Astrology Mastery Series - Chinese Astrology 101

Chinese Astrology is one of the oldest forms of astrology. It is simple to understand and does not have very complex formats or rules. The Chinese horoscope is geared towards the prediction of basic aspects like the person’s personality and destiny.

According to the ancient legends of China, Chinese astrology is a gift from the gods. This art has been there for many epochs and is still revered by people across the world.

The most important aspect of Chinese astrology is the Chinese zodiac and the basic elements. The elements are Earth, Metal, Wood, Fire and Water. The Chinese zodiac comprises of twelve astrological signs which have a twelve year cycle. Hence every year the zodiac sign changes and once the twelve years are over, a new cycle of the zodiac signs begins. These zodiac signs are represented by the animals in order:

(1) Rat
(2) Ox
(3) Tiger
(4) Rabbit
(5) Dragon
(6) Snake
(7) Horse
(8) Sheep (or Goat)
(9) Monkey
(10) Rooster
(11) Dog
(12) Pig

These animals signify the basic tendencies and way of human life.

The selection of these animals is an interesting legend. In the ancient times the Chinese God of Earth decided to look for twelve animals who could represent the twelve astrological signs. He decided to hold a race amongst the animals and the animals who figured in the first twelve positions were chosen.

Apart from the zodiac signs, Chinese astrology is also governed by the Yin and Yang. Most people consider Yang as the male and Yin as the female. The other interpretation depicts Yang as the Good and Yin as the Evil influence. However, if the Yin and the Yang have a harmonious union, then the world achieves complete harmony and an eternal way of life.

Unlike the west, the lunar year or the movement of moon and its various cycles is the basis of all the astrological calculations of the Chinese astrologers. In Chinese astrology there are no names given to the different months in a year, they are only numbered. The name of the month is the same as year signs. Hence according to the Chinese system, the Chinese Sign would be depicted by the current year and the month. For instance, Tiger Earth.

The Chinese astrology has four signs to define a person’s birth data, i.e. the hour of birth, day of birth, month and the year. This system is similar to the west. However, the number of signs in Chinese astrology is 60.Since these 60 are based on permutations and combinations between the 12 animal signs and five element signs. Hence, due to these factors, every person’s detailed chart will be completely unique.

Unlike the other systems of astrology, Chinese astrology does not lay too much stress on destiny. According to the Chinese system of belief you can work hard and change your status and life depending on your free will. Hence, you may be born in a poor home and have a particular set of parents. However that does not mean you need to always be poor. You can work hard and get the results that you aspire for. Hence Chinese astrology is more a way of life rather than a predictive science!