Chinese astrology

This ancient perspective on our modern lives comes from the ancient Oriental art of divination and character reading. The first cycle of this Zodiac was introduced in 2637 BC by Emperor Huang Ti. This 'art form' developed as the Chinese writing system emerged and joined with philosophy. Some fascinating insights into a persons character, lifestyle, and emotional makeup are revealed.

The roots of this interpretive art, are based deeply in the classical philosophy of Confucius, Lao-tse and the Yi Jing (I Ching). According to Chinese legend, the order of the twelve signs was determined by Buddha, upon celebration of the Chinese New Year (which falls on different dates, from mid-January to mid-February.) The Buddha invited all of the animals in the kingdom together for a meeting, but only 12 creatures attended.

The first animal to arrive was the talkative Rat (who was aggressive enough to jump off the back of the Ox in order to be the #1 arrival) next in place #2, came the serious, enduring and hard-working Ox with the honorable Tiger, and cautious Cat. The outspoken Dragon joined the others, along with the philosophical Snake. The physically active Horse arrived with the artistic Goat. The spirited Monkey and the showy Rooster came as well. The last to join the others was the watchful Dog and the meticulous, resigned Pig. Buddha gave each animal a year of its own, bestowing the nature and characteristics of each to those born in that animals year.

Chinese Zodiac uses 12 animal signs to predict people's fortune. The twelve animals are Rat, Cow, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Chicken, Dog and Pig. The 12 Chinese zodiac signs are determined by people's birth year. Most of Internet Chinese horoscope sites use Chinese New Year Day to determine the Chinese zodiac sign, which is wrong.

The first day of the Chinese astrological year is the first day of the Tiger Month (Start of Spring). The Tiger Month begins around February 4, each year. If you were born before February 7, then you should check Your Chinese Zodiac Sign first before reading your Chinese zodiac 2010. The simplest way to prove Chinese zodiac signs not determined by Chinese New Year Day is to see your Chinese Astrology Birth Chart using your birthday and birth time.

Besides using astrology animal signs basic fighting and attraction relationships, Chinese zodiac also uses Chinese astrology constellations, which are the way ancient Chinese grouped the stars in the sky, to predict the coming fortune. More than 100 stars are using in the Chinese zodiac. The common use ones are about 60. Each star has a different characteristics. Basically, they can be divided into Lucky Stars and Unlucky Stars, which are the major factors to predict people good or bad luck in the coming year.