Understanding Chinese Astrology Zodiac Signs
Chinese astrology is perhaps the oldest form of divination that is still performed today, although to be strictly accurate it is a form of philosophical guidance rather than astrology in the western sense of the word. Whereas the astrology that has come to us from ancient Babylon is concerned with mapping out events that may or may not happen in the future, Chinese astrology is concerned with the whole person.
Thousands of years ago, the lives of the people who lived in the Yellow River Valley were subject to the same sudden changes of the heavens. They suffered floods and hailstorms, searing heat and devastating droughts. These events were blamed on the movements of the stars and the planets. As more and more of these events were recorded over the centuries, a vast body of knowledge about the cyclical nature of the universe was perceived.
Ancient philosophers such as Confucius and Lao-tze believed that if the known universe was influenced by recognizable cycles, then, so too, was the nature of man. In a perfect world, the philosophers decreed, everyone would live for sixty years, which were divided by the five elements - wood, fire, earth, metal and water - resulting in twelve earthly branches, which would then evolve into twelve years each of which was assigned an animal. Each animal sign was then divided into lunar months, each of which, in turn was ascribed specific attributes.
Chinese astrology is based on years consisting of twelve months running in cycles of twelve years. Each twelve month period is named after an animal which rules for a year before bowing to the next in the cycle. In the beginning these twelve cycles were simply referred to as the Twelve Branches, but slowly they were ascribed the characteristics of twelve animals.
Why these twelve animals? One legend has it that Buddha invited all the beasts in the animal kingdom to celebrate the New Year with him, but only twelve arrived. Rat having been the first to arrive was accorded the honor of having the first year in the cycle named after him; the last year was named after the last animal to arrive - the Pig. But there is no mention of these animals in the texts of the Han Dynasty, which as at its peak 500 years after the Buddha was alive. A more likely explanation is offered by those who believe the names were taken to China from Central Asia, perhaps as recently as AD800.
The twelve years are the Rat, the Ox, the Tiger, the Rabbit, the Dragon, the Snake, the Horse, the Ram, the Monkey, the Rooster, the Dog and the Pig. The Dragon is the only mythological beast in the menagerie and although it is a frightening beast to westerners, to the Chinese it is seen as a something of a benefactor.
Each of the animals has a well-defined nature (not necessarily the same to the Chinese as it is to us) and people born in the year of a particular animal are thought to possess its qualities.
The Rat - Charming, appealing, clever quick-witted and sociable are all adjectives that the Chinese ascribe to the Rat - a creature regarded as wise in Oriental mythology. Their habit of scurrying around in the dark gave rise to the widespread belief that they had occult powers. Rats, with their natural curiosity and inquisitive nature, seem to want to know as much as they can about absolutely everything.
The Ox - A dependable beast of burden and in some cultures regarded as a symbol of fertility, the Ox arrives early in the year, bringing with it the good news that spring is just around the corner.
People born in the year of the Ox are sometimes seen as being as slow as the animal itself, but they are intelligent and, with their affinity for the outside world, they often have a deep concern about the environment. They love their homes and need them to provide a stable base for themselves and their families.
They can be stubborn and sullen: once their mind is made up, little if anything will change it. They make excellent team workers and are unlikely ever to stand accused of not pulling their weight. They are meticulous planners and possess the enviable ability of pondering over plans when the rest of us have long gone to bed, while at the same time energizing themselves for whatever the next day holds.
The Tiger - The Tiger tends to be extremely competitive and very brave. They enjoy the charisma they are aware that they exude and although they tend to be loners in some aspects of their lives, they see themselves as natural leaders. Tigers enjoy having their efforts noticed.
The smile on the face of the tiger, belies its fearsome bit and the sense of calm that the tiger projects gives no hint of the energy that is simmering under the surface, waiting to be released. Conquest is the name of their game, be it in their business lives or in their personal relationships.
