Friday, July 25, 2008

Chinese Astrology, Family Compatibility Influenced By the 12 Signs

Chinese Astrology, Family Compatibility Influenced By the 12 Signs

It has been said that you can choose your friends, but not your family members. This truism is familiar to almost anyone, and there is most likely not a person alive who does not at some point regret the fact that family members cannot be chosen to the same extent as friends. In Chinese astrology, family compatibility influenced by the 12 signs is sometimes subject to great debate and the attempts of auspicious pairings – as during match making attempts.

Power is one of the attributes that leads to power struggles within the family unit, and pairing zodiac signs associated with power – these would be the rat, monkey, ox, tiger, snake and dragon – in a marriage can lead to problems. On the flip side, believers in Chinese astrology are quick to point out that rats are most compatible with ox, dragon or monkey! For a matchmaker this may at times make the job a bit harder, and it is then that the fine points and nuances of the zodiac need to be examined.

For an auspicious marriage match, many a family will rely on the combination of the trines to avoid disastrous matches which may be unavoidable at first glance. Thus, a rat is best paired with a monkey because although both are signs falling into the power category, the monkey is considered to have the gift of diplomacy alongside power which may take the edge off any adverse interactions. The rat, monkey and dragon are considered to be members of the first trine. It is considered highly inadvisable for a dragon to be paired with a rat simply because there does not appear to be any combination of elemental nuances that would favor such a match.

There are those matchmakers who will avoid this kind of pairing and instead opt for pairing an ox with a rat. When practicing Chinese astrology, family compatibility influenced by the 12 signs teaches that the ox is a member of the second trine and although still a power sign, it is also one that is known for long suffering and patience. In cases where the familial ties are stacked too unfavorably within the first trine, splitting up of the households is not unheard of. Instead of being considered a sign of ill will, it is thought of as a solution that is respectful and deferring to the harmony of the home which otherwise may be marred by the power struggles.

copyright 2008, infiniteadvice.com

Understanding the Five Elements Found in Chinese Calendar Astrology

Understanding the Five Elements Found in Chinese Calendar Astrology

Chinese calendar astrology is a time honored tradition that is used to predict anything from uneventful months to the best time for a major business decision or even marriage! One of the integral components of this kind of fortune telling is found in the nomenclature associated with the elements recognized as being water, wood, fire, metal, and earth. Each element carries clear and predictable characteristics, and thus has very concise implications on the overall use within the calendar astrology. As a matter of fact, it is unthinkable to consider any of the astrological signs apart from the very elemental into which they fall!

Water is personified as a black tortoise that symbolizes the properties of the planet Mercury, some of which are not as positive at all. Although water is associated with eloquence, charm and intuition, it is also thought to denote a manipulative, self destructive and self seeking nature. Wood, on the other hand, is manifested by a cerulean dragon and personifies the planet Jupiter. Overall, wood is considered a highly esteemed element in that it speaks of a generous, ethical, curious, and well versed nature.

Fire is depicted as a bird and stands for the nature of Mars, known to be strong in leadership and competition but also fearless and concerned with the welfare of others. The element of metal, symbolized by a white Tiger for the planet Venus, speaks of an introverted, autonomic, and sophisticated nature that nonetheless is exemplified by care and concern for others. Finally, the planet Saturn in the form of the yellow dragon stands for the element of earth. As such it combines several borderline undesirable traits with respect to the need for control and pride, but at the same time shines when it comes to reliability and logic.

Understanding the five elements found in Chinese calendar astrology is a key component to following the element cycles as well as the effects the various elements have upon one another but also on the astrological signs that are associated with them by virtue of the time in the cycle the sign falls. This is a most intricate setup, and there is little room for error. Analyzing a Chinese astrological sign against the backdrop of the elemental cycle, and then superimposing the qualities associated with the element as well as the sign onto an actual person’s character, has been known to bring about marvelous revelations that sometimes even the seeker of information was not completely aware of.

copyright 2008, infiniteadvice.com

Chinese Astrology, Romance Compatibility, and the Rat

Chinese Astrology, Romance Compatibility, and the Rat

It is interesting to note that Chinese astrology, romance compatibility and the rat are uniquely entwined. As a sign of the Chinese zodiac, the rat holds the distinction of being considered the very first one and as such it embodies a number of interesting qualities that at times appear to be mutually exclusive. For example, the rat is said to be the sign of a person who would be a naturally born conqueror or leader while at the same time such a person may very well be known for the violent temper he holds or the bigotry he embraces.

This of course has sometimes made it hard for a traditional Chinese matchmaker to entice a family to approve a union that would connect a rat to their ancestors, especially when within the ancestry of either family there were several violent or abuse individuals born under that sign. Indirectly related to the character traits of those sharing the zodiac sing of the rat are the tendencies for substance abuse and the chase after luck. On the flip side, since the sign of the rat is associated with highly respectable professions such as engineering, legal advocacy, and politicking, many a family has chosen to consider romance compatibility charts involving the rat quite favorably.

