Like the Western horoscope, the Eastern or Chinese astrology has 12 signs. But rather than the day of one’s birth, the basis of the Chinese Zodiac is the year of the birth determined by the twelve year lunar cycle.
According to myth, the 12 animals representing the lunar cycle came into being when Buddha called all the animals to come to him before leaving the Earth. Only 12 animals came to bid him farewell. The Rat came first when he jumped down in front of the Ox. They were followed by the Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Boar.
The year of the rat begins on February 4, 2008. The year 2008 is called Earth Rat or Brown Rat.
