For the Chinese, the unit of time that determines destiny is not the solar month but the year. Among the cycles found in the Chinese calendar is a twelve-year cycle, and each year is assigned just one animal.
In China there are 12 years in the zodiac cycle, 12 months in the lunar year, and the day is also divided into 12 parts. One legend tells that long ago the Buddha invited all living creatures to visit him. Only 12 animals answered the invitation. The Rat arrived first, followed by the Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Boar (or Pig). In gratitude for their coming, the Buddha gave each of these animals one year in the cycle. Ever since, each successive year has borne the name of one of them.
People born in a given Chinese year are credited with the character traits of the creature whose year it happened to be. According to tradition, the year of birth is the main factor determining a person’s physical and mental predispositions. The choice of a marriage partner is very often guided by the compatibility of the animals.
The five elements in the Chinese calendar
Another cycle at work in the Chinese calendar is the 60-year cycle. Its combinations are defined by the five elements: Water, Wood, Fire, Earth and Metal. These are significant forces that influence our world and form an integral part of it and of the Chinese horoscope. Each of the five elements has a different meaning, giving a distinct character to the zodiac sign and to the personality of a person born under it.
Water stands for introversion – still water. This is a person who keeps secrets, gentle and sensitive. They need time to form a lasting relationship, because they are very demanding. They have an artistic soul and are extremely bright.
Wood stands for gentleness and balance, the harmony of creative forces and imagination. A person born under this element is very energetic and spirited, constantly coming up with new ideas for life that they want to put into practice straight away. They love company, but sometimes also enjoy solitude. They like to take care of their appearance and fall in love easily.
Fire stands for ardour and passion, vitality and enthusiasm. Contrary to appearances, this person never makes rash decisions. They are trusting towards others, love social life and know how to become the centre of attention. They have broad knowledge.
Earth stands for materialism and permanence, security and fertility. A person of this element is marked by calm, prudence and wisdom. They like to analyse their own behaviour and that of others on the basis of experience. An Earth woman is a devoted mother and wife, and family life matters most to her.
Metal stands for severity of judgement, strong will and brilliance. This person only appears calm and considered; inside, energy and emotions are boiling. When they love, they love passionately. They enjoy making new acquaintances and are devoted, warm-hearted and sociable.
Yin and Yang
A further complication in the cycle is the alternation of Yin and Yang years. Yin and Yang are two antagonistic, opposing, yet mutually complementary energies.
The constant interaction between them and their continual transformation are described in the Book of Changes, the Yijing. They illustrate the eternal relationships of opposites: day and night, white and black, fullness and emptiness, active and passive, masculine and feminine, and so on. Each side of the pair contains within it the seed of the other.
Recent years in the Chinese calendar:
Element
Goat
1.02.2003–21.01.2004 fire
Monkey
22.01.2004–8.02.2005 metal
Rooster
9.02.2005–28.01.2006 metal
Dog
29.01.2006–17.02.2007 metal
Pig
18.02.2007–6.02.2008 water
Rat
07.02.2008–25.01.2009 water
Ox
26.01.2009–09.02.2010 water
Tiger
10.02.2010–02.02.2011 wood