1. Chinese Zodiac &
Western Constellations

2. Introductions

3. About Name and Background
Zodiac -- derived from “zodiacus”( Latin word) --“zoidiakos”(Greek word) --meaning “circle of animals.”-- Sheng Xiao in Chinese
Constellations -- groups of stars -- form a specific pattern -- recognized by mythological figures -- have names attributed to them
Chinese ancient star system -- a reflection of human social system, star name from the emperor, imperial temple camp riding, hunting, farming and other aspects(帝王将相、宫廷庙宇、军营车骑、农耕狩猎等)-- reflects the culture of ancient China's "Heaven corresponding" and "harmony" thinking
The Western Zodiac constellations -- name in most Greek mythological figures and animal -- probably derived from early maritime seaman-- civilization of the expansion

4. About Origin ___Chinese Zodiacs
12 Chinese Zodiacs -- a twelve year cycle, each year related to an animal sign -- calculated according to Chinese lunar calendar -- spanned by the ecliptic plane(黄道面)
12 Animals -- rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and pig -- each with its associated Earthly branch (地支)
The Legend of the Order of the Zodiac Animals

5. About Origin
12 animals quarreled about the order -- ask the Jade Emperor-- hold a competition -- run across a river -- position set by place in the race.
cat and the rat -- close friends --a sleepy head -- told rat wake him up -- promised –forget
All gathered -- race began. The rat -- jumped into the ox's ear –not being noticed--nearly reach the destination-- jumped out -- won the race -- became the lead sign -- ox the second--lazy and slow pig--ended up last.
Cat -- wake up-- the race over, but it was too late-- not able to make into the cycle--became enemies --The cat hates the rat -- every time they meet -- cat chases and tries to kill the rat.

6. About Origin
In Chinese astrology, the animal signs assigned by year, month (inner animals), day (true animals) and hours (called secret animals).
The Order of 12 Animals
Rat– 鼠 (子) (Yang, 1st Trine , Element Water)
Ox– 牛 (丑) (Water buffalo in Vietnam) (Yin, 2nd Trine, Element Water)
Tiger– 虎 (寅) (Yang, 3rd Trine, Element Wood)
Rabbit– 兔 or 兎 (卯) (Cat in Vietnam) (Yin, 4th Trine, Element Wood)
Dragon– 龍 / 龙 (辰) (Yang, 1st Trine, Element Wood)
Snake– 蛇 (巳) (Yin, 2nd Trine, Element Fire)
Horse– 馬 / 马 (午) (Yang, 3rd Trine, Element Fire)
Goat(aka Ram or Sheep) – 羊 (未) (Yin, 4th Trine, Element Fire)
Monkey– 猴 (申) (Yang, 1st Trine, Element Metal)
Rooster– 雞 / 鸡 (酉) (Yin, 2nd Trine, Element Metal)
Dog– 狗 / 犬 (戌) (Yang, 3rd Trine, Element Metal)
Pig– 豬 / 猪 (亥) (Boar in Japan and Elephant in Northern Thailand) (Yin, 4th Trine, Element Water)

7. About Origin ___Western Constellation Ancient astrological(占星学)
Ancient civilization is relatively isolated.
The Big Dipper北斗七星 regarded as the bear's tail(Chinese people considered it to be a wine utensil bucket)
The oldest catalogues of stars(恒星和星座) and constellations are from Old Babylonian（古巴比的）astronomy, beginning in the Middle Bronze Age中东青铜时期
The sky is divided into a plurality of areas, each area is a constellation, in order to facilitate the study and observation the sky stars
The western constellation is based on a twelve month cycle.

8. About Origin 12 Constellations Aries …………………………(3/21 - 4/20)
Taurus……………………….(4/21 - 5/20)
Gemini…………………….. (5/21 - 6/21)
Cancer ………………………(6/22 - 7/22)
Leo ……………………………(7/23 - 8/22)
Virgo………………………… (8/23 - 9/22)
Libra…………………………. (9/ /22)
Scorpio ……………………..(10/ /21)
Sagittarius ………………..(11/ /21)
Capricorn …………………(12/22 - 1/19)
Aquarius…………………… (1/20 - 2/18)
Pisces……………………….. (2/19 - 3/20)
12 Constellations

9. Similarities

10. The Result of Astronomical Calendar Research1.
The Result of Astronomical Calendar Research
China
Derivative of Chinese era dating method(天干地支纪年法)-- From ancient times--Livestock farming industry—settle down—watch celestial phenomena—made the calendar—Animal totem worship(动物图腾崇拜)—12 animals represent 12 earthly branch
The West
Product of ancient calendar—Babylonians observed
the star—different positions of the sun in
constellation—The twelve beast calendar
(十二兽历)—12 zodiacal signs(黄道12宫)
—The Greek—Colonial Period—Europe—Colonies

11. Used to Divine Life & Destiny2.
Used to Divine Life & Destiny
Traditional Chinese Zodiacs
One’s destiny, fortune and characters is decided by year, month, hours, day– the Four Pillars(四柱八字)--fortune-teller
Western Constellations
Divide a year in to 12 parts, people be born at the certain period has the certain
characteristics and life—
stargazer(占星师)

12. Differences

13. Cultural Influences 1. Chinese Zodiacs Western Constellations
A symbol of China—widely spread among Asian--North Korea, Japan, South Korea, southeast Asia, India, Mexico in north American, have similar zodiacs with China
Western Constellations
Popular among the whole world—associated with the leading role that the western countries play—the advantaged state influences the disadvantaged ones easier

14. Micro and Macro of Astrology2.
Micro and Macro of Astrology
Chinese astrology
Societal based, what is the impact of the individual on society and how to be a better citizen, member of the group.
Western astrology
ALL about the individual and the journey to become your authentic self.
They are both useful for different aspects of your life.

15. Examples of Meanings of the Zodiacs
Rat
Those born under the Chinese Zodiac sign of the Rat are quick-witted, clever, charming, sharp and funny. They have excellent taste, are a good friend and are generous and loyal to others considered part of its pack. Motivated by money, can be greedy, is ever curious, seeks knowledge and welcomes challenges. Compatible with Dragon or Monkey. Ox
Another of the powerful Chinese Zodiac signs, the Ox is steadfast, solid, a goal-oriented leader, detail-oriented, hard-working, stubborn, serious and introverted but can feel lonely and insecure. Takes comfort in friends and family and is a reliable, protective and strong companion. Compatible with Snake or Rooster.

16. Examples of Meanings of the Constellations
Capricorn (December 22 - January 19) This would be an ideal month to make an attempt to reinvent yourself in some way. Producers of supermarket items that we buy do this all the time. Shampoo to canned peas, toothpaste to frozen diet dinners, it seems all products scream "New! Improved! Try me!" from their shelves. And who can resist? Banners that proclaim changes inside are always intriguing. It's hard not to want to try the product to see what's new.
Cancer (June 21 - July 22) You will be working hard as the month opens, getting projects done and delighting in checking finished items off your to-do list. While pressure will be high for the first four days of June, after that you'll be able to chill out. Soon you'll feel quite accomplished for all you have achieved and you'll be able to relax

17. Both the Chinese Zodiac and Western Constellations stand as a behalf of a culture of different countries. There are no superior and mean between them.
How to make Westerners understand willingly and accept our zodiac culture, means of communication is an important issue.

18. THANK YOU