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Chinese astrology is indeed one of the popular astrology traditions ever since. From the time of its discovery, even until now, many astrologers even ordinary men and women who believe in faith and destiny based on astrology, have actually a strong belief on this astrology system.

Generally, Chinese astrology is very unique in its own way. Basically, it is the divination of the future based on the Chinese calendar, which is eventually based on astronomy as well as ancient Chinese philosophy.

Unlike some other astrology traditions, Chinese astrology is based on the sexagenary cycle of 60 years derived from two cycles: the 10 heavenly stems, which is consist of the five elements and the 12 earthly branches, or the 12-year cycle of animals which is the popular Chinese zodiacs.

Lunisolar Calendar

As aforementioned, Chinese astrology is based on the sexagenary cycle of 60 years derived from two cycles: the 10 heavenly stems, which is consist of the five elements and the 12 earthly branches, or the 12-year cycle of animals which is the popular Chinese zodiacs (5 elements × 12 animals creates the 60-year cycle).

Normally, the said cycle starts with the Wood Rat and ends with the Water Boar and normally switches signs during the Chinese New Year.

Chinese Agricultural Calendar

There is another type of calendar typically associated with Chinese astrology aside from the Lunisolar Calendar, the Chinese Agricultural Calendar.

However, for some reasons, Chinese Agricultural Calendar is not oftentimes used. But just recently, there are some astrological texts that follow the said calendar and hence place the changeover of zodiac signs at the solar term.

The Five Elements

The elements in Chinese astrology is a little bit different to the Western astrology. Basically, the Chinese elements are moving forces or energies and are constantly changing, while in contrast, the Western elements are basic building blocks of matter and are typically constant.

Generally, in Chinese astrology, there are five elements naming: the wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. Generally, these elements have great impacts on the 12 animal signs and even to some other Chinese philosophy, systems, etc. as for example feng shui.

Of all the elements, it is the wood that governs the Tiger, Rabbit and Dragon. While it is the Fire that governs the Snake, Horse, and Sheep. The Earth on the other hand, is the element that governs the Dragon, Rat, and Ox. For cases of the Monkey, Rooster, and Dog it is the Metal. And finally for the Rat, Ox, and Pig, it is the water.

The 12 Zodiac Animals

There are 12 zodiac animals in the Chinese astrology: the Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. These zodiac animals do depict various personalities and traits. In fact, below is the list of the the zodiac animals and their distinctive, remarkable traits.

• Rat – disciplined, industrious, charming, and manipulative.
• Ox – Calm, methodical, patient, stubborn, and narrow-minded.
• Tiger – Rebellious, colorful, powerful, generous, reckless, and impatient.
• Rabbit – Kind, sensitive, soft-spoken, amiable, moody, and detached.
• Dragon –Vigorous, strong, self-assured, arrogant, and dogmatic.
• Snake – Wise, mystic, graceful, soft-spoken, and distrustful.
• Horse – Changeable, earthy, perceptive, talkative, rude, and gullible.
• Sheep – Sincere, sympathetic, mild-mannered, and over-sensitive.
• Monkey – Motivator, improviser, intellectual, selfish, and cunning.
• Rooster – Meticulous, organized, egotistical, and opinionated.
• Dog – Intelligent, straightforward, and quarrelsome.
• Pig – Simple, gallant, sturdy, sociable, over-reliant, and self-indulgent.

The Animal Trines

In Chinese astrology, there is what Chinese astrologers call “the animal trines”. Basically, there are four animal trines. The first trine is consists of the Rat, Dragon, and Monkey which are all considered as the Power Signs capable of being very good and at the same time very bad. Then the second trine, the trine that is consists of the Ox, Snake, and Rooster, the signs that have good endurance and application.

Consequently, the third trine is the trine that is consists of the Tiger, Horse, and Dog, the signs that basically give value for love as well as humanity. Finally, the fourth trine, is basically consists of the Rabbit, Sheep, and Pig, the signs that possess the traits of a good leader because of love and compassion.

Possible Origins of the Chinese Zodiac Animal Signs

There are actually two stories associated with the origin of the zodiac animal signs. First, it is the story beginning with the rat having a task of inviting the animals to report to the Jade Emperor for a lavish meal. The said feast is said to be for the selection of the zodiac signs. In the story, the cat is supposedly one of the zodiac signs if not only the rat haven’t tricked him of the actual date of the feast.

Another story being linked to, is the story relating to a race that was used to distinguish the animals to report to the Jade Emperor. In the story, it was the rat that came first, followed by the ox, then the tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog, and finally by the pig that was late because of a certain feast along the way.