Chinese Elements

Some researchers have concluded that the oldest horoscope system in the world is the horoscope system used by the Chinese – more known as “Chinese Astrology”. On the other hand, the Western Astrology’s roots are traced back around 3000 BC and its roots came from an entirely different origin from their Chinese counterpart. Chinese astrology is the attempt to establish information by simply understanding and reading the future from the “Chinese Calendar”. The Chinese calendar is a lunisolar calendar, meaning it is a type of calendar whose date specifies the phase of the moon (also known as lunar phase, of which refers to the manifestation of the illuminated part of the moon as viewed on Earth.) and the time of the solar year. The Chinese Astrology is heavily based on the ancient religion of the Chinese and astronomy. More specifically, it is based on the Chinese sexagenary cycle of sixty years. The oldest known documents of the Chinese astrology are dated around the era of the “Shang Dynasty” (1600 BC). In Chinese astrology, a person’s individuality is associated with an animal symbol. There are 12 animal symbols in Chinese astrology. The symbols are characterized by the pervading elements of their corresponding year and the elements, in addition, revolve on a separate cycle. Legends say that Buddha is the one responsible for taking care of the 12 animals because the 12 were the only one that came to bid Buddha farewell. The 12 Animal symbols are: the Rat, the Ox, the Tiger, the Rabbit (or the Cat), the Dragon, the Snake, the Horse, the Goat (or the Sheep), the Monkey, the Rooster, the Dog and the Pig. The year of your birth date has a corresponding animal symbol; the animal ruling year has a significant effect of your life. Chinese Astrology is concerned with nature and its traits, the signs progress year by year, whereas Western Astrology cycles monthly. The consideration of Yin and Yang is a very great influence upon this subject, Yin being passive, female and receptive while Yang is aggressive, male and exploratory. The various permutations of these 2 essential forces in nature, places, organizations, events and humanity and the quest to achieve balance so that both operate together in harmony rather than opposing or canceling each other out are an essentially Oriental viewpoint and quest, they form the basis of many Far Eastern traditions and other influences in Chinese Society such as Feng Shui.