More on those signs

[helwen]

This site seems to be a pretty good one for learning more about the general character for each animal in the zodiac:
http://chinese.astrology.com/

Also, I learned here today that the moon phases are divided into 4 parts by the Chinese, that each have their own names -- and also names for each part of each phase. Kind of cool, actually... the phases go through the seasons, so each moon cycle is like a mini-year. Also, now I know more about a Chinese Tarot deck I was given several years ago, but mostly only look at for the pretty pictures. The four suits in the deck are the same as the four animals of the 4 phases of the moon. Neat! Maybe I'll actually start to use the deck this year...


But, probably not right now. Need to walk around, and then maybe take a nap.

Comments

[lyanna-beth.livejournal.com]

I was born in the year of the (fire) Dog, in the western sign of Cancer, whose symbol is a crab. Since I am female, this legitimately makes me a hot Crabby Bitch! [(OK, so I'm only barely tepid... ;) ]

[helwen.livejournal.com]

Hey now! I think you're quite nice, even when you're grumpy :)

My western sign is Pisces.... doesn't really go with the rabbit, aside from my birth year being a water year. Altho' in the Korean calendar the animal is the cat, and cats like fish... eh, maybe I don't want to go there...

[baavgai.livejournal.com]

WikiPedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_astrology) actually has a surprisingly good writeup on the system. I have an excellent book on this somewhere, complete with lots of little ancient doodles. There was a time when Chinese astrologers were forbidden from using charts and required to actually observe the stars. Implying they got really into the charts. I'll see if I can find the book for you.

If you ever come across the rules for Chinese Lunar leap month, I'd be interested. The pattern repetition is the same as the Hebrew calendar. However, unlike the Hebrew calendar, which designates one standard month as the leap month, the Chinese bonus moon floats.

[helwen.livejournal.com]

I came across it a little while ago, because we had one recently... will see if I can find the page again. Book sounds interesting, if you happen to find it.

[baavgai.livejournal.com]

Book Found.

Chinese Astrology, by Derek Walters. That's the full title. The book in my hand was published in UK for 9 quid, by "The Aquarian Press" and I can't find it on Amazon. ( Ok, never mind, kinda found it. (http://www.amazon.com/Chinese-Astrology-Derek-Walters/dp/B000J6BUYU/ref=sr_1_49?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1201137259&sr=1-49) ) This review (http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/astrology_plain_english/116922) is of same book, the bio is lifted verbatim from the back cover. This (http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Guide-Chinese-Astrology-Comprehensive/dp/1842931113/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1201137380&sr=1-1) appears to be the current printing.

The really notable thing about the book is the density of information offered. There's no fluff. It's the kind of thing modern publishers seem to try to spread across many volumes.

Um, I never actually finished it...

[helwen.livejournal.com]

Um, eek? But I'd be willing to give it a try... maybe next time we see each other? I've still got a bunch of other books to catch up on -- more than usual, that is :D

Sounds cool though. I do like lending libraries!

Lunar Leap Month

[helwen.livejournal.com]

A little history (http://www.chinesefortunecalendar.com/CLC/FixHistory.htm) ... with links in the description for some meanings of things. I found some of it incomprehensible, but it may make more sense to you.

Oh, and I was right, there had been a leap month, back in 2006.
http://www.chinesefortunecalendar.com/2004leapmonth.htm

And this might be useful:
http://www.chineseastrologyonline.com/clc/default.htm

Re: Lunar Leap Month

[baavgai.livejournal.com]

Thanks! I'll need some time to soak that up. I got into writing calendar programs years ago. Lunar calendars fascinate me.