The ancient Chinese people developed a sophisticated
science of astrology that continues to have profound influence in China today.
Rooted in the fundamentals of Taoism, it evolved into a system vastly different
from Western astrology. Rather than determining personality by the time of year
in which you were born, in Taoist astrology it is the year itself that
determines your character. The years form a twelve-year cycle of signs,
each named after an animal. Each Lunar Year is depicted by a
characteristic animal trait. Your birth year and hour of birth determine your
dominant animal sign and characteristic natural element. Additionally,
your personality depends on which of the five traditional Taoist elements you
were born under - fire, earth, metal, water, or wood. This makes for a cycle of
sixty unique signs.
The twelve branches of the zodiac
are as follows: Rat, Ox, Tiger,
Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster,
Dog and Pig. It is said that
it was not until the time of Buddha that the names of animals were utilized in
Oriental Astrology. Buddha's life came to an end beneath a gingko tree,
while Buddha was in deep mediation. Buddha had lived a major part of His life
under this tree, teaching and spreading the words of His wisdom. Just before he
made his transition from His earthly body, having spent His life communing with
nature, an important part of His philosophy, Buddha sent out telepathic thoughts
to the animal kingdom. Some animals received His thoughts and came forth
to pay homage to the departing One. In all, twelve animals came into the
compound and they arrived in this order: the rat, the ox, the tiger, the rabbit,
the dragon (lizard), the snake, the horse, the goat, the monkey, the rooster,
the dog, and the pig. For their respectful homage, each of the animals was
rewarded by having one of the twelve astrological signs (and corresponding
constellations) named after them.
Click on sun to return to Chinese Zodiac front page.
We accept ALL major credit cards.
Use our easy on line shopping cart and your order will arrive quickly to your doorstep!
CHINESE ZODIAC