Chinese Astrology

Animal & Element Zodiac

Unlike the Western zodiac, the zodiac of Chinese astrology is largely (though not entirely) based around naming of years rather than divisions within the year. It as built upon a cycle of sixty years.

Most people probably think of Chinese astrology as involving animals - the Year of the Dragon for example. That's ceratinly true, however only one part of the system. The twelve animals of the Chinese Zodiac cycle round on a yearly basis. This is also a five yearly cycle of elements. Hence we have 5 * 12 = 60.

The elements are considered "modifiers" to the basic animal sign. Thus one is not simply a "dragon" or "rat", one might be a "water dragon" or "fire rat".

Animals

The twelve animal signs are:

Rat

Ox

Tiger

Rabbit

Dragon

Snake

Horse

Sheep

Monkey

Rooster

Dog

Pig

There is an ancient Chinese legend regarding the ordering of the years. Apparently they arose from a contest between the animals as to who could cross a river first. The rat won by cheating and hitching a ride on the back of the Ox. The lazy pig came last.

The reaon there's no "Cat" is apparently because the Rat pushed him off the back of Ox and into the river. Cats have been trying to get their revenge on rats ever since.

Elements

The five elements are:

Wood

Fire

Earth

Metal

Water

"Metal" is sometimes referred to as "Gold", particularly in the case of the "Golden dragon".

Unlike the animals, the elements actually change every two years. The first year the element is said to be in its Yang form, the next in its Yin form.

As a result of this children born in 2006 were "Yang Fire Dog", children born in 2007 are "Yin Fire Pig". Remember that the Chinese New Year is not the same as the Western one and occurs late January or early February.

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