Introduction to Chinese Astrology: the Main Concepts of the Chinese Horoscope System

Chinese Astrology is a powerful ancient art. It's rules and ideas are quite simple for anyone to understand. The purpose of Chinese astrology is to help people achieve their goals through self awareness and continuous advances of the mind and soul. Through the study of a person's personal Chinese horoscope, important aspects of that person's personality and destiny can be revealed. Chinese Astrology can help you find your purpose on this planet and discover an appropriate and joyful way of life.

Like western astrology, the Chinese astrology system is trying to determine a person's health, career direction, likes and dislikes, compatibility with other people, luck attraction and a lot more. The system works based on the usual birth details (year of birth, month of birth and day of birth) and a few significant other concepts. Chinese astrology is a gift of the gods according to ancient Chinese. This ancient art has successfully guided and guarded the Chinese from ancient times through modern times. Today, this horoscope system still plays a significant role in the lives of millions of people across the world.

Let's look at some key components of the Chinese zodiac system which is based on a twelve-year astrological cycle (aligned with the sun and moon cycle). First of all the Chinese astrology cycle is divided into five parts that represent the five magical universal elements according to the Chinese. These elements are: Metal, Earth, Fire, Wood and Water. The elements are a creation of the Chinese heavenly god who magically embedded them in Chinese Astrology and the Chinese Calendar.

Then the Chinese Horoscope cycle is enhanced with the divisions of the twelve Chinese horoscope signs that are represented by twelve carefully chosen animals. These are: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig. The animals where not selected by luck, but each one of them is highly associated with the human culture and way of life. There's also a legend that explains in detail how the 12 animals where selected. According to the scriptures, the Chinese god of earth conducted a race between all the animals on planet earth. The first twelve animals would represent the twelve astrological signs. The twelve Chinese Horoscope signs shape the twelve-year cycle. When the year-cycle ends, a new one begins by repeating itself.

Last but not least there is the cosmic and divine force that influences the entire Chinese astrology system. This force is well known to many people as The Yin and The Yang. The Yin represents the female and the Yang represents the male. Another interpretation claims that the Ying represents the Evil and the Yang represents the Good. When properly combined the Ying and Yang produce universal harmony and eternal balance. The combination of Yin and Yang is the secret power behind the Chinese Horoscope system.

So, these are the key elements of Chinese Astrology. I will not go into further details in this article but let's summarize:

- We have the five Chinese Astrology Elements which are universal and magical and these are: Metal, Earth, Fire, Wood and Water as ordered by the Chinese Heavenly God.
- Then we have the twelve Chinese horoscope signs which are: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig as ordered by the Chinese Earthly God.
- And lastly, we have the cosmic power named as Yin and Yang, that symbolizes the eternal harmony.

It is as simple as that to begin with. All these comprehensive ideas are carefully, strategically and magically mixed by the gods to produce the entire Chinese Astrological System. Of course, one can go deeper and deeper into the meanings of these concepts and come up with unlimited combinations and interpretations of this system, but the basic components of Chinese Astrology are summed up as described above.