An unlikely gathering The most well-known of the Chinese zodiac legends states that Buddha invited the animals to participate in a race. The prize was a coveted position on the Chinese Zodiac calendar. The first 12 animals to cross the river would appear on the Chinese Zodiac calendar in the order in which they completed the race. The first animal to make it across the finish line according to Chinese Zodiac legends and mythology was the rat. It seems unlikely that such a small animal could win such a strenuous race, especially when one considers all the contenders. Chinese Zodiac legends and mythology explains that the rat used his brain rather than his brawn. It hitched a ride on what it perceived was the mightiest swimmer. Just before the buffalo reached the shore, the rat jumped off the buffalo’s back and crossed the finish line before the buffalo, putting the rat in first place. The buffalo came in second and as promised in the legends and mythology, was the second animal listed on the Chinese Zodiac. The tiger, also being strong, came in third, followed by the rabbit that jumped his way across and was helped during the last stretch by the dragon. A snake hid in the hoof of the horse which is how it managed to make it across the river. At the last minute the snake jumped out and scared the horse into seventh place. The sheep, monkey and rooster helped one another across and earned their spots on the calendar as well. The dog made it too, but decided a bath was more important than the position which is why it came in eleventh. Finally, the pig appeared and is listed last. According to Chinese Zodiac legends and mythology, the pig feasted and rested half-way through the race, but made it across guaranteeing its position.

A small gathering The history of the Chinese Zodiac weaves another intriguing tale. This one tells of an invitation to a grand feast. All the animals were invited to join Buddha at either a birthday celebration, a New Year celebration, or a celebration for his departure from this world. Only 12 animals showed up at the festivities and that’s how they ended up being featured on the Chinese Zodiac calendar. Another of the legends of the Chinese Zodiac states that instead of Buddha, it was the Jade Emperor who invited the animals. Regardless of the specific version of Chinese Zodiac history to which you subscribe, the Chinese Zodiac has amazed and entertained people around the world for thousands of years.

Older than 2,000 years? Although Buddha is a main character in the stories about the origin of the Chinese Zodiac, there is evidence that the Chinese Zodiac predates the era of Buddhism. The 12 earthly branches, which is a system devised by early Chinese astronomers for reckoning time, existed long before Buddhism was established. These astronomers closely monitored the orbit of the planet Jupiter which they referred to as the “Year Star.” After extensive study, they realized that Jupiter’s orbit occurred every 12 years. That’s probably why the Chinese Zodiac is based on a system of years, not months. Other evidence that the origin of the Chinese Zodiac predates Buddhism is use of the 10 heavenly stems. This is an early cycle numbering system developed and used during the Shang Dynasty (1600 BC – 1027 BC). The 10 heavenly stems system is based on the belief that 10 heavenly suns each appeared in 10-day cycles. Each cycle was given a name and the names were supposedly based on the clans that made up the ruling class at that time. Regardless of the origin of the Chinese Zodiac, its future as a fun and effective method of determining one’s destiny is likely to live on for years!

Chinese Zodiac Elements – Five Elements 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 Along with these generating and overcoming forces, the five elements of the Chinese Zodiac are also correlated with direction, color, season, body parts, tastes, and senses. Wood, for example correlates to the direction East, the season of Spring, the color blue or green, the taste of sour, the sense of sight, and the body parts gall bladder, liver and ring finger. The other four elements likewise have their own correlations. The characteristics of the five elements, metal, wood, fire, water and Earth, impact the twelve animals of the Chinese Zodiac by assigning different characteristics to the animals. Since the twelve animals of the Chinese Zodiac actually represent a period of time, in this case a year (the 12 branches), assigning one of the five elements to each of the twelve years (12 branches) actually creates 60 different combinations. Rather than operating in 12-year cycles, the Chinese Zodiac is actually based on a system of 60-year cycles. Another important concept in Chinese philosophy is Yin and Yang or the ability to compare as well as balance that which exists in life such as day and night, and femininity and masculinity. The concepts of Yin and Yang also affect the five elements and the Chinese Zodiac by assigning opposing forces or characteristics to each. There’s a Yin wood and a Yang wood, a Yin metal and a Yang metal, and so on.

