Introduction to Chinese Astrology
Unlike 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.
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