The zodiac signs that most Western astrology enthusiasts are familiar with – Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces – originate from Babylonian astrology over 2000 years ago. However, Chinese astrology has its own unique set of 12 zodiac signs – Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig – that derive from ancient Chinese philosophy and cosmology. So are the Chinese zodiac signs the same as the Western ones? The short answer is no – the Chinese zodiac system is completely independent and distinct from Western astrology. While Western astrology is based on constellations and the position of the sun, the Chinese zodiac is based on a 12-year cycle with each year associated with an animal sign.
Origins of the Western and Chinese Zodiacs
The origins of the Western and Chinese zodiacs reveal key differences:
Western Zodiac
- Developed by ancient Babylonians over 2000 years ago
- Based on 12 constellations that the sun passes through over a year
- Constellations are Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces
- Adopted by Greek, Roman, and other Western astrologers and astronomers
- Still used in modern Western astrology today
Chinese Zodiac
- Originated in China around 1000 BCE or earlier
- Based on a 12-year cycle, with each year associated with an animal
- Animals are Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, Pig
- Derives from Chinese calendar system, Taoist/Buddhist philosophy, and folklore
- Remains culturally significant in China and other Asian countries today
So while the Western zodiac has its roots in Hellenistic astrology, the Chinese zodiac developed completely separately out of ancient Chinese traditions and calendars.
Differences Between the Systems
The Chinese and Western zodiac systems differ significantly in their symbols, sequences, and how they assign signs.
Symbols
| Western | Chinese |
|---|---|
| Constellations | 12 Animals |
The Western zodiac uses 12 constellations while the Chinese zodiac uses 12 animals as symbols.
Sequence
| Western | Chinese |
|---|---|
| Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces | Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, Pig |
The order of zodiac signs is completely different between the two systems.
Assignment
| Western | Chinese |
|---|---|
| Based on date of birth | Based on year of birth |
Western astrology assigns zodiac signs based on the exact date of birth and sun’s position. Chinese astrology assigns zodiac signs based on the year of birth in the 12-year cycle.
Compatibility Differences
Compatibility between zodiac signs is interpreted very differently in Western versus Chinese astrology:
Western Astrology Compatibility
- Based on the interaction between the planetary rulers and elemental qualities of each sign
- Some signs considered more compatible (e.g. Libra and Gemini) while others less compatible (e.g. Cancer and Aries)
- Compatibility reading requires exact birth dates and times
Chinese Astrology Compatibility
- Based on harmonious/disharmonious interactions between the animal signs
- Some signs considered auspicious together (e.g. Dragon and Phoenix) while others inauspicious (Tiger and Monkey)
- Only requires knowing the birth year animal
So compatibility is interpreted very differently. Chinese astrology also puts more emphasis on compatibility between animal signs influencing major life events like marriage.
Cultural Significance Today
While the Western zodiac is more dominant in Western cultures today, the Chinese zodiac remains very significant in Chinese and Asian societies:
- Chinese zodiac used in Chinese calendar, fortune telling, and other cultural practices
- Remains important in Chinese mythology, art, literature, and philosophy
- Used in other cultures influenced by China like Vietnam, Korea, Japan
- Many Asian people still consult the zodiac for major life decisions
- More nuanced compatibilities than Western zodiac (compatible, incompatible, secret friendship, etc.)
So the Chinese zodiac is still woven into the cultural fabric of Chinese/Asian societies today and used regularly in traditional practices.
Conclusion
In summary:
- The Chinese zodiac is completely distinct from the Western zodiac
- Chinese zodiac based on 12 year cycle, animals; Western on constellations
- Very different symbols, sequence, compatibility interpretations
- Chinese zodiac retains cultural significance in Chinese/Asian cultures
So while both are symbolic cycles of 12 signs, the Chinese zodiac developed independently out of different astronomical and cultural traditions. It remains an integral part of Asian societies while Western astrology dominates in the West.