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The year 2008 is the Year of the Rat.
Since the Rat is the start of the 12-animal cycle, Rat Years make excellent times to start
new ventures and expand into new areas.
The following pages describe all 12 animals, the dates of their associated years,
underlying symbolism, and famous people born during those years: |
From ancient times, people have believed that ones destiny depends on the time of
ones birth. In many Asian countries, major events such as weddings and business
openings are planned with the timing of "auspicious" days in mind. Some
Asian women have been known to take medicine to try to induce or delay labor, so
as to give birth on a day that will give their child a better fate.Chinese astrology has 12 animals representing a 12-year cycle based on the Lunar calendar: Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, Pig, Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon. Each animal has different underlying personalities that are supposed to be present in people born during that year. Not all the animals have the same symbolism that they do in the West. (For example, few Westerners would like to be considered a pig or rat. In Asia, however, these animals represent success and ingenuity, respectively.) Note that Chinese astrology assigns a representative animal to the year of birth, not the month, as in the West. In addition to the 12 animals are the 5 elements: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. Together, they form a 60-year (12 x 5) cycle in which the world moves. As such, a person's 60th birthday represents an extra special occasion. Because a person's fate is supposedly determined at birth, parents often consult astrologers about prospective spouses for their children, rejecting those suitors who have inauspicious birth dates. When visiting an astrologer or fortune teller, you must know your birth date according to the Lunar calendar. Some may have a conversion chart with them, but it is better to calculate it beforehand. Take a Korean friend, as very few will be able to speak English. |
For more information about Oriental Astrology, buy these recommended books from Amazon.com (Click on image to buy- more books on the following pages) |
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