Chinese Power Animals & Sun Signs
                       by Shailesh U Ghimire
It is commonly agreed -that the Chinese lunar calendar and its animals coincide generally with the Western astrology Sun signs. I've seen at least three different versions, and mine is different from the previous ones.
In making this correlation from the Sun signs to the animals, I used the meridians and their emotions as they related to the animals on the Time of Day Wheel as the criteria and found that this worked out best. If I had my druthers and could move the animals around as I pleased, I would make a few adjustments. But, we have an astrology wheel that has been handed down through the centuries that works. And, we have a Time of Day Wheel with the meridians and the animals, which has come down through time, and so we need to have them work together. Because there are different animals attributed to the Sun signs in other books, I felt the need to take a few pages and address the reasons why I chose the system I did.

Aries - the Rat
It has been written that, when the Chinese animals were called by the Buddha, the Rat came first, and Aries is the first sign. The Rat is very subjective and acts on his anger. Arians are known for their need to be first, also for their tempers and stamping their feet and demanding their own way as the baby of the zodiac might. They are hotheaded at times.

Taurus - the Ox
Well, the Ox fits here very well, as a surrogate for the Taurean bull. They are both very solid, sturdy. They till the soil and are one with Earth. They move slowly, but make steady progress. The meridian is the Liver, and the Ox may never take the yoke from around his neck and so feels repressed.

Gemini - the Tiger
While the elements of astrology and the elements of the meridians don't coincide, on the wheels, with the Tiger, the Lung meridian is in the metal or air element, and so is Gemini an air sign. The Tiger roars, much like the lion, and needs a lot of lung power to do it. He is one of the powers of the jungle and the Lung meridian deals with ego and pride ... and lung power.

Cancer - the Cat
The independent Cat may not seem like a true animal for the Cancerian sign, but we have all sorts of cats: alley cats, outdoor cats, and house cats. We have cats that always stay home and are never allowed outdoors. And, we should remember that, no matter how far he goes, the Cat will always find his way home. The Cat maintains his independence whatever path he's put on. The Large Intestine is the meridian and the emotions have to do with self-esteem, self-love, guilt, feeling clean about oneself . . . and developing self-love. Cancer meets the criteria of these symbols and emotions.