Five elements plus Yin and Yang When Yin and Yang are applied to the five elements, there now becomes a total of ten elements or 10 stems, with each stem having an alternate reading. As it relates to the Chinese Zodiac, odd years are Yin years and even years are Yang. The workings of Chinese Zodiac are confusing, but to summarize… The Chinese believe your birth year does not represent your age but rather your position within this 60-year cycle. The animal traits as well as the additions of Yin and Yang and the five elements are what combine to determine “good” years and “bad,” “great” fortune and “misfortune,” “good” ages and “bad” and all the other lifestyle details that have enabled the Chinese Zodiac to be relied upon as a powerful tool of determining one’s destiny.

Chinese Astrology 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. Unlike astronomy, which is more scientific, Chinese astrology can best be described as an art form. It’s the belief that the location of different celestial bodies has a profound and direct impact on that which occurs naturally on Earth and to all human beings. Early Chinese astrologers believed that the combination of a person’s time of birth, including the corresponding birth day, birth month and birth year could reveal much about that person’s destiny as well as that person’s personality traits, career choices, compatibility and incompatibility with others, and overall health and lifestyle. The appearance of the 12 animals came about during the time when the Chinese writing system was being developed. Early Chinese astronomers based a system of reckoning time on the orbit of the planet Jupiter, what they referred to as the Year Star. It took Jupiter 12 years to complete its orbit which is why most measurement of time is based on the number 12. It was at that point in history that Chinese astrologists began to create the horoscopes, or life predictions, that they based on the various birth cycle combinations. And although legends abound as to the appearance of animals on the Chinese Zodiac, the reality of their appearance is simple: it was easier for the Chinese people to recall that which each of the 12 animals represented than it was to understand the complex relationships between the 12 branches, the 10 heavenly stems, the 5 elements, and the opposing forces of yin and yang.

Chinese Zodiac Chart: Inner animals and secret animals Along with birth year animals, the Chinese Zodiac also represents inner animals and secret animals. We’re probably all aware of the 12 animals or signs depicted on the Chinese Zodiac. Based on our year of birth, we understand that we’re born under the sign of the Dog, or the Ox, or one of the 10 other signs. But the truth is it’s the inner animals and the secret animals that actually tell the most about who we really are and what our futures hold. The 12 animals or signs of the Chinese Zodiac are associated with a person’s birth year, and the animals repeat every 12 years. The inner animals and the secret animals are associated with a person’s birth month (of which there are 12) and a person’s hour of birth (of which there are also 12 as they are calculated as 2-hour increments), respectively. When combined, the 12 animals, the 5 elements, the 12 birth months and 12 birth 2-hour segments create 8,640 different personality combinations! To make this easier to understand, the animal representing your birth year determines the “outer” you. The animal representing your birth month determines your “inner” you; the person you wish you could be. And the animal representing your time of birth determines your “secret” you; the person you are but that you prevent the rest of the world from knowing about. When you look to the Chinese Zodiac and determine that you’re born under the sign of the Goat, for example, what you may not realize is that you’re not just one but actually a combination of 3 different Chinese Zodiac animals! To truly understand who you are, you’ve got to combine the qualities of these 3 animals. It’s this combination that helps determine your uniqueness.

What the Inner Animal determines As mentioned above, your inner animal on the Chinese Zodiac is a representation of the type of person you believe you are or that you wish you could be. In addition, your inner animal helps determine which of the other animals you are and are not compatible with. What the Secret Animal determines The secret animal is thought to be a person’s truest representation, since this animal is determined by the smallest denominator: a person’s birth hour. The Chinese Zodiac is based on astrology so those 2-hour increments of time coincide with the position of the sun in the sky; not the time your local clock. The sun’s position isn’t guided by daylight savings time or Greenwich mean time so be sure you’re calculating your birth time accurately or you may end up with the wrong secret animal. Next time you’re using the Chinese Zodiac to foretell your future, remember that much of the information will be based on your inner animal and secret animal!

