Know Your Birthstone from Chinese Astrology

Many people know their birthstones from western astrology , but do you know the best jewel for you in the Chinese zodiac? In Chinese astrology, each of 12 stones is believed to have certain powers and influences specially matched to bring out your animal sign's natural luck, and balance the uniquely challenging areas of your life.

RAT: Garnet
Garnet fosters loyalty and passion in your life. Its deep red color is associated with lasting love. Charming Rat is also a relentless thinker, and garnet should ward off melancholy, pessimistic thoughts. Garnets are believed to guard against theft. Thrifty Rat knows, however, this added security should not replace the home alarm system.
OX: Garnet
Aquamarine cultivate peaces of mind for the Ox, whose persevering nature requires both emotional and physical strength. Its pale blue color is reminiscent of tranquil waters, and even land-loving Oxen should emulate the Chinese fishermen, who carry them for protection against deadly squalls.

TIGER: Sapphire
Sapphire, a stone of guidance, is also referred to as the "third eye." Sapphire boosts the Tiger's ability to concentrate and visualize, and to see what is right and true in the midst of so many temptations. The deep blue stone fortifies the Tiger's position as a natural leader with unshakeable inner confidence. In a Tiger year, wearing sapphire is a lucky move for everyone. 
RABBIT: Pearl
Aligned with innocence and purity, the smooth white pearl guards against corruption. Single Rabbits take note! A pearl is worn to help find your soul mate. Before Red Bull, Rabbits adorned themselves in pearls for that extra boost of energy they sometimes need.
DRAGON: Amethyst
Like Dragon itself, amethyst is associated with powerful forces, including intuition, wealth, royalty and spirituality. It enhances psychic ability and is used for meditating as well as warding off destructive addictions. In fact, some wear the purple gem at parties to avoid inebriation. Moderation is slightly more effective, of course, but a strategy that holds little appeal for Dragons. 
SNAKE: Opal
Don't be fooled by superstitions that opals are unlucky. Especially for Snake, these mysteriously multicolored stones connote honor, spiritual journeys and the power of the mind. Snakes who are active dreamers should wear opals for more potent visions. Indeed, it is considered the "dream stone", and solicits good advice from spirits during sleep. 
HORSE: Topaz
The sparkling, golden-yellow hue of topaz is a source of inspiration. For free-spirited Horse, it channels your inborn originality, imagination and courage into high-flying action and triumph. Topaz should be worn for a helpful advantage when seeking creative solutions to problems that stand between you and your desires. 

SHEEP: Emerald
Amorous Sheep's powers of attraction are enhanced by the green emerald. Known for rarity, it's connected with love and money, but also signifies integrity, truth and self-knowledge. Emerald is the gem of the mother goddess. According to legend, it acts as an enchanting truth-serum. Those wearing emeralds find it difficult to lie. 
MONKEY: Peridot
Peridot combats the negative energy of envious people. The multi-talented Monkey arouses jealousy in others from time to time, so it's no wonder peridot is her lucky stone. Known as the "ego stone" for its ability to soothe wounded pride and soften rising tempers, the olive green gem is also used in Chinese wedding ceremonies. 
ROOSTER: Citrine
Flamboyant Rooster revels in the abundance and intellectual achievement cultivated by citrine. Called the "stone of success", citrine is used by students and teachers to broaden the mind. Because it is affiliated with material wealth, according to tradition, the pale yellow gem should only be given to people with generous hearts!
DOG: Diamond
Diamond. Referred to as the "morality stone", diamonds are believed to enhance fidelity, friendship and virtue. For the Dog, loyal champion of good, it also offers protection against evil and anxiety, and serves as a link to the divine. While diamonds are a Dog's best friend, you won't hear complaints from any sign receiving this gem.
PIG: Ruby
Peaceable Pig also tends to be popular, and a ruby -- the red "stone of the famous" -- can make even home-loving Pigs well-known far and wide. It symbolizes leadership, good fortune and health, once coveted by emperors to ward off illness. Used in traditional medicine to create body heat, it couldn't hurt to experiment with this unusual quality at home.   



