Zodiac and Astrology

The Western, Indian and Chinese astrology are all based on 12 zodiac signs. For the Western astrology, the zodiac signs are represented by constellations. During the early practice of the Western astrology, these constellations are where the planets influencing the events for the zodiac sign may be found.

On the other hand, the Chinese horoscope is not based on constellations. Instead, it is based on the calendar, particularly the lunar calendar. There are12 animal signs and each is assigned to a year in a cycle. In addition to the animal signs, five elements are also involved in classifying the calendar years. The elements of fire, wood, water, earth and air further classify the years in the Chinese calendar.

With the 12 animal signs and the five elements, the Chinese astrological cycle includes 60 years. The present cycle began in 1984 with the year of the Rat.

In the Indian, Western and Chinese astrology, it is believed that the people born under the same zodiac sign share the same characteristics. These characteristics are usually related to the symbols or animals specific to their zodiac. Based on these signs, an astrologer may determine a person's attributes, inclinations and motivations. It is also believed that through the zodiac signs, the career that a person is most suitable to may also be determined.

Another aspect that people look into when studying the zodiac is the compatibility of the zodiac signs with one another. Since there is a characteristic associated with each sign, a person may or may not be compatible with another person under a different zodiac sign.