Chinese Zodiac

Most people’s understanding of the Chinese Zodiac Calendar doesn’t extend beyond what they see on the paper placemats that cover the tables of their favorite Chinese restaurants. But there really is much more to know about this doctrine that dates back more than 2,000 years.

Most Chinese Zodiac Calendar discussions focus only on the 12 animals. According to legend, these were the animals that appeared before Buddha (or the Jade Emperor, depending on the story) in response to an invitation. The 12 animals of the Chinese Zodiac represent the order of each animal’s arrival. The legends depicting each animal’s journey differ slightly, but the order that prevails is as follows: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, ram, monkey, rooster, dog and pig.

What does Chinese Feng Shui have to do with the Chinese Zodiac? More than you probably realize. Both Feng Shui and the Chinese Zodiac are based in part on the interactions of the 5 elements on one’s destiny. These 5 elements of metal, water, wood, fire and Earth have been a driving force in Chinese culture for thousands of years.
What is Feng Shui?

Astrology has for years played a significant role in Chinese culture. The depiction on a circular chart of 12 different animals representing the 12-year cycle of the Chinese lunar calendar was built on the foundation of astronomy and Chinese astrology which has itself been in existence for over 5,000 years. Not nearly as old as Chinese astrology in general, the Chinese Zodiac is believed to have come into existence during second millennium. Even though it is thousands of years old, the Chinese Zodiac is one of the most recognizable symbols associated with Chinese culture today.

Much of Chinese philosophy is built around the belief in the five elements and their abilities to interact with and create relationships between natural phenomena. The five elements have been part of Chinese culture almost from the beginning. Interestingly, few people outside the Asian world understand the importance of the five elements, especially how each relates to the workings of the Chinese Zodiac.

The five elements of wood, fire, Earth, metal and water are associated with five major planets in the Solar System: Jupiter, Mars, Saturn, Venus and Mercury respectively. The five elements are naturally-occurring phenomena and they’re believed to have both a generating and an overcoming influence on one another. For example, wood generates fire, water generates wood, water overcomes fire, fire overcomes metal, etc.
Other correlating factors of the five elements

Personality

Occupying the 10th position in the Chinese Zodiac, the Rooster symbolizes such character traits as confidence, pompousness and motivation. Those born under the Chinese Zodiac sign of the Rooster are loyal, trustworthy individuals who are blunt when it comes to offering their opinions. Their bluntness stems not from being mean but from being honest; a trait which Roosters expect from others.

Roosters are extremely sociable and prefer being the center of attention, always bragging about themselves and their accomplishments. They continually seek the unwavering attention of others which can be annoying. Roosters are as proud of their homes as they are of themselves. They’re extremely organized individuals as evidenced by the fact that their homes are always neat.
Health

Personality

Occupying the 9th position on the Chinese Zodiac, the Monkey possesses such character traits as curiosity, mischievousness, and cleverness. Forever playful, Monkeys are the masters of practical jokes. Even though their intentions are always good, this desire to be a prankster has a tendency to create ill will and hurt feelings.

Although they are inherently intellectual and creative, Monkeys at times have trouble exhibiting these qualities. When that happens, they appear to others to be confused. But nothing could be further from the truth as Monkeys thrive on being challenged. Monkeys prefer urban life to rural, and their favorite pastime is people-watching.
Health

Personality

Occupying the 8th position in the Chinese Zodiac, the Goat (or Sheep) symbolizes such character traits as creativity, intelligence, dependability, and calmness. Comfortable being alone to ponder the workings of their inner minds, Goats enjoy being part of a group, but prefer the sidelines rather than the center. Their nurturing personality makes Goats excellent care-givers. They’re quite and reserved because they spend much time absorbed in their thoughts.

Home and alone is where Goats feel most comfortable. There they can express themselves artistically, whether it’s by painting, cooking or participating in whatever artistic endeavors they enjoy. Goats prefer the couch because there they can relax and explore their minds. They don’t need elaborate furnishings; only items reflecting their desire for art.

Year Of The Tiger

1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998

Tigers, considered to be brave, cruel, forceful and terrifying, are the symbol of power and lordliness. In ancient times, people usually compared emperors or grandees with the tiger. Court officials often said that ‘accompanying the emperor is just like being at the side of a tiger‘. There are also many legends on hunting tigers dealing with struggling against evil might.