All Topics  
Chinese astrology

 

 
   Email Print
   Bookmark   Link
 

 

Chinese astrology
 
 
  Topics Chinese astrology Topic Home

Chinese astrology is based on the astronomy
Astronomy

Astronomy is the science of Astronomical object and Phenomenon that originate outside the Earth's atmosphere . It is concerned with the evolution, physics, chemistry, meteorology, and motion of celestial objects, as well as the physical cosmology....
 and traditional calendar
Calendar

A calendar is a system of organize days for a social, religious, commercial or administrative purpose. This organization is done by giving names to periods of time ? typically days, weeks, months and years....
s. The Chinese astrology does not calculate the positions of the sun, moon and planets at the time of birth. Therefore, there is no astrology in the European sense in China.

Chinese astrology has a close relation with Chinese philosophy
Chinese philosophy

Chinese philosophy is philosophy written in the China Chinese culture of thought. Chinese philosophy has a history of several thousand years; its origins are often traced back to the I Ching , an ancient compendium of divination, which uses a system of 64 hexagrams to guide action....
 (theory of the harmony of sky, humans and earth) and different "principle" to Western: the wu xing teachings, yin and yang
Yin and yang

In Chinese philosophy, the concept of yin yang is used to describe how seemingly disjunct or opposing forces are interconnected and interdependent in the natural world, giving rise to each other in turn....
, astronomy: five planet, the 10 Celestial stems, the 12 Earthly Branches
Earthly Branches

The Earthly Branches provide one China system for reckoning time.This system was built from observations of the orbit of Jupiter. Chinese astronomers divided the celestial circle into 12 sections to follow the orbit of Su?xing ....
, the lunisolare calendar
Chinese calendar

The Chinese calendar is lunisolar calendar, incorporating elements of a lunar calendar with those of a solar calendar. This measure of time was first introduced by the Babylonians ....
 (moon calendar and sun calendar), the time calculation after year, month, day and shichen.

ese refer to the 5 major planet
Planet

A planet , as 2006 definition of planet by the International Astronomical Union , is a celestial body orbiting a star or Stellar evolution#Stellar remnants that is massive enough to be rounded by its own gravity, is not massive enough to cause thermonuclear fusion, and has cleared the neighbourhood of planetesimals....
s by the one of the Wu Xing they were associated with:

NOTE: These are not listed in the actual order of the planets from nearest to farthest the sun.

According to Chinese mysterious astronomy, a person's destiny can be determined by the position of the major planets at the person's birth along with the positions of the Sun, Moon and comets and the person's time of birth and Zodiac Sign.






Discussion
Ask a question about 'Chinese astrology'
Start a new discussion about 'Chinese astrology'
Answer questions from other users
Full Discussion Forum



Recent Posts

Could someone please tell me more about my chinese astrology
What significance did the Year of the Rooster (1969) have on the viet Nam war and those who served i...








Encyclopedia


Chinese astrology is based on the astronomy
Astronomy

Astronomy is the science of Astronomical object and Phenomenon that originate outside the Earth's atmosphere . It is concerned with the evolution, physics, chemistry, meteorology, and motion of celestial objects, as well as the physical cosmology....
 and traditional calendar
Calendar

A calendar is a system of organize days for a social, religious, commercial or administrative purpose. This organization is done by giving names to periods of time ? typically days, weeks, months and years....
s. The Chinese astrology does not calculate the positions of the sun, moon and planets at the time of birth. Therefore, there is no astrology in the European sense in China.

Chinese astrology has a close relation with Chinese philosophy
Chinese philosophy

Chinese philosophy is philosophy written in the China Chinese culture of thought. Chinese philosophy has a history of several thousand years; its origins are often traced back to the I Ching , an ancient compendium of divination, which uses a system of 64 hexagrams to guide action....
 (theory of the harmony of sky, humans and earth) and different "principle" to Western: the wu xing teachings, yin and yang
Yin and yang

In Chinese philosophy, the concept of yin yang is used to describe how seemingly disjunct or opposing forces are interconnected and interdependent in the natural world, giving rise to each other in turn....
, astronomy: five planet, the 10 Celestial stems, the 12 Earthly Branches
Earthly Branches

The Earthly Branches provide one China system for reckoning time.This system was built from observations of the orbit of Jupiter. Chinese astronomers divided the celestial circle into 12 sections to follow the orbit of Su?xing ....
, the lunisolare calendar
Chinese calendar

The Chinese calendar is lunisolar calendar, incorporating elements of a lunar calendar with those of a solar calendar. This measure of time was first introduced by the Babylonians ....
 (moon calendar and sun calendar), the time calculation after year, month, day and shichen.

Background

Chinese refer to the 5 major planet
Planet

A planet , as 2006 definition of planet by the International Astronomical Union , is a celestial body orbiting a star or Stellar evolution#Stellar remnants that is massive enough to be rounded by its own gravity, is not massive enough to cause thermonuclear fusion, and has cleared the neighbourhood of planetesimals....
s by the one of the Wu Xing they were associated with:

NOTE: These are not listed in the actual order of the planets from nearest to farthest the sun.
  • Venus
    Venus

    Venus is the second-closest planet to the Sun, orbiting it every 224.7 Earth days. The planet is named after Venus , the Roman mythology goddess of love....
    —Metal (White Tiger
    White Tiger (Chinese constellation)

    The White Tiger is one of the Four Symbols of the Chinese constellations. It is sometimes called the White Tiger of the West , and is known as Byakko in Japan and Baekho in Korea....
    )
  • Jupiter
    Jupiter

    Jupiter is the fifth planet from the Sun and the Solar system by size planet within the Solar System. It is two and a half times as massive as all of the other planets in our Solar System combined....
    —Wood (Azure Dragon)
  • Mercury
    Mercury (planet)

    Mercury is the innermost and smallest planet in the Solar System, orbiting the Sun once every 88 days. The orbit of Mercury has the highest Orbital eccentricity of all the Solar System planets, and it has the smallest axial tilt....
    —Water (Black Tortoise)
  • Mars
    MARS

    In cryptography, MARS is a block cipher that was IBM's submission to the Advanced Encryption Standard process. MARS was selected as an AES finalist in August 1999, after the AES2 conference in March 1999, where it was voted as the fifth and last finalist algorithm....
    —Fire (Vermilion Bird)
  • Saturn
    Saturn

    Saturn is the sixth planet from the Sun and the second largest planet in the Solar System, after Jupiter. Saturn, along with Jupiter, Uranus and Neptune, is classified as a gas giant....
    —Earth (Yellow Dragon)


According to Chinese mysterious astronomy, a person's destiny can be determined by the position of the major planets at the person's birth 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
Jupiter

Jupiter is the fifth planet from the Sun and the Solar system by size planet within the Solar System. It is two and a half times as massive as all of the other planets in our Solar System combined....
 (the Year Star; ). Following the orbit of Jupiter around the sun, Chinese astronomers divided the celestial circle into 12 sections, and rounded it to 12 years (from 11.86). Jupiter is associated with the constellation Sheti (- Boötes
Boötes

Bo?tes Bo?tes was one of the 48 constellations described by the 1st century astronomer Ptolemy and is now one of the 88 modern constellations. It contains the List of brightest stars in the night sky, Arcturus....
; symbol:?) and is 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
Zi wei dou shu

Zi Wei Dou Shu is a form of fortune-telling in Chinese culture. It remains one of the most well-respected process for laying out "The Destiny Path" or "Fate"....
  is still used regularly in modern day Chinese astrology to divine one's fortune. The 28 Chinese constellation
Chinese constellation

Chinese constellations are the way ancient Chinese grouped the stars. They are very different from the modern International Astronomical Union recognized constellations....
s, Xiu , are quite different from the 88 Western constellations. For example, the Big Bear (Ursa Major
Ursa Major

Ursa Major is a constellation visible throughout the year in most of the northern hemisphere. Its name means the Great Bear in Latin. It is dominated by the widely recognized asterism known as the Big Dipper or Plough, which is a useful pointer toward north, and which has mythological significance in numerous world cultures....
) is known as Dou ; the belt of Orion
Orion (constellation)

Orion , often referred to as "The Hunter," is a prominent constellation ? one of the largest, most conspicuous, and most recognizable in the night sky....
 is known as Shen , or the "Happiness, Fortune, Longevity" trio of demigods. The seven northern constellations are referred to as Xuan Wu . Xuan Wu is also known as the spirit of the northern sky or the spirit of Water in Taoism
Taoism

Taoism refers to a variety of related philosophical and religious traditions and concepts. These traditions have influenced East Asia for over two thousand years and some have spread to the West....
 belief.

In addition to astrological readings of the heavenly bodies, the stars in the sky form the basis of many fairy tale
Fairy tale

A fairy tale is a fictional story that may feature folklore characters such as Fairy, goblins, Elf, trolls, giant , and talking animals, and usually enchanted, often involving a far-fetched sequence of events....
s. For example, the Summer Triangle
Summer Triangle

The Summer Triangle is an astronomical asterism involving an imaginary triangle drawn on the northern hemisphere's celestial sphere, with its defining vertices at Altair, Deneb, and Vega....
 is the trio of the cowherd (Altair
Altair

Altair is the brightest star in the constellation Aquila and the list of brightest stars in the night sky. It is an Stellar classification#Class A main sequence star with an apparent visual magnitude of 0.77 and is one of the vertices of the Summer Triangle; the other two are Deneb and Vega....
), the weaving maiden fairy (Vega
Vega