Chinese Zodiac Feng Shui 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? Feng Shui is based in the belief that creation of the “perfect” internal and external environment can cure both the body and the soul. Consequently, only when the body and soul are in harmony can a person be most successful. The basic principles involved with Feng Shui include the 5 elements, yin and yang, compass positions, the environment and the solar system. The Chinese Zodiac relies on the positioning of heavenly bodies as well as the interaction of the 5 elements, yin and yang, the 12 branches and the 10 heavenly stems. Chinese Feng Shui attempts to harness the Earth’s good fortune in an effort to determine one’s destiny. It is not superstition as some believe. It is very real and homeowners and business owners alike are seeking Feng Shui experts to help create environments that eliminate negative energy or “Chi” and promote positive energy. Those who practice Feng Shui have seen their success and their profits soar.

The importance of birth information The Chinese horoscope is integral to the workings of Chinese Feng Shui which is why the first step requires that the individual requesting Feng Shui provide his date, location and time of birth. The birth year will correspond with one of the 8 numbers representing the 8 different compass directions. These 8 numbers are called Patzu. With this information, the Feng Shui expert uses a specialized tool called the Ba Gua. It’s an octagon-shaped chart, the bottom of which is positioned at the front door of space to be worked on. The chart helps determine the positioning of the different colors, water sources and other elements that will be used in the space as well as the overall positioning of the furnishings within that space. Feng Shui also involves incorporating certain objects made out of specific materials because having such items is another way of ensuring good fortune. The Chinese horoscope is consulted to determine more specific details about the different objects and materials that should be included in the room design to promote the most positive energy. Based on the traits of each of the 12 animals, calculation of the elements deemed most suitable for that individual including colors, numbers and proper positioning (north, south, east or west) can be further determined. The underlying principles of Chinese Feng Shui and the Chinese Zodiac are somewhat difficult to comprehend and implement properly. If you’re interested, the best approach is to find someone who understands how the different principles interact with one another and allow that person to “Feng Shui” your space. Then, after a few months, you can decide for yourself whether or not you feel more positive energy in your life!

Chinese Zodiac Rat * Personality Occupying the 1st and most prominent position on the Chinese Zodiac, the Rat symbolizes such character traits as wit, imagination and curiosity. Rats have keen observation skills and with those skills they’re able to deduce much about other people and other situations. Overall, Rats are full of energy, talkative and charming but they have a tendency to become aggressive. Rats are full of good advice but they will never share their troubles with others. They are honest individuals and they enjoy living for the moment. They’re also capable of surviving any situation. * Health Overall Rats enjoy good health. They’re very active which helps keep them in shape and able to fight off sickness. They can at times be tense, aggressive, and full of nervous energy, conditions which can lead to stress. Regular exercise designed to calm will benefit Rats. * Career Extremely perceptive and wise, Rats can focus on the big picture. That ability along with their good judgement enables Rats to solve problems before they arise. Rats focus on titles because titles translate into status and money; two motivating forces. Rats make excellent bosses. Routine halts their creativity so Rats need flexible positions that allow creativity. Good career choices include: administrator, director, manager, entrepreneur, broadcaster, writer, musician, stand-up comedian, politician, lawyer, researcher, and race car driver.

