The Chinese animal signs are a 12-year cycle used for dating the
years. They represent a cyclical concept of time, rather than the Western linear
concept of time. The Chinese Lunar Calendar is based on the cycles of the moon,
and is constructed in a different fashion than the Western solar calendar. In
the Chinese calendar, the beginning of the year falls somewhere between late
January and early February. The Chinese have adopted the Western calendar since
1911, but the lunar calendar is still used for festive occasions such as the
Chinese New Year. Many Chinese calendars will print both the solar dates and the
Chinese lunar dates.
Select your Chinese Zodiac below for the FREE brief
forecast in the Year of the Rat (2008-2009)
Mouse:
Born in 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996. Click
Here
for FREE brief forecast in the Year of the Rat (2008-2009)
Ox
(Buffalo):
Born in 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997.
Click Here
for FREE brief forecast in the Year of the Rat (2008-2009).
Tiger:
Born in 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998.
Click Here
for FREE brief forecast in the Year of the Rat (2008-2009).
Rabbit:
Born in 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999.
Click Here
for FREE brief forecast in the Year of the Rat (2008-2009).
Dragon:
Born in 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988.
Click Here
for FREE brief forecast in the Year of the Rat (2008-2009).
Snake:
Born in 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989.
Click Here
for FREE brief forecast in the Year of the Rat (2008-2009).
Horse: Born in 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990.
Click Here
for FREE brief forecast in the Year of the Rat (2008-2009).
Sheep (or Goat): Born in 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991. Click
Here
for FREE brief forecast in the Year of the Rat (2008-2009).
Monkey: Born in 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992. Click
Here
for FREE brief forecast in the Year of the Rat (2008-2009).
Rooster: Born in 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993. Click
Here
for FREE brief forecast in the Year of the Rat (2008-2009).
Dog: Born in
1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994. Click
Here
for FREE brief forecast in the Year of the Rat (2008-2009).
Pig: Born in 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995. Click
Here
for FREE brief forecast in the Year of the Rat (2008-2009).
Chinese cultures worldwide have a rich history in Chinese Zodiac -
the Chinese Horoscope (Chinese Astrology) and
spiritual methods of influencing the world around them. Everywhere is no
exception, and Chinese Zodiac - the Chinese Horoscope (Chinese Astrology) abounds in world.
Chinese Zodiac - the Chinese Horoscope (Chinese Astrology) methods vary widely, from the well-known Feng Shui
(geomancy) to the, Zi Wei Dou Shu, Bazi, I Ching (divination by eight diagrams)
to divination by features of the face. There is even Chinese palmistry - similar
and yet very different from it's Western counterpart. In the links above we have
basic details on the most common forms to be found in China.
The 12 animals are further flavored by the pervading element of that
particular year (elements also revolve as a separate cycle). It is said that
Buddha is responsible for the 12 animals as they were the only ones who came
to bid him farewell into the next 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
two 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.
The 12 Animal Signs are : Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit (or Cat), Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat (or Sheep), Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig. The animal ruling year in which you were born has a profound influence on your life. As the Chinese say, This is the animal that hides in your heart. There are five elements; Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water, each adding a nuance of almost tactile character to the animal sign. Chinese Astrology is based on the Chinese calendar year of your birth or the year of an event. There are also many more nuances involving the month and day.
According to Chinese legend, the twelve animals quarreled one day as to who
was to head the cycle of years. The gods were asked to decide and they held a
contest; whoever was to reach the opposite bank of the river would be first,
and the rest of the animals would receive their years according to their
finish. All the twelve animals gathered at the river bank and jumped in.
Unknown to the ox, the rat had jumped upon his back. As the ox was about to
jump ashore, the rat jumped off the ox's back, and won the race. The pig, who
was very lazy, ended up last. That is why the rat is the first year of the
animal cycle, the ox second, and the pig last.
The Chinese animal signs are a 12-year cycle used for dating the years. They
represent a cyclical concept of time, rather than the Western linear concept
of time. In the Chinese calendar, the beginning of the year falls somewhere
between late January and early February. The Chinese have adopted the Western
calendar since 1911, but the lunar calendar is still used for festive
occasions such as the Chinese New Year. Many Chinese calendars will print both
the solar dates and the Chinese lunar dates.
The Chinese Zodiac - the
Chinese Horoscope (Chinese Astrology) method of ascertaining the future is based upon a
long known correlation of human and natural events and is accomplished
symbolically by means of fortune sticks. Using both hands, the fortune teller holds a bamboo or leather container
containing numbered sticks and shakes it, causing one of the sticks to rise and
fall out. The number on the stick is cross-referenced with ancient texts to
obtain a fortune.
These fortunes are generally short poems or rhymes and generally indicate the
possibilities and general conditions which lie ahead, not specific details about
events. This in turn helps people order their lives to meet or prepare for those
conditions. The particular Chinese Zodiac - the Chinese Horoscope (Chinese
Astrology) indicates but does not
guarantee your future. Just as a road signs points your way, but you must decide
and travel the route yourself. These Chinese Zodiac - the Chinese Horoscope
(Chinese Astrology) make great gifts and are fabulous coffee table
conversation pieces. Chinese Zodiac - the Chinese Horoscope (Chinese Astrology) is located at www.FengShuiFortuneTelling.com. So come and see what lies in your future with
Chinese Zodiac - the Chinese Horoscope (Chinese Astrology).
