Saturday, April 7, 2007

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Chinese Astrology
Discover which of the twelve animal signs you are and how this influences your outlook on life. Explore your personality, character, and temperment in the year of the Fire Pig!

Life-Answers.com












“Astrology
gives you an overview; Numerology gives you the details."

Informed
Living


By
Sara Scott


Who would have thought this?


I'm an Astrologer. I write daily
horoscopes. So when a fellow Astrologer and writer told me that his
advisor was a Numerologist I had to ask, "why?"


A few years back he'd planned a coming out
party for another writer and was also celebrating getting a book contract.
Several publishing VIPs and the media were attending this party.


"The night of the party I got this
phone call saying my publisher had dropped me. I was devastated. Here I
was an Astrologer, yet nothing in my horoscope could tell me what was
going on.


"So a friend put me in touch with her
numerologist. She said not to worry, that the numbers said the time was
right for the book to be picked up. Within three days I had a contract on
that book." "Astrology gives you an overview; Numerology gives
you the details."


I was curious, so I called the numerologist
myself, "Tell me why I should use Numerology."


"Because it explains so much of what's
happening in your life."


"But that's why I use Astrology."


"And you should, but Numerology gives
you a much sharper, more complete picture. I call it 'informed living.'
Life's more comfortable when you know ahead of time when the ups and downs
are coming, and when to just go with the flow instead of fighting it.


"Here's an example of what I'm talking
about. When my friend Beth was in her mid-30s, she really wanted a
relationship and a baby. I just didn't' see it in her chart, I told her,
'The focus right now is on work and going to school--and I think you're
going to change careers.'


'Uh! I'm through with the career stuff.
Enough already. I want a relationship and a baby.'


'Well, that comes into your life when
you're 40.'


'Oh my God, don't even talk to me about
being 40--I'll be too old, my biological clock is ticking!'


"She must have brought six different
guys in to see me, saying 'Well, what do you think about this one? I can
learn to love him. He says he loves me. We could have a kid, and boom!
we're done, right?'


'No Beth, there just isn't any love energy
here on your side. You would be cheating yourself and grow to regret it
later.'


"Time took its course. Beth went to
school, got a masters degree, and changed careers. During that time, a
relationship would have been a distraction and she wouldn't have been
working on what she was meant to do.


"When she turned 39, she met a new
guy, got married, and at 40 had the baby. She's got her baby, a new
career, and is completely fulfilled.


"Numerology can ease the frustration
when you know things aren't supposed to happen immediately but that they
will. You learn to focus on what your role is right now and optimize that
instead of letting opportunities slide by because you want something
else."


"So Numerology can tell me when to get
married and when to change jobs?" I asked.


"Sure. It can also tell you when to
buy a house, move across country, if somebody's in love with you, if
you're compatible, what issues you need to work on to be happy, and what
your future holds."


I was thinking, "This sounds a little
too good to be true."


As if reading my mind, she asked,
"What's your full name on your birth certificate?" After she
promised never to reveal my middle name, I told her.


About three sentences into my individual
reading, my jaw dropped and I haven't been able to shut my mouth about it
since. Not only was it accurate, it was eerie.


"Without Numerology, it's like driving
at night without headlights. Charting the course of your life is like you
suddenly get headlights and can see where you're going."



 



To find out what Numerology reveals about
your life, visit Jill Saint James' Life-Answers Web site at www.Life-Answers.com.



 



Life's
more comfortable when you know ahead of time when the ups and downs are
coming, and when to just go with the flow instead of fighting it.
"Numerology
can ease the frustration when you know things aren't supposed to happen
immediately but that they will.


Astrology.com

http://www.Astrology.com
Explore
Chinese Astrology
Year of the Pig

Yearly Horoscopes

Daily Horoscopes

Free Sample Readings
Year of the Fire Pig
Forecast
Chinese Relationship
Analysis

Your Chinese Profile
Rat
Tiger
Dragon
Horse
Monkey
Dog
Ox
Rabbit
Snake
Sheep
Rooster
Pig

Chinese Sign Compatibility

Elements
Wood
Fire
Earth
Metal
Water

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References

1. ^ (such as http://javascript.internet.com/math-related/astrological-calculator.html
2. ^ See http://www.chinesefortunecalendar.com/ (Notice the title "Red Pig Year".)
3. ^ Legend of the Chinese Zodiac: ThingsAsian

Sources

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

From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_astrology

Chinese zodiac in other countries

The Chinese zodiac signs are also used by cultures other than Chinese. For one example, they usually appear on Japanese New Year's cards and stamps. The United States Postal Service and those of several other countries issue a "Year of the _____" postage stamp each year to honor this Chinese heritage. However, those unfamiliar with the use of the Chinese lunar calendar usually just assume that the signs switch over on Jan 1 of each year. Those who are serious about the fortune telling aspect of the signs can consult a table, such as the one above.

