Chinese Zodiac History

The Chinese zodiac history is rooted in over three to five thousand years of astrological observation. Chinese astronomers learned that by observing and charting the stars and planets they could predict changes on earth, such as the seasons and tides. Soon, astronomy became an accepted and useful tool. Astronomers advised farmers when the best times were for planting and harvesting their crops. Preparation for seasonal changes was made possible.

Chinese astronomers advised farmers.

The Chinese astronomers first created Ten Heavenly Stems (the celestial ch’i and providence) and Twelve Earthly Branches to give some kind of chronological order to the world and allow them to predict earth changes. Several systems evolved over the centuries. Some rely only on birth data while others also incorporate star and planet positions of the Ten Heavenly Stems.

Only a select few of the Chinese people were educated and could read and write. Astrology was difficult for those unschooled to grasp the concept of Ten Heavenly Stems and Twelve Earthly Branches, so legend states that the Twelve Animals were used as a substitute for the Twelve Earthly Branches.

Similar to Western astrology that uses twelve signs such as Aquarius, Aries, Taurus, etc., there are twelve signs in Chinese astrology that are depicted by animals. These animals signify specific characteristics of your personality and life path. Each of these animals represents one year in the twelve year Chinese lunar calendar. You can read about each animal’s attributes to gain a better understanding of yourself.

You are born under a certain animal sign back on the period of your birth. Your inner and secret animals reveal who you truly are and the future that awaits you.

• Inner animals: These are determined by your birth month.
• Secret animals: These are determined by the day and hour of your birth.

While there are no ancient documents to explain how or why these animals were selected and assigned to the twelve signs, there are many legends and myths that help explain it. The lack of documentation or ancient text is unusual for the Chinese culture because of its antiquity and wealth of ancient texts and doctrines. Perhaps this absence of written doctrine simply indicates just how ancient Chinese astrology truly is.

There are numerous legends and myths surrounding the mystique of how this odd group of animals was selected to depict the Chinese zodiac. The most prominent legend states that all of the animals were among those Buddha invited to his Chinese New Year’s celebration. For some unknown reason only twelve animals attended the party. He named the Chinese years after each animal in the order of their arrival as a demonstration of his gratitude for their attendance.

Unlike western astrology that uses the solar year calendar, most Chinese astrologers use a lunar calendar and base their calculations solely on the moon’s cycles. Some modern Chinese astrologers have begun using the solar calendar. Whichever system is used, either lunar or solar, all of the Chinese astrologers adhere to the five element theory to assist in creating astrological charts.

According to Chinese culture there are five elements in the world, and they appear in a certain order:

• Wood
• Fire
• Earth
• Metal
• Water

These elements are the centerpiece for Chinese astrology as well as feng shui. The elements' continual cycle is the correct order of life. With the help of an astrological chart, you can work to achieve and maintain this natural balance of life.

An astrologer can determine whether or not these five elements are in balance within your chart. Each will be indicated as to its location on your individual chart. An analysis of the placement of these elements enables the astrologer to understand your life and personality as well as predict future challenges and obstacles you'll face.

Chinese astrologers assigned the five known planets with the five earth elements and assigned an animal to represent each:

An element is assigned to each of the twelve zodiac animals. This helps bring a greater understanding of the element affecting your life.

To avoid an inaccurate chart, double check the chart you’re using. Many charts have shortened the range for determining the animal of your birth year by dropping the month and date of the original assigned periods found in Chinese zodiac history.

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• Libra Horoscope
• Scorpio Horoscope