The Chinese system of astrology differs significantly from the Western derived system. One major difference is that the star groupings or constellations were viewed and named differently. And, where the Western system emphasized placement of planets as viewed from earth, the Chinese system placed primary importance on the daily motion of the Moon and planets. Much of the emphasis of traditional Chinese astrology lies in divination by observing the moon and planets as influenced by the earth’s atmosphere. So, for instance, if the planet Mars was observed as having a peculiar golden glow at a certain hour of the night, that would have special significance. Some of these specialties have been revived today through the art of Feng Shui, but many details of this specific oriental art have been lost to the ravages of time and modern civilization.
The first cycle of the Chinese Zodiac in use today was introduced in 2637 BC (some sources say much earlier) by Emperor Huang Ti. This ‘art form’ developed as the Chinese writing system emerged and joined with philosophy. Chinese Astrology uses the balance theory of Yin-Yang Five Elements (Metal, Water, Wood, Fire and Earth) to predict people’s future. It is a complex discipline in its own right based in the philosophy of Confucius, Lao-tse and especially the I Ching.
The system of Chinese astrology which has survived intact and is popularly practiced today is a twelve year system which ascribes animal characteristics to people born in a certain year. At first glance, this may seem to be simplistic, but closer examination reveals amazing synchronicities.
According to Chinese legend, the order of the twelve signs was determined by Buddha, upon celebration of the Chinese New Year. Buddha invited all of the animals in the kingdom together for a meeting, but only 12 creatures actually came. The first animal to arrive was the sociable Rat. Next was the steady and persevering Ox, followed by the magnetic, courageous Tiger, and self reliant Cat. The spirited Dragon joined next, along with the wise and charming Snake. Then came Horse in a reckless fury, followed by the artistic Goat. Later, the clever Monkey and the self assured Rooster joined rank. Last to arrive were the loyal Dog and the devoted Pig. Buddha gave each animal a year of its own, bestowing the nature and characteristics of each to those born in that animals year.
See if you can find yourself, your mate or children. It is also important to note that the Chinese New Year calendar starts on variable dates; always on the second new moon after winter solstice. Because of this, those born in January and February should check a reliable Chinese calendar to find out for sure what their animal sign is. As the Chinese say, ‘This is the animal that hides in your heart’.
The Rat: 1912; 1924; 1936; 1948; 1960; 1972; 1984; 1996; 2008
The Western use of the term in a derogatory sense does not apply. Charming and likeable; sociable with elegant manners and fine tastes. Noted for honesty and a sense of fair play, though ruthless when crossed. An angel in the crowd but a devil at home. Apt to take up a social cause or work for a charity. Nocturnal, works best during the quite hours of night. Studious and quick witted. Hunger for contact may lead to weight problem.
Famous Rats- Marlon Brando (1924) Al Gore (1948) James Taylor (1948)
The Ox: 1913; 1925; 1937; 1949; 1961; 1973; 1985; 1997; 2009
Steady achiever; can succeed where others fail because of perseverance. Excel in method and routine. Cautious and conservative about new ideas. Will always have a goal in mind, a means to an end. Easy going and calm. Family is important, but male oxen are essentially self reliant loners. Likes the country and the country life. Achievers.
Famous Oxen- Bill Cosby (1937) Princess Diana (1961) Saddam Hussein (1937)
The Tiger: 1914; 1926; 1938; 1950; 1962; 1974; 1986; 1998; 2010
An iron fist in a velvet glove. Fiercely competitive. Proud and defensive with unpredictable moods. Magnetic leaders with honorable intentions. Courageous and with an innate sense of good luck. Like to be in a position of authority. Quarrelsome.
Famous Tigers- Miles Davis (1926) Marilyn Monroe (1926) MC Hammer (1962)
The Cat: (or Rabbit): 1915; 1927; 1939; 1951; 1963; 1975; 1987; 1999; 2011
Avoids confrontation when possible, but brave when the chips are down. Sensitive to environment; hate disorder or mental confusion. Self protective and discreet. Can have hypochondriacal tendencies. Self reliant and caring, yet aloof. Gifted, yet traditional.