The Chinese zodiac is also used in some other Asian countries that have been under the cultural influence of China. However, some of the animals in the Zodiac may differ by country.

For example, the Vietnamese zodiac is identical to Chinese zodiac except that the second animal is the water buffalo instead of the ox , the Japanese zodiac includes the wild boar instead of the pig, and the Thai zodiac implements a naga in place of the dragon. The European Huns used the Chinese Zodiac complete with "dragon", "pig". This common Chinese-Turkic Zodiac was in use in Balkan Bulgaria well into the Bulgars' adoption of Slavic language and Orthodox Christianity. Following is the Hunnish or Turkic Bulgarian Pagan zodiac calendar, distinctive from the Greek zodiac but much in conformity with the Chinese one: Kam-Boyan Calendar.


Torè calendar

Names of years

1. Kuzgé - [Year of] Saravana
2. Shiger (Syger) - Artom (Taurus)
3. Kuman (Imén)
4. Ügur - Tiger Myachè Ügur - Tiger
5. Taushan - Rabbit
6. Samar - Dragon Birgün (Bergen, Birig, Baradj)- Dragon
7. Dilan - Snake
8. Tuki (Tykha) - Horse
9. Téké - Sheep (Ram or Goat)
10. Bichin, Michin - Monkey
11. Taguk - Rooster, Hen
12. It - Dog
13. Shushma - Pig (many mistake it as boar though)(Türk, Russ "Kaban" - Translator's Note)

Zodiac origin stories

The 12 Zodiac animal signs (生肖 shengxiao) are, in order, the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep (ram or goat), monkey, rooster, dog, and pig. There are many legends to explain the beginning of the zodiac (see Origins of the Chinese Zodiac). One of the most popular reads, in summarized form, as follows:

The rat was given the task of inviting the animals to report to the Jade Emperor for a banquet to be selected for the zodiac signs. The cat was a good friend of the rat, but the rat tricked him into believing that the banquet was the next day. The cat slept through the banquet, thinking that it was the next day. When he found out, the cat vowed to be the rat's natural enemy for ages to come.

Interestingly, the cat does make it into the Vietnamese Zodiac, in place of the rabbit (see below).

Another popular legend has it that a race was used to decide the animals to report to the Jade Emperor:[3]

The cat and the rat were the worst swimmers in the animal kingdom. Although bad swimmers, they were both intelligent. They decided that the best and fastest way to cross the river was to hop on the back of the ox. The ox, being a naïve and good-natured animal, agreed to carry them across. However, overcome with a fierce competitiveness, the rat decided that in order to win, it must do something and promptly pushed the cat into the river. Because of this, the cat has never forgiven the rat, and hates the water as well. After the ox had crossed the river, the rat jumped ahead and reached the shore first, and it claimed first place in the competition.

Following closely behind was the strong ox, and it was named the 2nd animal in the zodiac. After the ox, came the tiger, panting, while explaining to the Emperor just how difficult it was to cross the river with the heavy currents pushing it downstream all the time. But with powerful strength, it made to shore and was named the 3rd animal in the cycle.

Suddenly, from a distance came a thumping sound, and the rabbit arrived. It explained how it crossed the river: by jumping from one stone to another in a nimble fashion. Halfway through, it almost lost the race but the rabbit was lucky enough to grab hold of a floating log that later washed him to shore. For that, it became the 4th animal in the zodiac cycle. Coming in 5th place was the dragon, flying and belching fire into the air. Of course, the Emperor was deeply curious as to why a strong and flying creature such as the dragon should fail to reach first. The mighty dragon explained that he had to stop and make rain to help all the people and creatures of the earth, and therefore he was held back a little. Then, on his way to the finish line, he saw a little helpless rabbit clinging on to a log so he did a good deed and gave a puff of breath to the poor creature so that it could land on the shore. The Emperor was very pleased with the actions of the dragon, and he was added into the zodiac cycle. As soon as he had done so, a galloping sound was heard, and the horse appeared. Hidden on the horse's hoof is the snake, whose sudden appearance gave the horse a fright, thus making it fall back and gave the snake 6th spot while the horse took the 7th.

Not long after that, a little distance away, the ram, monkey and rooster came to the shore. These three creatures helped each other to get to where they are. The rooster spotted a raft, and took the other two animals with it. Together, the ram and the monkey cleared the weeds, tugged and pulled and finally got the raft to the shore. Because of their combined efforts, the Emperor was very pleased and promptly named the ram as the 8th creature, the monkey as the 9th, and the rooster the 10th.

The 11th animal is the dog. His explanation for being late—although he was supposed to be the best swimmer amongst the rest—was that he needed a good bath after a long spell, and the fresh water from the river was too big a temptation. For that, he almost didn't make it to finish line. Just as the Emperor was about to call it a day, an oink and squeal was heard from a little pig. The pig got hungry during the race, promptly stopped for a feast and then fell asleep. After the nap, the pig continued the race and was named the 12th and last animal of the zodiac cycle. The cat finished too late (thirteenth) to win any place in the calendar, and vowed to be the enemy of the rat forevermore.

