Page 416 - A Dictionary of Chinese Symbols BIG Book

A-Z 409

Zodiac and the annual cycles over a century

sheep, the monkey, the cock, the dog and the pig (see separate entries). These cyclic

symbols should not be confused with the zodiacal symbols as used in Western
astronomy’ (Richard Wilhelm). In astronomical and astrological writings especially,
the names of the animals are not used, being replaced by the enigmatic horary characters.
Formerly time was reckoned in terms of the cycle of twelve, and, as each sign was
imbued with the character of the equivalent animal, this had to be taken into account in
arranging an engagement, for example; the signs under which the prospective bride and
bridegroom had been born had to be compared for compatibility, and, should this be
lacking, a planned marriage could be called off.