What Is Chinese Astrology (Shengxiao) and How Does It Work?
The astrology we are all familiar with in daily life in the Western world is a 12-month Solar cycle focusing on the month and day a person was born (Aries, Taurus, etc.). However, at the heart of the ancient wisdom of the East,
Chinese Astrology (Zodiac - Shengxiao)
focuses not on constellations, but on Jupiter periods that divide time and the energy the Earth carries throughout the years. According to the Chinese calendar, time is divided into
12-year cycles (periods)
, each represented and governed by an animal. Our free "Chinese Zodiac Calculator" automatically converts your birthday in the Western calendar to the Chinese calendar based on lunar cycles and tells you your destiny animal.
The 12 Mythological Animal Ranking in the Chinese Calendar
According to the ancient legend, Buddha (or the Jade Emperor) invites the animals on earth to a race. The years will be named after them according to their order of finishing the race. The ranking has been fixed forever with this hierarchy: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat (Sheep), Monkey, Rooster, Dog, Pig.
Fundamental Differences from Western Astrology
Many people are surprised saying, "I am a Leo but I came out as a Horse here." While Leo is your individual mask, Horse is your fundamental existential energy encompassing the generation and year you were born.
Time Range:
It is not month or day-based, but entirely focused on the
Year of Birth
. (e.g., 1993, 2005 are Rooster years).
There are 5 Elements:
While there are 4 elements in the West, in China it rotates with the philosophy of Fire, Water, Earth, Metal (Gold), and Wood (Tree). (e.g., Year of the Gold Dragon).
Yin-Yang Philosophy:
In the internal dynamics of each animal sign, there is a masculine (active/yang) or feminine (passive/yin) polarization (polarity), which is a universal balance.
Relationships and Career Path
Learning your own Chinese zodiac animal is not just a fun symbol; according to Far Eastern philosophy, it serves as a guide in understanding disagreements with your colleagues (arguments between tiger-ox) or marriage harmony (dragon-snake nurturing). With this tool, you can instantly detect the soul animals of your family and social circle and open new doors with ancient wisdom.