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The Legend of the 12 Animals
Chinese astrology is based mainly on the traditional philosophy of Lao-tse, Confucius and the Yi Jing (I Ching). According to legend, the 12 animal signs were chosen by Buddha to mark Chinese New Year, which falls on a different date each year, somewhere between mid-January and mid-February. Buddha invited all the animals to celebrate with him, but only 12 animals came.
The first animal to arrive was the talkative Rat. Next came the hardworking Ox, followed by the brave Tiger and the cautious Rabbit. The honest Dragon arrived with the wise Snake. The energetic Horse came with the gentle Goat. Then came the clever Monkey and the confident Rooster. The loyal Dog and the good-natured Pig arrived last. Buddha gave each animal a year named after it, based on that animal's nature and qualities.
RattalkativeOxhardworkingTigerbraveRabbitcautiousDragonhonestSnakewiseHorseenergeticGoatgentleMonkeycleverRoosterconfidentDogloyalPiggood-natured
How Chinese Astrology Works
Chinese astrology is considered one of the oldest and most detailed forms of astrology still in use today. Unlike Western astrology, which is based on the positions of celestial bodies at the moment of birth, Chinese astrology is based mainly on the year, and sometimes the month and hour, of birth.
The 12 zodiac animals repeat in a 60-year cycle: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig. Each animal sign is combined with one of the 5 elements, which shapes a person's character and life force. The 5 elements in Chinese philosophy are Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water.
The Purple Star System
In Chinese astrology, a detailed picture of a person's future can be worked out through calculations based on Chinese philosophy, the Chinese calendar, and the positions of the planets, stars and other celestial bodies. This method of calculation is known as the "Purple Star System".
Each section of a Chinese astrology chart represents a different aspect of a person's life. It mainly reflects a person's appearance, talents, skills, and chances of success or failure. It can also point to relationships, prosperity, health, career, opportunities to travel, and overall happiness. A person's zodiac animal reflects their character and personality.
Yin and Yang
Yin-Yang theory is one of the most important ideas in Chinese astrology. Yin and Yang are two opposite but balancing forces that create harmony and stability in the world. Even-numbered Chinese years are considered Yang years, and odd-numbered years are considered Yin years.
YangActive, strong-willed and masculine; linked to spring and summer, sunlight, daytime and fire.
YinCalm, gentle and feminine; linked to winter, birth, the moon, night-time and water.
MoonAstro brings you more information about Chinese astrology in the guides above.
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