Simple Chinese Astrology

A basic introduction to the ancient system of astrology based on the Chinese lunar calendar from the author of Simple Feng Shui.

Introduced by the emperor Huang Ti between 2700 and 2600 B.C.E., Chinese astrology is based on the culture's lunar calendar, which is made up of five cycles of twelve years each, with a complete cycle taking sixty years. According to legend, Buddha summoned all the animals to come to him before he departed earth, but only twelve came to pay their respects. To honor them, he named a year after each animal in the order that they appeared: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Boar. These became the twelve astrological signs that determine your personality, behavior, and proclivities according to the year and time of day you were born.

This age-old practice tells you what to expect—in life, career, and romance—in the coming years. Featuring illustrations and tables, this guide makes this exacting science and art of divination and personal analysis accessible to Western readers.

Damian Sharp was born in Australia and was the recipient of two Literary Fellowship Awards from the Australian Council for the arts. He is also the author of Simple Feng Shui and Simple Chinese Astrology and has published short stories in periodicals such as the Chicago Review. He lives in San Francisco.