Those who put a lot of stock in Chinese astrology claim that rats – by their very nature – are loyal, but not romantic. This may spell disaster for both partners if the counterpart is not aware of the predicted idiosyncrasies of this sign. Of course, since the sign of the rat is heavily influenced by the five elements recognized in Chinese astrology, the stereotypical rat does not exist and these are more guidelines rather than hard and fast rules. To this end, a rat that is thought to be heavily influenced by water will act differently from one that is born in a year devoted to the element of earth.

Matchmakers looking to create a favorable connection for two families with the help of charts and maps frequently avoid certain other signs of the zodiac. Theories regarding Chinese astrology, romance compatibility, and the rat stipulate that the latter should not be matched with a person born under the sign of the horse, while the most auspicious pairing is with someone from the sign of the monkey. Other propitious unions include individuals born under the signs of the ox and the dragon.

copyright 2008, infiniteadvice.com

The Goddess Aspect of Moon Signs Astrology

The Goddess Aspect of Moon Signs Astrology

While the Chinese study of astrology considers five elements, the goddess aspect of moon signs astrology takes a different tact. Exploring the profoundly feminine that is considered to be expressed with the help of the moon, this form of fortune telling and introspection leads to a recognition of the nurturing and creative side that is strongly developed in women. As such, lunar eclipses and formative personal events that may shape one’s future appear to go hand in hand, the practitioner of this kind of astrology most commonly seeks to backtrack briefly to harmonize the truth seeker’s personal history with the outstanding events that are part of her times past and also keep an eye on the shaping properties these personally identifiable events have had.

Within the practice of moon signs astrology, the fourth house is thought to be predominantly ruled by the pale orb, and, as such, it has the most telling impact on the home and everything that is related to it. Although at times the actual extent of the power the moon wields in our home may be blurred by the busy and every modernized life that is now quickly becoming the norm, the fact that at its most basic roots the fourth house concerns itself with the home, the tasks that make a house a home, the everyday mundane duties that are performed inside the home, and the external efforts that are associated with making these duties possible, all serve to foster a general understanding of the impact the moon has on a woman’s life.

As the goddess aspect of moon signs astrology is becoming a favorite pastime of those who are no longer content with the antiquated forms of sideshow fortune telling, many modern practitioners are actually helping to shape the current understanding of the fourth house’s full extent and the goddess worship that used to surround it. From there the new practitioners extrapolate the attributes of the goddess character and then super impose it onto the character of the truth seeker in an effort to match up compatibilities. As the art progresses, moon signs astrology slowly intersects not only with the traditional home and hearth, but also expands into the love and career aspects of life. As this is a movement that is in the midst of a renaissance period, it is hard to tell how far moon signs astrology will continue to enter the common mainstream need for help with tomorrow today.

copyright 2008, infiniteadvice.com

Chinese Astrology Characteristics Compared and Contrasted with Western Astrology

Chinese Astrology Characteristics Compared and Contrasted with Western Astrology

In order to understand astrology it is important to understand Chinese astrology characteristics as well as western astrology characteristics. These studies are different in some ways and the same in some ways.

Both of these traditions deal with positioning of various celestial bodies at given times of the year-particularly the sun and the moon. These studies also deal with various elements of the universe.

Moreover, Chinese and Western astrology are very scientific as well as spiritual in nature. Along with that, they are both often used in determining one or more aspects of a person’s future.

Several Chinese astrology characteristics differ from the characteristics of Western astrological thought. For instance, the Chinese zodiac cycle is based upon a twelve year cycle instead of a one-year cycle.

Furthermore, the Chinese zodiac is based upon a calendar cycle, and not upon the positioning of constellations. This characteristic is very different from Western tradition which involves the positioning of the twelve most popular constellations.

Another major difference between Chinese astrology and Western astrology is the number and type of elements involved. The Chinese elements include the wood, fire, water, earth, and metal (five altogether). The Western elements include water, fire, earth, and air (four altogether).

Both the Chinese and Western lists of astrological signs fall within either four or five of categories represented by the corresponding elements. These all indicate various types of personalities.

For instance, persons of signs that fall under the wood element are born in the year of the Tiger, Rabbit, or Dragon. Usually these individuals are gentle yet persuasive at times and co-operative. They often seek to learn and grow.

One of the other most important Chinese astrology characteristics is the element of fire. Within this elemental category are the Snake, Horse and Sheep, which are part of the twelve-year Chinese Zodiac cycle. These persons are often kind-hearted, innovative, restless, and independent.

Additionally, persons born of the Chinese earth element signs are usually ambitioned, disciplined, and/or prideful. They are also very determined, and like to be in control.

The metal element of Chinese astrology categorizes persons of various zodiac signs who are strong, tenacious, forceful, determined, independent, respectful, and kind. Likewise, persons of the water element are often kind, caring, and compassionate, as well as intuitive.

In contrast, persons of Western fire signs often possess characteristics such as enthusiasm, confidence, self-sufficiency, romanticism. Similarly, those of the earth sign are usually practical, stable, rigid, sensual, determined, patient, and sensitive.