The tiger can manage several projects simultaneously with effortless ease. Others may see the tiger as a menace, but not as much of a menace as the tiger sees itself. It craves safety and finds it in its home, which is almost certain to be lavishly furnished.
The Rabbit - Curiously contradictory in character, gay and gregarious at some times, party wallflowers at others, they seem to have entered the world with inborn fear of getting involved and when any sort of confrontation arises, they try to dig themselves into a burrow until it's gone. They observe silently on the sidelines of social gatherings, and then are first on the phone for a good gossip. Like their animal counterparts, they are the great breeders of the zodiac menagerie. It's family first and usually their home is one they have lived in for a long time, for it there's one thing a Rabbit hates, it is upheaval.
They have a wily intelligence which they wield to get them out of sticky situations. They hoard things like no other sign and will spend, spend, spend.
Rabbits make great friends and excellent business partners. Not the most sensual of animals, they relish long-term relationships with partners who will grow and mature alongside them.
The Dragon - To the Chinese, the Dragon crossed the skies and marked time's passing. A helpful creature, blessed with vitality and occult powers. People born under this sign are blessed with the same vitality. Their intuitive ability to understand any situation puts them in a position to influence events. But the influence that they bring to bear may not be what it wanted, more often than not due to the fact that many of them have their heads in the clouds.
Dragons have such self-confidence that they often believe they are infallible. They start projects and relationships with enthusiasm only to abandon them halfway when their impetuosity drives them off in another direction.
Their superficial show of bravado often disguises an insecurity, which the Dragon will go to great lengths to cover with a big smile or an expensive new outfit.
The Snake - Hypnotic and charming. Wise but naive. Prudent, recklessly extravagant and possessive. The word contradiction could have been invented for Snakes. They lie in wait, biding their time until it is time to act, no matter how long it takes. They absorb information and have the ability to cook up original ideas, especially artistic ones.
Their love of companionship encourages them to stay as close to home as they can. But their love of the creative arts can overcome this and see them venturing forth. They are late risers, often staying in bed when the rest of us are up and about. But the Snake is conserving its energy and planning the day ahead.
The Horse - Those born under the horse are all-rounders, as sociable, sporting, hard-working and well-traveled as the animal itself. The downside is that they can develop strong prejudices, become selfish and intolerant.
Their endless vitality and energy can drive them on to do almost anything they set their mind to, leaving the rest of us at the starting post. To the Horse, life is a game, which is played constantly on the attack. Not defense but being a winner is what he strives to be.
The Horse is just as willing to use his strength to help friends fight their battles. For despite their independent streak, they are good team-players as long as they can keep their instinctive desire to be captain at bay.
Often as strong physically as they are mentally, Horses are practical and handy to have around the house. When they settle down it is often with the extrovert Tiger or the outgoing Dragon.
The Ram - Rams are orderly creatures who like everything to be in its proper place. They are the realists of the Chinese Zodiac. When they set themselves a target it will be a realistic one; no pie in the sky promises, nothing over-ambitious.
Well-meaning if a little dull, Rams like things to run smoothly, not just for themselves, but for their friends and colleagues for whom they will move heaven and earth to ensure a trouble free path through life.
Being canny creatures, Rams are masters of the waiting game, biding their time and only acting when they judge the time is right.
They are home-loving creatures who like throwing parties, not just because they enjoy acting the host, but also because they like showing others the homes they have made for themselves. They make firm friends, but thanks to their instinctive caution friendship is slow to turn to intimacy when love rears its head.
The Monkey -Watching a monkey in the wild, one can only wonder at their agility, their audacity and their constant activity. All of which has to take its toll in the end, which is when they slump, exhausted and unmoving. It's the same with their zodiac counterparts. Always on the go, inventive and great fun to be with, they are often plunged into periods when they feel insecure and depressed. But not for long. That irrepressible sense of fun soon re-emerges and they're off again, cajoling the rest of us to loosen up and have fun. They can be outrageously flirtatious and manipulative, but they really do love their fellows and their intentions are usually good.