Some versions of the tale say that the cattle nominated a water buffalo to represent them because he was more proficient at swimming. The trade was acceptable because both animals are bovines.

Another version of the tale expands the race. The route ran through a forest, over ranges of plains and grasslands and along a stream, before finally crossing a lake to the destination town.

Yet another variation tells of two different races. The first involved all the animals, in two divisions to avoid the fast animals dominating the top, and the top six in each division would "make the cut" for a second round, which would then determine the order of placement of the animals in the zodiac.

In yet another variation, each animal was called before its peers and had to explain why it deserved a position at the top of the Zodiac. The Boar, at a loss, proceeded to claim that the meat on its bones "tasted good". This explanation was apparently considered unsatisfactory, because the Boar was placed at the very end of the Zodiac.

The Four Animal Trines

The First Trine

The first trine consists of the Rat, Dragon, and Monkey. These three signs are intense and powerful individuals, capable of great good or great evil. They make great leaders, but the three have different approaches. Rats and Dragons have a tendency to be quite dictatorial and autocratic, whilst monkeys are more diplomatic. Frustrated when hampered, these signs are ruled by highly potent energy and unpredictability. They are intelligent, magnanimous, charismatic, charming, authoritative, confident, eloquent and artistic. They can also be tyrannical, bombastic, prejudiced, deceitful, imperious, ruthless, power-hungry, and megalomaniacal.

The Second Trine

The second trine consists of the Ox, Snake, and Rooster. These three soul mates conquer life through endurance, application, and slow accumulation of energy. Although each sign is fixed and rigid in opinions and views, they are genius in the art of meticulous planning. They are hardworking, discreet, modest, industrious, charitable, loyal, punctual, philosophical, patient, and good-hearted individuals with high moral standards. They can also be self-righteous, greedy, critical, judgemental, narrow-minded, petty, and pessimistic.
The Third Trine

The third trine consists of the Tiger, Horse, and Dog. These three signs seek one another, and are like-minded in their pursuit of humanitarian causes. Each is a gifted orator and excels at verbal communication. Relationships and personal contact are of highest priority and each one seek their intimate soul mate. Idealistic and impulsive, the Tiger, Horse and Dog follow the beat of their own drummer. Defiant against injustice, these three signs wilt without large amounts of physical affection and loyal support for causes. They are productive, enthusiastic, independent, engaging, dynamic, and honorable. They can also be rash, rebellious, quarrelsome, hot-headed, reckless, anxious, moody, disagreeable, stubborn, and vain.

The Fourth Trine

The fourth trine consists of the Rabbit, Sheep and Pig. The quest for these three signs is the aesthetic and beautiful in life. Their calm nature give them great leadership abilities. They are artistic, refined, intuitive, and well-mannered. These souls love the preliminaries in love, and are fine artists in their lovemaking. The Rabbit, Sheep and Pig have been bestowed with calmer natures than the other 9 signs. These three are compassionately aware, yet detached and resigned to their condition. They seek beauty and a sensitive lover. They are caring, unique, self-sacrificing, obliging, sensible, creative, empathetic, tactful, and prudent. They can also be naive, pedantic, insecure, cunning, indecisive, and pessimistic.

The 12 animals

In Chinese astrology each individual personality is associated with an animal sign that represents it. It is a common misconception that there are only the singular animals assigned by year. Many western descriptions of Chinese astrology descriptions draw solely this system. In fact, there are also animal signs assigned by month and hours of the day.

The animal signs assigned by year represent what others perceive you as being or how you present yourself. The full 60 year cycle is a combination of the 12 animals with each of five possible elements, which distinctively vary the base animal's personality (12 x 5 = 60). The inner animal is assigned by the month of birth. This dictates your love life and inner persona and is critical to a proper understanding of your compatibility with other signs. It may be considered what the individual wishes to become, or believes to be their true self. The secret animal is assigned by the hour of birth and so it is important to know the exact time of birth to determine it correctly. It is your own true sign which your personality is based on. It is important to compensate for daylight saving time or any clock adjustment performed by your country in determining this sign, as it is mapped according to the sun's location and not the local time.

To sum it up, while a person might appear to be a dragon they might actually be a snake internally and an ox secretively. Combined with the five elements, this makes for 8,640 possible combinations (five elements, 12 animals, 12 months, 12 times of day) that a person might be. These are all are critical for the proper use of Chinese astrology. Many Western displays of the Chinese zodiac omit these, as well as the elements, for easier consumption and understanding.


The 12 zodiac animals

The following are the twelve zodiac signs in order. The first symbol is simply the name of the animal written in Chinese, while the second symbol is the character specifically used in astrology to denote the animal sign.