Persons of Western air signs are usually communicative, intelligent, talkative, and social. On the other hand, persons born of water signs are said to be more intuitive, deep, emotional, and kind.

Now that you know a little more about Chinese astrology characteristics when compared and contrasted with Western study, you will know how to better apply them. Often this is done with the help of a professional.

copyright 2008, infiniteadvice.com

Moon Signs

Moon Signs

Moon signs in astrology can explain the differences between two people born under the same sign. When you look up your moon sign, you will discover a more in-depth understanding of astrology and its role in your life. When you read your daily horoscope, it is based on your sun sign; when you also look up your moon sign and incorporate that into your reading, you are likely to have an “aha moment”.

The easiest explanations of the sun and moon signs is that while the sun sign represents your outer self, the you that others see, the moon sign represents your inner self, the part of you that is instinctual, the qualities that come out in a crises or in privacy. We can say that the moon sign represents your unconscious while the sun sign represents your conscious. Both your conscious and unconscious self interact in your daily activities and choices. In this same way, the influence of your sun and your moon signs compliment their energies in your life. The moon sign does not override the sun sign, rather, it modifies it.

When looking to astrology for personal insight then, it is important to look up your moon sign. Astrologers agree that the moon sign is too significant to ignore if you want to read a meaningful horoscope. You can easily look up your moon sign on just about any web site on astrology.

Your moon sign is determined by the year of your birth, not just month. This is because the moon changes every 2 -3 days on a 28 day cycle and this varies from year to year.
www.ofesite.com is a simple, yet thorough site that allows you to choose your date of birth from the year in which you were born. Then you are directed to a general description of the moon sign that coincides with your sun sign.

Following is a list of key words associated with the moon in each sign of the zodiac. Aries: Desire
Taurus: Determination
Gemini: Duality
Cancer: Solitude
Leo: Pride
Virgo: Criticism
Libra: Decision
Scorpio: Ulterior Motivation
Sagittarius: Enthusiasm
Capricorn: Management
Aquarius: Disinterest
Pisces: Anxiety

These key words demonstrate the quality of the characteristics associated with the sign; a more detailed description is required for an accurate reading and understanding. The essence of these key words can be tipped toward positive energies or negative energies, all depending on the choices a person makes in life. For example, the key word for Aries is desire. Desire is a quality that can be utilized to drive a person toward goodwill, or selfish obsessions. Though the influence of heavenly forces pulls us into particular qualities, it does not determine which side of that quality we will ultimately choose.
Therefore, consider the messages of your moon sign with careful thought and recognize how you can best use the qualities you have been given in life.

copyright 2008, infiniteadvice.com

Linda Goodman Astrology

Linda Goodman Astrology

Linda Goodman is a pillar in modern astrology. During the 1960’s America saw an explosion of interesting astrology in the general population. Much of that interest was fueled by Linda Goodman’s best sellers "Sun Signs" and "Love Signs". Through her books, Goodman hooked an entire generation on astrology, a fire that quickly spread across generational lines.

Perhaps most significant of her contributions to the study of astrology is Goodman’s emphasis on both variety (continual exploration) and classical study (mastering the traditions). Linda Goodman was herself both a master and a student, and she led most persuasively by example. Goodman was a leader in synergistic thought, incorporating the metaphysical interactions of numerology and lexigrams into her writings and teachings on astrology.

The result of Goodman’s all-inclusive synergistic thought process is a chart that describes the blending of the elements. This innovative description is seen by astrologers today as a brilliant insight into the depths of astrological forces. Though Goodman passed away in 1995, her work is still being utilized and studies by astrologers across the globe. Below is her Blending of the Elements chart:

Fire Signs: Aries, Leo, Sagittarius
Fire blends easily with Fire and Air, but requires tolerance to blend with Earth and Water.

Air Signs: Libra, Aquarius, Gemini
Air blends easily with Air and Fire, but requires tolerance to blend with Earth and Water.

Earth Signs: Capricorn, Taurus, Virgo
Earth blends easily with Earth and Water, but requires tolerance to blend with Fire and Air.

Water Signs: Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces
Water blends easily with Water and Earth, but requires tolerance to blend with Fire and Air.

Fire and Fire:
This combination is double heat and double light. It will either consume itself and burn out, or light the darkness and melt the icy cold of negative energies. Both individuals carry an equal responsibility in this choice.

Air and Air:
This combination results in complete freedom. Without the “winds of change”, however, it can become easily stirred into a frenzied storm. Both individuals carry an equal responsibility in this choice.

Earth and Earth
This combination can be a mountain of strength and great faith. It can also become a dry desert or, if agitated, a terrible earthquake. Both individuals carry an equal responsibility in this choice.

Water and Water
This combination produces no resistance. It becomes a stream of inspiration and enlightenment. However, without control, it can bring a destructive flood. Both individuals carry an equal responsibility in this choice.

copyright 2008, infiniteadvice.com