Page 26 - A Dictionary of Chinese Symbols BIG Book

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To the twelve stellar stations, Chinese astronomers gave names derived from the
Twelve Branch cycle, consisting of symbols which have so far not been explained.
The twelve stations are not related in any way to the zodiac of Western astronomy,
although this was well known to Chinese astronomers from the Middle Ages onwards.
Irregularities – i.e. geocentric anomalies – in the movement of the planets were
precisely observed and explained.

A compass as used by astrologers and geomancers (baked clay)

Many Immortals were imagined as ‘emanations’ of stars; but, in general, the
constellations were not thought to have any direct influence on individual lives.
The amalgamation of the ‘Ten Celestial Stems’ (i.e. the Five Changes in their
positive and their negative aspects) with the ‘Twelve Branches’ (or stellar stations) gives
rise to cycles of sixty years which are of basic importance in Chinese astrology.
A horoscope always consists of eight symbols – two each for the year, the month, the day
and the hour of birth.
Over the centuries the astrological way of thought gradually spread to virtually every
area of Chinese culture. Before concluding a marriage under the old system, it was
especially necessary to have horoscopes cast, in order to see whether they were in
harmony or otherwise. In this respect, the Twelve Branch cycle was used in its other form
as a cycle of twelve symbolical creatures. Could a man born under the sign of the Cock
expect to live harmoniously with a woman born under the sign of the Dragon? Would he
perhaps not do better to seek a partner born under the sign of the Rat? Statistical
investigation has shown that ‘favourable’ and ‘unfavourable’ combinations came up in
about equal proportion. An unfavourable combination meant that the proposed marriage
could be called off without further ado; nor would the family of the rejected suitor feel in
any way insulted.