Vega is the brightest star in the constellation Lyra, the list of brightest stars in the night sky and the second brightest star in the northern Celestial sphere, after Arcturus....
), and the "tai bai" fairy (Deneb
Deneb

Deneb is the brightest star in the constellation Cygnus and one of the vertices of the Summer Triangle. It is the 19th list of brightest stars, with an apparent magnitude of 1.25....
). The two forbidden lovers were separated by the silvery river (the Milky Way
Milky Way

The Milky Way, sometimes called simply the Galaxy, is the galaxy in which the Solar System is located. It is a barred spiral galaxy that is part of the Local Group of galaxies....
). 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
Altair

Altair is the brightest star in the constellation Aquila and the list of brightest stars in the night sky. It is an Stellar classification#Class A main sequence star with an apparent visual magnitude of 0.77 and is one of the vertices of the Summer Triangle; the other two are Deneb and Vega....
) across the bridge to reunite with their fairy mother. The tai bai fairy acts as the chaperone of these two immortal lovers.

Chinese zodiac

In Chinese astrology the zodiac of twelve animal signs
Astrological sign

Astrological signs represent twelve equal segments or divisions of the zodiac. According to astrology, celestial phenomena reflect or govern human activity on the principle of "Macrocosm and microcosm", so that the twelve signs are held to represent twelve basic personality types or characteristic modes of expression....
 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
Origins of the Chinese 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, Rooster, Dog, and Pig, and according to their places in the race, the Jade Emperor had given them each a number starting with the Rat who was the wi...
 which explain why this is so (see below). The following are the twelve zodiac signs in order and their characteristics.

  1. Rat
    Rat (zodiac)

    The Rat was welcomed in ancient times as a protector and bringer of material prosperity. It is an animal associated with wealth, charm, and order, yet also associated with aggression, death, war, the occult, pestilence, and atrocities....
     (Yang, 1st Trine
    Trine

    In astrology, a trine is an astrological aspect formed when a planet, point, or other celestial body is 120 degrees away from another planet, point or celestial body....
    , Fixed Element Water
    Water (classical element)

    Water has been important to all peoples of the earth, and it is rich in spiritual tradition....
    ): Forthright, disciplined, systematic, meticulous, charismatic, hardworking, industrious, charming, eloquent, sociable, shrewd. Can be manipulative, vindictive, mendacious, venal, selfish, obstinate, critical, over-ambitious, ruthless, intolerant, scheming.
  2. Ox
    Ox (zodiac)

    The Ox is one of the 12-year cycle of animals which appear in the Chinese zodiac related to the Chinese calendar. The Year of the Ox is denoted by the earthly branches character wiktionary:?....
     (Water buffalo
    Water buffalo (zodiac)

    The buffalo is the second animal symbol in the 12-year cycle of the Vietnamese zodiac, taking place of the ox in the Chinese zodiac. Water buffalo are industrious and patient....
     in Vietnam
    Vietnam

    Vietnam , officially the Socialist Republic of Vietnam , is the easternmost country on the Indochina Peninsula in Southeast Asia. It is bordered by People's Republic of China to the north, Laos to the northwest, Cambodia to the southwest, and the South China Sea to the east....
    ) (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
    Tiger (zodiac)

    The Tiger , associated with good fortune, power, and royalty, is viewed with both fear and respect. Their protection and wisdom is sought after....
     (Yang, 3rd Trine, Fixed Element Wood
    Wood (classical element)

    Tree, traditionally translated as Wood, is the growing of the matter, or the matter's growing stage. Tree is the first one of Wu Xing. Tree is yang in character, it stands for Spring , the east, the planet Planets in astrology#Classical planets, the color green, wind, and Qing Long in Four Symbols....
    ): Unpredictable, rebellious, colorful, powerful, passionate, daring, impulsive, vigorous, stimulating, sincere, affectionate, humanitarian, generous. Can be restless, reckless, impatient, quick-tempered, obstinate, selfish.
  4. Rabbit
    Rabbit (zodiac)

    The Rabbit is the fourth animal in the 12-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac. According to traditional Chinese astrology, the Rabbit is quiet, reserved, retrospective, thoughtful and lucky....
     (Cat
    Cat (zodiac)

    The cat is the fourth animal symbol in the 12-year cycle of the Vietnamese zodiac, taking place of the rabbit in the Chinese zodiac. Cats are "smooth talkers", talented and ambitious and will succeed in studies....
     in Vietnam) (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
    Dragon (zodiac)

    The Dragon is the only mythical creature in the Chinese zodiac. In China, dragons are associated with strength, health, harmony, and good luck; they are placed above doors or on the tops of roofs to banish demons and evil spirits....
     (Snail
    Snail