* Relationships Rats are very charming. They enjoy social activities and because they’re out a lot, they’re always meeting new people. They aren’t good at breaking off relationships however, and this presents problems going forward with new relationships. Anyone hoping to partner with a Rat must be able to keep up with the Rat’s active nature. Rats and the 5 elements * Metal Rats – Years 1900 and 1960 Metal Rats are strong-willed individuals who are determined to get what they want, regardless of the cost. Intensively emotional, their behavior can border on extreme. Possessive feelings, envy and rage can cause problems. Relationships can be problematic as Metal Rats are obstinate. * Water Rats – Years 1912 and 1972 Water Rats are extremely influential. They’re smart and insightful which makes them excellent at problem-solving. Practical and understanding, Water Rats interact well with and are liked by others. * Wood Rats – Years 1924 and 1984 Not nearly as self-confident as they appear on the surface, Wood Rats will never expose this vulnerability to others. They’re successful despite their perpetual fear of failing. Wood Rats enjoy being with friends and family and fortunately for them, feelings of love and respect are mutual. * Fire Rats – Years 1936 and 1996 Fire Rats enjoy being spontaneous. They enjoy travelling and taking on new tasks and will take on practically any new project or adventure simply to avoid any sense of routine and monotony. They’re zestful, spirited, and giving individuals who are well-liked by others. * Earth Rats – Years 1948 and 2008 Earth Rats prefer a sense of stability, digging in and putting down roots early to help ensure a successful future. They believe that slow and steady is the best approach. Being spontaneous is an inbred trait, but this type of behaviour does not suit Earth Rats. * Compatibility Rats are compatible with a Dragon and Monkey and incompatible with a Horse and Rabbit.

Chinese Zodiac Ox * Personality Occupying the 2nd position on the Chinese Zodiac, Oxen possess such character traits as dependability, strength and determination. Oxen are tolerant individuals who believe that the road to success involves hard work and scrupulous behaviour; they don’t believe in taking shortcuts. They characterize those who don’t work hard as lazy individuals not worthy of respect. Oxen are capable of trusting others and will listen to their opinions with an open mind. However, Oxen prefer making decisions that are based on their own research. Oxen favour strong, life-long alliances to casual acquaintances. Home is where Oxen go to seek comfort, occasionally watching television or reading. They prefer the rural outdoors and spend the majority of their “home” time working in the garden or caring for the yard. * Health Oxen are strong individuals who overall are healthy and live long, fulfilled lives. However, they tend to work too much, rarely allowing themselves enough time to relax. Oxen could benefit from incorporating more non work related activity into their lives. * Career Oxen prefer work that is routine. They take a methodological approach to their tasks and excel in jobs that are specialized. Oxen possess a keen eye for detail and an admirable work ethic. They are more productive when allowed to work alone. Good career choices for oxen include : interior designer, painter, carpenter, quarry worker, archaeologist, horticulturist, mechanic, engineer, draftsman, banker, broker, real estate agent and army officer.

Relationships Oxen aren’t very sociable and rarely participate in group activities. They abhor small talk and won’t waste their time flirting. They will search long and hard for the perfect partner as change makes them uncomfortable. Whether due to an ox’s tendency to be overbearing or tendency to place blame on others, relationships with Oxen don’t always work out. When Oxen realize that partnerships involve two people and two points of view, satisfying matches are possible. Oxen and the 5 elements * Metal Ox – Years 1901 and 1961 Like metal, these Oxen are amazingly strong. They’re extremely hard-working individuals who will do whatever is necessary to achieve their goals. They’re trustworthy, dependable individuals who are not likely to show emotion. They have difficulty interpreting the feelings of others. * Water Ox – Years 1913 and 1973 Water Oxen are much more flexible, and because of this quality, they’re better able to understand what others are thinking and feeling. They’re sincere, patient, quick-thinking and others enjoy being around them. * Wood Ox – Years 1925 and 1985 Wood Oxen work well as part of a team, but because of their work ethic, self-confidence and strong sense of morals, they’ll always perform better as the team’s leader. They do have a tendency to be quick-tempered and outspoken. * Fire Ox – Years 1937 and 1997 Fire Oxen are natural born leaders. In fact, they’ll often hold positions of importance at work and in the community. They have short fuses and tend to react impulsively instead of considering the opinion of others. * Earth Ox – Years 1949 and 2009 Earth Oxen are successful individuals, probably because they are diligent rather than impulsive. A more modest approach combined with their reliability and sincerity makes them more likeable. * Compatibility Oxen are compatible with a Rat and Rooster and incompatible with a Tiger and Horse.