1. 鼠 子 Rat
2. 牛 丑 Ox
3. 虎 寅 Tiger
4. 兔 卯 Rabbit
5. 龍 辰 Dragon
6. 蛇 巳 Snake
7. 馬 午 Horse
8. 羊 未 Sheep
9. 猴 申 Monkey
10. 雞 酉 Rooster
11. 狗 戌 Dog
12. 豬 亥 Pig

Legend describes the order of the zodiac was determined through a race, in which the rat cheated by standing on the ox's head and jumping ahead of him when they reached the finish line.

[edit] The twelve year cycle

The system of the yearly cycle was built from observations of the orbit of Jupiter. Chinese astronomers divided the celestial circle into 12 sections to follow the orbit of 歳星 Suìxīng (Jupiter, the Year Star). Astronomers rounded the orbit of Suixing to 12 years (from 11.86). Suixing was associated with Sheti (ɳ Böotes) and sometimes called Sheti.

[edit] The months - the inner animals

The 12 animals also apply to the lunar months. The month born affects a person's inner animal, as stated above. Remember, the Chinese Calendar is offset to start in the traditional February, or even in early March.
Solar
Longitude Segment Name Western date Lunar Month
(Ordinal - Name)
314° 立春 lìchūn Feb 03/04 - Feb 18/19 1st -寅 Tiger
329° 雨水 yǔshuǐ Feb 18/19 - Mar 05/06
344° 啓蟄 qǐzhé (驚蟄 jīngzhé Mar 05/06 - Mar 20/21 2nd - 卯 Rabbit
0° 春分 chūnfēn Mar 20/21 - Apr 04/05
14° 清明 qīngmíng Apr 04/05 - Apr 19/20 3rd - 辰 Dragon
29° 穀雨 gǔyǔ Apr 19/20 - May 05
44° 立夏 lìxià May 05 - May 20/21 4th - 巳 Snake
59° 小滿 xiǎomǎn May 20/21 - June 05/06
74° 芒種 mángzhòng Jun 05/06 - Jun 20/21 5th - 午 Horse
89° 夏至 xiàzhì Jun 20/21 - Jul 06/07
104° 小暑 xiǎoshǔ Jul 06/07 - Jul 22/23 6th - 未 Sheep
119° 大暑 dàshǔ Jul 22/23 - Aug 07
134° 立秋 lìqiū Aug 07 - Aug 22/23 7th - 申 Monkey
149° 處暑 chùshǔ Aug 22/23 - Sep 07/08
164° 白露 báilù Sep 07/08 - Sep 22/23 8th - 酉 Rooster
181° 秋分 qiūfēn Sep 22/23 - Oct 07/08
194° 寒露 hánlù Oct 07/08 - Oct 23 9th - 戌 Dog
211° 霜降 shuāngjiàng Oct 23 - Nov 07
224° 立冬 lìdōng Nov 07 - Nov 21/22 10th - 亥 Pig
244° 小雪 xiǎoxuě Nov 21/22 - Dec 06/07
251° 大雪 dàxuě Dec 06/07 - Dec 21/22 11th - 子 Rat
271° 冬至 dōngzhì Dec 21/22 - Jan 05/06
284° 小寒 xiǎohán Jan 05/06 - Jan 19/20 12th - 丑 Ox
301° 大寒 dàhán Jan 19/20 - Feb 03/04

[edit] The hours - the secret animals

The Chinese zodiac is also used to label times of day, with each sign corresponding to a "large-hour" or shichen (時辰), which is a two-hour period. (24 divided by 12 animals) The large-hour in which a person is born is their secret animal, as stated above.

* 23:00 - 01:00: 子 rat
* 01:00 - 03:00: 丑 ox
* 03:00 - 05:00: 寅 tiger
* 05:00 - 07:00: 卯 rabbit
* 07:00 - 09:00: 辰 dragon
* 09:00 - 11:00: 巳 snake
* 11:00 - 13:00: 午 horse
* 13:00 - 15:00: 未 sheep
* 15:00 - 17:00: 申 monkey
* 17:00 - 19:00: 酉 rooster
* 19:00 - 21:00: 戌 dog
* 21:00 - 23:00: 亥 pig

Five elements

The Yin or Yang is broken down into Five Elements (Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth) on top of the cycle of animals. These are modifiers and affect the characteristics of each of the 12 animal signs. Each element has features that apply to both years and the animals. Each of the 12 animals are governed by an element plus a Yin Yang Direction. They are divided into four groups.

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, the Chinese form of geomancy. This is because each element is linked to a particular direction and season, and their different kinds of qì or life force.


[edit] 金 Metal

* The West
* Autumn
* The Planet Venus
* The Color White
* Respiratory system & Lungs
* Determined, Self-reliant
* Unyielding, Strong
* Persistent, Forceful
* Emocation, pleasure
* Reserved, Needs Personal Space

'Governs' Monkey, Rooster, Dog

[edit] 木 Wood

* The East
* Spring
* The Planet Jupiter
* The Color Green
* Liver and gallbladder
* Generous, Warm
* Persuasive, Co-operative
* Seeks to Expand and Grow
* Idealistic, Ethical
* Enthusiastic, Seeks to Explore

'Governs' Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon

[edit] 水 Water

* The North
* Winter
* The Planet Mercury
* The Color Blue
* Skeletal/Excretory System & Lungs
* Diplomatic, Charming
* Intuitive, Compassionate
* Communication, Intellectual
* Sensitivity, Creative
* Flexible, Compliant

'Governs' Pig, Rat, Ox

[edit] 火 Fire

* The South
* Summer
* The Planet Mars
* The Color Red
* Circulatory system & Heart
* Dynamic, Energetic
* Passion, Enterprise
* Adventurous, Restless
* Competitive, Leadership Skills
* Strong, Single-minded
* Loves a good laugh

'Governs' Snake, Horse, Goat

[edit] 土 Earth

* Center
* Three Enclosures, Change of seasons
* The Planet Saturn
* The Color Yellow
* Digestive system, Spleen and stomach
* Patient, Prudent
* Stable, Reliable
* Hard-working, Ambitious
* Disciplined, Logical
* Service and Duty to Others

'Governs' Dragon, Rat, and Ox. It is the central balance of the elements and can lend qualities to all 12 animals as well.

Some websites denote the years by the colour and zodiac sign as opposed to animal sign and element.[2]

Chinese agricultural calendar

There are some newer astrological texts which follow the Chinese Agricultural Calendar (the jie qi), and thus place the changeover of zodiac signs at the solar term li chun (beginning of Spring), at solar longitude 315 degrees. (See Chinese calendar) Chinese New Year is start of Lunar calendar, but not the division of Chinese Sign, which is Feb 4 or 5 of each year when spring begins 立春 . Element is a very complex concept. In this calendar Combination Element is the result of the Elements movement, for example 1960 庚子 庚 Geng is the heaven Element Gold, and 子 Zi is the earth element Water and Earth is the combination element of 庚子.
Begin End Heaven Element Combination Element Sign
1960 Feb 4 1961 Feb 3 金 Metal 庚 earth 鼠 Rat
1961 Feb 4 1962 Feb 3 金 Metal 辛 earth 牛 Ox
1962 Feb 4 1963 Feb 3 水 Water Gold 虎 Tiger
1963 Feb 4 1964 Feb 3 水 Water Gold 兔 Rabbit
1964 Feb 4 1965 Feb 3 木 Wood fire 龍 Dragon
1965 Feb 4 1966 Feb 3 木 Wood fire 蛇 Snake
1966 Feb 4 1967 Feb 3 火 Fire water 馬 Horse
1967 Feb 4 1968 Feb 3 火 Fire water 羊 Sheep
1968 Feb 4 1969 Feb 3 土 Earth earth 猴 Monkey
1969 Feb 4 1970 Feb 3 土 Earth earth 雞 Rooster
1970 Feb 4 1971 Feb 3 金 Metal Gold 狗 Dog
1971 Feb 4 1972 Feb 3 金 Metal Gold 豬 Pig
1972 Feb 4 1973 Feb 3 水 Water wood 鼠 Rat
1973 Feb 4 1974 Feb 3 水 Water wood 牛 Ox
1974 Feb 4 1975 Feb 3 木 Wood water 虎 Tiger
1975 Feb 4 1976 Feb 3 木 Wood water 兔 Rabbit
1976 Feb 4 1977 Feb 3 火 Fire earth 龍 Dragon
1977 Feb 4 1978 Feb 3 火 Fire earth 蛇 Snake
1978 Feb 4 1979 Feb 3 土 Earth fire 馬 Horse
1979 Feb 4 1980 Feb 3 土 Earth fire 羊 Sheep
1980 Feb 4 1981 Feb 3 金 Metal wood 猴 Monkey
1981 Feb 4 1982 Feb 3 金 Metal wood 雞 Rooster
1982 Feb 4 1983 Feb 3 水 Water water 狗 Dog
1983 Feb 4 1984 Feb 3 水 Water water 豬 Pig
1984 Feb 4 1985 Feb 3 木 Wood Gold 鼠 Rat
1985 Feb 4 1986 Feb 3 木 Wood Gold 牛 Ox
1986 Feb 4 1987 Feb 3 火 Fire fire 虎 Tiger
1987 Feb 4 1988 Feb 3 火 Fire fire 兔 Rabbit
1988 Feb 4 1989 Feb 3 土 Earth wood 龍 Dragon
1989 Feb 4 1990 Feb 3 土 Earth wood 蛇 Snake
1990 Feb 4 1991 Feb 3 金 Metal earth 馬 Horse
1991 Feb 4 1992 Feb 3 金 Metal earth 羊 Sheep
1992 Feb 4 1993 Feb 3 水 Water Gold 猴 Monkey
1993 Feb 4 1994 Feb 3 水 Water Gold 雞 Rooster
1994 Feb 4 1995 Feb 3 木 Wood fire 狗 Dog
1995 Feb 4 1996 Feb 3 木 Wood fire 豬 Pig
1996 Feb 4 1997 Feb 3 火 Fire water 鼠 Rat
1997 Feb 4 1998 Feb 3 火 Fire water 牛 Ox
1998 Feb 4 1999 Feb 3 土 Earth earth 虎 Tiger
1999 Feb 4 2000 Feb 3 土 Earth earth 兔 Rabbit
2000 Feb 4 2001 Feb 3 金 Metal Gold 龍 Dragon
2001 Feb 4 2002 Feb 3 金 Metal Gold 蛇 Snake
2002 Feb 4 2003 Feb 3 水 Water wood 馬 Horse
2003 Feb 4 2004 Feb 3 水 Water wood 羊 Sheep
2004 Feb 4 2005 Feb 3 木 Wood water 猴 Monkey
2005 Feb 4 2006 Feb 3 木 Wood water 雞 Rooster
2006 Feb 4 2007 Feb 3 火 Fire earth 狗 Dog
2007 Feb 4 2008 Feb 3 火 Fire Gold 豬 Pig
2008 Feb 4 2009 Feb 3 土 Earth fire 鼠 Rat
2009 Feb 4 2010 Feb 3 土 Earth fire 牛 Ox
2010 Feb 4 2011 Feb 3 金 Metal wood 虎 Tiger
2011 Feb 4 2012 Feb 3 金 Metal wood 兔 Rabbit
2012 Feb 4 2013 Feb 3 水 Water water 龍 Dragon
2013 Feb 4 2014 Feb 3 水 Water water 蛇 Snake
2014 Feb 4 2015 Feb 3 木 Wood Gold 馬 Horse
2015 Feb 4 2016 Feb 3 木 Wood Gold 羊 Sheep
2016 Feb 4 2017 Feb 3 火 Fire fire 猴 Monkey
2017 Feb 4 2018 Feb 3 火 Fire fire 雞 Rooster
2018 Feb 4 2019 Feb 3 土 Earth wood 狗 Dog
2019 Feb 4 2020 Feb 3 土 Earth wood 豬 Pig

