Chinese Astrology Wiki

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_astrology

Elements in Chinese Astrology

The Elements of the Chinese Zodiac


Wood
Fire
Earth
Metal
Water


The relationship between the five elements, wood, fire, water, metal and earth are a fundamental part of Chinese philosophy. Each element is in control of another element and is dependent upon another element, thus fostering an environment where each element is of equal strength.

Metal holds Water;
Water grows plants, thus creating wood;
Wood is burned, thus creating Fire;
Fire reduces to ash, thus settling into the Earth;
Earth is where from where metal is extracted.

This five year cyclical pattern is followed by the assignment of an element to a year, thus producing sixty possible sign combinations with a finer level of granularity to the analysis.

Through the Four Pillar analysis of our personalities, we discover that we are composed of a combination of 12 elements. It is this combination, coupled with our four signs that provide us the level of detail needed to fully understand ourselves.

http://www.firepig.com/AstrologyElement.aspx

Four Pillars of Chinese Astrology

One of the oldest forms of astrology is the type practiced by the Chinese that stretches back for many centuries. Chinese Astrology is extremely complex and difficult for the normal person to grasp deeply. Therefore most people simply focus on the characteristics of the animals in the Chinese Zodiac based on one's birth year. The twelve animals in the Chinese Zodiac are, in order, the rat or mouse, the ox or cow, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep or lamb, monkey, rooster or chicken, dog, and pig. But a Chinese Astrology reading conducted by an expert would go much deeper than explaining the traits of animal and delve into one's birth month, day, and hour.

In fact, the most popular form of Chinese Astrology readings are based on the Four Pillars of Destiny. The Four Pillars of Destiny originated and was popularized during the Tang Dynasty in China. It focused on leveraging a person's Chinese Zodiac for the core of the reading. Then a significant evolution occured during the Song Dynasty that uses the day stem instead of the year branch in predicting a person's fortune, health, wealth, life, and marriage. Today, the modifications that the Song Dynasty applied to Chinese Astrology is the foundation of the Four Pillars approach for the Chinese.

As one can imagine, a reading that applies the Four Pillars of Destiny method that takes into account birth hour, day, month, and year is much more detailed and accurate than a generic reading based solely on birth year. Yet it is this same daunting level of complexity that prevents the general populace from grasping and embracing the intricacies of the Four Pillars of Destiny method. Next time, learn to look beyond the basic rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig of the Chinese Zodiac when understanding one's true Chinese Astrology reading and fate.

http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Groshan_Fabiola

Explaining Chinese Astrology

Tweleve Signs make up the Chinese Zodiac. Legend has it, the twelve animals were summoned by Buddah to a race. The order in which they completed the race would determine the ranking order of the signs. In order to test the animals, Buddah charted the course across land and sea. The clever rat, knowing there was no chance for victory, surveyed the group of animals and decided that the best option was to climb onto the back of the ox who was capable of moving fast across land, strong enough to move through rough terrain, and could swim across water. Just as they neared the finish line, the Rat jumped off and thus became the first sign! Click on an animal on the right of the page to learn more about each of the twelve signs.

http://www.firepig.com/AstrologySignOverview.aspx

2009 Predictions for Dragon

The year of the Ox may slightly hinder the Dragon's independent spirit. There will be gains, but you may have to adapt to situations with different strategies than your usual style. There are three favorable months to provide periods of substantial progress, and you would do well to make the most of the opportunities offered.

You will have many situations socially that provide great joy throughout the year. The single Dragon will be happy to know that romance is favored this year, so you may find someone to share your experiences. Be conservative in your spending or it could result in problems next year.

2009 Predictions for Rat

The Rat may likely begin the year with a lot of momentum from the year of the Rat. Take an inventory for the next 12 months. Then, with some plans in mind, no matter what area of life, work purposefully toward obtaining those objectives.

One pitfall to avoid in the year of the Ox is overcommitting to engaging in too many activities at the same time. Self-discipline, careful planning, and applied effort are three wise methods that will lead to a successful year in 2009. For the persistent and conscientious Rat, the rewards of the year can prove substantial.

2009 Predictions for Tiger

From the outset, 2009 may present some true challenges for the Tiger. The year of the Ox presents an overwhelming influence upon the Tiger to maintain a steady and well-disciplined pace.

That is not to say that there won't be opportunities for achievement, but it would be more precise to say that this year will benefit the Tiger in the areas of experience, and laying a solid foundation for the year to come. You will have to be resourceful. Rely on your boldness and quick wit to ascertain anything in the year of the Ox.