Lunar New Year: How does Chinese astrology work and what will this year bring?
An interview with CGTN Europe, a Chinese TV channel that broadcasts in Europe Chinese astrology, also known as Ba-Zi or "Eight Characters" and "Four Pillars," is an ancient practice with origins dating back to the Han dynasty around 202 BC. Initially based on three pillars, it evolved over centuries, with a fourth 'hour' pillar being added in 960 AD. This established system has "stood the test of time", offering insights into individuals' destinies and character traits for centuries.
"The practice has deep roots, and the knowledge has been passed down through generations," Master Chue Kay, Chinese astrology expert and author of Chinese Astrology: Finding Your Own Inner Diamond, told CGTN.
"It never ceases to amaze me, it's a never-ending story. The depth of information contained in a chart is just incredible," she adds.
Master Chue Kay went on to explain that in Chinese astrology, the fiveelement theory – wood, fire, earth, metal, and water– is integral, akin to its application in acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine.
The cycle of the five elements serves as a method of interpreting nature's language. In spring, symbolized by the wood element, growth is evident as trees sprout new shoots, reflecting a rising and passionate energy. As summer
arrives, represented by the fire element, this energy intensifies, culminating in the full bloom of the flowers during the summer solstice. Transitioning to autumn, embodied by the metal element, leaves fall, signifying a shift in energy towards decline and returning to their roots. This metal element feeds into the water element of winter, where grow this hidden beneath the surface, waiting to emerge anew in spring.
Understanding this cycle allows for insights into birth charts, where the presence or absence of elements can reveal vulnerabilities or imbalances. For instance, a lack of fire may indicate issues in areas such as the heart or the eyes. By identifying these gaps and addressing imbalances, it is possible to restore harmony and promote well-being—a testament to the depth of understanding offered by the five elements.
"We can identify the breaks of energy, where the vulnerabilities are, and help to redress that imbalance," says Master Chue Kay.
In Chinese astrology, an individual's birth chart typically exhibits one dominant element among the five. This dominant element, known as the "Day Master," is determined by the stem and branch of the day of birth and can be either yin or yang polarity – according to Chinese philosophy, all things exist as inseparable and contradictory opposites.
Master Chue Kay says the concept of yin and yang emphasizes the necessity of balance and collaboration, mirrored in the natural world's harmony between male and female energies.
In Chinese metaphysics, particularly in astrology and feng shui, the model suggests that our life experiences are influenced by three factors: heaven luck is 30 percent, earth luck is 30 percent, and human free will is 40 percent.
Heaven luck pertains to astrology and cosmic influences, while earth luck involves the environmental factors, particularly feng shui. Human free will, comprising the largest portion, refers to the choices individuals make in
response to their circumstances. This model implies that even individuals born at the same time may lead different lives due to variations in their environment and the decisions they make, although their fundamental essence remains unchanged.
This Chinese New Year is the yang wood dragon year – and individual experiences are likely to be influenced by the interplay between the year's characteristics and one's personal chart.
Master Chue Kay says as we enter the new year, taking care of oneself will be paramount, particularly amid global turmoil and personal challenges. The dragon's role extends to gaining perspective and transforming energy, urging individuals to streamline their lives and prioritize well-being. Amidst the frenetic pace of modern life, learning to
say no and finding moments of relaxation will be essential.
"The yang energy is out of balance at the moment, it is far too strong – so you have to introduce the yin energy," she advises.
She is also grateful for the advice that her master, Grand Master Chan Kun Wah, has shared:
"Never enter through a rushed door"
which she says means " be composed in all you do and act with a clear mind to avoid mistakes and disappointment. This is the energy of the dragon.”
Editor’s note: This article was first published on the CGTN Europe website,
written by Sunniya Ahmad Pirzada.
You can also access the full article here:
https://newseu.cgtn.com/news/2024-02-10/Lunar-New-Year-How-doesChinese-astrology-work--1r3K9Wr61A4/p.html
"The practice has deep roots, and the knowledge has been passed down through generations," Master Chue Kay, Chinese astrology expert and author of Chinese Astrology: Finding Your Own Inner Diamond, told CGTN.
"It never ceases to amaze me, it's a never-ending story. The depth of information contained in a chart is just incredible," she adds.
Master Chue Kay went on to explain that in Chinese astrology, the fiveelement theory – wood, fire, earth, metal, and water– is integral, akin to its application in acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine.
The cycle of the five elements serves as a method of interpreting nature's language. In spring, symbolized by the wood element, growth is evident as trees sprout new shoots, reflecting a rising and passionate energy. As summer
arrives, represented by the fire element, this energy intensifies, culminating in the full bloom of the flowers during the summer solstice. Transitioning to autumn, embodied by the metal element, leaves fall, signifying a shift in energy towards decline and returning to their roots. This metal element feeds into the water element of winter, where grow this hidden beneath the surface, waiting to emerge anew in spring.
Understanding this cycle allows for insights into birth charts, where the presence or absence of elements can reveal vulnerabilities or imbalances. For instance, a lack of fire may indicate issues in areas such as the heart or the eyes. By identifying these gaps and addressing imbalances, it is possible to restore harmony and promote well-being—a testament to the depth of understanding offered by the five elements.
"We can identify the breaks of energy, where the vulnerabilities are, and help to redress that imbalance," says Master Chue Kay.
In Chinese astrology, an individual's birth chart typically exhibits one dominant element among the five. This dominant element, known as the "Day Master," is determined by the stem and branch of the day of birth and can be either yin or yang polarity – according to Chinese philosophy, all things exist as inseparable and contradictory opposites.
Master Chue Kay says the concept of yin and yang emphasizes the necessity of balance and collaboration, mirrored in the natural world's harmony between male and female energies.
In Chinese metaphysics, particularly in astrology and feng shui, the model suggests that our life experiences are influenced by three factors: heaven luck is 30 percent, earth luck is 30 percent, and human free will is 40 percent.
Heaven luck pertains to astrology and cosmic influences, while earth luck involves the environmental factors, particularly feng shui. Human free will, comprising the largest portion, refers to the choices individuals make in
response to their circumstances. This model implies that even individuals born at the same time may lead different lives due to variations in their environment and the decisions they make, although their fundamental essence remains unchanged.
This Chinese New Year is the yang wood dragon year – and individual experiences are likely to be influenced by the interplay between the year's characteristics and one's personal chart.
Master Chue Kay says as we enter the new year, taking care of oneself will be paramount, particularly amid global turmoil and personal challenges. The dragon's role extends to gaining perspective and transforming energy, urging individuals to streamline their lives and prioritize well-being. Amidst the frenetic pace of modern life, learning to
say no and finding moments of relaxation will be essential.
"The yang energy is out of balance at the moment, it is far too strong – so you have to introduce the yin energy," she advises.
She is also grateful for the advice that her master, Grand Master Chan Kun Wah, has shared:
"Never enter through a rushed door"
which she says means " be composed in all you do and act with a clear mind to avoid mistakes and disappointment. This is the energy of the dragon.”
Editor’s note: This article was first published on the CGTN Europe website,
written by Sunniya Ahmad Pirzada.
You can also access the full article here:
https://newseu.cgtn.com/news/2024-02-10/Lunar-New-Year-How-doesChinese-astrology-work--1r3K9Wr61A4/p.html