Chinese Astrology Explained

Are you confused about the meanings of Chinese astrology? Would you
like to know more about this 5000 year old art?

Chinese astrology is based on the lunar calendar. As with astrology
from other cultures, a horoscope is created using the position of the stars and
planets for each of the twelve signs of the zodiac based on the year of
birth.

The Twelve Chinese Signs

Rat

Rats are charming and attractive to the opposite sex. But despite
outside appearances, they are restless and this sometimes comes across as
aggressiveness. Rats are great with money, and love to pounce on an
opportunity. They are also very generous to their friends. They love
people and large gatherings and always have others around. They also run
in many intimate circles and like to be involved in everything they can, leading
them to sometimes attempt to do too much. They are good writers and
speakers, and success comes easily to them.

Ox

Oxen are calm on the surface, but have hidden tempers. They are hard
workers and are determined to the point of stubbornness. However, this
makes them one of the most dependable signs. They are trustworthy, and
easily move up at the office. If they don't watch out, they may not have
much of a social life. They are not very adept at mind games, and can
sometimes be led astray in romance. But once they find someone, they are
steadfast and loyal.

Tiger

Tigers are energetic and unpredictable. Their wild side leads them to
be the center of attention. They speak their mind and are always looking
for the new party or next great idea. They are also very involved in
giving their time and money to the causes they are passionate about. They
are generous and honest. However, they are also rebels. They seek
ideals and will rebel against a society they perceive as being in the
wrong. They are emotional and impulsive, prone to romance as well as
jealousy.

Rabbit

Rabbits are gracious and gentle. They adore quiet and peacefulness, and
prefer a good book to a night on the town. Their sensitivity can lead to
moodiness, but normally rabbits are great at keeping the peace. While they
are quiet on the surface, rabbits are good at finding deals. They are
sweet and can talk people into being on their side of an issue without
argument. While they are cautious, they can also be friendly and inviting
once they feel safe.

Dragon

Dragons have fire. They are full of life, and want to live life to the
fullest. They are perfectionists and are extremely demanding of both
themselves and others. They intimidate those who disagree with them,
although they are very loyal to their friends. They can be stubborn, but
they will let you know how they feel. They believe themselves to be B
and loveable, and they strive to motivate everyone to live up to their
standards.

Snake

Snakes are mysterious, often charming the opposite sex. They are
graceful, and tend towards all things grand and cultural. They are private
tend to look inward for their self-esteem, and are superstitious about
everything. They are not penny-pinchers, but always have money on
hand. Snakes are jealous when they find a lover, and will turn cold almost
on a whim.

Horse

Horses are generally friendly. They love being the center of attention,
and will keep others enthralled by their quick wit. However, they have
malleable alliances, and will have many short-lived romances and
friendships. They enjoy the change, and lead lives full of
adventure. They don't like being tied down, and love working out and
spending time outdoors. They don't like sticking to a plan, and will often
take on too much. They can be impatient with others whom they perceive as
moving too slowly.

Sheep

Sheep are peaceful people. They empathize with others' pain, and are
easy to talk to. They don't like to rush, and will break if
pressured. They do not like harsh words, and love to be led gently.
While they are passive, they are also patient, and generally they eventually get
their way. They always remember their friends and families and give
thoughtful gifts. They often worry about what others think, and tend too
spend too much.

Monkey

Monkeys are intuitive and clever. They are hands-on problem solvers,
and a great deal of self-confidence. They enjoy succeeding at difficult
tasks, and don't need to be talked into attempting one. The source of
their success is their great memory. They are hard workers, and don't care
what others think of them. They don't usually have many friends, although
their success does attract people to them.

Rooster

Roosters are romantics. They are perfectionists and dreamers at the
same time. Quick to see detail, they always love a challenge, especially
if at first glance it looks impossible. They take great pride in knowing
all the details of a subject that interests them, and are thus great
debaters. However, they will never admit to being wrong. They also
tend to step in and try to solve others' problems, whether or not they have been
invited to do so. They like to always stay busy, and will work for
whatever they have their eye on.

Dog

Dogs are friendly and are always up front about their feelings. They
are very family-oriented and are extremely loyal to their friends. They
will fight for a cause they feel is just. They are not comfortable around
extravagant wealth, and prefer a loving home regardless of social status.
Once you befriend a dog, they will be by your side for life. They are
monogamous, and tend to choose their lovers wisely. They work hard and
play hard, and know when it is appropriate to be doing one or the other.
They are good providers to those they love.

Pig

Pigs love a social life. They have many friends, and tend to stay out
of heated discussions and all kinds of debates. It's not that they don't
have an opinion; they simply love to party and don't want to risk ruining the
fun. They are good listeners, but are sometimes gullible and can be taken
advantage of easily. This can sometimes hurt them in relationships.
They are trustworthy and dependable, and stick by their friends.
They are generous to those they care about.

The Five Elements

There is another layer to Chinese astrology that is less well known than the
Chinese signs. Chinese astrologers use a 60 year cycle, made up of five
sets of the twelve signs. The five repetitions of the signs each
correspond to a different element, adding more intricacy to the animal.

The five elements are Metal, Water, Wood, Fire, and Earth.

In Chinese astrology, the elements are part of a cycle; one is not higher or
better than another. In fact, they have a cyclical relationship, both in
positive and negative ways, so that:

Water makes Wood
Wood makes Fire
Fire makes Earth
Earth makes
Metal
Metal makes Water

and:

Water destroys Fire
Fire destroys Metal
Metal destroys Wood
Wood
destroys Earth
Earth destroys Water

In addition, they can be openly aggressive and hostile:

Water resists Fire
Fire resists Metal
Metal resists Wood
Wood
resists Earth
Earth resists Water

So now you know the basics of Chinese Astrology. Enjoy exploring your
Chinese sign!

Michelle Andersen is an astrologer providing valuable tips and advice on understanding Chinese'%26gt;http://www.horoscopes-and-astrology.net/chinese-astrology.htm"%26gt;Chinese astrology, pet horoscopes, and zodiac'%26gt;http://www.horoscopes-and-astrology.net/zodiac-sexual-compatibility.htm"%26gt;zodiac compatibility. Choose from any one of three free'%26gt;http://www.horoscopes-and-astrology.net"%26gt;free readings - psychic love, tarot cards, or numerology reading.