    The word snail is a common name for almost all members of the molluscan class Gastropoda that have coiled animal shells in the adult stage. When the word snail is used in a general sense, it includes sea snails, land snails and freshwater snails....
     in Kazakhstan
    Kazakhstan

    Kazakhstan, also Kazakstan , officially the Republic of Kazakhstan, is a large Eurasian country in Central Asia and Eastern Europe. Ranked as the List of countries by area as well as the world's largest landlocked country, it has a territory of 2,727,300 km? ....
    ) (Yang, 1st Trine, Fixed Element Wood): Magnanimous, stately, vigorous, strong, self-assured, proud, noble, direct, dignified, zealous, fiery, passionate, decisive, pioneering, ambitious, generous, loyal. Can be arrogant, imperious, tyrannical, demanding, eccentric, grandiloquent and extremely bombastic, prejudiced, dogmatic, over-bearing, violent, impetuous, brash.
  6. Snake
    Snake (zodiac)

    The Snake is one of the 12-year cycle of animals which appear in the Chinese zodiac related to the Chinese calendar. The Year of the Snake is associated with the earthly branches symbol wiktionary:?....
     (Yin, 2nd Trine, Fixed Element Fire
    Fire (classical element)

    Fire has been an important part of many cultures and religions, from pre-history to modern day, and was vital to the development of civilization....
    ): 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
    Horse (zodiac)

    The Horse is the seventh of the 12 animals which appear in the Chinese zodiac related to the Chinese calendar. The Year of the Horse is associated with the earthly branches symbol wikt:?....
     (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, arrogant, anxious, rude, gullible, stubborn.
  8. Ram (Goat
    Goat

    The domestic goat is a subspecies of goat domesticated from the wild goat of southwest Asia and Eastern Europe. The goat is a member of the Bovidae family and is closely related to the sheep: both are in the goat-antelope subfamily Caprinae....
     in Vietnam) (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, wise.
  9. Monkey
    Monkey (zodiac)

    The Monkey is one of the 12-year cycle of animals which appear in the Chinese zodiac related to the Chinese calendar. The Year of the Monkey is associated with the earthly branches symbol wikt:?....
     (Yang, 1st Trine, Fixed Element Metal
    Metal (classical element)

    Metal is the decline of the matter, or the matter's decline stage. Metal is the forth one of Wu Xing.Metal is yin in character, its motion is inwards and its energy is contracting....
    ): Inventor, motivator, improviser, quick-witted, inquisitive, flexible, innovative, problem solver, self-assured, sociable, polite, dignified, competitive, objective, factual, intellectual. Can be egotistical, vain, selfish, reckless, snobbish, deceptive, manipulative, cunning, jealous, suspicious.
  10. Rooster
    Rooster (zodiac)

    The Rooster or Cock is one of the 12-year cycle of animals which appear in the Chinese zodiac related to the Chinese calendar. The Year of the Rooster is represented by the earthly branches character wiktionary:?....
     (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
    Dog (zodiac)

    The Dog is one of the 12-year cycle of animals which appear in the Chinese zodiac related to the Chinese calendar. The Year of the Dog is associated with the earthly branches symbol wikt:?....
     (Yang, 3rd Trine, Fixed Element Metal): Honest, intelligent, straightforward, loyal, sense of justice and fair play, attractive, amicable, unpretentious, sociable, open-minded, idealistic, moralistic, practical, affectionate, dogged. Can be cynical, lazy, cold, judgmental, pessimistic, worrier, stubborn, quarrelsome.
  12. Pig
    Pig (zodiac)

    Hai ...
     (Wild boar in Japan
    Japan

    Japan is an island country in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, People's Republic of China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south....
    ) (Yin, 4th Trine, Fixed Element Water): Honest, simple, gallant, sturdy, sociable, peace-loving, patient, loyal, hard-working, trusting, sincere, 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), day, and hours of the day (called secret animals).

To sum it up, while a person might appear to be a dragon
Dragon (zodiac)

The Dragon is the only mythical creature in the Chinese zodiac. In China, dragons are associated with strength, health, harmony, and good luck; they are placed above doors or on the tops of roofs to banish demons and evil spirits....
 because they were born in the year of the dragon, they might also be a snake
Snake (zodiac)

The Snake is one of the 12-year cycle of animals which appear in the Chinese zodiac related to the Chinese calendar. The Year of the Snake is associated with the earthly branches symbol wiktionary:?....
 internally and an ox
Ox (zodiac)

The Ox is one of the 12-year cycle of animals which appear in the Chinese zodiac related to the Chinese calendar. The Year of the Ox is denoted by the earthly branches character wiktionary:?....
 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 considered critical for the proper use of Chinese astrology .

