Knowing what Chinese zodiac sign you were born under is a useful way to explore characteristics that may apply to you according to the year in which you were born. It is widely known that times and dates of births strongly influence what we know about ourselves. Using data like this enables us to use what ancient and modern astrologers have researched and discovered about differing personalities according to birth dates and natal charts. It is time to take a little trip to the East and explore the mythology and the meanings behind Chinese astrology.
Whilst the ancient art of Chinese astrology may not directly link to Western culture, there are, undoubtedly, clear similarities between the two divinations. Both ancient practices are based on the time and date of birth of an individual and both use symbols and signs to communicate theories and predictions that describe events and personalities of humans on Earth. As each of us is born with a zodiac sign from both cultures, it is important to underpin how we can use this ancient eastern practice to personally reflect and use what we know about our given character traits.
Whilst both arts read charts and divulge information about an individual using important dates, there are differences between the two zodiacs. Primarily, Western astrologers depict your sign using the months of the year whilst Chinese astrologers use the actual years themselves. The reason being that eastern culture places great emphasis on family and generational links, whereas western culture has more of a psychological approach to society.
The 12 zodiac signs from Chinese astrology derive from a mythical story involving the 12 animal signs linked to Chinese astrology known across the world. The story goes that Jade Emperor, the first Chinese God, called a race on his birthday to decipher the 12 signs. He summoned every animal on Earth and decided that the first 12 animals to complete the race would form the zodiac in Chinese astrology. The idea was each animal that crossed the finish line as part of the first 12, would be used as a basis for creating characteristics linked to each sign. The rat came first due to his cunning and strategic approach to crossing the finish line. The conscientious pig came in last place due to its inability to avoid distractions along the course.
Western astrology, on the other hand, created their 12 signs of the zodiac using the constellations that Earth passes during its orbit throughout the year. January is associated with a Capricorn so it became the first star sign whilst the Sagittarius is associated with December, making it the 12th star sign. Chinese astrology places emphasis on the phases of the moon, so therefore is based on a lunar calendar system. Western astrology, as we know, is based on Earth's orbit arount the Sun , though both cultures believe there is heavy influence on human nature with regard to both the Sun and the Moon.
In order to understand what this means for your given Chinese zodiac sign, the first thing you will need to do is actually work out what animal you were born under. You can do this easily by doing some simple literary research or by going online and calculating your zodiac sign.
As previously mentioned, Chinese zodiac signs are calculated according to the lunar year in which you were born. It is believed acording to Chinese astrologists that the animal ruling the birth year in which you were born has a profound influence on people's personalities. Eastern culture places a strong focus on the importance of animals and connects them with human beings, underpinning their similarities and their differences to one another.
Chinese astrology, unlike that of Western astrology, does not take into consideration our destiny or use the stars to predict potential events for the future. Instead, Chinese astrology focuses on the five elements of Fire, Earth, Metal, Wind, and Water. It also uses the Yin and Yang, and incorporates cycles of time into its readings. The use of Yin and Yang to base what type of personality you lean towards, is a useful tool to develop the qualities and energies you possess as a person. The Yang represents activity, movement and light, relating itself to the Sun, whereas the Yin represents depth, peace and darkness, relating itself to the Moon.
Chinese zodiac signs can be hugely beneficial when exploring the human spirit and offer an extensive list of personality traits that we can use to make decisions concerning our futures and our interaction with others. Whilst they are not thorough in picking out the finer details of our character, they provide a scope of truth to ascertain why we are the way we are according to the year we were born.
It is, therefore, advisable to use your Chinese zodiac sign as a broad spectrum for considering things you may have forgotten about yourself or neglected. You can use guidance from your Chinese zodiac sign to consider how you can respond to upcoming life events and situations.
Below are the elements and the characteristics associated with your given Chinese zodiac according to the year you were born. Using them alongside the detail you gain from Western astrology is the perfect combination to truly become the best version of yourself using ancient astrological methods, readings and knowledge.
| Animal/ Zodiac Sign | Element/ Yin or Yang | Characteristics |
| Rat | Water / Yin and Yang | Sociable, Artistic, Intelligent, Charming |
| Ox | Earth / Yin | Reliable, Loyal, Determined, Thorough |
| Tiger | Wood / Yang | Courageous, Confident, Charismatic, Ambitious |
| Rabbit | Wood / Yin | Modest, Sincere, Trustworthy, Empathetic |
| Dragon | Earth / Yang | Flexible, Spiritual, Lucky, Eccentric |
| Snake | Fire / Yin | Organized, Elegant, Attentive, Decisive |
| Horse | Fire / Yang | Intelligent, Strong, Adventurous, Loyal |
| Goat | Earth / Yin | Elegant, Intuitive, Sensitive, Calm |
| Monkey | Metal / Yang | Adaptable, Quick-witted, Bright, Versatile |
| Rooster | Metal / Yin | Flamboyant, Flexible, Energetic, Honest |
| Dog | Earth / Yang | Lively, Smart, Diligent, Courageous |
| Pig | Water / Yin | Philanthropic, Optimistic, Sincere, Determined |