Since the beginning of time, astrology has answered humanity’s darkest questions. Halfway between science and superstition, the influence of this divinatory art marked the great civilizations of the world from Mesopotamia to ancient Greece through Asia. If in the West the astrological sign is calculated from the month and day of birth, in Asia what counts is the year. Japan, a country of beliefs, is based on Chinese astrology and its traditional calendar.
Rat, snake, ox… discover your Japanese zodiac sign and its symbolism.
?♂️ Japanese astrology, how it works ?
In ancient times it was believed that celestial movements were messages sent by the gods and that the position of the planets influenced the destiny of people. Japanese astrology appeared in the Yamato period.it is based on the traditional calendar and astronomical notions of the time.
?? Chinese astrology behind the Japanese horoscope
12 signs of the Chinese zodiac. Source: voyageschine.com
Astrology and astronomy belong to the arts and sciences of Chinese culture imported around the 6th century. The zodiac is part of a 12-year cycle based on the lunisolar calendar. Each year corresponds to a symbolic animal and borrows its features. According to Chinese astrologers, a person born under the sign of an animal would be endowed with his character traits. Likewise, his element would greatly influence his personality and destiny, while his life force or qi would depend on his date and sound birth hour.
The 12 signs of the Japanese zodiac are modeled after Chinese animals. In the Land of the Rising Sun, it is therefore the same creatures that we find with some nuances. For example, the goat corresponds to the sheep et the pig turns into a boar. You have to differ a little ;-). In addition, the year begins on January 1, unlike the Chinese New Year which is based on the lunar calendar, which creates a small gap between the horoscopes.
Surprisingly, the cat is not part of the Japanese astrological signs. He tells an anecdote that would have come too late. However, if you want to elucidate this mystery, do not hesitate to look fruit basket sleeve whose plot revolves around this theme.
❓ How to know your Japanese zodiac sign?
❓How to know your Japanese element?
As in Western astrology, the Chinese horoscope is linked to cosmological elements that correspond to 5 major planets (Wood for Jupiter, Fire for Mars, Earth for Saturn, metal for Venus and Water for Mercury). Together with your animal, they would influence your character and your destiny. These elements also have a symbolic color.
➡️ The last digit of your date of birth determines your element. Thus, 0 or 1 is linked to metal, 2 or 3 to water, 4 or 5 to wood, 6 or 7 to fire, and 8 or 9 to Earth.
?♂The Legend of Buddha
At the origin of Chinese astrology we find the famous legend of Buddha that defines the order of zodiac animals.
It is said that before his death Buddha had organized a race to define a temporal system for humans. the buffalo go first. On his way he crosses the rat and the to chat who ask him to carry them on his back to cross the river; which he accepted. Cunningly, the rat pushes the cat into the water and jumps onto the shore with a bamboo stick. He wins the race followed by the buffalo and the tiger. The cat finished third, ahead of the Lapland ; then comes the continue who on his way had helped a town affected by drought. Then comes the snake that had slipped through the hair of the horse, before scaring the latter, who therefore found himself behind. Follow the moutonthe singe and the coke who have walked together. Shortly after, the dog arrives soaking wet, having spent the entire time in the water. Finally, the pork regularly stopping along the way to nibble on whatever he could, he finished last.
⤵ Japanese horoscope influence
Unlucky years chart. Source: Wikipedia.
the astrological beliefs are important in Japanese society. some years called yakudoshi would be bad according to Japanese superstitions. Thus, 19, 33 and 37 years for women and 25, 42, 61 years for men are unlucky ages.
Similarly, the influence of the stars would also have played on demographics. So much so that in 1966, the year of the fire horse, we saw a major drop in the birth rate. In fact, it is a sign that brings bad luck to women, especially if they are connected to the element of fire.
Even today, the Japanese believe in the compatibility of the signs of the zodiac for the romantic relationship. Also, some people use astrology to predict the right time to build your career either have their first child.
?♀️ What is your Japanese zodiac sign? ?
The 12 animals of the Japanese zodiac are called junishi 十二支. Each one has specific character traits that we will present to you:
? Ratnezumi)
(2020, 2008, 1996, 1984, 1972, 1960)
If you were born in the year of the rat, you are probably a person clever and cunning who knows how to manage his money. Ambitious by nature, you are successful in everything you do. Your compatible signs: oxen, rabbits and dragons. On the other hand, you don’t like horses.