Lunisolar calendar

The 60-year cycle consists of two separate cycles interacting with each other. The first is the cycle of ten heavenly stems
Heavenly Stems

The ten Celestial Stems , sometimes known as Heavenly Stems, are the elements of an ancient China cyclic character numeral system: Jia , Yi , Bing , Ding , Wu , Ji , Geng , Xin , Ren , Gui ....
, namely the Five Elements
Five elements (Chinese philosophy)

In many traditional Chinese theory field, matters and its developmental movement stage can be classified into the Wu Xing , or the Five Movements, Five Phases or Five Steps/Stages, traditionally translated as Five Elements....
 (in order Wood
Wood (classical element)

Tree, traditionally translated as Wood, is the growing of the matter, or the matter's growing stage. Tree is the first one of Wu Xing. Tree is yang in character, it stands for Spring , the east, the planet Planets in astrology#Classical planets, the color green, wind, and Qing Long in Four Symbols....
, Fire
Fire (classical element)

Fire has been an important part of many cultures and religions, from pre-history to modern day, and was vital to the development of civilization....
, Earth
Earth (classical element)

Earth, home and origin of humanity, has often been worshipped in its own right with its own unique spiritual tradition....
, Metal
Metal (classical element)

Metal is the decline of the matter, or the matter's decline stage. Metal is the forth one of Wu Xing.Metal is yin in character, its motion is inwards and its energy is contracting....
, and Water
Water (classical element)

Water has been important to all peoples of the earth, and it is rich in spiritual tradition....
) in their ip Yin and Yang
Yin and yang

In Chinese philosophy, the concept of yin yang is used to describe how seemingly disjunct or opposing forces are interconnected and interdependent in the natural world, giving rise to each other in turn....
 forms.

The second is the cycle of the twelve Zodiac animal signs (?? shengxiao) or Earthly Branches
Earthly Branches

The Earthly Branches provide one China system for reckoning time.This system was built from observations of the orbit of Jupiter. Chinese astronomers divided the celestial circle into 12 sections to follow the orbit of Su?xing ....
 . They are in order as follows: the rat
Rat (zodiac)

The Rat was welcomed in ancient times as a protector and bringer of material prosperity. It is an animal associated with wealth, charm, and order, yet also associated with aggression, death, war, the occult, pestilence, and atrocities....
, ox
Ox (zodiac)

The Ox is one of the 12-year cycle of animals which appear in the Chinese zodiac related to the Chinese calendar. The Year of the Ox is denoted by the earthly branches character wiktionary:?....
, tiger
Tiger (zodiac)

The Tiger , associated with good fortune, power, and royalty, is viewed with both fear and respect. Their protection and wisdom is sought after....
, rabbit
Rabbit (zodiac)

The Rabbit is the fourth animal in the 12-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac. According to traditional Chinese astrology, the Rabbit is quiet, reserved, retrospective, thoughtful and lucky....
, dragon
Dragon (zodiac)

The Dragon is the only mythical creature in the Chinese zodiac. In China, dragons are associated with strength, health, harmony, and good luck; they are placed above doors or on the tops of roofs to banish demons and evil spirits....
, snake
Snake (zodiac)

The Snake is one of the 12-year cycle of animals which appear in the Chinese zodiac related to the Chinese calendar. The Year of the Snake is associated with the earthly branches symbol wiktionary:?....
, horse
Horse (zodiac)

The Horse is the seventh of the 12 animals which appear in the Chinese zodiac related to the Chinese calendar. The Year of the Horse is associated with the earthly branches symbol wikt:?....
, sheep
Sheep (zodiac)

The Ram or Sheep is the eighth sign of the 12-year cycle of animals which appear in the Chinese zodiac related to the Chinese calendar. The Year of the Sheep is associated with the earthly branches symbol wikt:?....
 (ram or goat), monkey
Monkey (zodiac)

The Monkey is one of the 12-year cycle of animals which appear in the Chinese zodiac related to the Chinese calendar. The Year of the Monkey is associated with the earthly branches symbol wikt:?....
, rooster
Rooster (zodiac)

The Rooster or Cock is one of the 12-year cycle of animals which appear in the Chinese zodiac related to the Chinese calendar. The Year of the Rooster is represented by the earthly branches character wiktionary:?....
, dog
Dog (zodiac)

The Dog is one of the 12-year cycle of animals which appear in the Chinese zodiac related to the Chinese calendar. The Year of the Dog is associated with the earthly branches symbol wikt:?....
, and boar. In Vietnam
Vietnam

Vietnam , officially the Socialist Republic of Vietnam , is the easternmost country on the Indochina Peninsula in Southeast Asia. It is bordered by People's Republic of China to the north, Laos to the northwest, Cambodia to the southwest, and the South China Sea to the east....
 the rabbit
Rabbit

Rabbits are small mammals in the family Leporidae of the order Lagomorpha, found in several parts of the world. There are seven different genus in the family taxonomy as rabbits, including the European rabbit , Cottontail rabbit , and the Amami rabbit ....
 is replaced by the cat
Cat

The cat , also known as the Domestication cat or house cat to distinguish it from other Felinae and Felidae, is a small predationy carnivore species of crepuscular mammal that is valued by humans for its companionship and its ability to hunt vermin, snakes, scorpions, and other unwanted household pests....
.