Chinese Zodiac Animals

These 12 animals represent the rotating 12-year cycle that is the basis of the Chinese Zodiac. You’ve likely heard reference to a particular year being the “Year of the Rabbit” or “Year of the Pig.” Displayed below are the characteristics of those born in the year of the listed animals.

Rat

Those born under the Chinese Zodiac sign of the Rat are quick-witted, clever, charming, sharp and funny. They have excellent taste, are a good friend and are generous and loyal to others considered part of its pack. Motivated by money, can be greedy, is ever curious, seeks knowledge and welcomes challenges. Compatible with Dragon or Monkey.

Ox

Another of the powerful Chinese Zodiac signs, the Ox is steadfast, solid, a goal-oriented leader, detail-oriented, hard-working, stubborn, serious and introverted but can feel lonely and insecure. Takes comfort in friends and family and is a reliable, protective and strong companion. Compatible with Snake or Rooster.

Tiger

Those born under the Chinese Zodiac sign of the Tiger are authoritative, self-possessed, have strong leadership qualities, are charming, ambitious, courageous, warm-hearted, highly seductive, moody, intense, and they’re ready to pounce at any time. Compatible with Horse or Dog.

Rabbit

Those born under the Chinese Zodiac sign of the Rabbit enjoy being surrounded by family and friends. They’re popular, compassionate, sincere, and they like to avoid conflict and are sometimes seen as pushovers. Rabbits enjoy home and entertaining at home. Compatible with Goat or Pig.

Dragon

A powerful sign, those born under the Chinese Zodiac sign of the Dragon are energetic and warm-hearted, charismatic, lucky at love and egotistic. They’re natural born leaders, good at giving orders and doing what’s necessary to remain on top. Compatible with Monkey and Rat.

Snake

Those born under the Chinese Zodiac sign of the Snake are seductive, gregarious, introverted, generous, charming, good with money, analytical, insecure, jealous, slightly dangerous, smart, they rely on gut feelings, are hard-working and intelligent. Compatible with Rooster or Ox.

Horse

Those born under the Chinese Zodiac sign of the Horse love to roam free. They’re energetic, self-reliant, money-wise, and they enjoy traveling, love and intimacy. They’re great at seducing, sharp-witted, impatient and sometimes seen as a drifter. Compatible with Dog or Tiger.

Goat

Those born under the Chinese Zodiac sign of the Goat enjoy being alone in their thoughts. They’re creative, thinkers, wanderers, unorganized, high-strung and insecure, and can be anxiety-ridden. They need lots of love, support and reassurance. Appearance is important too. Compatible with Pig or Rabbit.

Monkey

Those born under the Chinese Zodiac sign of the Monkey thrive on having fun. They’re energetic, upbeat, and good at listening but lack self-control. They like being active and stimulated and enjoy pleasing self before pleasing others. They’re heart-breakers, not good at long-term relationships, morals are weak. Compatible with Rat or Dragon.

Rooster

Those born under the Chinese Zodiac sign of the Rooster are practical, resourceful, observant, analytical, straightforward, trusting, honest, perfectionists, neat and conservative. Compatible with Ox or Snake.

Dog

Those born under the Chinese Zodiac sign of the Dog are loyal, faithful, honest, distrustful, often guilty of telling white lies, temperamental, prone to mood swings, dogmatic, and sensitive. Dogs excel in business but have trouble finding mates. Compatible with Tiger or Horse.

Pig

Those born under the Chinese Zodiac sign of the Pig are extremely nice, good-mannered and tasteful. They’re perfectionists who enjoy finer things but are not perceived as snobs. They enjoy helping others and are good companions until someone close crosses them, then look out! They’re intelligent, always seeking more knowledge, and exclusive. Compatible with Rabbit or Goat.

