artom (Taurus)
# Kuman (Imén)
# Ügur - Tiger Myachè Ügur - Tiger
# Taushan - Rabbit
# Samar - Dragon Birgün (Bergen, Birig, Baradj)- Dragon
# Dilan - Snake
# Tuki (Tykha) - Horse
# Téké - Sheep (Ram or Goat)
# Bichin, Michin - Monkey
# Tavuk - Rooster, Hen (also written tağuk—''ğ'' is pronounced as ''v'' in Turk. verbs ''döğmek'' and ''öğmek'')
# It - Dog
# Shushma - Pig (many mistake it as boar though)(Turk., Russ. "Kaban" - Translator's Note, also cognate of Turkish ''şişman'', "fat")
References
1. Wolfram Eberhard, ''A Dictionary of Chinese Symbols'', pg 93, pg 105, pg 309, Routledge and Keegan Paul, London, 1986
2. Theodora Lau, ''The Handbook of Chinese Horoscopes'', pp2-8, 30-5, 60-4, 88-94, 118-24, 148-53, 178-84, 208-13, 238-44, 270-78, 306-12, 338-44, Souvenir Press, New York, 2005
Sources
★ Shelly Wu. (2005). "Chinese Astrology". Publisher: The Career Press, Inc. ISBN 1-56414-796-7
See also
★ Chinese calendar
★ Indian astrology
★ Sexagesimal cycle
★ Zi wei dou shu
★ Four Pillars of Destiny
External links
★
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