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Chinese Astrology

The Chinese Zodiac is thousands of years old and easily predates its Western counterpart. Even today, millions of believers across the globe consult the Chinese Zodiac regularly. 
While Western Astrology is based upon the months of the year, Chinese Astrology is based upon a twelve year lunar cycle. Your sign is determined by the year in which you were born (to be accurate you must use a Chinese calendar). Each sign and those born under it, are represented by one of twelve animals, and are ascribed a set of attributes the Chinese believe comprise the nature of each particular animal. The current Chinese year began on January 24, 2001--a year of the Snake.

Legend has it the 12 animals of the Chinese Zodiac were chosen by Buddha. When Buddha was near death he invited all the animals to visit him. Only 12 came: the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig. For visiting him, Buddha honored each by using them to represent the 12 phases of the Zodiac. 

Ancient Chinese astrologers favored a 60-year cycle, a tendency common to both Eastern and Western astrology. In this cycle, each 60-year span is a third of the "Great Solar Cycle" of 180 years. It is also equivalent to the number of years it takes to assign each of the five Chinese Elements to one of the twelve animal signs (5 x 12 = 60).

As such, the Chinese Elements add an extra layer of meaning to each of the animal signs. Whether it's reinforcing a stern disposition or mellowing a happy-go-lucky mood, the Elements of Metal, Water, Wood, Fire and Earth serve to put our basic "animal" characteristics in a sharper light.

Those influenced by Water are as fluid as this Element indicates. Creative and easy-going, the aquatic ones are both artistic and engaging and flow from one idea to the next. These water babies are also compassionate and understanding, making them the touchy-feely folks at every party. Give 'em a hug, please!

Those influenced by Fire are highly-charged -- even combustible at times! Hot tamales to the core, these dynamic individuals can see straight to the heart of an issue and make it work for them. Call them single-minded, but they refuse to be swayed from a cause they believe to be important. Are temperatures rising? Someone pretty fired-up must be in the room!

Those influenced by Metal are strong and virtuous -- albeit a bit set in their ways. No arm-wrestling with the metallic ones, either; they might break that appendage in two! Shiny metal folk can be stern taskmasters as well, demanding the most from themselves and those they love. That reflected glow can be dangerous, indeed!

Those influenced by Earth are the worker bees of the Elemental procession. No task is too onerous, or too small, for earthlings. What matters is that the end goal is the right one, and with the prize in sight, Earth folk can slave away forever. Those graced by this element are inwardly focused as well, wanting to make themselves the very best person they can be. Patience is their strong suit, although this can deteriorate into brute stubbornness on occasion.

Those influenced by Wood are solid as a rock. No -- make that wood. Thinking of others before themselves makes these people the backbone of any business or social group, leading by example along the way. If you need someone to argue your point of view, enlist a Wood Person. Warm and generous, these Wooden wonders also know that to go along is to get along. Are Woodies witty? If they get their way!