The Chinese Zodiac is another zodiac form in astrology. It is simply a classification based on the lunar calendar. It assigns animals and their characteristic attributes to the twelve years in a repeating cycle. This twelve-year cycle is equal to 11.85 years in the orbital period of Jupiter. As the name implies, the Chinese Zodiac originates from China, and its variations are widely known in many Asian countries like Cambodia, Japan, Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam.
The Chinese Zodiac is very similar to the western Zodiac in that it also has twelve time cycles, and each cycle is closely related to animals and represents the characteristics of people’s personalities or life events.
However, there are some differences between the two zodiac systems. The animals in the Chinese Zodiac are not associated in any way with terrestrial constellations defined by the ecliptical plane. This also means that the twelve parts of the Chinese Zodiac correspond to years instead of months. The Chinese Zodiac is strictly represented by animals, unlike the western Zodiac, which is a mixture of animals and other indicators.
Taking a sneak peek into the Chinese Zodiac, we can see that it begins with the Rat sign. So, here is a comprehensive list of the Zodiac signs and their associated characteristics below;
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- The first of the signs is the Rat. It is associated with Water as its fixed element.
- The second of the signs is the Ox. It is associated with Earth as its fixed element.
- The third of the signs is the Tiger. It is associated with Wood as its fixed element.
- The fourth of the signs is the Rabbit. It is associated with Wood as its fixed element.
- The fifth of the signs is the Dragon. It is associated with Earth as its fixed element.
- The sixth of the signs is the Snake. It is associated with Fire as its fixed element.
- The seventh of the signs is the Horse. It is associated with Fire as its fixed element.
- The Eighth of the signs is the Goat. It is associated with Earth as its fixed element.
- The ninth of the signs is the Monkey. It is associated with Metal as its fixed element.
- The tenth of the signs is the Rooster. It is associated with Metal as its fixed element.
- The eleventh of the signs is the Dog. It is associated with Earth as its fixed element.
- The twelfth of the signs is the Ox. It is associated with Earth as its fixed element.
In Chinese astrology, the signs represent how you are being perceived by people or how you behave. There is a common misconception that the animal signs assigned to years are the only signs. This is the basis of the western idea of Chinese astrology. In reality, there are also animal signs that represent months, days, and hours.
The year is the pillar that represents information and details about the family background, societal relationship and interaction with the grandparents of a parent. Also, a person’s age can be decoded from the person’s sign.
The month is the pillar that represents information and details pertaining to the childhood and parents of the person. In fact, Chinese astrologers see the month pillar as the most important since it is assumed to determine the occurrences in one’s adult life. The twelve animals in the Chinese Zodiac are linked to the Chinese traditional agricultural calendar, which is also known as the Lunar calendar. Instead of months, this Chinese agricultural calendar is divided into twenty-four two weeks segments which people refer to as the Solar Terms. In this instance, every animal in the Chinese traditional agricultural calendar is linked to two solar terms for a period that is very similar to the Western months. Since every sign is linked to a month in the solar year, it is also linked to a season. The elements that share the same season with a sign is referred to as the sign’s fixed element. This simply means that the element can also determine some of the properties or characteristics exhibited by the sign itself. The fixed element of every sign also applies to the hour and year signs, not just the month sign. It is also separate from the cycle’s elements.
The animal signs in the Chinese Zodiac also rule the days of the week. The term for these signs is “The true animals.” For the correct preparation of the horoscope, astrologers need to know the element and animal of your day of birth. However, since there are ten-day weeks and twelve animals on the Chinese calendar, it is a little difficult to find the exact animal or day’s element.
As the Chinese Zodiac is gotten from the standard five elements theory, each sign in the Chinese Zodiac is made up of five elements with connections. This means that it is possible for different people to have different characteristics and personalities under the same animal sign.
There are four Animal Trines in Chinese astrology and Zodiac. They are discussed below:
The first trine consists of the Monkey, Dragon, and Rat. These signs are intense and powerful, capable of making great leaders and doing the greater good.
The second trine consists of the Rooster, Snake, and Ox. These signs possess application and endurance, with a slow accumulation of energy, and are known to have fixed opinions.
The third trine consists of the Dog, Horse, and Tiger. These signs are known to seek love, protect humanitarian causes, and be independent and idealistic, and sometimes impulsive.
The fourth trine consists of the Pig, Rabbit, and Goat. These signs are said to be calm, seek aesthetic beauty, are well-mannered, and have a reasonable approach.
In conclusion, the Chinese Zodiac determines possible characteristics just as much as the western Zodiac. So, if the Chinese Zodiac predicts your characteristics correctly, do not be surprised.
