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About Astrology
Chinese Astrology
Chinese astrology predates Western astrology by centuries and is based on the Moon Cycle instead of the Sun Cycle. While Western astrology revolves around the planets of our solar system, Chinese astrology is based on 12 symbolic animals related to 28 constellations of stars. The properties of these specific animals and constellations give insight into the nature of the person born under a specific constellation, just as Western astrology determines these qualities through an individual's relationship to a specific planet.
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The ancient Chinese took the Western astrological system a step further by incorporating not only general philosophy of knowledge and wisdom into their astrology, but they also valued using one's senses and instincts to get a feel for the individual. Along with this, Chinese astrology integrates an awareness of the changing seasons, wind currents, five elements, Yin and Yang, and the concept of balance and harmony.
The most common form of Chinese astrology in the West has its foundations in the Ba Zi Chinese Zodiac, with origins that go back long before the Buddha, and also predate the birth of Western astrology. In this form of Chinese astrology, the calendar does not begin on January 1. It has a non-specific origin between January 21 and February 20. Another difference between Western and Chinese Astrology is that the Chinese day consists of 12 hours instead of 24.
The differences between these two forms of astrology are also apparent in the century cycle which Chinese perceive as five periods of twelve years that add up to a 60-year century instead of the Western 100-year century. These five periods correspond directly to the five elements of nature. Therefore, an Air-Rat combination is only born once every 60 years.
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