? boeuf cow (ushi)
(2021, 2009, 1997, 1985, 1973, 1961)
If you belong to the sign of the ox, you are a great worker who is involved in his responsibilities. Calm and patient by nature, you inspire confidence. Family and work are important values for you. Surround yourself with rats, monkeys and roosters but avoid the sheep.
? tiger tiger (Torah)
(2022, 2010, 1998, 1986, 1974, 1962)
If you were born under the symbol of the tiger, your pride could be extremely strong. charismatic, you are a leader who likes to protect others. Justice is crucial to you and you never give up. Dare to take risks, because you always land on your feet. Pigs, horses and dragons are your allies while monkeys are your enemies.
? lapin rabbitUsagi)
(2023, 2011, 1999, 1987, 1975, 1963)
Rabbits are elegant, calm and refined beings and when they love a person it is for life. intelligent and perfectionistThey usually have a great career path. If you are a rabbit you should know that you are admired. You are compatible with dogs, pigs and sheep. On the other hand, you don’t get along with roosters.
? Dragon (tatsu)
(2024, 2012, 2000, 1988, 1976, 1964)
If you are a dragon, you have a huge heart and iron health. With a brave character, you like adventure and your energy overflows even if it is not always visible. you’re a person enigmatic and passionate you can easily change your mind. Your friends are tigers, snakes and rats, but not dogs.
? snake (Hears)
(2025, 2013, 2001, 1989, 1977, 1965, 1953)
Cold in appearance, snakes are dedicated and warm. Idealistic and imbued with great wisdom, they like to listen to others and do not talk much. Snakes are usually lucky in money. They like dragons and roosters, but they can’t stand boars.
? Cheval 馬 (a)
(2026, 2014, 2002, 1990, 1978, 1966, 1954)
this animal is positive and upbeat. Fond of freedom, the horse is very independent. People with the horse sign are usually talkative, insightful and popular. However, be careful not to disturb them because horses are quick to anger. Although they do not like rats, they are compatible with sheep, tigers and dogs.
? Mouton Sheep (hitsuji)
(2027, 2015, 2003, 1991, 1979, 1967, 1955)
The native sheep are often pleasant and persuasive. Lovers of nature, they have a certain talent for the arts. Reserved by nature, sheep prefer to keep things to themselves. Allergic to conflict, they will always choose the soft path. If he gets along with horses, boars and rabbits, he does not like oxen.
? singed monkey (saroo)
(2028, 2016, 2004, 1992, 1980, 1968, 1956)
People whose birthday animal is the monkey often act according to their own interests. They are very smart and lucid, sometimes vain. In addition, they are sometimes criticized for being upstarts. Monkeys have great intellectual curiosity and a great thirst for knowledge. The ox and the rabbits are the signs compatible with the latter. Watch out for tigers!
? Chicken Coq (Bulls)
(2029, 2017, 2005, 1981, 1969, 1957)
Roosters are particularly punctual and efficient. They are dedicated and charismatic individuals who express themselves candidly. Sometimes annoying, this astrological sign tends to want to organize everything. His friends: snakes and oxen, but not rabbits.
? chow (internal)
(2030, 2018, 2006, 1982, 1970, 1958)
People under the sign of the dog are sincere and, like the tiger, they carry justice within them. Faithful and loyal we respect them a lot at work. Dogs like to enjoy life in peace and give the best of themselves. They get along well with rabbits and avoid dragons.
? Pork Sanglier (inoshishi)
(2031, 2019, 2007, 1983, 1971, 1959)
Those born in the year of the boar are generally bon vivants. They are usually people kind, generous and dynamic. Of course, be careful because a boar has no patience, it is better not to provoke it. Also, this Japanese astrological sign does not admit discord. The sheep, the rabbit and the tiger are compatible with the boar, while he will avoid snakes.
? Japanese zodiac and Japanese traditions
Each year in Japan one of the twelve signs of the zodiac is honored. This is an opportunity to celebrate men (toshi otoko) and women (toshi onna) bearing this astrological sign.
In 2022, for example, It’s the year of the water tiger ; a particularly favorable year for goats, dragons and the monkeys. During these twelve months influenced by the tiger, courage and ardor will be there…
Source: la1ere.francetvinfo.fr
In the Land of the Rising Eye, it is the gregorian calendar which is used This means that the new year begins on January 1 as with us. At this time, therefore, you can find postcards and other by-products such as pastries and charms with the image of the animal of the year. Furthermore, the latter appears in the Emma (plaques on which one inscribes one’s wishes) in the temples and shrines to attract luck.
And you, what is your Japanese zodiac sign? Do you recognize yourself in their character traits?