 

2011, The year of the Rabbit (xin Mao) 3rd February 2011

Chinese New Year (according to the lunar calender) starts on the New Moon which is the 3^rd February 2011 after the Winter Solstice and is celebrated by people all over the world. It signifies new beginnings and a fresh start.

At a social level, it is very much a family affair, a time of reunion, togetherness and thanksgiving. Chinese New Year falls on February 3^rd 2011. Due to time differences around world, Chinese New Year willfall what appears to be a day early in USA and Canada.

The Chinese lunar calendar dates back to the second millennium BC. Unlike our calendar, which numbers the years progressively from a given time (the birth of Christ), the Chinese calendar is cyclical. Each cycle is made up of 12 years; after the 12th year, the cycle is repeated. The Chinese associate each year of a 12-year cycle with an animal, and they refer to the years as "the year of the dragon," "the year of the ox," and so forth. The 12 animals and the years associated with them are often represented on a circular chart, and for this reason they are known as animals of the zodiac.

The use of the animal names in the calendar led to the development of Chinese astrology. Astrology can be defined as a pseudo-science linking human destinies to charts associated with heavenly bodies or the recording of time. The Chinese believed the characteristics of a given zodiac animal influenced the personality of every person born in that year. They used this information to create horoscopes, daily predictions based upon the year of one's birth. Although the reading of horoscopes is popular in modern Chinese culture, few people take the predictions seriously.

Could astrology boost your chance of a baby ?

After four ­miscarriages and six failed IVF ­treatments, Mandy Parry was no stranger to studying charts in her quest to be a mum. She knew precisely where she was in her menstrual cycle as readily as she knew the day of the week.

In the five years she and her ­husband Mark had been trying to ­conceive, Mandy tried ­spiritual ­healing, feng shui, ­acupuncture, organic diets and a host of herbal remedies.Then, in a last attempt, Mandy ­consulted a fertility astrologer to help her get pregnant.

‘Mark and I had spent more than £50,000 on treatments and we’d both taken ­second jobs to pay for them,’ Mandy says.
‘All the ­heartbreak had made me ­profoundly depressed - at times I wanted to die. The odds were so stacked against us.’But now the couple are the proud parents of eight-month-old Violet. And Mandy has no doubt it was astro-­fertility that has helped to fulfil her dream of becoming a mother.
‘Though I was sceptical, I was also ­desperate,’ says Mandy. ‘I don’t even read my horoscope and Mark thought it was a complete waste of money. But when you want a baby as badly as I did, you will ­consider anything.
'Since Violet was born I feel ­intoxicated with happiness. I still can’t quite believe she’s here. All of my ­scepticism has melted away.’But can credit for this miracle ­conception really be given to ­star-­gazing - and is there a shred of ­evidence to support it? 
Astro-fertility works on the ­assumption that there are only two or three times a year when a woman can become pregnant and go on to ­successfully give birth.
Those windows are ­particular to each woman based on her and her partner’s time and place of birth and the alignment of planets at those moments.It is only when the position of those planets is replicated that a woman can conceive.
‘It sounds like nonsense,’ says Mandy, a secondary school teacher. ‘But we’d exhausted all other options so I thought: “Why not?”'
She and Mark, a community safety worker, met in May 2004 when Mandy was 39 and eager to have a family.
But, just as their ­relationship got ­serious, Mark, 47, made a confession - he’d had a ­vasectomy a few years back, following the birth of his three sons from his first marriage.
After speaking to their doctor, Mandy and Mark were told that rather than try to reverse the vasectomy, they could retrieve sperm from Mark and use it to fertilise one of Mandy’s eggs via IVF
But despite six attempts over four years - at a cost of up to £8,000 a time - the ­procedures were unsuccessful. ‘Each failure and miscarriage left me in pieces,’ says Mandy.
‘We would spend months organising it, have the treatment, lose the baby, spend several months working to pay off the debt we’d accrued and then start again. Eventually, at the end of 2008, I promised Mark I wouldn’t put us through it again.’
Then Mandy read on a ­website about fertility astrologer Nicola Smuts, who, it was claimed, had predicted times when couples would conceive. Nicola had a clinic in Bath, just a few miles from the Parrys’ home in Bristol, so Mandy decided it was worth a visit - though Mark was highly sceptical.
‘When I went for my ­appointment I had to take along details of mine and Mark’s births, which seemed bizarre. Mark said I was crazy for going along with it,’ she says.