Don't be fooled to the madcap behavior. Monkeys know exactly what they're doing; they know what they want and usually get it.
The Rooster - A natural leader, the Rooster is alert to new opportunities and is usually the first to see a problem looming on the horizon. Others often see the Rooster as over-confident, cock-sure, forever crowing about their own achievements, abrasive and over-competitive - and they are right. But the Rooster couldn't give a hoot. Sights set, the Rooster will get there. Although, in business they are hard taskmasters, they are often selfless employers who seem to have the best interests of their employees at heart. Don't be fooled as the Rooster is acting out of pure self-interest.
Watch a rooster in the coop. See how he confidently struts among the chickens, enjoying their admiration. The Rooster is just the same. With their extravagant appearance and matching behavior, they shine at parties, especially if they have something new that evidences their success.
The Dog - Man's best friend - loyal, protective and fearless. They will get involved in things, often without thinking of the consequences they may have to face. What they want is results and they want them NOW. Not for them are lengthy periods of negotiation or discussion that loom endlessly ahead.
They are honest and straightforward, often with a seemingly placid nature that belies an underlying restlessness. They are steadfast in their friendships, and make few enemies - but when they do, watch out. And being quick to show the affection they feel for others, they make it easy for them to feel quite unembarrassed when demonstrating the feelings they return. They are optimistic, sometimes over-optimistic, which can result in disappointments. They simply don't understand it when a friendship goes awry, which is why they should on occasions sit back on their hindquarters and take stock of the world around them - especially their friends and possessions.
The Pig - The last sign in the twelve year cycle, Pigs are born at a time when new horizons beckon. They are creative and intelligent and only to happy to take the world as they find it, something that explains the fact that the Pig is a contented animal. They are only too happy to use their intelligence for the benefit of others, for they are extremely generous.
They often enjoy a lively social life, but at the end of the day, having joined in with gusto, they are only too happy to return to the sty. And therein lays a porcine problem. They like their homes so much that they can become over-anxious about finding the right partner to settle in it with. And when that particular person doesn't look like showing up, the Pig can become very, very depresses. The family is central to the Pig.
By Janette Peel
Thousands of years ago, the lives of the people who lived in the Yellow River Valley were subject to the same sudden changes of the heavens. They suffered floods and hailstorms, searing heat and devastating droughts. These events were blamed on the movements of the stars and the planets. As more and more of these events were recorded over the centuries, a vast body of knowledge about the cyclical nature of the universe was perceived.
Ancient philosophers such as Confucius and Lao-tze believed that if the known universe was influenced by recognizable cycles, then, so too, was the nature of man. In a perfect world, the philosophers decreed, everyone would live for sixty years, which were divided by the five elements - wood, fire, earth, metal and water - resulting in twelve earthly branches, which would then evolve into twelve years each of which was assigned an animal. Each animal sign was then divided into lunar months, each of which, in turn was ascribed specific attributes.
Chinese astrology is based on years consisting of twelve months running in cycles of twelve years. Each twelve month period is named after an animal which rules for a year before bowing to the next in the cycle. In the beginning these twelve cycles were simply referred to as the Twelve Branches, but slowly they were ascribed the characteristics of twelve animals.
Why these twelve animals? One legend has it that Buddha invited all the beasts in the animal kingdom to celebrate the New Year with him, but only twelve arrived. Rat having been the first to arrive was accorded the honor of having the first year in the cycle named after him; the last year was named after the last animal to arrive - the Pig. But there is no mention of these animals in the texts of the Han Dynasty, which as at its peak 500 years after the Buddha was alive. A more likely explanation is offered by those who believe the names were taken to China from Central Asia, perhaps as recently as AD800.
The twelve years are the Rat, the Ox, the Tiger, the Rabbit, the Dragon, the Snake, the Horse, the Ram, the Monkey, the Rooster, the Dog and the Pig. The Dragon is the only mythological beast in the menagerie and although it is a frightening beast to westerners, to the Chinese it is seen as a something of a benefactor.
