Introduction to the Chinese Zodiac

Nearly everyone who has ever eaten at a Chinese restaurant is familiar with the basic concepts of the Chinese zodiac as explained on the all-to-familiar paper placements. However, there is more to this ancient astrology than can be properly covered in a placement.

The Chinese Zodiac is a combination of astronomy and traditional Chinese philosophy that dates as far back into history as the Zhou dynasty (1046-256 B.C.). It is a complex tradition that includes a balance of yin and yang energies, the five elements of the Earth, and the twelve animal signs.

Unlike Western astrology, the 12 animal signs are for an entire lunar year and change at the Chinese New Year, instead of each month. Remember, the Chinese New Year is not the same as the Gregorian calendar and the date changes from year to year anytime from January to February.

The Heavenly Stems

The first cycle of Chinese astrology is called the Heavenly Stem and is associated with the yin or yang properties of the five earthly elements: wood, fire, earth, metal and water.

Yin energy is yielding energy associated with feminine characteristics and represents darkness and passiveness. Yang energy is active energy associated with masculine characteristics and represents lightness and aggression. These two energies balance each other to create a harmonious universe.

The five elements as used in Chinese astrology do not appear by themselves and are always described as yin or yang. This is because there is a constructive and destructive cycle of elements. It’s almost like a cosmic version of the childhood game ‘rock, paper scissors’. Once again, it comes back to balance. The creative cycle is what allows each element to support the other element, while the destructive cycle is what allows one element to limit another element and correct any imbalances in power.

The Earthly Branches

The Earthly Branches, or animal zodiac, is what Westerners commonly associate with Chinese horoscopes and have a different animal representing each different year. While the specific animal may change depending on the country, the order is always Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit (or cat), Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat (sheep or ram), Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig. Unlike the Heavenly branches where there is a yin and yang year for each element, each animal is either yin or yang and that doesn’t change.

Before you get too excited that it’s the upcoming year is your sign, you should know that it is considered to be bad luck and indicates a challenging year ahead for you. However, the beauty of the Chinese zodiac is that you can just wait out a difficult year and hope for better luck, or an easier time next year.

The important thing to remember while you embark on your study of Chinese astrology is that at its core, it always comes back to Chinese philosophy and the importance of acceptance and balance. Understanding the energies and elements that drive you is the first step in accepting who you are and not fighting against your nature. That acceptance will help you regain balance through the inevitable ups and downs of life.