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The Chinese Zodiac: And Other Paths to Luck, Riches & Prosperity
The Chinese Zodiac is a beautifully illustrated introduction to eastern astrology, perfect for discovering what your sign—Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, or Pig—says about you.
Are you loyal like the Dog? Or stubborn like the Ox? What does the time you were born have to do with who you are? And does it determine your fate?
The Chinese Zodiac doesn't have all the answers but offers a fun and fresh perspective on the magic behind when you were born. Known as the Bazi, or Eight Words, the four animals and Wuxing elements associated with one's birth make up a complete horoscope and can help you to better understand yourself and others. Someone born in the year of the Pig, for example, comes last in the cycle and embodies qualities of release, completion, and return, indulging in the rich after-hours of life that favor food, love, and good company. A Rat, on the other hand, comes first; they're ambitious and eager to begin new projects but might have trouble seeing them through.
No matter your sign, there is something to be uncovered in these pages. Charmingly illustrated, with sidebars on Chinese culture and myth throughout, this book is an informative and mystical guide to knowing just a little more about the universe—and how you fit into it.
Are you loyal like the Dog? Or stubborn like the Ox? What does the time you were born have to do with who you are? And does it determine your fate?
The Chinese Zodiac doesn't have all the answers but offers a fun and fresh perspective on the magic behind when you were born. Known as the Bazi, or Eight Words, the four animals and Wuxing elements associated with one's birth make up a complete horoscope and can help you to better understand yourself and others. Someone born in the year of the Pig, for example, comes last in the cycle and embodies qualities of release, completion, and return, indulging in the rich after-hours of life that favor food, love, and good company. A Rat, on the other hand, comes first; they're ambitious and eager to begin new projects but might have trouble seeing them through.
No matter your sign, there is something to be uncovered in these pages. Charmingly illustrated, with sidebars on Chinese culture and myth throughout, this book is an informative and mystical guide to knowing just a little more about the universe—and how you fit into it.
- GenresNonfictionAstrology
144 pages, Hardcover
Published December 6, 2022
6 people are currently reading
52 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
February 26, 2023
I borrowed this accidentally, thinking it was another book on Chinese mythology instead of the zodiac. Whooops! I am happy to state that it was a good "mistake," and one that I thoroughly enjoyed reading. You might be familiar with the Chinese New Year (or Lunar New Year but this is specifically about the Chinese zodiac) and the animals. Turns out the Chinese zodiac is much deeper than that.
The author Hwang gives us a really lovely introduction to the Chinese zodiac, explaining the animal symbols, the elements, etc. behind the zodiac. It's not just the year, but also the month, day and even hour when you were born. What the animal represents, the compatible ones (and not so much), what characteristics and traits that are associated with the animal, etc.
As I said, this ended up being a great "mistake" on my part. It was not something I was looking for, it wasn't something I was even interested in (I only knew the very basics) but this ended up being a super interesting read. I'm not into astrology and the sort of "woo" elements but you will not find that here. It's a straight-forward, "basic" primer that was actually fascinating to read.
There isn't anything "wrong" (to my knowledge) with the book itself, but I would imagine for someone more familiar you might find this repetitive or "basic"? I also got the e-reader version, so the charts explaining how to calculate aspects of your zodiac were cut-off, causing me to flip back and forth. A mild irritation, perhaps, and not the fault of the author but it would have been handy for it to all appear on one page for me.
But if you are into astrology but are unfamiliar with the Chinese zodiac, this might be worth a read. Or if you were interested in the zodiac anyway or want to learn more about this aspect of Chinese culture, etc. I found this to be a super approachable and readable (and relatively short at 144 pages). The illustrations (look at that cover, too!) are also gorgeous.
Borrowed from the library as an e-book as mentioned but it may certainly be more worth reading the physical version for the charts and pretty illustrations instead.
The author Hwang gives us a really lovely introduction to the Chinese zodiac, explaining the animal symbols, the elements, etc. behind the zodiac. It's not just the year, but also the month, day and even hour when you were born. What the animal represents, the compatible ones (and not so much), what characteristics and traits that are associated with the animal, etc.
As I said, this ended up being a great "mistake" on my part. It was not something I was looking for, it wasn't something I was even interested in (I only knew the very basics) but this ended up being a super interesting read. I'm not into astrology and the sort of "woo" elements but you will not find that here. It's a straight-forward, "basic" primer that was actually fascinating to read.
There isn't anything "wrong" (to my knowledge) with the book itself, but I would imagine for someone more familiar you might find this repetitive or "basic"? I also got the e-reader version, so the charts explaining how to calculate aspects of your zodiac were cut-off, causing me to flip back and forth. A mild irritation, perhaps, and not the fault of the author but it would have been handy for it to all appear on one page for me.
But if you are into astrology but are unfamiliar with the Chinese zodiac, this might be worth a read. Or if you were interested in the zodiac anyway or want to learn more about this aspect of Chinese culture, etc. I found this to be a super approachable and readable (and relatively short at 144 pages). The illustrations (look at that cover, too!) are also gorgeous.
Borrowed from the library as an e-book as mentioned but it may certainly be more worth reading the physical version for the charts and pretty illustrations instead.
February 17, 2023
I enjoyed reading this book, especially the folk tales behind the animals that the years are named for. You can create your own horoscope chart using the guide within this book, and everything is explained clearly and in simple steps. The illustrations are beautiful, and the book provides a visual delight on my bookshelf. It isn’t a massive tome either, so even the most reluctant reader who is keen to study horoscopes should find it useful and informative.
July 11, 2023
This had no structure nor any real information about Chinese astrology other than discribing each animal year, and that contained hardly anything of worth.
Where here to discover things about our Bazi/Four pillers of destiny not learn about old stories that dont seem to have any zest to them and are probably very different to what the original story was trying to teach us.
It's pretty much a history lesson about it rather than teaching us stuff about ourselves. Wouldnt recommend
Where here to discover things about our Bazi/Four pillers of destiny not learn about old stories that dont seem to have any zest to them and are probably very different to what the original story was trying to teach us.
It's pretty much a history lesson about it rather than teaching us stuff about ourselves. Wouldnt recommend
December 22, 2022
AARON I’M SO FUCKING PROUD OF YOU
January 18, 2023
I found the content interesting, the writing style inviting, and the illustrations stunning. Really enjoyable read!!
January 26, 2023
I mean, I only read the chapter on me. So it was great!
February 9, 2023
I feel very called out 10/10 would do math again I'm so proud of u buddy
June 13, 2024
Interesting
October 13, 2024
Fun and informative! Plus, the illustrations are lovely!
March 11, 2025
loved it honestly, i loved the illustrations and the information provided
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews