Chinese Astrology
The Chinese Zodiac is based on a 12 year cycle, with each cycle named for a different animal. The animal ascendant in an individual’s year of birth gives them their different personalities and traits, and affects a person’s luck and success throughout their lifetime. The twelve animals are:
- Rat
- Ox
- Tiger
- Rabbit
- Dragon
- Snake
- Horse
- Sheep
- Monkey
- Rooster
- Dog
- Pig
As with Western astrology and Vedic astrology, a person’s life and fate is determined by the position of the planets, the Sun and the Moon and zodiac sign at the time of birth. Chinese astrology is based not on the months of the year or constellations, as in Western astrology, but on a 12 year lunar cycle. Your sign is determined by the year in which you were born, although do note that it is based on the chinese calendar.
A person’s destiny can be determined by the position of the major planets, Venus, Jupiter, Mercury, Mars and Saturn. The positions of the Sun, Moon, comets, the time of the person’s birth and their animal sign are also used. Zi Wei Dou Shou is the name given to this process of casting a Chinese horoscope.
In Chinese astrology, the twelve animal signs can be separated into four groups of three animals each, called trines. Traditionally, the animals in each group share common modes of thought and personality characteristics. The animal signs in each group complement and are compatible with the other members of their group.
Group 1: Rat, Dragon and Monkey
These animals are competitive in nature yet complement each other by meeting the deficiciencies in the other’s character. Intense and powerful, they make great leaders, and are capable of great good or great evil. TheRat is clever, industrious, thrifty and bright, while Dragon is proud, brave and courageous. Monkey is cunning, quick witted and charming. Dragon is complemented by the intelligence of Rat and the cunning of Monkey.
Group 2: Ox, Snake, Rooster
This is the thoughtful group. The Snake is diplomatic and alert, a deep thinker, while Ox is strong, dependable and hard working. The Rooster is neat and meticulous, practical and a perfectionist. These three share an approach to life that is based on endurance, perseverance and good planning.
Group 3: Tiger, Horse, Dog
Freedom and independence drive these animals. Dog is without guile, honest and intelligent, and possesses a strong sense of duty. Tiger is excitable, unpredictable and strong. Horse is always on the move, cheerful, talkative and popular. These three signs are said to seek one another out, and share concerns for humanitarian causes.
Group 4: Rabbit, Sheep, Pig
These animals are peaceful and cooperative, sensitive and sympathetic. Where Rabbit is gracious, kind and compassionate, Sheep is civil and humble. Pig is honest, simple and resolute. These three signs seek out what is beautiful in life and have calmer natures than the other signs.
