List of Contents
The Origin
The Chinese zodiac is a system of 12 animals that represent a 12-year cycle in Chinese astrology. Each year is associated with a specific animal, and people born in that year are said to share certain characteristics with that animal. The Chinese zodiac has been in use for over 2,000 years, and it is still an important part of Chinese culture today. In this blog post, we will explore the history, the animals, the five elements, and how it is used in astrology.
The Chinese zodiac has its roots in ancient China, where it was employed to keep track of time and indicate the changing of the seasons. Based on the lunar calendar, it is thought that the zodiac was initially employed during the Han Dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE). The lunar calendar, which is based on lunar cycles, is composed of 12 lunar months, each of which lasts around 29.5 days. Each of the 12 Chinese zodiac animals has a corresponding lunar month.
The story of how the animals were chosen for the Chinese zodiac varies depending on the source. One popular legend tells the story of the Jade Emperor, who wanted to create a calendar to measure time. He invited all the animals in the world to come to him and the first 12 animals to arrive would be chosen for the calendar.
The rat, who was clever and resourceful, hitched a ride on the back of the ox and was the first to arrive. The ox was the second to arrive, followed by the tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig. The 12 animals that arrived first were chosen for the zodiac and were said to represent the 12 years of the lunar calendar.
Another popular legend tells the story of the Great Race, where the Jade Emperor invited all the animals in the world to race across a wide river. The first 12 animals to reach the other side would be chosen for the zodiac. The rat, who was clever and resourceful, hitched a ride on the back of the ox and was the first to reach the other side. The ox was the second to reach the other side, followed by the tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig. The 12 animals that reached the other side first were chosen for the zodiac and were said to represent the 12 years of the lunar calendar.
In both legends, the animals were chosen based on their characteristics, and these characteristics are said to be shared by people born in that animal’s year.
The 12 Animals of the Chinese Zodiac
People who were born in the same year as each animal are thought to share that animal’s special personality and traits. The traits of each animal are briefly described below:
- Rat (…1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020…):
Intelligence and resourcefulness. They are quick thinkers and good problem-solvers. They are also known for their charm and sociability and are considered to be good at making friends and networking. They are adaptable and have a great sense of humor. - Ox (…1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021…):
Hard work and determination. They are reliable and steady, and they are not easily swayed by others. They are dependable and have a strong sense of responsibility, have patience and persistence, and are considered to be good at long-term planning. - Tiger (…1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022…):
Courage and strength. They are natural leaders, but can also be stubborn and impulsive. They are passionate and full of energy, and they are not afraid to take risks. They are known for their independent nature and they can be difficult to control. - Rabbit (… 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023 …):
Kindness and compassion. They are diplomatic and good at avoiding conflict. They are sensitive and have a good sense of timing. They are known for their elegance and grace and are considered to be good at making others feel at ease. - Dragon (… 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024 …):
Energy and ambition. They are confident and charismatic, but can also be arrogant and impatient. They are known for their creativity and imagination and are considered to be good at starting new projects, and their strong sense of self and their ability to inspire others. - Snake (… 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025 …):
Wisdom and intuition. They are good at reading people, but can also be secretive and manipulative. They are known for their charm and elegance and are considered to be good at persuasion. They are also known for their intelligence and ability to think things through. - Horse (… 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026 …):
Independence and free spirits. Although they might be impatient and impetuous, they are constantly ready to explore and try new things. They are known for their bravery and perseverance and for having a strong sense of self and the power to motivate others. - Goat (… 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027 …):
Calm and gentle nature. They are creative and artistic, but can also be indecisive and easily discouraged. They are known for their kindness and compassion and are considered to be good at caring for others, their artistic talents, and their ability to create beautiful things. - Monkey (… 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028 …):
Intelligence and adaptability. They are quick learners and good problem-solvers, but can also be mischievous and irresponsible. Famous for their curiosity and for their ability to think outside the box. They are known for their sense of humor and for their ability to see the funny side of things. - Rooster (… 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029 …):
Punctuality and honesty. They are hardworking and reliable, but can also be critical and boastful. They are also known for their courage and for their ability to stand up for themselves, their strong sense of self, and their ability to inspire others. - Dog (… 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030 …):
Loyalty and sense of duty. They are honest and trustworthy, but can also be stubborn and critical. They are known for their sense of justice and for their ability to stand up for what is right - Pig (… 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031 …):
Generosity and good nature. They are honest and kind, but can also be lazy and materialistic.
