Chinese Calendar Astrology

Chinese Astrology provides us with the oldest known method of calculating ones horoscope in the world.  The Chinese calendar astrology or Chinese astrology calendar is one of the most searched terms on the internet.

A horoscope is a persons birth chart.  By using ones place of birth and date of birth, in relationship to the alignment of the sun, moon, various constellations and planetary positions, a horoscope can provide a unique and insightful representation of that person’s life.  Horoscopes, just like fingerprints, are different for every person.  Therefore, a skilled astrologer can provide very specific and often very accurate details of a person’s past, present and future life events.  The more specific one is about the exact time he or she was born, the more accurate the horoscope will be.Chinese Astrology has been traced back to the Huang Ti Dynasty in the year 2637 BC, although some speculate it was during the Han Dynasty. Unlike the traditional western style astrology method, which is based on the solar calendar, the Chinese method is based on the lunar calendar.  According to Wikipedia, Chinese refer to the five major planets according to the Wu Xing (Five Movements, Five Phases or Five Steps/Stages, traditionally translated as Five Elements) they were associated with.

• Venus – Metal (White Tiger)
• Jupiter – Wood (Azure Dragon)
• Mercury – Water (Black Tortoise)
• Mars – Fire (Vermilion Bird)
• Saturn – Earth (Yellow Dragon)

According to Chinese astrology, a person’s destiny can be determined by the position of the major planets at the person’s birth along with the positions of the Sun, Moon and comets and the person’s time of birth and Zodiac Sign. The system of the twelve-year cycle of animal signs was built from observations of the orbit of Jupiter. Following the orbit of Jupiter around the sun, Chinese astronomers divided the celestial circle into 12 sections, and rounded it to 12 years. A laborious system of computing one’s fate and destiny based on one’s birthday,birth season,and birth hours, known as Zi Wei Dou Shu (a form of fortune-telling in Chinese culture) is still used regularly in modern day Chinese astrology to divine one’s fortune. The 28 Chinese constellations, Xiu , are quite different from the 88 Western constellations. For example, the Big Bear (Ursa Major) is known as Dou; the belt of Orion is known as Shen, or the “Happiness, Fortune, Longevity” trio of demigods. The seven northern constellations are referred to as Xuan Wu. Xuan Wu is also known as the spirit of the northern sky or the spirit of Water in Taoism belief.

In addition to astrological readings of the heavenly bodies, the stars in the sky form the basis of many fairy tales. For example, the Summer Triangle is the trio of the cowherd (Altair), the weaving maiden fairy (Vega), and the “tai bai” fairy (Deneb). The two forbidden lovers were separated by the silvery river (the Milky Way). Each year on the seventh day of the seventh month in the Chinese calendar, the birds form a bridge across the Milky Way. The cowherd carries their two sons (the two stars on each side of Altair) across the bridge to reunite with their fairy mother. The tai bai fairy acts as the chaperon of these two immortal lovers.

Chinese calendar astrology or Chinese astrology calendar is a yearly one, with the start of the year being based on the cycles of the moon.  Due to cyclical changes of the moon, the start of the new year can fall anywhere between late January and the middle of February.  A complete cycle takes sixty years and is made of five cycles, each comprised of twelve years.

The Chinese lunar calendar or Chinese astrology (Chinese Calendar Astrology) names each of the twelve year cycles after animals.  The Chinese calendar astrology or zodiac is as follows:

• Rat (1972, 1984, 1996, 2008) – Occupying the 1st and most prominent position on the Chinese Zodiac, the Rat symbolizes such character traits as curiosity, wit and imagination.  Rats have keen observation skills with which they are able to deduce much about other people and other situations.  Rats are full of energy, talkative and charming but they have a tendency to become aggressive.
• Ox (1973, 1985, 1997, 2009) – Occupying the 2nd position on the Chinese Zodiac, Oxen possess such character traits as dependability, determination and strength. Oxen are tolerant individuals who believe that the road to success involves hard work and precise behavior; taking shortcuts is not an option. They characterize those who don’t work hard as lazy individuals not worthy of respect. Oxen are capable of trusting others and will listen to their opinions with an open mind. However, Oxen prefer making decisions that are based on their own research. Oxen favor strong, life-long alliances to casual acquaintances.  Home is where Oxen go to seek comfort. They prefer the outdoors and spend the majority of their time at home working in the garden or caring for the yard.
• Tiger (1974, 1986, 1998, 2010) - Occupying the 3rd position on the Chinese Zodiac, the Tiger symbolizes such character traits as competitiveness, bravery and unpredictability. Tigers love to be challenged and will accept any challenge if it means protecting a loved one or protecting their honor.  Tigers don’t worry about the outcome because they know they’ll always land on their feet.  Be wary, Tigers will pounce when they feel it’s necessary.  Born to lead, Tigers can be stubborn if they realize they’re not in charge. They have a slight tendency to be selfish but overall, Tigers are extremely generous. They’re very intelligent and they’re always on alert. Tigers are very charming and are well-liked by others. They are not motivated by money or power.
• Rabbit (1975, 1987, 1999, 2011) - Occupying the 4th position in the Chinese Zodiac, the Rabbit symbolizes such character traits as creativity, compassion, and sensitivity. Rabbits are friendly, outgoing and prefer the company of others. They prefer to avoid conflict and in confrontational situations, they will approach calmly and with consideration for the other party. Rabbits believe strongly in friends and family and lacking such bonds can lead to emotional issues. Their serene nature keeps Rabbits from becoming visibly upset. Because they’re serene animals, Rabbits are easily taken advantage of. Their sensitive nature makes them shy away from aggressive or competitive situations. They’re overall conservative and not interested in taking risks. Classy, sophisticated, expressive, well-mannered and stylish, those born under the Sign of the Rabbit enjoy leaning about cultural issues and learning about people from other countries.  Rabbits are most comfortable being home, and their homes are always neat and organized. Home is also where Rabbits prefer to entertain. Rabbits are conservative in their decorating tastes. Rabbits should work at building more self-confidence and self-worth so they can feel more secure. The desire for remaining in safe, comfortable environments keeps Rabbits from taking risks which sometimes causes them to miss out on good opportunities.
  
• Dragon (1976, 1988, 2000, 2012) – Occupying the 5th position in the Chinese Zodiac, the Dragon is the mightiest of the signs. Dragons symbolize such character traits as ambition and dominance. Dragons prefer to live by their own rules and if left on their own, are usually successful. They’re driven, unafraid of challenges, and willing to take risks. They’re passionate in all they do and they do things in grand fashion. Unfortunately, this passion and enthusiasm can leave Dragons feeling exhausted and unfulfilled. While Dragons frequently help others, rarely will they ask for help. Others are attracted to Dragons, especially their colorful personalities, but deep down, Dragons prefer to be alone. Perhaps that is because they’re most successful when working alone. Their preference to be alone can come across as arrogance or conceitedness, but these qualities aren’t applicable. Dragons have tempers that can flare fast!
  
• Snake (1977, 1989, 2001, 2013) - Occupying the 6th position in the Chinese Zodiac, the Snake symbolizes such character traits as intelligence, materialism and gracefulness. When it comes to decision-making, Snakes are extremely analytical and seldom just jump into situations. They are effective at getting the things they want, even if it means they have to scheme and plot along the way. Snakes are very materialistic creatures, preferring to surround themselves with the finest that life has to offer. This is especially evident in the home, where luxurious furnishings and surroundings help Snakes seek the peace they need in order to thrive.
  
• Horse (1978, 1990, 2002, 2014) - Occupying the 7th position on the Chinese Zodiac, the Horse symbolizes such character traits as strength, energy, and an outgoing nature. Extremely animated, Horses thrive when they are the center of attention.  Always in search of a good time, Horses keep the crowds happy with their humor and their wit. Horses are extremely intelligent and are able to grasp new subjects with ease. They’re also capable of multi-tasking however they don’t always finish what they start because they’re forever chasing the next opportunity. Horses are honest, friendly and open-minded. They’re perhaps a bit too centered on themselves and have been known to throw tantrums when situations don’t go their way.
  
