Introduction to Chinese Astrology

by Aura

taoism.jpgUnlike Western astrology, there aren’t coordinating constellations to go with the zodiac. However, there are still elements and twelve signs, named after the twelve original animals. Instead of a twelve month cycle, the Chinese zodiac is based off a twelve year cycle.

While it’s debatable whether the year versus month cycle makes it more or less accurate, it still makes things interesting.

You have to be a little careful when it comes to what year you were born in on the Chinese calendar because the Chinese calendar differs to the Western calendar. So if you were born in the beginning of the year, be sure to check what sign you are because you might be mistaken!

There are five elements in Chinese astrology: Metal , wood, water, fire and earth.

These elements come in two forms: yin and yang (earth and heaven).

And of course you can forget the twelve animal signs: the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep (ram or goat), monkey, rooster, dog, and boar .

Like with Western astrology, each sign and element (in addition to the yin and yang qualities) has its own qualities and characteristics, which I will take a more in depth look at in future posts. Think of these three categories as an upside down pyramid. The broadest (and most well known) signs are the animal sings. That is made more personal by what element you are in. That is made even more personal again by whether the element is yin or yang.

There is more to come! Enjoy your explorations.


Leave a Reply


About Spirituality Guide

Is there a God? Are we alone in the universe? What does life mean? It's not strange or unusual to ask these questions of yourself and of the universe, no matter what your upbringing. Spirituality Guide isn't going to answer those questions for you. Rather, this site is a place where you can explore all these and more. This is a place to question and contribute. And maybe find yourself along the way.

Spirituality Guide Author(s)
    » Aura

Philosophy & Religion Channel Posts

  • Today's Astrology: The Wish for A Mr. Clean Magic Eraser
    July 16, 2008 You’ve seen those Mr. Clean Magic Erasers, the micro-sanders that demolish just about any type of stubborn mess on the wall or an appliance, haven’t you? Today nearly all of us [...]
  • Fruits of the Spirit: And the greatest of these is Love
    But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23 Ah, love. From [...]
  • The Birth of Religion - Part 7
    by Seeker SO just what is it that started us on the spiritual path as a race? Graham Hancock started as an investigative journalist and has a string of books behind him that have a common thread [...]
  • Fruits of the Spirit: Be Thankful in all you do!
    But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23 We celebrate [...]
  • Astrological Analysis: John Wimunc
    July 15, 2008 The sad news confirmed yesterday that 2nd Lieutenant Holley Wimunc was murdered and her estranged husband arrested for the crime. One in four women experience domestic abuse, [...]
  • The Birth of Religion - Part 6
    by Seeker Now all of the above doesn’t really have much to do with the title of these posts. Religious thought gestated in the darkness of the hidden past of mankind; we know little about the [...]
  • Astrological Analysis: The Horrible Fate of 2nd Lieutenant Holley Wimunc
    July 14, 2008 Charred remains found in an area in close proximity to the Camp LeJeune Marine base may the the body of missing Fort Bragg soldier Second Lieutenant Holley Wimunc. Lieutenant Wimunc [...]
  • The Birth of Religion - Part 5
    by Seeker When we reach down into the tiniest things of the universe, into realms that even the math says are the tiniest things possible, it is natural to be uncertain as to the reality of what [...]
  • A Matter of Perspective
    July 12, 2008 Trans-plutonian bodies, Eris, Varuna, Quoaor, and Sedna are a real trip, reminiscent of the sidewinder energy of the cosmic visitor Chiron, who picks us up and dusts us off with [...]
  • The Birth of Religion - Part 4
    The Birth of Religion - Part 4 by Seeker Invisible universes? How could that be? How could there be entire realms which remain invisible even for those who look? It seems strange to think of but [...]

Hot Off The Press

  • Alley Vipers Are the Coolest
    On Hisstank.com they featured a really great custom that had me drooling. It's of a 25th style Alley Viper, which is one of my favorite G.I. Joe figures of all time: This sucker won first [...]
  • Flip Mino
    If it is one thing you don't need when you have kids is more "things". You carry around a diaper bag, juice boxes, changes of clothes, a camera and for special occasions you bring out the [...]
  • Innnteresting!
    So, which one of the houseguests will figure it out first? They're supposed o be fans of the game, right? They never, ever, EVER show pictures on the memory wall without an ulterior motive... No [...]
  • Grass dancing showcases native culture, tradition
    Many students at Central Michigan University take pride in calling themselves "Chippewas." But for Makwa Stevens, a direct descendent of the Chippewa/Ojibwe Indian tribe, the word bears greater [...]
  • Welcome Back to You Tube Digger!
    After a bit of a hiatus, YouTube Digger is back and better than ever!  My name is Michael Nolan and I will be your new host for all sorts of great video content on topics all over the board. [...]
  • Paul Rauch Joining Y&R
    According to TV Guide Paul Rauch is joining The Young & the Restless as a Creative Consultant. In the past Rauch has work on Guiding Light, Santa Barbara, and One Life to Live. [...]
  • Aqua Eyes - Stay Put Eye Shadow and Eyeliner
    There is nothing worse than having the carefully applied eye makeup you spent 10 minutes perfecting run the minute you open the door and a blast of hot summer air and/or humidity hits you in the [...]
  • Hello Out There????
    It's been a while! This site has been down for a few weeks...451's servers have been having problems, but the upside to that is that they spent a bunch of money on new techie stuff, so things should [...]
  • MTV’s Survivor Style Challenge
    Last week I rambled on about how MTV had not done a challenge since the Gauntlet 3. Well I can stop ranting. MTV is bringing us an all new challenge in the fall. There was a promo the other night [...]
  • Testing, Testing...
    Hello all. Today I have decided to not only test out Skribit but to give you the chance to have a bit more say about the things you would like to see more of on this site. I'm going to leave this up [...]