Chinese
Zodiac
The 12
emblematic creatures which form the centerpiece
of the Chinese Zodiac are the: Rat, Ox, Tiger,
Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey,
Rooster, Dog, and Boar.
Their particular
influences are expressed on a 12 yearly basis.
For example, 2003 is the year of the Sheep, and
2004 will honour and experience the energy of
the Monkey.
The Chinese
calendar was initially ordained in the inaugural
year of -2637, during the reign of Emperor
Huang Ti.
According to the
findings of author Theodora Lau, in her book,
'The Handbook Of Chinese Horoscopes' (3rd
Edition, Harper Perennial), the respective
animals were canonized, as it were, by Lord
Buddha.
According to the
legend, all creatures were invited to farewell
Buddha from the earth, and only the above
mentioned 12 appeared. The honour was thus
bestowed.
As in the
western zodiac, the Chinese lunar system posits
an 'Ascendant', in this case, an animal, which
rules the time of one's birth, then exerts
influences on the development of one's nature
and ego development.
