The World of Chinese Astrology - Astrological Predictions

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by: Samantha Dale
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Word Count: 661
Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 Time: 9:13 PM

The contributions of the Ancient Chinese World are numerous. Many of them, paper, the compass, and silk fabric, are still used every day in a design that hasn't much changed since their advent. Among these contributions are also spiritual and natural health remedies. Acupuncture has been dated back to 113 BCE and continues to be used as alternative therapy for ailments that elude even the most prestigious Western physicians.

It only makes sense that the culture that brought the world such incredible technological advances would also have its own form of predicting human affairs.

Chinese astrology began to flourish alongside the astronomy studied during the Han Dynasty in the 2nd Century BCE, though it had been practiced long before then. Unlike Western astrology, this form of prediction is based not only on celestial bodies, but also on the principles of Yin and Yang tied to other philosophical concepts. A 12-year cycle of birth years also contributes to a person's destiny.

Over the centuries, an elaborate chart has been perfected establishing elements, animals, and other properties relevant to divining an individual's fortune on a particular calendar day.

As the system is thousands of centuries old, its complexity runs deep. An understanding of not only charted elements, but of Ancient Chinese philosophy and history is needed for an accurate divination.

Particular recommendations are based on a multitude of elaborate factors and can be easily misread by an amateur. As such, the popularity of professional online astrology readings has steadily increased. With a renewed understanding of the powerful understanding Ancient Chinese scholars had with regard to humanity, Westerners are turning to prominent Chinese astrologers.

It can be difficult to find a person with enough knowledge to prepare a chart that is easily readable for someone unfamiliar with the practice. Besides that, costs can be exorbitant.

As of now, several websites offer chart services that seem reasonable.

Shelly Wu runs www.chineseastrology.com. Shelly offers a personal birth chart with 5 element balances for $75.00 each, delivered by e-mail. She also offers a Zi Wei Star Chart for a full life analysis, but at a price of $495.00. The price is a bit steep, but the product is in-depth.

There is a self-service site available, www.chinesefortunecalendar.com, however, there is a lack of analysis, and the site provides minimal information with a difficult to read layout. The characters, however, are charming.

Astrology.com, the popular Western astrology site, has acknowledged the popularity of Chinese Astrology with an area dedicated to the form. However, the analysis is based solely on birth year and lacks the intensive explanation given by those fully studied in the craft. There is no mention of elements, Yin, or Yang. Nor are any lucky day predictions doled out. There is an option to receive a free trial of the Chinese Almanac, which seems to hold some of this information. However, memberships must be purchased in 3, 6, or 12-month increments only.

By far, the best site I've come across has been Duan Minh's www2.chineseastrologer.org. She provides dynamic, personal
astrological predictions at a reasonable cost of $7.99/month. Within her website, you can also view sample charts, download a free protection e-book, and research valuable Chinese Astrology information, teaching yourself the tenets of the philosophy behind the practice. With over 30 years of experience in Eastern personal astrological predictions and an easy-to-read, informative site layout, she gets my vote.

Astrology is an exciting venture. Some may seek out information for "entertainment" purposes only. However, with the reputable base established over the past centuries, it is important that Chinese astrology be taken seriously. And to take the art form seriously, it must be performed by a skilled artisan. Misinterpretation can cause serious faults. However, if practiced properly, the benefits of personal astrological predictions can be fruitful in every aspect of your life.