Chinese Zodiac Tiger * Personality Occupying the 3rd position on the Chinese Zodiac, the Tiger symbolizes such character traits as bravery, competitiveness and unpredictability. Tigers love to be challenged and will accept any challenge if it means protecting a loved one or protecting their honour. They don’t worry about the outcome because they know they’ll always land on their feet. Don’t let their calm appearance fool you though; Tigers will pounce when they feel it’s necessary. Born to lead, Tigers can be stubborn if they realize they’re not in charge. They have a slight tendency to be selfish but overall, Tigers are extremely generous. They’re very intelligent and they’re always on alert. Tigers are very charming and are well-liked by others. They are not motivated by money or power. * Health As they do their enemies, Tigers have a tendency to pounce on their work. Afterwards, they’re left feeling exhausted. Although they’ll soon bounce right back, over time this approach can cause problems with their health. Tigers need to develop a more balanced approach to life so they can utilize their energy more efficiently. * Career Tigers have a continual need to be challenged which may explain why they jump from job to job. This isn’t necessarily a problem because they’re smart and able to quickly master new subjects. The best jobs for Tigers are those that will lead them towards positions of leadership. Some suitable careers for Tigers include: advertising agent, office manager, travel agent, actor, writer, artist, pilot, flight attendant, musician, comedian and chauffeur.

* Relationships Creative in their passion, Tigers will never bore their partners. They’re expressive, polite and trustworthy, but watch out. Tigers tend to dominate their relationships. This tendency is instinctive and when monitored closely, such behaviour can be kept under control. Partners need to be equally active to keep up with the Tiger’s sense of adventure. Tigers and the 5 elements * Metal Tiger – Years 1950 and 2010 Assertive, competitive and sharp, once Metal Tigers set their sights on their goals there’s no stopping them. They’ll always do what’s necessary to remain at the center of attention. Metal Tigers tend to jump to conclusions; a behavior they need to work at improving. * Water Tiger – Years 1902 and 1962 Water Tigers are sensitive and tranquil. They realize that other people have worthy opinions too. They’re very intuitive which makes them good at accurately judging different situations. * Wood Tiger – Years 1914 and 1974 Not feeling the need to be in charge, Wood Tigers work well with others. Others enjoying being around Wood Tigers because they’re very giving individuals. They’re compassionate and willing to do whatever is necessary to help others. * Fire Tiger – Years 1926 and 1986 Expressive, vibrant and a bit eccentric, Fire Tigers are always looking at the positive side of every situation. Because they’re able to generate excitement in others, they’re considered excellent leaders. When Fire Tigers speak, others listen – and do what they’re told! * Earth Tiger – Years 1938 and 1998 More grounded in reality, Earth Tigers don’t get carried away by the circumstances of their situations. Instead, they sit back and evaluate all angles before jumping in. They’re able to stay focused on their tasks; a trait that helps ensure success. * Compatibility Tigers are compatible with a Dog and a Horse and are incompatible with a Goat and an Ox.

