Chinese astrology has been around for thousands of years, alongside Vedic and Western astrology. As unique as the Eastern culture is, so is the Chinese calendar. Unlike the Western and Vedic astrology that divides the astrological signs on the basis of months, Chinese astrology divides on the basis of years. Although the three systems of divination are based on date and time of birth, yet they differ from each other substantially.
Chinese horoscope is widely followed by millions of people, specially in China, and it significantly influences the culture and community of this country.
The Chinese zodiac uses animal signs that have been used in stories and folklore and humans are associated with the different personality traits of these different animals. For example, those who are 'Rats' will be quick-witted, resourceful and versatile like the rodent. The native's personality will also, of course, be determined by his birth hour and birth month.
The Chinese believe that the people born in the same year bear the same characteristics while other astrology, classifies people according to months. Like the Western astrology, Chinese astrology also has twelve signs, but these are intriguing as they are based on animal names. These signs do relate to signs in the Western Zodiac, though.
The twelve signs are-
Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig
The Chinese zodiac forms a recurring 12-year cycle with each year relating to one animal sign. The people born in that year, are believed to exhibit the personality traits of that animal. 2018 was the Year of the Dog and from February 5th, 2019, the Year of the Pig will start which will end on January 24rth, 2020. This is because the Chinese zodiac year starts on the first day of the Chinese Lunar Calendar, which falls on February 5th in 2019.
[Those born in January/February need to be cautious about their Chinese horoscope 2019
as some astrologers use the 'Start of Spring' as the Chinese New Year day. This can fall on February 4,5 or 6.]
The Pig is the twelfth animal in the Chinese zodiac and the years of the Pig include 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031 and so on.
Different Pig years have different names as according to Chinese astrology, each zodiac year is associated with one of the five elements; Gold, water, Wood, Earth and Fire.
Thus, the Pig Year 1935 was the Wood Pig Year, 2007 was the Fire Pig Year, 2019 is the Earth Pig Year and 2031 will be the Gold Pig Year.
The basic traits of the 'Pigs' are that they are diligent, compassionate, generous, easy-going and gentle.
It is believed that natives need to be more careful in their birth-sign years which they will encounter as they turn 12, 24, 36 etc as the Chinese zodiac recurs every 12 years.