Table of the lunar calendar and zodiac

Table of the lunar calendar and zodiac

Main article: sexagenary cycle

The following table shows the 60 year cycle matched up to the Western calendar for the years 1924 - 2043 (see main article for years 1804 - 1923). The symbols in the table for the elements and animal signs are the astrological ones, which are separate from the general descriptive symbols.
1924 - 1983 Heavenly stem Earthly branch 1984 - 2043
Year (Elements) (Animals) Year
1 Feb 05 1924 - Jan 23 1925 甲 Yang Wood 子 Rat Feb 02 1984 - Feb 19 1985
2 Jan 24 1925 - Feb 11 1926 乙 Yin Wood 丑 Ox Feb 20 1985 - Feb 08 1986
3 Feb 12 1926 - Feb 01 1927 丙 Yang Fire 寅 Tiger Feb 09 1986 - Jan 28 1987
4 Feb 02 1927 - Jan 21 1928 丁 Yin Fire 卯 Rabbit Jan 29 1987 - Feb 16 1988
5 Jan 22 1928 - Feb 08 1929 戊 Yang Earth 辰 Dragon Feb 17 1988 - Feb 05 1989
6 Feb 09 1929 - Jan 28 1930 己 Yin Earth 巳 Snake Feb 06 1989 - Jan 25 1990
7 Jan 29 1930 - Feb 16 1931 庚 Yang Metal 午 Horse Jan 26 1990 - Feb 13 1991
8 Feb 17 1931 - Feb 05 1932 辛 Yin Metal 未 Sheep Feb 14 1991 - Feb 02 1992
9 Feb 06 1932 - Jan 24 1933 壬 Yang Water 申 Monkey Feb 03 1992 - Jan 21 1993
10 Jan 25 1933 - Feb 13 1934 癸 Yin Water 酉 Rooster Jan 22 1993 - Feb 09 1994
11 Feb 14 1934 - Feb 02 1935 甲 Yang Wood 戌 Dog Feb 10 1994 - Jan 30 1995
12 Feb 03 1935 - Jan 23 1936 乙 Yin Wood 亥 Pig Jan 31 1995 - Feb 18 1996
13 Jan 24 1936 - Feb 10 1937 丙 Yang Fire 子 Rat Feb 19 1996 - Feb 06 1997
14 Feb 11 1937 - Jan 30 1938 丁 Yin Fire 丑 Ox Feb 07 1997 - Jan 27 1998
15 Jan 31 1938 - Feb 18 1939 戊 Yang Earth 寅 Tiger Jan 28 1998 - Feb 15 1999
16 Feb 19 1939 - Feb 07 1940 己 Yin Earth 卯 Rabbit Feb 16 1999 - Feb 04 2000
17 Feb 08 1940 - Jan 26 1941 庚 Yang Metal 辰 Dragon Feb 05 2000 - Jan 23 2001
18 Jan 27 1941 - Feb 14 1942 辛 Yin Metal 巳 Snake Jan 24 2001 - Feb 11 2002
19 Feb 15 1942 - Feb 03 1943 壬 Yang Water 午 Horse Feb 12 2002 - Jan 31 2003
20 Feb 04 1943 - Jan 24 1944 癸 Yin Water 未 Sheep Feb 01 2003 - Jan 21 2004
21 Jan 25 1944 - Feb 11 1945 甲 Yang Wood 申 Monkey Jan 22 2004 - Feb 08 2005
22 Feb 12 1945 - Feb 01 1946 乙 Yin Wood 酉 Rooster Feb 09 2005 - Jan 28 2006
23 Feb 02 1946 - Jan 21 1947 丙 Yang Fire 戌 Dog Jan 29 2006 - Feb 17 2007
24 Jan 22 1947 - Feb 09 1948 丁 Yin Fire 亥 Pig Feb 18 2007 - Feb 06 2008
25 Feb 10 1948 - Jan 28 1949 戊 Yang Earth 子 Rat Feb 07 2008 - Jan 25 2009
26 Jan 29 1949 - Feb 15 1950 己 Yin Earth 丑 Ox Jan 26 2009 - Feb 13 2010
