The Chinese New Year Study Guide 

Astrology is certainly one of the most ancient philosophies still in existence in China. Some estimate it to be more than 3,000 years old but recent study of more esoteric beliefs place it further back into the clouded past of human history. In ancient China, and up until today Astrology has been used to predict what happens to countries, the outcome of wars, economic trends and much more.

Chinese Astrology is organized according to 12 Animals Signs. One Chinese legend attributes the creation of the animal signs to the semi-mythical Yellow Emperor in 2637 B.C. According to another legend, the Lord Buddha summoned all the animals to come to him before he departed from Earth. Only 12 animals came to bid him farewell. As a reward he named a year after each other one in the order that they arrived. First came the Rat, then the Ox, the Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig. Thus we have 12 signs today.

The animal ruling year in which you were born exercises a profound influence on your life. As the Chinese say, "This is the animal that hides in your heart".

Rat		Ox		Tiger		Rabbit		Dragon		Snake
Horse		Sheep		Monkey		Rooster		Dog		Pig