February09

By Leean Lester

This month, let’s take a closer look at Chinese astrology. The basic concepts and intellectual spirit of Chinese astrology differs from the western system in many ways. Chinese astrology does not claim to be a predictive science, and it should not be taken as such. It is meant to be more of a method of practical philosophy, based on the idea that we can make the most of our unknowable fate by seeking to harmonize our thoughts and behaviors with the different forces and elements around us.

The purpose of this astrology is to provide a kind of music theory for living, and it is defined in set patterns of time, heavenly space, earthly space, and the relations among the thousands of things in the universe. In western astrology, things are assumed patterns and are determined by the stars. In Chinese astrology, all things must be in harmony, and it is believed that there are correspondences among the different realms and categories of existence. The principle of yin and yang is reflected in these correspondences and in the great balance of the universe. Another difference between the two systems of astrology is that the Chinese system is more of an interpretive science, helping map the many different behaviors of the human individual, whereas in Western astrology, the use of astronomical calculations is heavily used. 

In Chinese astrology, there are twelve animals and five elements associated with different personality types or “signs.” This gives a total of sixty possible types or cycles, as opposed to only twelve zodiac signs in western astrology.

Now each of the animals has a characteristic:

1)  the rat/mouse = child, new life, opportunities, success

2)  the ox = continuity, strength, sense of humor

3)  the tiger = reverence, idealism, respectfulness

4)  the hare/rabbit = self-sacrifice, found of children

5)  the dragon = an eclipse, concern with the occult

6)  the snake = thought , a schemer

7)  the horse = mid-day, ambition, may be a revolutionary

8)  the sheep/ram = waiting, patience, withdrawal from worldly matters

9)  the monkey = stretching, continual development, expansion

10) the rooster/cock = wine bottle, may tend to drink

11) the dog = a weapon , loyalty, defense

12) the pig/boar = darkness, privacy, obscurity

There are also four seasons and 28 star lodges used in the Chinese system. Spring represents the green dragon of the east, summer represents the red bird of the south, autumn represents the white tiger of the west, and winter represents the dark warrior of the north (turtle and snake).

Like western astrology, Chinese astrology also has “stars,” and they move in and out of places. This is known as the “star theory.”

There are seven main stars, and there is a starscape composed of 28 major constellations. Each constellation has its own associations with the yin yang balance and the five elements. These have come to be known as the lodges, or star-spirits. They move about the palaces and are ruled by the seven stars. Each of the palaces is associated with one of the twelve moons of the lunar calendar, which are known as the earthly branches and the 12 zodiac animals. 

Each personality type or “sign” in Chinese astrology is associated with one of the zodiac animals and also with an element. Here is a list of the elements that describes their attributes, associations, and correspondences. It also shows the “strongest” and “weakest” of the different animals for each element. 

Wood = governs the tiger (strongest wood), rabbit, dragon (weakest wood)

The east

 Spring

Azure dragon

The planet Jupiter 

The color green

Liver and gall bladder

Generous, warm, persuasive, co-operative, seeks to expand and grow

Idealistic, ethical, enthusiastic, seeks to explore

Fire = governs the snake, horse (strongest fire), ram (weakest fire)

The south

Summer

Vermilion bird

The planet Mars

The color red

Circulatory system and heart

Dynamic, humanitarian, enterprising, adventurous, restless

Competitive, leadership skills, strong, single-minded, loves a good laugh

Earth = governs dragon, sheep, dog, and ox. It is the central balance of the elements and can lend qualities to all twelve animals.

Center 

Three enclosures, change of seasons

The yellow dragon

The planet Saturn

The color yellow

Digestive system, spleen and stomach

Powerful, wise, patient, militaristic, prideful, prudent, stable, reliable, hard-working, ambitious, stubborn, seeks to conquer

Disciplined, rigid, controlling, tenacious, logical, governed by service and duty to others

Metal = governs the monkey, dragon (strongest metal), rooster, dog (weakest metal)

The West

Autumn

White tiger

The planet Venus

The color white

Determined, self-reliant, unyielding, strong, tenacious, forceful

Reserved, needs personal space, sophisticated, seeks pleasure, caring, respectful

Water = governs the rat (strongest water), ox, pig (weakest water)

The North

Winter

Black tortoise

The planet Mercury

The color black

Skeletal, excretory system and lungs

Secretive, self-destructive, charming, intuitive, deceptive, passive-aggressive, compassionate, sensitive, creative

Flexible, addictive, manipulative, compliant, eloquent, intellectual

Chinese Astrology Chart    Dates 1940 – 2010

 

 

I hope you are enjoying learning about Chinese astrology. Next month, we’ll take a more in-depth look at the elements as well as the animals and other aspects of this complex system. Until next time, may the spirits bless you and watch over you and yours!  

If you would like to have a chart prepared, contact me and mention this article for a $10.00 discount. Chart prices vary depending on how detailed of a chart you request and other factors. Contact me for details at the www.thepalmistrylady.com