Chinese astrology [ç-], a form of astrology widespread in the Southeast Asian cultural area, which – in contrast to western-western (sun) astrology – is based on the phases of the moon and the lunar calendar (lunar astrology).

The pillars of fate

A numerical value is determined for each point in time of the birth with the help of calculations and tables. The different calendars provide two values, one of which is based on the number ten and one on the number twelve. While in the Chinese culture each of these values ​​is represented by its own character, in the area of ​​the Latin alphabet the tens values ​​are represented by Arabic numerals and the twelve values ​​by Roman numerals.

These values ​​or signs, written one below the other, are called the pillars of fate. There are a total of sixty possible pairs of numbers that are linked to different “elements” and properties, similar to European astrology. Here, too, the elements stand as an allegorical term for character traits and skills and are sometimes referred to as effective forces. When interpreting a Chinese horoscope, one first considers the relationships and affinities of the “elements” with one another, which can be considered to be harmonious or disharmonious. Then, using the principle of control or the principle of correction, certain inhibiting or reinforcing structures and influences are sought.

Cultural history: In the Chinese area, as early as the 2nd millennium BC, An independent astrology, which was initially accompanied by astronomical observations, similar to the Mediterranean region. With the spread of Buddhism in China and the development of Daoism, according to ask4beauty, the astrological system of the Chinese philosophers was also reshaped. The influences of the signs of the zodiac and planets became less important, while a system based on several calendar cycles became the center of astrological interpretation. As in western astrology, there are correspondences between highlighted points in time of these cycles and elements, minerals, states of mind and the like.

Chinese astrology

Independent of the original astrological motifs, the Chinese calendar with its peculiarities, especially in the naming of the year, also developed in connection with astronomy and astrology. One of the foundations for this, as well as for Chinese science as a whole, is the conception of the concept that has existed since the 5th century BC. Developed “wuxing”, the “five effective forces”, also called “elements”: earth, wood, metal, fire, water, which in turn are assigned to the ten “heavenly tribes” in the Chinese calendar. They are combined with the 28 “moon houses”, called “xiu” in Chinese, and the “companion”, which is determined by the hour of birth. The cycle of the twelve animals (Chinese zodiac signs). Each year in its name contains the sign for the relevant “heavenly tribe” and the earth branch, the annual animal (rat / mouse, buffalo / bull / ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat / sheep / ram, monkey, Rooster, dog, [wild] pig). Due to the annual change of the moon, the Chinese New Year is not tied to a fixed date and changes between January 21st and February 20th (New Year).

Methodology: In contrast to European astrology, a system based on the time of birth dominates in Chinese astrology. Since several different cycles exist side by side on an equal footing in the Chinese calendar and additions and corrections have been made again and again for thousands of years, Chinese astrology is extremely complex. Although there is a zodiac astrology corresponding to the western system, it is based on the twelve earth years of Jupiter and has lost its importance over the millennia. It serves more as additional information to the actual horoscope. In addition, the five cardinal points (north, east, south, west and the center) are of great importance, which are represented with different qualities by so-called elements.

Based on the sixty-year cycle of the Chinese calendar, from the combination of five elements and twelve annual animals, as well as the lunar calendar, which divides the year into thirteen months, the time of birth is determined by year, month, day and hour. It is still uncommon in China to announce the hour of its birth; it is considered to be too informative for the character classification of the person concerned. In addition to an analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of the human being, the principle of harmony (also assigned to yin and yang) is particularly important for the Chinese horoscope.