Guide to Chinese Zodiac Astrology

Guide to Chinese Zodiac Astrology

When most Westerners assume of Chinese Zodiac astrology, the Chinese Zodiac animals near to mind, with the Year of the Rat, Year of the Dragon and so forth. However, Chinese astrology goes mighty deeper than the 12 animal zodiac signs that can be found on the residence mats of Chinese restaurants.

The Planets and the Constellations

When the worn Chinese first ascribed meanings to the various constellations and planets in the heavens, they identified 5 major planets and 28 constellations. A complicated system of astrology was devised as a scheme of determining people's personalities, characteristics and even their destinies based on the state of the planets, constellations and the sun and moon when they were born.

The five planets in Chinese Zodiac astrology are Venus, Jupiter, Mercury, Mars and Saturn. The 12-year Chinese Zodiac cycle was definite based on the orbit of the planet Jupiter. These 12 years were assigned 12 animal signs: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Ram, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig. Each Chinese Zodiac animal trace is ascribed different personality characteristics through astrological readings, both sure and negative.

The Inner Animal

Most westerners don't realize that there are animal signs and astrological readings linked to the months of a year as well as to different years. An animal is linked to two solar terms, which is roughly equivalent to two weeks each. This is known as the inner animal and has more grunt influence on a person's romantic life as well as their correct inner self. Many Chinese astrologists also expend the inner animal to identify compatibility with others.

The Elements, Yin and Yang

Chinese zodiac astrology also features 5 elements that are assigned to different parts of a 12-year cycle. The segments are given elemental names: Water, Wood, Fire, Earth and Metal. Finally, the all-encompassing force that influences lives in Chinese astrology is known as Yin and Yang. Thus, someone born on March 27, 1971, would be Yin Metal Boar. All these aspects are analyzed, mixed and interpreted to result in Chinese astrology, a system that allows followers to pursue the best things in life while being forewarned about clear pitfalls.