Chinese Zodiac: Year of the Rooster

Chinese astrology is based on the Sexagenary cycle of 60 years that has been documented since the time of the Shang Dynasty. This cycle has been constructed from two cycles. One is the 10 heavenly stems and the other the 12 earthly branches, or the 12-year cycle of the animals, referred to as the Chinese zodiac. Not only this, the zodiac also operates on a cycle of months, or "moons", and the hours of the day. It refers to a pure cylindrical cycle, with no equivalents like those of the occidental zodiac. In the imperial times, there were astrologers who watched for heavenly omens.

The ancient Chinese astronomers called the five major planets by the name of the element they were associated with. According to this, Venus corresponds to Metal (gold), Mercury to Water, Saturn to Earth, Jupiter to Wood, and Mars to Fire.

According to this, a person's destiny can be determined by the position of the major planets, along with the position of the Moon, Sun, comets, and the person's time of birth and zodiac sign. The 12-year cycle referred to above was built from the observations of the orbit of Jupiter.

This is a laborious system of computing one's fate and destiny based on ones' birthday and birth hours. It is used regularly till date in modern-day Chinese astrology to divine one's fortune. The 28 Chinese constellations are different from the 88 Western constellations.

According to the Chinese zodiac, Roosters are very loyal individuals who do not like mockery and dishonesty of any kind. They are up front, blunt, and honest people who expect the same from those around them. Roosters are the happiest when surrounded by people. When the spotlight is on them, they exhibit charisma and wit. These people expect you to listen to him/her, and can become agitated if you don't. They are inclined to brag about themselves and their achievements.

The characteristics of the Rooster are tempered by one of the 5 Chinese elements - Metal, Water, Fire, Wood, and Earth overlaying a 5-year cycle of characteristics on the original 12.

The Metal Rooster (1920 and 1981) :
Metal Roosters are sometimes proud, while at other times they are reasonable people who seem to analyze every decision they make and every situation they find themselves in. There are situations where they are standoffish too. It is advisable for metal Roosters to take a breather from their egos long enough to really enjoy.

The Water Rooster (1933 and 1993) :
The Water Rooster is a little quieter than the other Roosters, in that he/she is also not as vocal and/or hungry for spotlight. These people make great communicators and have boundless energy, which sometimes gets caught up in detail and causes a lapse in concentration. Water Roosters should learn to appreciate detail.

The Wood Rooster (1945 and 2005) :
The Wood Rooster likes being part of a team rather than being in the spotlight. He/she is a genuine friend and likes being in the company of others. Wood Roosters work diligently to remove the evils of society and expect the same quality attempts from others who are involved with the cause.

They are so caught up with the desire to help society, that they the sometimes commit themselves and are unable to finish what they have begun.

The Fire Rooster (1957 and 2017) :
The Fire Rooster spends a lot of time on looking good. He/she is dramatic and likes to flaunt, and is a brilliant organizer who loves to plan gatherings and parties. Fire Roosters have a tendency to be a little bossy and blunt, because of which others get hurt.

On the whole, these people make great leaders and are creative, motivated, and hardworking.

The Earth Rooster (1909 and 1969) :
Earth Roosters are very organized and a little reserved too. They are also hard workers and can multitask quite efficiently. They take on responsibility without a cause and want to be successful. If work is not up to their standards, they can be rough with colleagues, which can cause resentment.

Color :  Apricot and peach
Gems and Stones :  Ruby, topaz, and diamond
Hobbies :  Gardening, fishing, hiking, swimming, and mountain climbing

A Rooster dislikes anyone making fun of him/her and also dislikes people who are unmotivated, impolite, and have bad hygiene.

Roosters take their careers very seriously. They are hardworking and flexible individuals who are able to stick to their given tasks. They are generally successful individuals, who reach the very top in the careers they have chosen. The occupations best suited for Roosters are

• Acting
• Armed Forces
• Dancing
• Secretaries
• Book Keeping
• Music
• Dentistry
• Banking
• Accounting
• Insurance Agents

Roosters have an eye for detail, which means that they are good at handling finances. A Rooster is able to give others financial advice too. They come under two extremes - they either spend all their income or hoard it all for a rainy day!

Roosters either like you or they don't. Despite being very vocal about their ideas and opinions, these people are very tight-lipped when it comes to their feelings and emotions. These people are difficult to live with, but once you get to know them, you will find a wonderfully caring and romantic individual. Their hearts are made of solid gold and they care about their family immensely. Roosters are not suited for sensitive partners, as their candor and wit can be really humiliating at times.

Roosters enjoy active hobbies and sports. They don't get sick often, because they are able to fight illness fairly well. If they do get sick though, they bounce back very fast. They are sometimes high strung, and suffer from stress and dramatic mood swings.