27 Feb 16 1950 - Feb 05 1951 庚 Yang Metal 寅 Tiger Feb 14 2010 - Feb 02 2011
28 Feb 06 1951 - Jan 25 1952 辛 Yin Metal 卯 Rabbit Feb 03 2011 - Jan 22 2012
29 Jan 26 1952 - Feb 13 1953 壬 Yang Water 辰 Dragon Jan 23 2012 - Feb 09 2013
30 Feb 14 1953 - Feb 02 1954 癸 Yin Water 巳 Snake Feb 10 2013 - Jan 30 2014
31 Feb 03 1954 - Jan 23 1955 甲 Yang Wood 午 Horse Jan 31 2014 - Feb 18 2015
32 Jan 24 1955 - Feb 10 1956 乙 Yin Wood 未 Sheep Feb 19 2015 - Feb 07 2016
33 Feb 11 1956 - Jan 29 1957 丙 Yang Fire 申 Monkey Feb 08 2016 - Jan 27 2017
34 Jan 30 1957 - Feb 17 1958 丁 Yin Fire 酉 Rooster Jan 28 2017 - Feb 18 2018
35 Feb 18 1958 - Feb 06 1959 戊 Yang Earth 戌 Dog Feb 19 2018 - Feb 04 2019
36 Feb 07 1959 - Jan 27 1960 己 Yin Earth 亥 Pig Feb 05 2019 - Jan 24 2020
37 Jan 28 1960 - Feb 14 1961 庚 Yang Metal 子 Rat Jan 25 2020 - ~~ 2021
38 Feb 15 1961 - Feb 04 1962 辛 Yin Metal 丑 Ox ~~ 2021 - ~~ 2022
39 Feb 05 1962 - Jan 24 1963 壬 Yang Water 寅 Tiger ~~ 2022 - ~~ 2023
40 Jan 25 1963 - Feb 12 1964 癸 Yin Water 卯 Rabbit ~~ 2023 - ~~ 2024
41 Feb 13 1964 - Jan 31 1965 甲 Yang Wood 辰 Dragon ~~ 2024 - ~~ 2025
42 Feb 01 1965 - Jan 20 1966 乙 Yin Wood 巳 Snake ~~ 2025 - ~~ 2026
43 Jan 21 1966 - Feb 08 1967 丙 Yang Fire 午 Horse ~~ 2026 - ~~ 2027
44 Feb 09 1967 - Jan 28 1968 丁 Yin Fire 未 Sheep ~~ 2027 - ~~ 2028
45 Jan 29 1968 - Feb 15 1969 戊 Yang Earth 申 Monkey ~~ 2028 - ~~ 2029
46 Feb 16 1969 - Feb 05 1970 己 Yin Earth 酉 Rooster ~~ 2029 - ~~ 2030
47 Feb 06 1970 - Jan 25 1971 庚 Yang Metal 戌 Dog ~~ 2030 - ~~ 2031
48 Jan 26 1971 - Feb 14 1972 辛 Yin Metal 亥 Pig ~~ 2031 - ~~ 2032
49 Feb 15 1972 - Feb 02 1973 壬 Yang Water 子 Rat ~~ 2032 - ~~ 2033
50 Feb 03 1973 - Jan 23 1974 癸 Yin Water 丑 Ox ~~ 2033 - ~~ 2034
51 Jan 24 1974 - Feb 10 1975 甲 Yang Wood 寅 Tiger ~~ 2034 - ~~ 2035
52 Feb 11 1975 - Jan 30 1976 乙 Yin Wood 卯 Rabbit ~~ 2035 - ~~ 2036
53 Jan 31 1976 - Feb 17 1977 丙 Yang Fire 辰 Dragon ~~ 2036 - ~~ 2037
54 Feb 18 1977 - Feb 06 1978 丁 Yin Fire 巳 Snake ~~ 2037 - ~~ 2038
55 Feb 07 1978 - Jan 27 1979 戊 Yang Earth 午 Horse ~~ 2038 - ~~ 2039
56 Jan 28 1979 - Feb 15 1980 己 Yin Earth 未 Sheep ~~ 2039 - ~~ 2040
57 Feb 16 1980 - Feb 04 1981 庚 Yang Metal 申 Monkey ~~ 2040 - ~~ 2041
58 Feb 05 1981 - Jan 24 1982 辛 Yin Metal 酉 Rooster ~~ 2041 - ~~ 2042
59 Jan 25 1982 - Feb 12 1983 壬 Yang Water 戌 Dog ~~ 2042 - ~~ 2043
60 Feb 13 1983 - Feb 01 1984 癸 Yin Water 亥 Pig ~~ 2043 - ~~ 2044