Famous Cats- Fidel Castro (1927) Judy Collins (1939) Dale Earnhardt (1951) Tiger Woods (1975)
The Dragon: 1916; 1928; 1940; 1952; 1964; 1976; 1988; 2000; 2012
A risk taker with a leaning towards the occult. Impulsive and can be short tempered. A love of ceremony and ritual; Artistic and often enter the world of entertainment. Strong willed, elusive, and can be selfish. Restless in love; looking for the next challenge.
Famous Dragons- Salvador Dali (1904) John Lennon (1940) Jimmy Connors (1952) Courtney Love (1964)
The Snake: 1917; 1929; 1941; 1953; 1965; 1977; 1989; 2001; 2013
Methodical with a reputation for wisdom. An elegant connoisseur who may be scandalized because of naiveté. Cerebral and cultivated. Well bred, and soft spoken. Beautiful and charming, yet has a forbidding quality. Lucky, but can be vengeful sore losers.
Famous Snakes- Yasser Arafat (1929) Dick Cheney (1941) John Edwards (1953) Oprah Winfrey (Jan, 1954) Martha Stewart (1941)
The Horse: 1918; 1930; 1942; 1954; 1966; 1978; 1990; 2002; 2014
A symbol of yang, or masculine ambitions and/or leisure activities. Independent. Restless, always on the go. Eloquent and quick witted. Hard workers. Can be impatient and tactless. Inspire confidence and earn respect in the community. Love to travel.
Famous Horses- Neil Armstrong (1930) Janis Joplin (1942) Paul McCartney (1942)
The Goat (or Sheep): 1919; 1931; 1943; 1955; 1967; 1979; 1991; 2003; 2015
Complementary sign to the Horse, represents the yin feminine principle. Peaceful and contemplative with an interest in music and poetry. Capricious, charming, nature lovers who are vulnerable, absent minded, and shy, yet are engaging. Impractical, but surround themselves with organizers. An earthy seductive sensuality. Undisciplined malcontents.
Famous Goats- John Kerry (1943) Mick Jagger (1943) Kurt Cobain (1967) Julia Roberts (1967)
The Monkey: 1920; 1932; 1944; 1956; 1968; 1980; 1992; 2004
Skillful dexterity and technological ability. Humorous and mischievous. Fascinating and clever problem solvers. Can get discouraged, lose interest, and may wander in marriage. Intrigued by fantasy. Ambiguous honesty, easily creates own facts. Opportunistic.
Famous Monkeys- Charlie Parker (1920) Elizabeth Taylor (1932) Johnny Cash (1932)
The Rooster: 1921; 1933; 1945; 1969; 1981; 1993; 2005
Competitive and aggressive, resourceful and self assured. Think that rules are made to be broken. Enthusiastic and vivacious. Love of travel. Can be short sighted and brazen. Compassionate thinkers who can protect themselves when necessary. Inventive.
Famous Roosters- Yoko Ono (1933) Katherine Hepburn (1909) Carly Simon (1945)
The Dog: 1922; 1934; 1946; 1958; 1970; 1982; 1994; 2006
A firm and loyal friend strong on defense, protection, and loyalty to the family. Magnanimous and philosophical. Possess an inner insecurity, though will champion causes for others. Can be pessimistic or stubborn. Perspective limited by circumstances.
Famous Dogs- Ralph Nader (1934) Bill Clinton (1946) George W Bush (1946) Madonna (1958) Elvis Presley (Jan 1935)
The Pig: 1923; 1935; 1947; 1959; 1971; 1983; 1995; 2007
Home makers and concerned with welfare of others. Truthful and sincere. Loyal humanitarians. Unwilling to take advice even though their judgment is not always the best. Loving and sensitive, but can be easy prey. Usually a devoted mate and partner.
Famous Pigs- Elton John (1947) Carlos Santana (1947) Hillary Clinton (1947) Arnold Schwarzenegger (1947)
An excellent source for more information on this topic is a book titled “Chinese Astrology, Plain and Simple” by Suzanne White. First published in 1976, and reprinted in 2000, Ms. White has sold over 2 million copies of her book worldwide. The new edition (387 pages) released in 2000 is thorough and well worth the cover price of $12.95.
Any system, when used properly, that helps us to understand ourselves and others better, can only improve our lives. I must confess that a closer examination of Chinese Astrology has revealed some surprising relationship insights for me. Closing with best astrological wishes for all.
Information Sources: ‘The Astrology Encyclopedia’, 1994 by James R. Lewis and www.AstroDataBank.com for birth years of famous people.
