THE TAO OF CHINESE ASTROLOGY

** VICTOR ANTHONY VOETS**

* President Emeritus of the N.S.W. Federation of Australian Astrologers

* President Emeritus of Sydney Astrology Research Society

* Member of Australian Institute of International Affairs

* Psychic Hall of Fame Award, 2007

Ni Hao (Ma) ! …..For the Western mind, those words spoken in the Mandarin language of the Chinese people, mean something akin to the phrase ‘hallo’, or ‘are you well?’, ‘How are you?’ Perhaps, presently, the most populated country on earth, ( India is catching up, as they do not have a one or two child policy), China has astrological/astronomical records of Starmaps which go back centuries before the present era and is the source of one of the oldest forms of Astrology available in the World today. However, the western outlook tends to be quite one-sided, and therefore dismissive, of strands of thought which do not fit into a left-brained analytical perspective. Pity, because there are so many paths and directions evident in the philosophies and sciences in other cultures which could only open up the vista of mental and intuitive perspectives in the Western outlook!

As we continue this column throughout this, and future editions of this magazine, I hope to introduce you to another way of viewing your life, and that of others in your relationships. The tendency of the Western mind is to deride the likelihood of the affect of the symbolism of an animal ruling every person born in one year, and therefore lumping each of those people into the same category. Understandably so, for when I began my studies into Western Tropical Astrology, it was equally as ridiculous to lump each person into one of twelve astrological signs, most of which also related to an animal. Throughout the year there will an expedition and exploration into the characteristics of each of the twelve Chinese Astrology signs, and the years into which they fall.

In western and Indian astrology we divide the signs into 4 elements; Fire, Earth, Air and Water, the 4 Humors. Each of these elements signifies a way that people in these element categories, or with these elements strongly accentuated in their Astrological chart related to life and circumstances experienced. Well it is the same in Chinese Astrology, however, the years divide into one of 5 different elements; Metal, Water, Wood, Fire and Earth, again all signifying a distinct modality of ways of approach. If we combine the 12 signs of the Chinese Zodiac with the 5 elements, then we have 60 different possibilities of sign interaction. Yes, the Chinese Astrological cycle is a 60 year cycle: 12 signs X 5 elements.

As with the learned persons in most ancient cultures, their preference was to categorize and organize, and so did the Chinese Sages. The next category after the year and element of birth was the season of birth. The Chinese always combined the symbolism of their Astrology with their Numerology. The most significant and positive number in Chinese Numerology was, and is number 5, relating to the 5 vital organs of the body, the 5 elements requiring balance in the meridian system of Chinese medicine; it also represents North, South, East, West and the Centre. Encompassing all possibilities! So, not only do they have 5 elements, they also have five seasons of the year, and that would also have an influence into ones’ motivations, ones’ potential luck and ideals. Because this subject will be comparatively new to most readers, there may not be enough space to elaborate too much about this side of one’s character, however, also be aware, that each day has it’s own animal symbol. The possibilities, and ramifications are immense when we start to look a little more deeply into it!

It is said that when Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha, was alive, perhaps sometime early in the 6th Century before the Common Era, or around the time when the venerable Taoist master Lao Tse was alive, that the animals of the earth were to be offered rulership over the twelve signs of the Chinese Zodiac. We do not really know the name of Lao Tse, for the Chinese calligraphic characters for his name just say ‘old baby’, however, does it really matter!?

A race was set up whereby according to their final placement in the great race for the Chinese Zodiac Cup, each of the first twelve animals would be designated a year of rulership akin to their nature. Present day legend has it that the man waving down the animals at the finishing crease was the great hair-shirted helmsman himself, Siddhartha Gautama Buddha, or just Buddha for short.

The creatures were sent on their race a-running, and a-plodding, a-wriggling and a- waddling. a-stamping and a-flapping, light-footed and flying through the trees. The commotion was ear-splitting, however, the first to cross the finishing line was the chicanerous, and somewhat aggressive RAT, so that as a matter of due process, he was given domain over the first Chinese Astrological year. As previously re-iterated, these signs do not hold sway for an astrological month, as do the Hindu and Sumerian/Chaldean zodiacs, for these ensuing signs hold their own for one lunar based astrological year: from one Aquarian New Moon to the following years’ Aquarian New Moon.

**Occasionally there are two Aquarian New Moons in the one calendar month so an intercalary month need be inserted, as in the Hebrew Year. Usually the Chinese New Year begins on the first Aquarian New Moon of the year.**

After the critical RAT, came the stubborn and dogmatic OX, or BUFFALO, though some call it the BULL. Following close on the hooves of the Buffalo was the pugnaciously independent growling TIGER. Perhaps a bit more subtle, and inwardly wise was the ever so diplomatic, and sociable, RABBIT; friskily bounding and ever so understanding of the tempestuous tiger. The Vietnamese called the RABBIT the CAT because they thought that rabbits were dirty animals. Well they are both fluffy and they have whiskers!

