The Real Facts Behind Each
of the Signs of the Zodiac
The ZODIAC
Zo·di·acˈ- zōdēˌak, a belt of the heavens within about 8° either side of the ecliptic, including all apparent positions of the sun, moon, and most familiar planets. It is divided into twelve equal divisions or signs (Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces)
In both astrology and historical astronomy, the zodiac (Greek: ζῳδιακός, zōidiakos) is a circle of twelve 30° divisions of celestial longitude that are centered upon the ecliptic, the apparent path of the Sun across the celestial sphere over the course of the year. The paths of the Moon and visible planets also remain close to the ecliptic, within the belt of the zodiac, which extends 8-9° north or south of the ecliptic, as measured in celestial latitude. Because the divisions are regular, they do not correspond exactly to the boundaries of the twelve constellations after which they are named.
Historically, these twelve divisions are called signs. The signs are used as markers in the 12 divisions/events of the celestial year. Essentially, the zodiac is a celestial coordinate system, or more specifically an ecliptic coordinate system, which takes the ecliptic as the origin of latitude, and the position of the Sun at Vernal Equinox as the origin of longitude. This is the basis of the Zodiac.
The CHINESE ZODIAC
The Chinese animal zodiac, or Shengxiao (/shnng-sshyaoww/ ‘born resembling’), is a repeating cycle of 12 years, with each year being represented by an animal and its reputed attributes. Traditionally these zodiac animals were used to date the years. The 12-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac is an approximation to the 11.86-year cycle of Jupiter, the largest planet of the solar system. The Chinese zodiac and its animals are not to be confused with the Western monthly zodiac and its animals, which are not linked by any means of how they are read, created, or work.
The 12 animals of the Chinese Zodiac are: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, Pig. Their personality traits break down into similar areas and ways as do the different animals that are used in the Western zodiac. Moreover, the Chinese zodiac is focused on a 12-year cycle and thus what happens at each of its 12-year cycle points as they return. Thus is its basis.
FUN FACT
Richard Rockfire is a Leo. He was born on July 27th, of 1968. Born at the end of the first week of the Leo's sign, Rockfire is a very young a vibrant Fire heart indeed. He was born in 1968, which also makes him a clever and playful Monkey within the Chinese Years' sign.
Rockfire, is in very good company among the Leo's, because many of the greatest artists, actors, musicians, creative engineers, and world leaders are Leo's. Even the last three U.S. Presidents: Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama are all Leos.
