Lesson 1: Introduction To Chinese Astrology - The Basics
The Yearly Animal Signs and Their Characteristics
Many pop Chinese astrology books as well as Chinese restaurant napkins show your animal sign as "all there is" to Chinese astrology. Just like a sun sign in Western astrology, the yearly animal sign is a very important component of an analysis but not the ONLY component. According to Chinese legend, Buddha invited all of the animals together for a meeting, but only twelve arrived. To honor them, he named a year after each of them. Still another legend replaces Buddha with the Jade King, giving the rat first place as he so impressed the king by playing the flute. To determine your Chinese animal sign, use the chart on page 6 of the Charts book in your Chinese Astrology kit. Make careful note of the date the year began if your birthday is in early February or late January.
Now that you have your year animal and element - here are the basic characteristics of each sign:
- The Rat - Asian cultures do not denigrate the humble rodent as we do in the West, the rat is seen as a very clever and intelligent animal. Rats are quick witted and nimble. They are very expressive and aggressive, and confident, strong business people. They are most loyal to their few friends, and make devoted family members.
- The Ox - Oxen are very stable, persistent and stubborn people with more strength and fortitude than any other sign. They have remarkable memories and are highly creative. They are not the most social, and prefer being with a few friends rather than at large gatherings. They are also patient and very loyal to those close to them
- The Tiger - Flamboyant and aggressive, the Tiger is also charming and hard to resist. Tigers are always in a hurry, pursuing some cause, or passionately involved with a latest interest. Tigers are born leaders, but need to learn moderation in all things. They can have bad tempers and need to learn to control their passions.
- The Rabbit - Whereas the Tiger conquers by force, the Rabbit conquers by diplomacy. A Rabbit is very calm, kind, and sweet and has many friends. He detests confrontations, and may also be insecure and afraid of expressing himself. Rabbits are very deep emotionally, and have a strong artistic or poetic streak.
- The Dragon - The natural sign of nobility to the Chinese people, Dragons are noble in nature and commanding in presence. They are aggressive, determined, self-confident and dominant, and can also be snobs if they choose to. They love power, but usually handle it well. Most Chinese parents aspire to have a Dragon child - as they are good luck.
- The Snake - Despite the Western negative connotations - the Asian snake is a charming intellectual, full of grace and intelligence. He is never loud, but very diplomatic and graceful. Snakes are philosophers and deep thinkers. A bit lazy, the snake enjoys luxury and has an excellent sense of humor.
- The Horse - Born to run, Horses are active, physical people with lots of energy. They are very productive, hard working people as well. Horses love social events, and love the spotlight. Innately rebellious, they hate to be pressured or told what to do. The horse is cunning and full of "street-smarts". He is also hot-blooded and hot tempered.
- The Goat - The most creative of all the signs, the Goat is also the most insecure. Goats are gentle, artistic, romantic and fond of nature. They are not the most organized people, but tend to succeed in creative pursuits. They tend to be charming dreamers that shy away from confrontations and heavy decision making.
- The Monkey - The most fun-loving of all the signs, the Monkey loves to be the center of attention. Clever and cheerful, he can also be opportunistic and a bit selfish. Monkeys are great at problem solving and enjoy listening to the problems of their friends. They also cannot hide how they are feeling, and tend to wear their hearts on their sleeves.
- The Rooster - The perceptive rooster misses nothing, and because of his strong analytical skills and fierce determination, makes a great business person. Forthright and straightforward, he does not play games, rather "what you see is what you get". Roosters have strong emotional natures and are fond of social activity.
- The Dog - Faithful, loyal and sincere, the Dog is the most honest friend to have. He reveres duty, tradition, and honor. He shows great courage in adversity, is very reliable, and is a great listener. He can also be very righteous and judgmental under adverse circumstances.
- The Pig - Probably the most generous and honorable sign of the Chinese zodiac, Pigs are highly intelligent and have hearts of gold. Sadly, they can be taken advantage of by others not so generous. Pigs love luxury and have impeccable manners. They also can tend to see things through rose colored glasses.
