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The Chinese astrology calendar is based upon a different starting point than most western cultures (typically considered February 4th). It uses a blend of a lunar calendar mixed with a solar calendar. We’ll explain this in more detail below. The key to understanding the calendars used for Chinese astrology is to appreciate how the Chinese Zodiac cycle uses both animals and the elements. In this article, we’ll explore the Chinese calendar. We’ll look closely at how the cycle was derived by using astrological signs. Then, we’ll explain the Chinese agricultural calendar and its significance to astrology and the Zodiac.
The Lunisolar Calendar Explained
The Chinese astrology calendar uses a lunisolar calendar as its foundation. That is, it blends together the lunar calendar and the solar calendar. First, here’s a brief explanation of both types of calendars. The lunar calendar follows the phases of the moon. There are 12 lunar months that aren’t derived from the seasons. Most cultures no longer use this calendar. Instead, the solar calendar is used. Rather than following the phases of the moon, the solar calendar uses dates that are based upon the earth’s position around the sun. The Chinese astrology calendar is based upon a mixture of the two.
This “Lunisolar” calendar follows a strict 60-year rotation. It is comprised of 2 different sub-cycles. The first sub-cycle is represented by the Five Elements of Chinese philosophy. They’re commonly referred to as the “Heavenly Stems” or “Celestial Stems”. There are 10 stems; 1 for each element in both Yin and Yang forms.
The second sub-cycle of the Lunisolar calendar represents the 12 animals of the Chinese Zodiac. These are called the Earthly Branches. The calendar combines both the Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches to create a 60-year cycle (5 elements multiplied by 12 Zodiac animals). Each of the 12 Zodiac animals can only be Yin or Yang (not both).
Every year of the Chinese astrology calendar’s 60-year cycle reflects the Yin or Yang of one element and one of the animals of the Zodiac. For example, in the past cycle, Jan 25 1982 through Feb 12 1983 was marked by “Yang Water” and the Dog. The following period (Feb 13 1983 through Feb 01 1984) was represented by Yin Water and the Pig.
What Is The Chinese Agricultural Calendar?
The Chinese agricultural calendar breaks from the lunisolar-based Chinese astrology calendar. While it also follows a blend of lunar and solar calendars (based upon the moon’s phases and the earth’s position around the sun, respectively), it splits the year into seasons. This is done for agricultural reasons.
Within the past several years, many of the texts that reference Chinese astrology have begun to follow the agricultural calendar. This has had the effect of changing the point at which each Zodiac sign begins and ends.
An Easy Way To Remember
Most people who are devoted to the study of Chinese astrology don’t memorize the changes of the Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches during the Lunisolar calendar’s 60-year cycle. Instead, many of them rely on an easy method to remember them: the years that end with an even number (0, 2, 4, 6, or 
always reflect the Yang. Odd numbers are always the Yin.
Enthusiasts use the Chinese astrology calendar to plan their decisions in light of where their fortunes lay throughout the cycle. These can include decisions about their career, personal relationships and even their long-term health. While the majority of people neglect to fully understand this calendar, many others based the decisions on which their lives hinge upon it.
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