This combination creates the 60-year cycle due to the least amount of years (least common multiple) it would take to get from Yang Wood Rat to its next iteration, which always starts with Yang Wood Rat and ends with Yin Water Boar. Since the zodiac animal cycle of 12 is divisible by two, every zodiac sign can also only occur in either Yin
Yin and yang

In Chinese philosophy, the concept of yin yang is used to describe how seemingly disjunct or opposing forces are interconnected and interdependent in the natural world, giving rise to each other in turn....
 or Yang
Yin and yang

In Chinese philosophy, the concept of yin yang is used to describe how seemingly disjunct or opposing forces are interconnected and interdependent in the natural world, giving rise to each other in turn....
: the dragon is always yang, the snake is always yin, etc. The current cycle began in 1984 (as shown in "Table of the sixty year calendar" below).

When trying to traverse the lunisolar calendar, 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
Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year or Spring Festival is the most important of the traditional Chinese holidays. It is often called the Lunar New Year, especially by people in mainland China and Taiwan....
, not January 1 as in the Gregorian calendar
Gregorian calendar

The Gregorian calendar is the internationally accepted civil calendar. It was first proposed by the Calabrian doctor Aloysius Lilius, and decreed by Pope Gregory XIII, after whom it was named, on 24 February 1582 by the papal bull Inter gravissimas....
. Therefore, a person who was born in late January or early February may have 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 place mats) may give a person the wrong sign if he/she was born in late January or early February.

The start of a new Zodiac is also celebrated on Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year or Spring Festival is the most important of the traditional Chinese holidays. It is often called the Lunar New Year, especially by people in mainland China and Taiwan....
 along with many other customs.

Table of the sixty year calendar


The following table shows the 60-year cycle matched up to the Western calendar for the years 1924–2043 (see above article for years 1804–1923).