Compatibility with other animals
It is said that some animals are more compatible with others. For example, rats are said to be compatible with dragons and monkeys, but not so much with horses. Oxen are said to be compatible with rats and snakes, but not so much with sheep. Therefore, if you are born in the year of the rat, you may have good luck in relationships with people born in the year of the dragon or monkey, but not so much with people born in the year of the horse.
The Five Elements of the Chinese Zodiac
The Chinese zodiac also incorporates five elements: wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. These elements are said to interact with the 12 animals in various ways. Each animal is associated with one of the five elements, and the element is said to
influence the personality and characteristics of the animal. For example, a wooden rat is said to be more creative and artistic, while a metal rat is said to be more determined and hardworking. The five elements also affect a person’s luck and fortune, with different elements being associated with different types of luck. For example, wood is associated with growth and expansion, while metal is associated with wealth and career success.
Chinese Zodiac in Astrology
The Chinese zodiac is an important aspect of Chinese astrology. It is used to predict future events and to gain insight into a person’s personality and characteristics. In Chinese astrology, the zodiac is based on a 12-year cycle, with each year being associated with one of the 12 animals of the zodiac: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig.
Each animal of the zodiac is said to have its own unique personality and characteristics, and people born in that animal’s year are said to share these traits. For example, people born in the year of the rat are said to be clever and resourceful, while those born in the year of the ox are said to be hardworking and determined. This system is based on the lunar calendar and the position of the stars and planets at the time of a person’s birth is also considered.
Chinese astrologers use the zodiac to make predictions about a person’s future. They may look at the position of the stars and planets at the time of a person’s birth, as well as their animal sign, to make predictions about their future. They may also use the five elements of the Chinese zodiac (wood, fire, earth, metal, and water) to gain additional insight into a person’s personality and potential.
The Chinese zodiac can also be used in combination with other forms of astrology, such as Western astrology, to provide a more complete picture of a person’s personality and future. It is also used in divination, such as Chinese fortune telling, where a person’s zodiac sign is used to predict their future or to give advice on important decisions.
The Chinese zodiac plays an important role in Chinese astrology and culture. It is used to understand oneself and the world around them. It can give an insight into one’s personality, potential, and future.
Chinese zodiac astrology and Western astrology
Chinese zodiac astrology and Western astrology are both systems used to predict future events and gain insight into a person’s personality and characteristics. However, there are some key differences between the two systems.
One of the main differences is the way the systems are structured. The Chinese zodiac is based on a 12-year cycle, with each year being associated with one of the 12 animals of the zodiac. Western astrology, on the other hand, is based on a 12-month cycle, with each month being associated with one of the 12 zodiac signs: Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces. Each sign is said to have its own unique personality and characteristics.
Another difference is the way the systems take into account the position of celestial bodies. Chinese astrology takes into account the position of the stars and planets at the time of a person’s birth in order to make predictions about their future. Western astrology takes into account the position of the sun, moon, and planets at the time of a person’s birth in order to make predictions about their future.
Additionally, Chinese astrology also takes into account the Five Elements (wood, fire, earth, metal, and water) to gain additional insight into a person’s personality and potential, Western astrology also takes into account the elements (fire, earth, air, and water) but it is used in a different way.
While both systems have different origins, they can be used together to provide a more complete picture of a person’s personality and future. Chinese zodiac astrology can be a great complement to Western astrology in order to gain a deeper understanding of oneself.
Wisdom from the past
The Chinese zodiac is a rich and fascinating system that has been in use for over 2,000 years. It is an important part of Chinese culture and continues to be used today in both astrology and everyday life. Understanding the animals, the five elements, and how they interact can provide valuable insights into one’s own personality and future. If you are interested in exploring the Chinese zodiac further, there are many resources available, including books and websites that provide more detailed information.
