Legend has it that Chinese Astrology and the
order of the twelve animals that define it was determined
thousands of years ago by Lord Buddha himself.
According to the age-old tale, Buddha realised that the Chinese
nation needed a reorganisation. So on the occasion of the
Chinese New Year (which occurs on different dates from mid-January
to mid-February), Buddha called upon the entire animal kingdom
for a meeting. But only twelve animals showed up for this
meeting.
First to arrive was the talkative, aggressive Rat, then came
the enduring, hard-working Buffalo. Close on their heels came
the honorable, smiling Tiger accompanied by his crony, cautious
Cat. Immediately followed, the spiffy, outspoken Dragon ahead
of the wise, philosophical Snake. The gifted, physically active
Horse came along with the gentle, artistic Goat. The spirited,
merry Monkey came next. Then, in strutted the proud and showy
Rooster. Finally, the twelve were completed when the faithful
and watchful Dog arrived followed by the scrupulous, resigned
Boar.
Buddha then honoured them in the order of their arrival by
endowing upon them with a year of their own. From then on,
each successive year of the Chinese calendar bore that character
of the animal that gave it a name and so, those born in specific
animal years are marked by the nature of their natal animal.
Yet, all people born in the same animal are not the same literally
and do differ from each other in certain aspects. These differences
are determined by the various elements of Wood, Fire, Earth,
Metal, and Water. Each of these elements distinguishes one
person of the same animal from the other.
