The "Zoology" on the Chinese Zodiac It is widely believed the Animals in the Chinese zodiac calendar originated from the Han Dynasty (206 BC-220 AD), during which they were used to count years in same way as the modern Christian calendar.The Chinese Zodiac, known as Sheng Xiao, is based on a 12-year cycle and each year in that cycle is related to an animal sign. These animal signs are the: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog ,Pig Infogram Courtesy of ( Tarot.com ) Each animal is associated with an "Earthly Branch" such as fire, water, metal or wood. As it was observed that there were 12 full moons in one year, the number 12 is used to divide years and times of the day. According to the Chinese lunar calendar, the Chinese New Year falls on January 31. When trying to traverse the Lunisolar calendar, an easy rule to follow is that years that end in an even number are yang, those that end with an odd number are yin The cycle proceeds as follows: If the year ends in 0 it is Yang Metal. If the year ends in 1 it is Yin Metal. If the year ends in 2 it is Yang Water. If the year ends in 3 it is Yin Water. If the year ends in 4 it is Yang Wood. If the year ends in 5 it is Yin Wood. If the year ends in 6 it is Yang Fire. If the year ends in 7 it is Yin Fire. If the year ends in 8 it is Yang Earth. If the year ends in 9 it is Yin Earth The Chinese 'elements', by contrast, were seen as ever changing and translation of Xing is simply: The 5 Changes 木 Wood The East（東） Springtime（春） Azure Dragon（青龍） The Planet Jupiter （木星） The Color Green（緑） Liver (Chinese medicine)（肝） and Gall bladder (Chinese medicine)（胆） 火 Fire The South（南） Summer（夏） Vermilion Bird/Vermilion Phoenix（朱雀） The Planet Mars（火星） The Color Red（赤） Circulatory system & Heart (Chinese medicine) （心） & Small Intestine (小肠) 土 Earth Centre（中） Change of seasons (the last month of the season) The Yellow Dragon（黄龙） The Planet Saturn（土星） The Color Yellow（黄） Digestive system, Spleen (Chinese medicine)（脾） and Stomach (Chinese medicine)（胃） 金 Metal The West（西） Autumn（秋） White Tiger (Chinese constellation)（白虎） The Planet Venus（金星） The Color White（白） Respiratory system & Lung (Chinese medicine)（肺）& Large Intestine(大肠) 水 Water The North （北） Winter（冬) Black Tortoise (Chinese constellation)（玄武） The Planet Mercury（水星） The Color Black, Blue（黑） Skeletal（骨）, Urinary Bladder & Kidney (Chinese medicine) （肾） People are born on the year of the horse... (+) Those born within these years are recognized as energetic, bright ,intelligent and quite a few belong to Mensa. This kind of person is sometimes referred to a "Qianli Ma" - a horse that covers a thousand li a day (one li is equivalent to 500 metres). It is believed those born in the year of the horse have above average communication skills & thrive being in the limelight. In general,they are cheerful, popular, talented & live for entertaining. They are associated with success & failure is not an option. (-) Constraint is said to be lacking in people born on the year of the horse. While they are believed to be talented, they can a tad impatient and/or hot-blooded . Pessimism can be their Nemesis . The year of the horse is associated with people who believe money is there to be spent on LIVING and desire the high rolling life Large & In Charge. They pride themselves on being independent are rarely take advice from others, and have a bad temper if crossed ,slights perceived or imagined are not met kindly. What will the year of the Green Wooden Horse bring? For those born on the year of the horse: They will encounter the Year of Birth (Benming Nian).Endings that may have occurred recently birthing the beginnings that follow as surely as the spring showers, finances may fluctuate so it is wise to keep one eye on balancing the books. In terms of career & work front , it is a year to keep the peace so to speak, In every interaction first think "What Would Love Do Now?" For those not born on a horse year: The year ahead will bring health and prosperity if you do not sit idly by and wait for it to come to you ,you must do your part. It is said to be an excellent time to travel & energy levels are raising and shifting thru humanity world wide despite the fear mongering ...ITS STILL A WONDERFUL WORLD !! The next 12 months will bring good luck and more increase in spreading with humanity based interaction. I advise you to TRAVEL TRAVEL TRAVEL .. mingle with the locals, savour authentic cuisine and discover somewhere you have never been before, even if its only a days drive away !! May the coming New Year bring you joy, love and peace. 愿新年为你带来快乐，友爱和宁静。 Yuàn xīnnián wèi nǐ dàilái kuàilè, yǒu'ài hé níngjìng.