 Year Associated
Element		 Heavenly
Stem		 Earthly
Branch		 Associated
Animal		Year
1924–1983 1984–2043
1Feb 05 1924–Jan 23 1925 Yang Wood ?? RatFeb 02 1984–Feb 19 1985
2Jan 24 1925–Feb 12 1926 Yin Wood ?? OxFeb 20 1985–Feb 08 1986
3Feb 13 1926–Feb 01 1927 Yang Fire ?? TigerFeb 09 1986–Jan 28 1987
4Feb 02 1927–Jan 22 1928 Yin Fire ?? RabbitJan 29 1987–Feb 16 1988
5Jan 23 1928–Feb 09 1929 Yang Earth ?? DragonFeb 17 1988–Feb 05 1989
6Feb 10 1929–Jan 29 1930 Yin Earth ?? SnakeFeb 06 1989–Jan 26 1990
7Jan 30 1930–Feb 16 1931 Yang Metal ?? HorseJan 27 1990–Feb 14 1991
8Feb 17 1931–Feb 05 1932 Yin Metal ?? RamFeb 15 1991–Feb 03 1992
9Feb 06 1932–Jan 25 1933 Yang Water ?? MonkeyFeb 04 1992–Jan 22 1993
10Jan 26 1933–Feb 13 1934 Yin Water ?? RoosterJan 23 1993– Feb 09 1994
11Feb 14 1934–Feb 03 1935 Yang Wood ?? DogFeb 10 1994–Jan 30 1995
12Feb 04 1935–Jan 23 1936 Yin Wood ?? BoarJan 31 1995–Feb 18 1996
13Jan 24 1936–Feb 10 1937 Yang Fire ?? RatFeb 19 1996–Feb 06 1997
14Feb 11 1937–Jan 30 1938 Yin Fire ?? OxFeb 07 1997–Jan 27 1998
15Jan 31 1938–Feb 18 1939 Yang Earth ?? TigerJan 28 1998–Feb 15 1999
16Feb 19 1939–Feb 07 1940 Yin Earth ?? RabbitFeb 16 1999–Feb 04 2000
17Feb 08 1940–Jan 26 1941 Yang Metal ?? DragonFeb 05 2000–Jan 23 2001
18Jan 27 1941–Feb 14 1942 Yin Metal ?? SnakeJan 24 2001–Feb 11 2002
19Feb 15 1942–Feb 04 1943 Yang Water ?? HorseFeb 12 2002–Jan 31 2003
20Feb 05 1943–Jan 24 1944 Yin Water ?? RamFeb 01 2003–Jan 21 2004
21Jan 25 1944–Feb 12 1945 Yang Wood ?? MonkeyJan 22 2004–Feb 08 2005
22Feb 13 1945–Feb 01 1946 Yin Wood ?? RoosterFeb 09 2005–Jan 28 2006
23Feb 02 1946–Jan 21 1947 Yang Fire ?? DogJan 29 2006–Feb 17 2007
24Jan 22 1947–Feb 09 1948 Yin Fire ?? BoarFeb 18 2007–Feb 06 2008
25Feb 10 1948–Jan 28 1949 Yang Earth ?? RatFeb 07 2008–Jan 25 2009
26Jan 29 1949–Feb 16 1950 Yin Earth ?? OxJan 26 2009–Feb 13 2010
27Feb 17 1950–Feb 05 1951 Yang Metal ?? TigerFeb 14 2010–Feb 02 2011
28Feb 06 1951–Jan 26 1952 Yin Metal ?? RabbitFeb 03 2011–Jan 22 2012
29Jan 27 1952–Feb 13 1953 Yang Water ?? DragonJan 23 2012–Feb 09 2013
30Feb 14 1953–Feb 02 1954 Yin Water ?? SnakeFeb 10 2013–Jan 30 2014
31Feb 03 1954–Jan 23 1955 Yang Wood ?? HorseJan 31 2014–Feb 18 2015
32Jan 24 1955–Feb 11 1956 Yin Wood ?? RamFeb 19 2015–Feb 07 2016
33Feb 12 1956–Jan 30 1957 Yang Fire ?? MonkeyFeb 08 2016–Jan 27 2017
34Jan 31 1957–Feb 17 1958 Yin Fire ?? RoosterJan 28 2017–Feb 18 2018
35Feb 18 1958–Feb 07 1959 Yang Earth ?? DogFeb 19 2018–Feb 04 2019
36Feb 08 1959–Jan 27 1960 Yin Earth ?? BoarFeb 05 2019–Jan 24 2020
37Jan 28 1960–Feb 14 1961 Yang Metal ?? RatJan 25 2020–Feb. 11 2021
38Feb 15 1961–Feb 04 1962 Yin Metal ?? Ox Feb 12 2021–Jan 31 2022
39Feb 05 1962–Jan 24 1963 Yang Water ?? Tiger Feb 01 2022–Jan 21 2023
40Jan 25 1963–Feb 12 1964 Yin Water ?? Rabbit Jan 22 2023–Feb 09 2024
41Feb 13 1964–Feb 01 1965 Yang Wood ?? Dragon Feb 10 2024–Jan 28 2025
42Feb 02 1965–Jan 20 1966 Yin Wood ?? Snake Jan 29 2025–Feb 16 2026
43Jan 21 1966–Feb 08 1967 Yang Fire ?? Horse Feb 17 2026–Feb 05 2027
44Feb 09 1967–Jan 29 1968 Yin Fire ?? Ram Feb 06 2027–Jan 25 2028
45Jan 30 1968–Feb 16 1969 Yang Earth ?? Monkey Jan 26 2028–Feb 12 2029
46Feb 17 1969–Feb 05 1970 Yin Earth ?? Rooster Feb 13 2029–Feb 02 2030
47Feb 06 1970–Jan 26 1971 Yang Metal ?? Dog Feb 03 2030–Jan 22 2031
48Jan 27 1971–Feb 14 1972 Yin Metal ?? Boar Jan 23 2031–Feb 10 2032
49Feb 15 1972–Feb 02 1973 Yang Water ?? Rat Feb 11 2032–Jan 30 2033
50Feb 03 1973–Jan 22 1974 Yin Water ?? Ox Jan 31 2033–Feb 18 2034
51Jan 23 1974–Feb 10 1975 Yang Wood ?? Tiger Feb 19 2034–Feb 07 2035
52Feb 11 1975–Jan 30 1976 Yin Wood ?? Rabbit Feb 08 2035–Jan 27 2036
53Jan 31 1976–Feb 17 1977 Yang Fire ?? Dragon Jan 28 2036–Feb 14 2037
54Feb 18 1977–Feb 06 1978 Yin Fire ?? Snake Feb 15 2037–Feb 03 2038
55Feb 07 1978–Jan 27 1979 Yang Earth ?? Horse Feb 04 2038–Jan 23 2039
56Jan 28 1979–Feb 15 1980 Yin Earth ?? Ram Jan 24 2039–Feb 11 2040
57Feb 16 1980–Feb 04 1981 Yang Metal ?? Monkey Feb 12 2040–Jan 31 2041
58Feb 05 1981–Jan 24 1982 Yin Metal ?? Rooster Feb 01 2041–Jan 21 2042
59Jan 25 1982–Feb 12 1983 Yang Water ?? Dog Jan 22 2042–Feb 09 2043
60Feb 13 1983–Feb 01 1984 Yin Water ?? Boar Feb 10 2043–Jan 29 2044


