The Chinese zodiac includes 12 Earthly Branches and five Celestial Stems, resulting in a 60-year cycle. Zodiac symbols change on the Lunar New Year, and are associated with specific traits. Other factors are considered in Chinese astrology, and professionals can provide more precise details. Earth Branch charts can be found online.
The symbols of the Chinese zodiac are quite complex. When most people think of the Chinese zodiac, they think of the 12 zodiac animals that are known as the Earthly Branches. However, Chinese zodiac symbols also interact with the five elements, called Celestial Stems, resulting in a 60-year cycle encompassing all 12 animals and each animal’s possible five elemental associations. In Chinese astrology, knowing your Earth Branch is only part of the equation.
When calculating where your birthday falls within the Chinese zodiac, it’s important to remember that the Chinese zodiac runs on a lunar calendar, not the Roman calendar. Thus, the zodiac symbols change on the Lunar New Year, rather than January 1st. Consequently, someone born in a year like 1970 could be a rooster or a dog, depending on his date of birth.
In order, the Earthly Branches are: mouse, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and boar. Each of these symbols in the Chinese zodiac is associated with specific traits, including things like loyalty, generosity, impatience, kindness, eccentricity, and intelligence, among many others. Also, someone’s character is further determined by which of the Celestial Stems influences their zodiac symbol. The celestial stems are metal, water, wood, fire and earth, and can be further divided into yin and yang, with odd years being yin, while even years being yang.
In Chinese astrology, other factors are also taken into consideration when profiling someone, including the date and time of birth and where someone was born. Considering all the possible permutations can get quite tricky and complex, and people who want astrological profiles that conform to the rules of the Chinese zodiac generally turn to professionals to make sure everything is considered.
If you want to find your Chinese zodiac symbol, numerous websites have Earth Branch charts linked to their associated birthdates in the Roman calendar. It’s also possible to find more involved charts that include information about Celestial Stems, if you want more precise details about your Chinese zodiac symbol.
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