Each of the animals has a well-defined nature (not necessarily the same to the Chinese as it is to us) and people born in the year of a particular animal are thought to possess its qualities.
The Rat - Charming, appealing, clever quick-witted and sociable are all adjectives that the Chinese ascribe to the Rat - a creature regarded as wise in Oriental mythology. Their habit of scurrying around in the dark gave rise to the widespread belief that they had occult powers. Rats, with their natural curiosity and inquisitive nature, seem to want to know as much as they can about absolutely everything.
The Ox - A dependable beast of burden and in some cultures regarded as a symbol of fertility, the Ox arrives early in the year, bringing with it the good news that spring is just around the corner.
People born in the year of the Ox are sometimes seen as being as slow as the animal itself, but they are intelligent and, with their affinity for the outside world, they often have a deep concern about the environment. They love their homes and need them to provide a stable base for themselves and their families.
They can be stubborn and sullen: once their mind is made up, little if anything will change it. They make excellent team workers and are unlikely ever to stand accused of not pulling their weight. They are meticulous planners and possess the enviable ability of pondering over plans when the rest of us have long gone to bed, while at the same time energizing themselves for whatever the next day holds.
The Tiger - The Tiger tends to be extremely competitive and very brave. They enjoy the charisma they are aware that they exude and although they tend to be loners in some aspects of their lives, they see themselves as natural leaders. Tigers enjoy having their efforts noticed.
The smile on the face of the tiger, belies its fearsome bit and the sense of calm that the tiger projects gives no hint of the energy that is simmering under the surface, waiting to be released. Conquest is the name of their game, be it in their business lives or in their personal relationships.
The tiger can manage several projects simultaneously with effortless ease. Others may see the tiger as a menace, but not as much of a menace as the tiger sees itself. It craves safety and finds it in its home, which is almost certain to be lavishly furnished.
The Rabbit - Curiously contradictory in character, gay and gregarious at some times, party wallflowers at others, they seem to have entered the world with inborn fear of getting involved and when any sort of confrontation arises, they try to dig themselves into a burrow until it's gone. They observe silently on the sidelines of social gatherings, and then are first on the phone for a good gossip. Like their animal counterparts, they are the great breeders of the zodiac menagerie. It's family first and usually their home is one they have lived in for a long time, for it there's one thing a Rabbit hates, it is upheaval.
They have a wily intelligence which they wield to get them out of sticky situations. They hoard things like no other sign and will spend, spend, spend.
Rabbits make great friends and excellent business partners. Not the most sensual of animals, they relish long-term relationships with partners who will grow and mature alongside them.
The Dragon - To the Chinese, the Dragon crossed the skies and marked time's passing. A helpful creature, blessed with vitality and occult powers. People born under this sign are blessed with the same vitality. Their intuitive ability to understand any situation puts them in a position to influence events. But the influence that they bring to bear may not be what it wanted, more often than not due to the fact that many of them have their heads in the clouds.
Dragons have such self-confidence that they often believe they are infallible. They start projects and relationships with enthusiasm only to abandon them halfway when their impetuosity drives them off in another direction.
Their superficial show of bravado often disguises an insecurity, which the Dragon will go to great lengths to cover with a big smile or an expensive new outfit.
The Snake - Hypnotic and charming. Wise but naive. Prudent, recklessly extravagant and possessive. The word contradiction could have been invented for Snakes. They lie in wait, biding their time until it is time to act, no matter how long it takes. They absorb information and have the ability to cook up original ideas, especially artistic ones.
Their love of companionship encourages them to stay as close to home as they can. But their love of the creative arts can overcome this and see them venturing forth. They are late risers, often staying in bed when the rest of us are up and about. But the Snake is conserving its energy and planning the day ahead.
The Horse - Those born under the horse are all-rounders, as sociable, sporting, hard-working and well-traveled as the animal itself. The downside is that they can develop strong prejudices, become selfish and intolerant.