Wu Xing

The Yin or Yang is broken down into Wu Xing (Wood
Wood (classical element)

Tree, traditionally translated as Wood, is the growing of the matter, or the matter's growing stage. Tree is the first one of Wu Xing. Tree is yang in character, it stands for Spring , the east, the planet Planets in astrology#Classical planets, the color green, wind, and Qing Long in Four Symbols....
, Fire
Fire (classical element)

Fire has been an important part of many cultures and religions, from pre-history to modern day, and was vital to the development of civilization....
, Earth
Earth (classical element)

Earth, home and origin of humanity, has often been worshipped in its own right with its own unique spiritual tradition....
, Metal
Metal (classical element)

Metal is the decline of the matter, or the matter's decline stage. Metal is the forth one of Wu Xing.Metal is yin in character, its motion is inwards and its energy is contracting....
, and Water
Water (classical element)

Water has been important to all peoples of the earth, and it is rich in spiritual tradition....
) 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'. In fact Sinologists cannot agree on one single translation. The Chinese conception of 'element' is therefore quite different from 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
Feng shui

Feng shui is an ancient Chinese system of aesthetics believed to utilize the Laws of both heaven and Earth to help one improve life by receiving positive Qi....
, the Chinese form of geomancy
Geomancy

File:Geomantic_instrument_Egypt_or_Syria_1241_1242_CE_Muhammad_ibn_Khutlukh_al_Mawsuli.jpgFile:Geomantic instrument Egypt or Syria 1241 1242 CE detail 1.jpg...
. This is because each element is linked to a particular direction and season, and their different kinds of qì
Qi

In traditional Chinese culture, qi is an active principle forming part of any living thing.It is frequently translated as "energy flow," and is often compared to Western notions of energeia or ?lan vital as well as the Yoga Pranayama of prana....
 or life force.

? Wood

  • The East(?)
  • Springtime(?)
  • Azure Dragon(??)
  • The Planet Jupiter
  • The Color Green(?)
  • Liver (TCM)(?) and gallbladder(?)
  • Generous, Warm, Persuasive, Co-operative, Seeks to Expand and Grow.
  • Idealistic, Ethical, Enthusiastic, Seeks to Explore.


Wood governs the Tiger, Rabbit(weakest wood) , Dragon (Strongest wood)

? Fire

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


Fire governs the Snake, Horse (strongest fire), Ram (weakest fire)

? Earth

  • Centre(?)
  • Three Enclosures, Change of seasons
  • The Yellow Dragon(??)
  • The Planet Saturn(??)
  • The Color Yellow(?)
  • Digestive system, Spleen(?) and stomach(?)
  • Powerful, Wise, Patient, Militaristic, Prideful, Prudent, Stable, Reliable, Hard-working, Ambitious, Stubborn, Seeks to Conquer
  • Disciplined, Rigid, Controlling, Tenacious, Logical, Governed by Service and Duty to Others
Earth governs Sheep, Dog and Ox. It is the central balance of the elements and can lend qualities to all 12 animals as well.

? 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 (strongest metal), Dog (weakest metal)

? Water

  • The North
  • Winter(?)
  • Black Tortoise(??)
  • The Planet Mercury(??)
  • The Colour Black(?)
  • Skeletal(?)/Excretory System & Lungs
  • Secretive, Self-destructive, Charming, Intuitive, Deceptive, Passive-Aggressive, Compassionate, Sensitive, Creative
  • Flexible, Addictive, Manipulative, Compliant, Eloquence, Intellectual, Betrayal


Water governs the Rat (strongest water), Ox, Pig (weakest water)

See also

  • Chinese calendar
    Chinese calendar

    The Chinese calendar is lunisolar calendar, incorporating elements of a lunar calendar with those of a solar calendar. This measure of time was first introduced by the Babylonians ....
  • Sexagesimal cycle
  • Symbolic stars
    Symbolic stars

    In Chinese astrology, the symbolic stars represent different relations of the specific positions and interactions of the heavenly stems and earthly branches....
  • Zi wei dou shu
    Zi wei dou shu

    Zi Wei Dou Shu is a form of fortune-telling in Chinese culture. It remains one of the most well-respected process for laying out "The Destiny Path" or "Fate"....
  • Sheng Xiao
  • Four Pillars of Destiny
    Four Pillars of Destiny

    Four Pillars of Destiny is a Culture of China conceptual term that describes the four components creating a person's destiny or fate. The four components within the moment of birth are year, month, day, and time ....


Sources

  • Shelly Wu. (2005). Chinese Astrology. Publisher: The Career Press, Inc. ISBN 1-56414-796-7

Web sources