The five elements: earth, metal, water, wood and fire.

The Chinese use the five elements to describe movement and change. They believe that changes occur as a result of the influence of the elements on the balance between Yin and Yang.
Each of the 12 animals is for the most part made of one of the elements. The elements are based on the cardinal directions and correspond with the seasons.

The years also have their own natural element. The element which belongs to the year is the dominant one. Some year’s elements cooperate with the element of your animal, others work in opposition to it. Every element is dominant for two years in a row (one Yang year, followed by a Yin year), and returns 10 years later.
Consequently, change occurs due to the influence of the five main elements. These five elements are responsible for harmony, as well as disharmony. Therefore it is important to deal with them carefully.

Philosophy of Yin, Yang and CHI.

Our exterior is Yang (active, masculine, aggressive, socially indifferent) and our inner selves are Yin (passive, feminine, receptive, focussed on society).
Yin and Yang are each others opposites, but they can’t exist without each other. Everything is related to everything else. The principle of Yin and Yang states that everything is connected.
According to Chinese philosophy, each state of the universe is a direct consequence of a balance of energies or an imbalance between Yin and Yang.

Some animals are more Yin, others are more Yang.
Years are also either Yang or Yin. All even years are Yang, and all odd years are Yin. This says something about the best activities (either more inside or outside) to carry out in that specific year.

The word astrology consists of the word ‘astro’, or star, and the word ‘logos’, or study.
In other words: astrology is the study of the connection between the stars and especially planets of our solar system and a human life.
In astrology, planets symbolise parts of ourselves and they indicate how we act in certain situations and how we deal with experiences.

There are many kinds of astrology and they all have their own approach. For instance, western astrology studies the influence of heavenly bodies (the sun, moon, stars and planets) on the earth and the people on earth, while Chinese astrologers also take account of the seasons and, among other things, the philosophy of Yin and Yang.

Astrology can therefore be seen as a source of self-knowledge. Astrology doesn’t answers questions about who you really are and therefore interpretations shouldn’t be taken too literally. Astrology helps you think about certain issues and in that way gives you signals through which you get to know yourself.
When you look at astrology this way, the discussion whether it is ‘true’ or not is not a relevant one anymore. Anyone can take from it what is of interest to him or her and leave the rest for what it is.
This way, you can use astrology to give a positive turn to your life.

The origin of the Chinese signs of the zodiac is a mystery. According to some sources, Chinese Astrology originated around 1000 B.C., other sources state they come from Buddha. There is a legend about Buddha that says that at the end of his life, Buddha called for all animals to appear before him. He rewarded their loyal service by giving every animal the reign over one lunar year. Every lunar year was named after the animal and would be characterised by its qualities. The twelve animals would form the Chinese wheel. They reflect the cosmos.

There are twelve animals, in an order running from Rat to Pig. Every year there is a new animal. These 12 animals already give a good description of the different types of personalities. Most people do not however belong completely to one type but rather have the characteristics of several animals. This is because every person is made up of three animals:

o        One animal for the year of birth.

o        One animal for the month in which you were born .

o        One animal for the exact time of birth, also known as the ascendant animal.

The year animal represents your behaviour.
The month animal is the same as in western astrology and plays an important part in how we form a personality and how we establish relationships.
The inner animal is derived from the exact time of birth and says something about the way you are inside.

In Chinese Astrology it is believed that we are not supposed to become a certain animal, but that we should be the qualities of the animals. The animals represent the content of our soul. The characteristics of the animals are those qualities, which we have to learn to master in our life’s journey.

The meaning of esotericism

Esotericism is related to the ‘inner world’ or ‘that which is hidden’; it is the opposite of exotericism, which deals with ‘the world out there’ or ‘that which is in public’.

Esotericism encompasses a diverse range of philosophical denominations and societies. Esotericism is aimed at achieving knowledge, which can be gained by learning and applying certain methods. At the core of it is the development of the individual self and its place in the universe.

Esotericism doesn’t encompass astrology. Esoteric astrology does exist, though. Astrologers practicing it also look at esoteric levels within astrology. This kind of astrology doesn’t only look at the level of personality, but also at the soul and consciousness.

Esotericism, another language

The esoteric aspects of astrology throw light on another aspect of human existence. Esotericism represents the invisible, that what cannot be directly perceived by our senses. It is connected to inner strength. At the centre of esotericism are the soul and consciousness. Consciousness means: being conscious about who you are.
Because esotericism deals with the soul it is very difficult to describe in words. The concepts are not taken from our normal level of consciousness and everyday vocabulary.
That’s the reason why, throughout the ages this knowledge has been passed on through symbols. By means of interpreting symbols which appeal to our emotions, they can however be translated.

Expressing knowledge through imagery and symbols in stead of through ‘everyday language’ can be a source of much miscommunication. Even when they are literally translated certain statements may lose their validity.

Tarot

A good and well-known example of esotericism and astrology are the tarot cards. You can decide for yourself how would like to express a certain symbol.
Esotericism isn’t that much about contemplating other, non-material things, but rather about thinking differently about things that already exist.

Are you looking for self-knowledge and valuable

insights into your life?

Every human being has a unique walk of life. Some people do this by living for the moment, others are less conscious about it and take life the way it comes.
Whatever walk of life you’re from, you may sometimes have questions about the meaning of life.

Learning to understand symbols, imagery and experiences mainly falls under the heading “Esotericism”. It helps you to find answers to your questions and to take your life into your own hands.

Esotericism represents the invisible; that which cannot be perceived directly with our senses. It’s all about inner strength and how conscious you are about who you really are. Because esotericism deals with things located at the level of the soul our normal level of consciousness can’t deal with it, and it can’t be expressed in everyday language either. Its deeper truths are communicated by means of symbols and mythological imagery.

The imagery and symbols may be experienced when you’re dreaming and can be read from the lines of your hand. The most well-known instance of symbolism are tarot cards. You will find more information about the tarot cards in our range of tarot products.