With a thudder and a pounding footstep, the next to follow, was the only creature who is not really part of Terra Firma., the fire-breathing, smoking lucky DRAGON. One wouldn’t expect an intuitive SNAKE to be so quick, however, biologists are aware of the speed and versatility of this earthbound creature. They never miss a tree, a nice patch of grass, or a hole, unless if there is a Chinese Astrology Cup to race in, and in this race there are twelve possible finishing places.

Normally, one would expect the proud HORSE to win a race, were it not for the aforesaid creatures he or she had to contend with, for then we would see a prancing and a dancing ahead of the them all, or the rest, the noble equestrian. This four-footed animal was followed by the somewhat sensitive and dreamy, GOAT. Most of the older Asian cultures called this animal the SHEEP, for despite the neighing and the bleating, this animal always needed to be guided: Insecure, artistic, and more contented being a follower, rather than have the strength and courage to make its’ own decisions.

Next, quicker with the words and hands, than with the body was the ever so chameleon like, tricky and talkative, sleight of hand, playful MONKEY; the ninth place getter. Running and crowing to the heavens ever so proudly, with their head on, was the ever-so handsome COCKEREL or ROOSTER, though in some places this is known as the HEN. Next, came the faithful, barking, spotted canine, the DOG. Ever so clean, yet removing oneself from the mud-bath takes a bit of time; straddling along on the heels of the yapping dog came the immaculate babe or BOAR, the PIG,

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Now we have the twelve place getters for the Chinese Zodiac so let us have a slightly closer look. Essentially, as the Taoist philosophy is imbued with the duality of the YIN and the YANG, yin being passive, and yang being assertive, and the whole universe revolves around these principles, just like the forces of darkness and light in the Bible. We will see that each of these animal signs vibrates to one of these principles, in a systematic pattern.

Beginning with the RAT, we have Yang. Then the OX becomes Yin. The TIGER is then Yang, and the RABBIT yin, and so on all the way through to PIG, who also happens to be Yin. As they came in, each one of the odd numbered signs is essentially Yang or assertive, meaning that they have an essential quality of aggression or doingness. Each of the even numbered signs is essentially yin, or passive meaning that they emanated the quality of completedness, or introspective calming

More will follow in the next issue!

Presently, we are experiencing the last few months of the Year of the FIRE DOG, which will finish February 17th, or 18th next year, 2007, depending upon where we are on the earth, when the Year of the FIRE PIG begins.

There is a type of worrying, or fretting about the future, yet goodwill is also prominent, and many marriages take place in the Dog year. Weather patterns tend to run amok in Fire years, and the land seems to be parched, dry and lifeless. An innate aggressiveness is evident in fire years, and a defensive protectiveness is evident in the DOG year. Watch your ankles!

Following will be a summation of the affects of the DOG year upon the 12 animal signs, however, if things are not working according to plan, that may have something to do with your animal hour of birth. You will also need to take into consideration the affects of your hour of birth, which may disrupt the positive or the negative affects of the DOG year. I will discuss that more in the next issue as well!

Affects of The Year of the DOG upon the 12 CHINESE animal signs

RAT: It is all right. Nothing about which to celebrate, and nothing to complain about. Your business sense remains poised!

OX: A difficult year. It seems to be an uphill battle to keep the focus.

TIGER: Even though you tend to restlessly feel dissatisfied, this is one of the best years for you to get ahead; to be fighting for the underprivileged.

RABBIT: CATS and DOGS like to play, so despite your sensitivity, this will be a positive year for you.

DRAGON: You can bluster on and achieve whatever you put your mind to, however, this is a time when you will be experiencing a number of frustrating delays, or letdowns so come down to earth and practice restraint.

SERPENT: Ever so wise, and analytical, be patient, don’t stress, focus upon your hearth, and you will always emerge in a more positive light.

HORSE: The HORSE is a worker, and this is one of the best years for personal achievement.

GOAT: One of those years you would probably rather do without, for not attention seems to be focused upon your needs.

MONKEY: Not a positive, nor a negative year, though there could be some financial strains.

ROOSTER: As everyone seems to be barking in this dogged year, stresses could manifest in you financial life, however, a new life is beginning to manifest for you.

DOG: The beginning of a new 12 year cycle so time and energy will be focused upon new beginnings. The force is with you, however, personal determination is required.

PIG: You are fairly lucky so this year will be okay, even though nothing seems to really inspire. It is a bit like a waiting game. After all, next year is your year.