Lunar New Year: How does Chinese astrology work and what will this year bring?

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. It's just incredible," she adds.

Unlike Western astrology, which typically requires an accurate birth time, Chinese astrology, though more precise, offers a degree of flexibility. Even without the exact time of birth, practitioners can generate a chart using the original three pillars method. 

While this chart lacks the hour pillar, which adds depth to the analysis, it still provides "valuable insights" into an individual's character and life path.

"All the astrology systems are broadly working with the same tools, which are the planets. We are 10 stems of the 10 planets that we're working with, and the 12 branches are the 12 months of the year," explains Denise O’Dwyer, a Feng Shui and Chinese astrology expert.

"It differs in that our months are not aligned with the Western calendar. So we use the Chinese 10,000-year calendar" – the lunar calendar – "which will tell us when the new month begins, when the new year begins."

Furthermore, in Chinese astrology, the five-element theory – wood, fire, water, metal, and earth – 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 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 roots. This metal element feeds into the water element of winter, where growth is 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 career. 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 Kay.

In Chinese astrology, each 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 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.

"Someone could be born on a fire day, and that day could be a yin fire day or a yang fire day and that will then form the dominant, keynote elements for your characteristics," explains O'Dwyer.

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.

"Two people may be born at exactly the same minute, in the same hour, on the same day, but their lives will be different because they'd experience different feng shui and engage with their environment in different ways," says O'Dwyer.

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. 

O'Dwyer says the yang wood element signifies strength, self-sufficiency, and determination, while the dragon branch represents confidence and spirituality. Together, they suggest a year characterized by standoffs and minimal compromise. This uncompromising nature stems from the controlling relationship between wood and earth elements. The year is expected to be eventful and potentially challenging until around August, when a shift may occur. 

She says individuals seeking courage can tap into the pillar's essence, while those facing stagnation may benefit from incorporating the water element to facilitate progress. Overall, how one utilizes these energies depends on individual goals and needs.

When using Chinese astrology, the focus is often on the benefits and opportunities presented by the year's chart. The dragon branch is esteemed for its "spirituality and gifted nature," but its immovable earth quality signifies steadfastness and minimal compromise. 

"Tap into the wisdom of the dragon, it has always known how things should be. It's a very spiritual animal branch so may the dragon's wisdom guide you in the direction of your greatest happiness."

Master 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 is out of balance at the moment, it is far too strong – so you have to get in the yin," she advises.

She is also grateful for the advice that her Grand Master has shared with her – "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."

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