• Goat (1979, 1991, 2003, 2015) - Occupying the 8th position in the Chinese Zodiac, the Goat (or Sheep) symbolizes such character traits as calmness, creativity, intelligence and dependability. Comfortable being alone to ponder the workings of their inner minds, Goats enjoy being part of a group, but prefer the sidelines rather than the center. Their nurturing personality makes Goats excellent care-givers. They’re quite and reserved because they spend much time absorbed in their thoughts. Home and alone is where Goats feel most comfortable. There they can express themselves artistically, whether it’s by painting, cooking or participating in whatever artistic endeavors they enjoy. Goats prefer the couch because there they can relax and explore their minds. Goats don’t need elaborate furnishings, only items reflecting their desire for art.  When traveling or seeking entertainment, Goats prefer groups or venues that hold many people. Goats spend money on fashions that give them a first class appearance, however they are not snobbish.
  
• Monkey (1980, 1992, 2004, 2016) - Occupying the 9th position on the Chinese Zodiac, the Monkey possesses such character traits as curiosity, mischievousness, and cleverness. Forever playful, Monkeys are the masters of practical jokes. Even though their intentions are always good, this desire to be a prankster has a tendency to create ill will and hurt feelings.  Monkeys are inherently intellectual and creative but at times have trouble exhibiting these qualities. When that happens, they appear to others to be confused. Monkeys prefer urban life to rural, and their favorite pastime is people-watching.
  
• Rooster (1981, 1993, 2005, 2017) - Occupying the 10th position in the Chinese Zodiac, the Rooster symbolizes such character traits as confidence, pompousness and motivation. Those born under the Chinese Zodiac sign of the Rooster are loyal, trustworthy individuals who are blunt when it comes to offering their opinions. Their bluntness stems not from being mean but from being honest; a trait which Roosters expect from others.  Roosters are extremely sociable and prefer being the center of attention, always bragging about themselves and their accomplishments. They continually seek the unwavering attention of others which can be annoying.  Roosters are as proud of their homes as they are of themselves. They’re extremely organized individuals as evidenced by the fact that their homes are always neat.
  
• Dog (1982, 1994, 2006, 2018) - Occupying the 11th position in the Chinese Zodiac, the Dog symbolizes character traits such as loyalty, kindness and compatibility. Dogs frequently offer kind words and useful advice, always listen and lend a shoulder when necessary. Dogs often become deeply involved in others’ lives and are sometimes perceived as nosy. Ensuring others are happy is more important to the Dog than wealth, money or success. Dogs are determined individuals; always wanting to master a new subject before moving on and always finishing what they start. Dogs value friendships; they’re loyal, honest, trustworthy and reliable and have strong morals and ethics. A well-kept, organized home is very important. Keeping a clean home and helping at work stems from the Dog’s need to be active and involved. Dogs spend money wisely, passing on luxury goods in favor of practical items. Dogs also prefer saving money to cover future expenses. Dogs at times can also be temperamental, narrow-minded and stubborn. When this happens, the Dog takes off alone in order to make things right again inside its head. Dogs can benefit by learning to relax and being more rational.
  
• Pig (1983, 1995, 2007, 2019) - Occupying the last position in the Chinese Zodiac, the 12th, the Pig symbolizes such character traits as diligence, compassion, and generosity. Pigs enjoy life and because they are entertaining, others enjoy their company. Pigs are giving souls and reap much enjoyment when they’re helping others, but sometimes they give too much. Honesty is what Pigs give and it’s what they expect to receive in return.  Pigs seek peace and will do what is necessary to maintain it. This trait, while admirable, sometimes makes it easy for others to take advantage of Pigs.  Pigs are always doing for others, helping anyway they can, but rarely will they ask others for help. This can overwhelm and stress them, but Pigs don’t mind. When it comes to money, Pigs enjoy spending more than saving. They gravitate towards name brand items. Thriftiness happens only occasionally, but Pigs do know how to find great deals.
  

For even more information about Chinese Astrology or Chinese calendar astrology you may want to visit Chinapage.com