|
Chinese astrology
is the divination of the future from the Chinese calendar, particularly its
12-year cycle of animals, referred to as the Chinese Zodiac. This
fortune-telling system is derived from the principle characteristics of the
system: the Zodiac, the five elements of Chinese thought, calendrical cycles
based on astronomy, and ancient Chinese religion.
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. It is said
that the position of these planets, along with the positions of the Sun, Moon,
any comets in the sky as well as time of birth and Zodiac Sign can determine a
person's destiny according to Chinese Astrology.
Cycles
There is a binary Yin Yang cycle, which enlarges the 5 element cycle to a
cycle of ten. Even years are yang, odd years are yin. Since the zodiac animal
cycle of 12 is divisible by two, every zodiac can only occur in either yin or
yang: the dragon is always yang, the snake is always yin, etc. This
combination creates a 60-year cycle, starting with Wood Rat and ending with
Water Pig. The current cycle began in the year 1984.
The twelve animals
Each individual personality is associated with an animal which represents it.
This is where many Chinese Astrology descriptions in western society draw
solely from. Each year in the 60 year cycle contains twelve animals, each with
five possible elements, which distinctively vary the base animal's personality
which equals to 60 possible combinations.
The twelve zodiac animals
rat
People who are born under this Chinese sign are creative, honest, generous,
ambitious, quick-tempered and wasteful. Rats are said to get along well with
"monkeys" and "dragons," and to get along poorly with "horses".
ox
They are powerful and faithful individuals of good leadership who look before
they hop into something new. They also have positive attitudes towards work
and family.
tiger
The tiger is either leader or rebel, sensitive, emotional, and capable of
great sympathy, but often suspicious of others. They can also be stubborn and
short-tempered.
rabbit (or hare)
The Rabbit is said to be quiet, reserved, retrospective and thoughtful.
dragon
Dragon people are considered most eccentric in the Chinese zodiac. Dragons are
known to hang out with people like snakes and goats to balance out the lack of
fun they have with their "older" friends, idealists, perfectionists, they are
born thinking they are perfect and inflexible. Dragons are also aggressive and
determined, going after what they want is second nature to them.
snake
Those born in the year of the Snake are calm and gentle, romantic and
perceptive. However, they may be prone to sloth and vanity.
horse
Those born in the year of the horse are intelligent, independent and
free-spirited.
goat (or sheep)
Sheep tend to be shy and artistic.
monkey
The monkey is considered to be intelligent, sociable, witty and eccentric.
Monkeys get along with Dragons and Rats.
rooster
Roosters are highly flamboyant people, and their appearance is very important
to them — they are never satisfied with how they look. They are friendly,
pleasant and obliging people, who can prove themselves to be as resourceful
and talented as they say they are in moments of crisis. Roosters have the
ability to take life as it comes, and indeed may appear a bit too relaxed for
the nerves of their intimates. They are fiercely independent, and rely solely
upon themselves in all questions of support and effectiveness.
dog
People born in this year are loyal, honest, and trustworthy, but can also be
stubborn and selfish. Dogs get along with Horses, Rabbits, and Tigers.
pig (or boar)
eople of this sign are honest and tolerant and make good friends. Pigs however
tend to expect the same from everyone else, they often end up disappointed
when they learn otherwise of people. Viewed often as naïve, a pig is very
trusting.
read
more |