The start of a Chinese zodiac sign is usually defined as the lìchūn of a year, not the first day of a Chinese new year as shown.

The lunisolar calendar

The 60-year cycle consists of two separate cycles interacting with each other. The first is the cycle of ten heavenly stems, namely the Five Elements (in order Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water) in their Yin and Yang forms. The second is the cycle of the twelve Zodiac animal signs (生肖 shengxiao) or Earthly Branches . They are in order as follows: the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep (ram or goat), monkey, rooster, dog, and pig.

This combination of 5 elements X 12 animals creates the 60-year cycle, which always starts with Wood Rat and ends with Water Pig. Since the zodiac animal cycle of 12 is divisible by two, every zodiac sign can also only occur in either yin or yang: the dragon is always yang, the snake is always yin, etc. The current cycle began in the year 1984 (as shown in "Table of the lunar calendar and zodiac" below).

When trying to calculate the relevant year, 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 it is important to bear in mind that, since the (traditional) Chinese zodiac follows the (lunisolar) Chinese calendar, the switch over date is the Chinese New Year, not January 1 as in the Gregorian calendar. Therefore, a person who was born in January or early February has 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 placemats) will give a person the wrong sign if he/she was born in January or early February.[1]


The start of a new Zodiac is also celebrated on Chinese New Year along with many other customs.

Background

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.

A laborious system of computing one's fate and destiny based on one's birthday and birth hours (known as Zi Wei Dou Shu 紫微斗數 zǐwēidǒushù) is still used regularly in modern day Chinese astrology to divine one's fortune. The 28 Chinese constellations (宿 xìu) are quite different from the 88 Western constellations. For example, the Big Bear (Ursa Major) is known as 斗 dǒu; the belt of Orion is known as 參 shen, or the "Happiness, Fortune, Longevity" trio of demigods. The seven northern constellations are referred to as xúanwǔ (玄武). Xuan Wu is also known as the spirit of the northern sky or the spirit of Water in Taoism belief.

In addition to astrological readings of the heavenly bodies, the stars in the sky form the basis of many fairy tales. For example, the Summer Triangle is the trio of the cowherd (Altair), the weaving maiden fairy (Vega), and the "tai bai" fairy (Deneb). The two forbidden lovers were separated by the silvery river (the Milky Way). 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) across the bridge to reunite with their fairy mother. The tai bai fairy acts as the chaperone of these two immortal lovers. See Qi Xi for more versions of this story.

Chinese astrology

Chinese astrology is the divination of the future from the Chinese calendar, which is based on astronomy, and ancient Chinese religion. In particular, it is based on the age-old sexagenary cycle of 60 years that has been documented at least since the time of the Shang Dynasty. This basic cycle has been constructed from two cycles: the 10 heavenly stems (the five elements in their yin and yang forms) and the 12 earthly branches, or the 12-year cycle of animals referred to as the Chinese zodiac. The Chinese animal zodiac also operates on a cycle of months or 'moons' and of hours of the day.

It should be noted that the Chinese zodiac refers to a pure calendrical cycle; there are no equivalent constellations like those of the occidental zodiac. In imperial times there were astrologers who watched the sky for heavenly omens that would predict the future of the state, but this was a quite different practice of divination than the popular present-day methods.