Their endless vitality and energy can drive them on to do almost anything they set their mind to, leaving the rest of us at the starting post. To the Horse, life is a game, which is played constantly on the attack. Not defense but being a winner is what he strives to be.
The Horse is just as willing to use his strength to help friends fight their battles. For despite their independent streak, they are good team-players as long as they can keep their instinctive desire to be captain at bay.
Often as strong physically as they are mentally, Horses are practical and handy to have around the house. When they settle down it is often with the extrovert Tiger or the outgoing Dragon.
The Ram - Rams are orderly creatures who like everything to be in its proper place. They are the realists of the Chinese Zodiac. When they set themselves a target it will be a realistic one; no pie in the sky promises, nothing over-ambitious.
Well-meaning if a little dull, Rams like things to run smoothly, not just for themselves, but for their friends and colleagues for whom they will move heaven and earth to ensure a trouble free path through life.
Being canny creatures, Rams are masters of the waiting game, biding their time and only acting when they judge the time is right.
They are home-loving creatures who like throwing parties, not just because they enjoy acting the host, but also because they like showing others the homes they have made for themselves. They make firm friends, but thanks to their instinctive caution friendship is slow to turn to intimacy when love rears its head.
The Monkey -Watching a monkey in the wild, one can only wonder at their agility, their audacity and their constant activity. All of which has to take its toll in the end, which is when they slump, exhausted and unmoving. It's the same with their zodiac counterparts. Always on the go, inventive and great fun to be with, they are often plunged into periods when they feel insecure and depressed. But not for long. That irrepressible sense of fun soon re-emerges and they're off again, cajoling the rest of us to loosen up and have fun. They can be outrageously flirtatious and manipulative, but they really do love their fellows and their intentions are usually good.
Don't be fooled to the madcap behavior. Monkeys know exactly what they're doing; they know what they want and usually get it.
The Rooster - A natural leader, the Rooster is alert to new opportunities and is usually the first to see a problem looming on the horizon. Others often see the Rooster as over-confident, cock-sure, forever crowing about their own achievements, abrasive and over-competitive - and they are right. But the Rooster couldn't give a hoot. Sights set, the Rooster will get there. Although, in business they are hard taskmasters, they are often selfless employers who seem to have the best interests of their employees at heart. Don't be fooled as the Rooster is acting out of pure self-interest.
Watch a rooster in the coop. See how he confidently struts among the chickens, enjoying their admiration. The Rooster is just the same. With their extravagant appearance and matching behavior, they shine at parties, especially if they have something new that evidences their success.
The Dog - Man's best friend - loyal, protective and fearless. They will get involved in things, often without thinking of the consequences they may have to face. What they want is results and they want them NOW. Not for them are lengthy periods of negotiation or discussion that loom endlessly ahead.
They are honest and straightforward, often with a seemingly placid nature that belies an underlying restlessness. They are steadfast in their friendships, and make few enemies - but when they do, watch out. And being quick to show the affection they feel for others, they make it easy for them to feel quite unembarrassed when demonstrating the feelings they return. They are optimistic, sometimes over-optimistic, which can result in disappointments. They simply don't understand it when a friendship goes awry, which is why they should on occasions sit back on their hindquarters and take stock of the world around them - especially their friends and possessions.
The Pig - The last sign in the twelve year cycle, Pigs are born at a time when new horizons beckon. They are creative and intelligent and only to happy to take the world as they find it, something that explains the fact that the Pig is a contented animal. They are only too happy to use their intelligence for the benefit of others, for they are extremely generous.
They often enjoy a lively social life, but at the end of the day, having joined in with gusto, they are only too happy to return to the sty. And therein lays a porcine problem. They like their homes so much that they can become over-anxious about finding the right partner to settle in it with. And when that particular person doesn't look like showing up, the Pig can become very, very depresses. The family is central to the Pig.
By Janette Peel
posted by zodiac at
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