| The Chinese Zodiac is thousands of years old and easily predates its Western
counterpart. Even today, millions of believers across the globe consult the Chinese Zodiac
regularly. While Western Astrology is based upon the months of the year, Chinese
Astrology is based upon a twelve year lunar cycle. Your sign is determined by the year in
which you were born (to be accurate you must use a Chinese calendar). Each sign and those
born under it, are represented by one of twelve animals, and are ascribed a set of
attributes the Chinese believe comprise the nature of each particular animal.
Legend has it the 12 animals of the Chinese Zodiac were chosen by Buddha. When Buddha
was near death he invited all the animals to visit him. Only 12 came: the rat, ox, tiger,
rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig. For visiting him, Buddha
honored each by using them to represent the 12 phases of the Zodiac.
One of the most interesting uses of the Chinese Zodiac is exploring the compatibility
of signs. That is, which duos will make good lovers? friends? partners? Use the tools
below to discover how different signs match, to find your sign, or to learn more about any
of the 12 signs. |
