Chinese Astrology

One of the major tenants of Chinese astrology is the four pillars.  We are all familiar with the engaging animal symbols that represent the year of ones birth, but the four pillars are the larger frameworks for which all elements of Chinese Astrology are based.

The four pillars reveal ones destiny and therefore they must be kept in perfect balance in order to realize goals and achieve happiness.

The Four Pillars of Destiny are:

Year Pillar which represents the Society Palace

Month Pillar which represents the Parents / Childhood / Siblings Palace

Day Pillar which represents the Marriage Palace

Hour Pillar which represents the Children Palace

The elements that cause imbalance in the chart are called unfavorable elements and they cause hindrances to all our efforts. Listed here are the important elements that shape our destiny.

Wealth Element

The element that ones birth element controls is the wealth element. For males, the spouse element is the same as their wealth element.

Power Element

The element that controls ones birth element is the power/status element. For females, the spouse element is represented by the element that controls their birth element.

Intelligence Element

The element that is produced by ones birth element is the talent element.

Friend/Colleague/Sibling Element

The element that is the same as the birth element is the friend/colleague/sibling element.

Resource/Support Element

The element that nourishes ones birth element is the resource/support element.

Inherent in the pillar model is the idea that depending on which year you are born there is an animal whose characteristics will act as a blueprint for your behavior.  And, much like western astrology there are twelve distinct animals that act as symbols.

Rat  1900 1912 1924 1936 1948 1960 1972 1984 1996 2008 2020

People born in the year of the Rat are often energetic and tenacious. They are capable of being generous and lovable and are good listeners when one is needed. However, Rats can also be manipulative and power hungry creatures, so those befriending them must be wary of these tendencies.

Buffalo  1901 1913 1925 1937 1949 1961 1973 1985 1997 2009 2021

Those born under the sign of the Buffalo (also known as the Ox) are usually hard-working, methodical, patient people. Though they can often be found in positions of leadership, they can sometimes be loners. People born in the year of the Buffalo can also be stubborn to the point of being rigid, and at worst they can be jealous or vindictive.

Tiger  1902 1914 1926 1938 1950 1962 1974 1986 1998 2010 2022

The Tiger is a noble, courageous creature, as can be the people born under this sign. They are protective and passionate as well, which compliments their sensitivity. Tigers can be hotheaded at times, even to the extent of becoming quarrelsome and acting rashly or hastily. These characteristics can lead to vain, uncompromising or unruly folk.

Cat  1903 1915 1927 1939 1951 1963 1975 1987 1999 2011 2023

Those born in the year of the Cat (sometimes known as the Rabbit) are often refined and socially adept, which makes them all the better to have as friends. These clever folk can sometimes be seen as a bit old-fashioned or even aloof, and at worst they can be thin-skinned and devious.

Dragon  1904 1916 1928 1940 1952 1964 1976 1988 2000 2012 2024

To be born in the year of the Dragon is to be a spirited and scrupulous individual. Others tend to admire the enthusiasm and the vital, generous nature of the Dragon. However, like the fire-breathing creature, a Dragon can be overbearing, loud-mouthed and irritable. Generous and independent, the scrupulous Dragon can be a demanding person to be around.

Snake  1905 1917 1929 1941 1953 1965 1977 1989 2001 2013 2025

Those born in the year of the Snake can be wise and understated, and are often soft-spoken, placid and compassionate souls. Snakes can have an air of intelligence about them that could be related to their good breeding or philosophical minds. When you anger a Snake, though, beware: they can be vengeful, fickle and possessive, and they are often sore losers.

Horse  1906 1918 1930 1942 1954 1966 1978 1990 2002 2014 2026

People born in the year of the Horse are often athletic, independent and skillful. These powerful, hard-working folk are not only quick on their feet but are also quick with their tongues. Horses make quite charming friends because of their wittiness and upbeat moods on most days. They can be rebellious and tactless at times, even ruthless when they lose their tempers.

Goat  1907 1919 1931 1943 1955 1967 1979 1991 2003 2015 2027

The year of the Goat gives rise to peaceful, sweet-natured people who tend to be well-mannered and artistic. These intelligent folk can be kind-hearted and persevering when a cause motivates them. However, a Goat can also be intrusive, irresponsible and inclined towards melancholy.

Monkey  1908 1920 1932 1944 1956 1968 1980 1992 2004 2016 2028

Those born in the year of the Monkey are often known for their intelligence and problem-solving abilities, which could explain why they make such good businessmen. They can be witty and captivating, but at worst they can be vain, untrustworthy or immature.

Rooster  1909 1921 1933 1945 1957 1969 1981 1993 2005 2017 2029

The year of the Rooster brings forth enthusiastic, self-assured people. Roosters are quite industrious, and they often have a conservative streak that clashes with the more adventurous side of their nature. While these people can be very resourceful, they can also be difficult to work with or be around because of their tendencies to nit-pick and brag. At their worst, Roosters are brazen and untrusting.

Dog  1910 1922 1934 1946 1958 1970 1982 1994 2006 2018 2030

Loyal, discreet and dutiful people are often born in the year of the Dog, making them excellent prospects for friends. They can be intelligent and selfless as well, but they can also be introverted, critical and defensive, and at their worst, Dogs are cynical and grim.

Pig  1911 1923 1935 1947 1959 1971 1983 1995 2007 2019 2031

People born in the year of the Pig are often peace-loving, accommodating and sociable folk. Pigs have a sensual side that often shows their love of indulgence. While they can be intelligent, some Pigs are naive, which allows less scrupulous individuals to take advantage of them. Gullibility and insecurity can be a dangerous combination for Pigs at times.