Short introduction to Chinese astrology

The Chinese chose 12 interesting animals for the representation of their zodiac.There was a contradiction between a former classmate of mine and me.If you read the Chinese guide to astrology you will find out that the year which you were born in is very important in finding out the Chinese sign .Of course my classmate stipulated that the Chinese signs are equivalents for our European signs.That the Chinese sign is based on our European zodiac...

No,my friend...it is the other way around.I am sure that us Europeans may be very advanced but the Chinese hold the rumour to be before the Western civilization.

If you like to know who was first...I`d like you to give a chance to the Babylonian astrology.They had 12 celestial houses,well in each culture astrology is based on 12 distinctive notes/signs/symbols etc ,depending on the preferences.

It is a pitty that Western astrology has all the fun and it still stays in the spotlight.

The Chinese,Persian and Babylonian astrology information is quite interesting (let`s skip the part with the sacrificing stages,shall we?)



I am an Earth Dragon.I am a Sagittarian for our european system of identyfing the signs.Just for fun I`ll post from other sites the general information concerning a person born under the sign of the Dragon and that of a person born under the constellation of the mighty Archer.



"The Dragon is one of the most powerful and lucky Signs of the Chinese Zodiac. Its warm heart makes the Dragon's brash, fiery energy far more palatable. This is a giving, intelligent and tenacious Sign that knows exactly what it wants and is determined to get it. Dragons possess a certain natural, charming charisma that ensures they can always influence their peers and often find themselves the center of attention in social situations. This Sign is truly blessed, too; Dragons are considered to be very lucky in love! The Dragon's friends are always keen to hear what this firebrand has to say and when it comes to dispensing advice, the Dragon has the floor.
Its ego can get in the Dragon's way, but even so, this larger-than-life creature has a knack for initiating projects and keeping the troops motivated. According to Dragons, it's their natural born right to lead the way -- because who else could do it so surely and so well? As lucky as they are, Dragons have a good chance of achieving considerable material wealth during their lifetimes, although it isn't mere money that's this Sign's main motivation. Power is what the Dragon wants and truly believes it deserves. Dragons are quite the opportunists, forever searching for ways in which to consolidate their considerable power. Contrary to all this strength and fire, a weakened Dragon is a sad sack, a creature that refuses to take defeat with even a modicum of grace.
The role of leader is the only one the Dragon wants, the better from which to give orders and be king of the hill. They make solid leaders, too, knowing instinctively what needs to be done to stay on top. Crossing the Dragon is never a good idea -- this beast can singe! A valuable life lesson for this clever creature would be to absorb the principles of flexibility, compassion and tolerance. Being high and mighty can serve to inspire others, but it also keeps Dragons from living their lives to the fullest. If Dragons can learn to balance their quest for success with an appreciation for the little things, their life will be more than worthwhile. "



And of course my Dragon has a touch of Earth.This is my element.(Darn it,mommy,may I have the fire element? )

"Those of you born under the influence of the Chinese Astrology Element of Earth are wise, serene and prudent, firmly rooted in your morals, ethics and responsibilities. Led by logic rather than emotion, you seek to plan your life as far out in advance as possible, to expect the unexpected and control your destiny down to the last detail. Your disciplined reserve -- which can come across as true grace if you work it right -- garners you respect and admiration. You're so bound by logic and dependent upon controlling your situation that you have a fear of the unknown. Consequently, you question your instincts, distrusting even your most cherished dreams and seeing your whims as frivolous distractions. Don't be a stick in the mud, Earth Signs; share your wisdom and your peace of mind with a needy world. "



Kind of crappy description,it doesn`t fit or grasps my personality whatsoever.Oh well,who knows?



And now...the European version:



"- Sagittarius (The Archer) (fire, mutable, universal): Keyword: "I perceive". Freedom loving, straightforward, extrovert, philosophical, intellectual, fun-loving, arrogant, adventurous, expansive, optimistic. Can be blundering, scattered, careless, jealous, too-serious, tactless. From November 23 to December 21. The astrological symbol for Sagittarius has a dual meaning. The first and most common is that of a bow and arrow.The second and less well-known is that of an arrow lifting up a cross-shaped burden, representing the struggle the Sagittarius faces.

In mythology Sagittarius is often associated with either a Satyr or a Centaur (in the case of the latter, often the centaur Chiron, who taught and tutored various heroes in Greek myth). In Greek mythology, centaurs were adventurous, brave, and wise, but they were also given to brawling and uncivilized behavior. Sagittarius is also associated with the Greek god Zeus and sometimes the Greek goddess Tyche, as well as the Norse God Thor.

Sagittarius is ruled by the planet Jupiter, not only one of the most important gods in Roman mythology (ruler of the heavens), but also the planet that signifies good fortune in astrology.
As the ninth sign in the zodiac, Sagittarius is associated with the astrological 9th house, which is associated with natural Sagittarius matters - foreign travel and foreign countries and cultures, religion, the law and higher education, all things which seek to expand one's experience, freedom, journeys.

