Introduction
to Chinese Astrology
This ancient Chinese philosophy is currently
becoming very popular in the western world. The origins of
the twelve animal signs is unclear, however, it is thought
that Buddha (563-483 BC) invited every animal on the planet
to visit him, but only twelve actually went to meet him.
In order to thank them for their visit, Buddha named a year
after each of them in the order that they had arrived. The
cycle of animals, based on the lunar year is repeated every
twelve years.
Finding Your Sign
Unlike Western philosophy, Chinese astrology
places its emphasis on the year of birth, rather than a particular
star position. Another difference in the two cultures is that
the Western calendar is based on the solar year, the time
it takes the Earth to travel around the Sun. The Chinese calendar
is different as it is based on the Lunar year, that is to
say, the amount of times it takes the Moon to orbit the Earth.
The Chinese New Year is usually celebrated sometime between
the 24th January and the 18th February.
The table below gives the years associated
with the appropriate animal.
Then, scroll down and click your sign's
symbol.
