'Cause We All Are Made of Stars

You may recall a book I recently read called, Energy Systems, to which I referred in my first post about the world's energy-based belief-systems. In it the authors captured my attention by offering introductory remarks about Chinese Astrology.

My father always enjoyed reading me and my brother our daily Washington Post horoscopes and I indulge in my daily e-mail tarot card from Astrology.com. But I never entered the realm of serious Eastern astrological study. So I picked up a book on Chinese Astrology and in two hours learned more about the tradition and my very own character in the stars. Let me break it down:

Chinese astrology is much more rooted in culture than what we associate here with Western astrology in the US. The fundamental belief is that our birth month, day and time reveal information about our life circumstances, personality and family because it is linked to our cosmic reality. We must remember that although certain features about who we are remain fixed, our fate is not.

The Lunar calendar includes twelve moons averaging on 29 1/2 days with some "small" and "large" months totaling 354 days (an extra month is added to compare to Western calendars).

Our birth reveals our Animals, Animal Types, Heavenly Stems (10), Earthly Branches(12), Element, Color, Direction, Symbol & 3 Lives Horoscopes (past/present/future). This calendar operates on a 60 yr. cycle with a different God showcased each year; there are certain instructions to determine your lunar month, day, and time.

According to the Chinese calendar, I am represented by the Ox.

The Ox is quiet, steady, committed, stubborn and hot-headed when challenged. I'm not driven by financial gain, truthful/sincere, patient, and sometimes, have a dark cloud overhead when worried about the world.

I thrive on strong love, yet easily hurt. Although I am not driven by romance, I'm inclined to accept invitations, change my appearance, and be adventurous. I am truthful, gentle and a tease. I approach new interests without being threatened.

Pay attention to detail, work seriously, and think best when not forced into the public eye. Skilled organizer and logical thinker. Prefer firm foundations, fixed frameworks while being well-informed. Good careers for me are farming, estate management, medicine, religion, philosopher, teacher, chef or policewoman.

Element: Earth (attracted to metal and weary of wood).
Color: Yellow (progress, achievement and fame).
Symbol: Yin/Yang (Ox is equally balanced).
Direction: North-north-east.

Specifically, my lunar month (3), Heavenly Stem (Yi), and Earthly Branch (Ch'ou) indicate that I am the Ox in the Sea: 1) Excited by new discoveries 2) Open to innovative projects 3) Steady interest in the world and a popular companion 4) Innate charm and dependability.

My Chinese hour of birth (1:14am or 1 - 3am) reveals that might I need to leave home to pursue my interests. Although circumstances conspire against me, my fortune will improve as years pass.

My Chinese day of birth (14) says that I use my intelligence well but I find it difficult to accept advice. It's hard to change my mind and for this reason sometimes I miss out. I'm a good initiator and suited to be an administrator, academic or designer.

My Lunar Month (3) reiterates that I don't like advice, though I have the perserverence to see things through--I have a strong moral code and try to establish truth. My hard work is not always recognized, but others soon realize my contributions.

3 Lives Horoscope:
Ox Bone - Learn from positive & negative experiences ; gentle and tolerant most of the time but when I object to something I am a stubborn and determined opponent.

Noble God - Yang Jen. Independent and determined.

Nine Stars - T'ai yang. This is a lucky year for me. Previous plans will come to fruition. I acquire new property or goods. New birth in the family.

Yearly God - Spirit. Consider legal affairs carefully and check details of projects. Expect arguments or misunderstands, beware of sudden judgments.

12 Creatures - Easy-going, popular friend; maintain several influential contacts; lucky streak that gets me out of difficulties.

Career Stars - Butcher. Practical skills, planning, common sense and dexterity.

I'm a believer.

See ya,
R.
People, we come together...