About Chinese Astrology

Chinese astrology is the oldest form of astrology in the world. Each year in a total 60-year rotation is relegated to one of the 12 animals and the five elements that characterize Chinese astrology. Although Chinese astrology's system for designating personality traits is completely different than the astrological system better known in the West, the Chinese method is complex. Chinese astrology categorizes animal signs differently than Western astrology. The 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac and their associated categories provide greater insight into Chinese cosmology.

History

The specific origins of the Chinese astrological system are shrouded in antiquity, but may date as far back as the second millennium BC. On a practical level, that the Chinese would look to the constellations for insights into life on Earth makes absolute sense. Chinese oracles such as the I Ching, support a Chinese cosmology that recognizes the influences of every aspect and element of a given moment, moments flowing into the next and the next. Any extant information about Chinese astrology's beginnings is in the form of legends. According to one legend, the Jade King and his orders to see Earth's creatures. The Jade King assigned a place of stature to each animal. Another legend cites the Buddha's involvement in selecting the animals of the Chinese zodiac. The legends give insight into the Chinese mind and, in a way, make the lost details about Chinese astrology's origins seem mundane and non-essential. The system lives on and even in the West, as every diner in a Chinese restaurant can see the animals on their place mats.

Features

Chinese astrology breaks down into animals and elements that range over a 60-year cycle, which is calculated by multiplying the 12 animals by the five elements. Each year is symbolized by one of the 12 animals. The system is complex and the Western mind may not readily comprehend its value and symbolism. In order, the animals that comprise Chinese astrology are the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and the pig. Whereas according to Western astrology, there are four elements across which the signs are divided, Chinese astrology recognizes five elements, Earth, Metal, Fire, Water and Wood. Each element is related to a season, direction, color, organ and other attributes of the material and human existence. A further calculation involves Chinese Yin and Yang. Even years are Yang years and odd years are Yin years.

Significance

For Chinese astrology, a person's personality is determined according to one's place along the 60-year cycle. The animal of one's birth year, whether that year is Yin or Yang, the correlated element portend good or ill fortune. Destiny is a more common factor in Chinese astrology than the individual determinism of Western astrology. Not only are human beings affected by the circumstances of birth, but so is all reality. Elements, animals, planets, masculine and feminine characteristics form confluences that affect microcosmic conditions and events.

Effects

A brief example of one person's Chinese astrological details will help describe how Chinese astrology applies. A person born on January 6, 1954 has the following sign, elements, characteristics and destiny--1954 is the Year of the Snake and therefore a Water element. Analytical, hard working and materialistic, those born in the year of the Snake are quick to stress and must look for calm to preserve their health. Water helps the person "go with the flow," but carries caution to being too easily swayed. Just as with other astrological systems, do not be fooled. Chinese astrology is complex and so are human beings. Nobody fits into a simple mold and stays there.

Potential

Chinese astrology offers the possibility to gather a sense of what one shares with others who are born in common years, as well as to understand that which is unique about oneself. More interestingly, though, Chinese astrology is an opportunity to step out of the box of Western mentality and expand one's view of self and the world. With its own symbols and emphases, the Chinese astrological system is a peek into Chinese cosmology--a chance to understand in some small way, how a culture far different than Western culture comprehends the world and one another.

Resources

• Chinese zodiac history
• More information about chinese astrology
• Animals in the Chinese zodiac