Chinese Zodiac Rabbit * Personality Occupying the 4th position in the Chinese Zodiac, the Rabbit symbolizes such character traits as creativity, compassion, and sensitivity. Rabbits are friendly, outgoing and prefer the company of others. They also prefer to avoid conflict. In confrontational situations, Rabbits approach calmly and with consideration for the other party. Rabbits believe strongly in friends and family and lacking such bonds can lead to emotional issues. Their serene nature keeps Rabbits from becoming visibly upset. Because they’re serene animals, Rabbits are easily taken advantage of. Their sensitive nature makes them shy away from aggressive or competitive situations. They’re overall conservative and not interested in taking risks. Classy, sophisticated, expressive, well-mannered and stylish, those born under the Sign of the Rabbit enjoy leaning about cultural issues and learning about people from other countries. Rabbits are most comfortable being home, and their homes are always neat and organized. Home is also where Rabbits prefer to entertain. Rabbits are conservative in their decorating tastes. Rabbits should work at building more self-confidence and self-worth so they can feel more secure. The desire for remaining in safe, comfortable environments keeps Rabbits from taking risks which sometimes causes them to miss out on good opportunities. * Health Even though Rabbits don’t usually get visibly upset or stressed, they do tend to keep these feelings inside. When they don’t express these feelings, such feeling can cause Rabbits to become ill. Rabbits could benefit from more everyday activity which would reduce their stress levels and better their health. * Relationships Rabbits are very sexual, but tend to give more of themselves than they should. This can lead to unrealistic expectations and unhealthy situations. Rabbits need partners who won’t take advantage of their giving nature. Such pairings will be strong. * Career Rabbits are articulate and good communicators which is why friends and acquaintances seek out their advice. It’s also why Rabbits make excellent diplomats and politicians. Other good careers for Rabbits include: writer, publisher, actor, fashion designer, therapist, doctor, administrator, public relations, and teacher.

Rabbits and the 5 elements * Metal Rabbits – Years 1951 and 2011 Metal gives Rabbits more strength, resilience and determination. Metal Rabbits are more intense in their actions, whether they’re work-related or romantic. * Water Rabbits – Years 1903 and 1963 Like the currents, Water Rabbits prefer to go with the flow, avoiding conflict at all costs, even in situations that are bothersome. It’s easy to take advantage of Water Rabbits. They’re very supportive of others. * Wood Rabbits – Years 1915 and 1975 Wood Rabbits occupy their time doing for others; always feeling the need to make others content. This generosity is easy for others to take advantage of and sometimes Water Rabbits don’t even realize is happening. * Fire Rabbits – Years 1927 and 1987 Fire adds spark to the Rabbit’s personality and all that Fire Rabbits do. Fire compels Rabbits to seek new adventures. Prone to tantrums, Fire Rabbits prefer to avoid conflict. * Earth Rabbits – Years 1939 and 1999 Earth Rabbits are grounded in reality. Their advice can be harsh, but honest. Home life is important to Earth Rabbits as are money and material goods. * Compatibility The Rabbit is most compatible with the Pig and Dog and incompatible with the Rooster and Rat.

Chinese Zodiac Dragon * Personality Occupying the 5th position in the Chinese Zodiac, the Dragon is the mightiest of the signs. Dragons symbolize such character traits as dominance and ambition. Dragons prefer to live by their own rules and if left on their own, are usually successful. They’re driven, unafraid of challenges, and willing to take risks. They’re passionate in all they do and they do things in grand fashion. Unfortunately, this passion and enthusiasm can leave Dragons feeling exhausted and interestingly, unfulfilled. While Dragons frequently help others, rarely will they ask for help. Others are attracted to Dragons, especially their colorful personalities, but deep down, Dragons prefer to be alone. Perhaps that is because they’re most successful when working alone. Their preference to be alone can come across as arrogance or conceitedness, but these qualities aren’t applicable. Dragons have tempers that can flare fast! * Health Considering their hard-working nature, Dragons are healthy overall. They do get stressed and suffer from periodic tension/headaches, likely because they take so many risks. Dragons could benefit from incorporating mild activity into their lives. Yoga or walking would be good as these activities can work both their minds and their bodies. Career Dragons prefer leading to being led. Jobs that allow them to express their creativity are good choices. Some good careers include: inventor, manager, computer analyst, lawyer, engineer, architect, broker, and sales person. * Relationships Dragons will give into love, but won’t give up their independence. Because they have quick, sometimes vengeful tempers, their partners need to be tough-skinned. Dragons enjoy others who are intriguing, and when they find the right partners, they’ll usually commit to that person for life.