Astrologers assign personality traits to the signs. The following are traits more widely associated with Sagittarius. Note that no scientific research thus far has been able to prove such correlation. Many astrologers consider planetary aspects to hold a key influence which may override sign location and thus conceding many exceptions.
Witty conversationalist, humorous
Freedom loving / free-spirited
Idealistic / believing
Moral, often having a religious streak. Righteous.
Intelligent / intellectual
Positive / optimistic
Honest / sincere
Confident
Enterprising, ambitious, devoted to their goals.
Energetic / active
Versatile
Adventurous / risk-taking
Independent / unfettered
Approachable / warm
Cheerful / likeable
Sympathetic / generous
Temperamental
Impatient / restless
Indiscreet, careless. Blunt.
Impulsive / spontaneous
Childlike


Attribute
Ideal Careers
Ideal careers for Sagitarians include teaching • the law • theology and religion • politics • public relations or advertising • anything related to travel • arts• medicine• research and science
Likes
travel and adventure • honesty, justice and law • freedom • meaning • taking risks, gambling or speculation • socializing
Dislikes
routine and chores • being constrained • being tied down • being forced to do things • being doubted • having to explain oneself • being forced to make promises • being bothered by little details

Physical Traits:

Many astrologers believe that each of the zodiac signs has identifying physical traits. Some consider that physically, people born under the sign of Sagittarius usually have a large and well-shaped skull, a high, broad forehead, a slender and well formed figure. They stand high and walk high like a Centaur. They have the tendency to stoop or slouch as if grazing for grass.The chest is often broad, the eyes kindly, jovial widely spaced, the hair dark and wavy.
Sagittarius governs the hips, thighs and sacral area; some astrologers consider Sagittarians as tending to suffer from ailments of the hips and thighs and being prone to sciatica and rheumatism.

Sagittarius is widely thought to be compatible with same element signs, Aries and Leo.It is often considered to have a great potential with Aquarius, granted they do not overreact to things, as both are given to whims and can be quite temperamental.

The Indian equivalent of Sagittarius is Dhanus.The corresponding month in the Babylonian calendar is Arax Kislimu, dedicated to Nergal.
The Chinese equivalent is thought to be the tenacious, charismatic, and meticulous Rat, whose lunar month is 7 December - 5 January. The "connection" or ("equivalency") between the Rat and Sagittarius is based solely on the fact that Rats rule the month of December, which is the month of the Sagittarian sign. The Rat personality traits, temperament, and character are, in fact, much more similar to the sign of the Scorpio."



Now I`m gonna tackle and dissect all that has been quoted by astrologers.

Concerning the Dragon sketch...There are some things that yell:Hey,that`s me all over ! But there are some that say:No way !
I do have a fiery energy.It all shows when I talk.I`m talking with my hands,I gesture a lot.I always find something to do.I had a job and in the same time I attended the courses and seminars and afterwards went to dancing classes.Occasionally ,I`d meet with friends and chat about ...well mostly anything.
They say Dragons know what they want and they`re determined to get it.
I say that ...hah!Everybody has an idea about what they want.But it took me 2 years to decide about something so that in the last 5 minutes to choose a different path...
I learnt that determination can be an important gear that activates your destiny.Whenever I press the OK button the action recoils on me.The button jumps and hits my face.My determination is usually mixed with the stubborness of an ass.Whenever I set a goal to achieve something turns bad.I don`t have the cold blood to step over dead bodies.There is a limit,but of course I achieve EVERYTHING when it comes to my professional life.
When it comes to the personal aspects of my reality things are a bit complicated.Because forced feelings from your half are a wacked way to say:Geez,I`m the Dragon,I`m in charge,I can make someone fall in love with me,whether he likes it or not!
The hurt side of me often creates a person who seeks revenge.
I know it isn`t moral but revenge is truly sweet.And a logical step in the evolution of happenings.I don`t get mad,I get even.And that`s that!
I don`t know if I`m the centre of attention in social gatherings.I speak my mind whenever I feel like doing so but I discuss only with the persons I want to,I do not want to make friends with everybody.
Naturally,the dance floor is my focus.And yes,I`m in the center of it!
I like to be the leader and I lead from the backstage.I sometimes manipulate,involuntarily-in most cases,in order to get what I want.People think it was their own decision...
I do not know if I deserve to be blamed for this,some people need to be pushed from behind.In the other situations I just say out loud what it has to be done(this happens when people don`t get the picture)
And the Earth element doesn`t fit me at all!I am more emotional than logical,I am not that moral!I am not disciplined,I am chaotic...
If I turn my attention to the European astrology the Sagittarian traits fit me like a glove!
I am arrogant at times.I can be jealous I am certainly inclined to natural than to artifical,I like to isolate in a hut somewhere in the mountains for an undetermined time...I am careless,a hopeful dreamer and I love philosophy...I don`t know if this makes me a philosophical person...I am not always brave,I act like a chicken...And concerning the uncivilized behaviour...TOUCHE!
I try to expand my experience and broaden my mind...I like foreign languages,laws(I pride justice),religion,cultures,education,freedom-so all these are true when it comes to my aspirations and likes.
I hate to be doubted,I hate monotomy...so the dislikes...are true in this case.

What really amused me in all this description was the paragraph about the way Sagittarians look and walk.(This,I really don`t know.For Pete`s sake)

I gulped for a second while reading the compatibility fragment.There is a certain sign I wish it wouldn`t be there!But it seems that there is another intuition of mine that turned into reality.

The idea is that there are some general approaches that are so general that they can fit a certain sign.But the truth is that all is relative and every human being is unique,because he never reacts as expected,this leads to a collapse of the existence of astrology but it sometimes it just astonishes me.The precision of the Persians,Babylonians,Aztecs...can never be denied!They were more advanced than us*again-let`s skip the sacrifice part*,taking into consideration the primitive methods they used back then.There are some mysteries unsolved even nowdays,with all this modern technology surrounding us we still cannot explain some things.

Somebody kindly pointed out to me that one of my first questions when I get acquainted with somebody is : Excuse me,what sign of the zodiacal are you in?

And I have to thank Deea,she made me remember about the zodiac with her post regarding her Sign.