He was even more doubtful when Nicola told Mandy her next fertile window was in August - in just six weeks.‘She told us we should move heaven and earth to have an IVF transfer (when embryos are implanted into the womb) then. ‘I couldn’t believe Nicola was telling me to do it within six weeks, but she was adamant that I must pull out all the stops. Thankfully the clinic was very accommodating and we were all set to go ahead just before the end of August.

‘Mark was fuming that I was ­following Nicola’s advice. And, to be honest, as a rational person, I didn’t believe what she’d told me either, but I was so ­desperate I was willing to try anything.’
One week later, Mandy got the call she’d been longing for. She was pregnant. ‘It wasn’t until after our ­daughter’s birth, when I was lying in the bath and Violet was asleep in her cot, that I really ­let myself experience the joy,’ she says.
The question, of course, is whether it was good luck - or ­astrological influences - that helped Mandy conceive.
Nicola Smuts has no doubt it was the ­latter. The 45-year-old ­fertility astrologer had herself tried for eight years to conceive a child with her second husband, having had two grown-up children from her first marriage.
Nicola says: ‘I started out as a regular ­astrologer then decided to look at my chart to see if there were any clues as to why I wasn’t getting pregnant. I saw the planetary odds were stacked against me.’
Though she had no joy with her own chart, she soon found ­herself advising other women on the most fortuitous months to conceive. She says: ‘Before long I was ­predicting pregnancies for other women. Word spread, and this became the bulk of my work.’
Nicola charges a one-off £150 fee for an ‘astrological fertility consultation’ - in which she studies the couple’s birth charts.
‘Jupiter and its mathematical relationship to a woman’s birth chart is key to ­working out when she will have a baby,’ she says.
It may sound unscientific, but the results of Nicola’s work have generated enough interest for her to have been approached by a U.S. IVF clinic, Shady Grove Fertility, which will put her claims to the test.The clinic has provided Nicola with birth details of ­hundreds of its clients in the hope she can ­predict the best times for them to conceive.
However, fertility experts this side of the pond are more ­sceptical. ­Pioneering Professor of Fertility Robert Winston described the ­suggestion that astrology can predict fertility as ‘utter rubbish’.
‘There is not the slightest ­evidence that star signs make the slightest difference to fertility,’ says Prof Winston. ‘It’s shocking to me that anyone would make that claim based on anecdotal events. What worries me is that infertility is the cause of desperate ­sadness and couples will grasp any kind of straw such as this.’
Yet the words of eminent ­scientists will do nothing to dissuade the truly desperate — even highly ­educated women such as science author Catherine Blackledge. The 42-year-old, from Preston, ­Lancashire, has a chemistry PhD, but credits astro-fertility for the birth of her baby, Willow Rose, in May.
Like Mandy, Catherine and her husband Steve Hill, 46, endured four IVF attempts and two ­miscarriages before turning to astrology. She was introduced to the idea by a lecturer in astrology whom she met when researching a book. ‘I’m a scientist and we’re told that we should laugh at ­astrology in our culture,’ she says. ‘But I’ve approached this with an open mind.’
Catherine had her consultation with Nicola Smuts in August 2008, just a month after her second ­miscarriage. Nicola pinpointed two fertile times for the couple to try another cycle of IVF. The next was in February 2009, when sadly their frozen embryos failed to ­survive, and then again in August 2009.
‘I knew we would be laughed at for putting credence in astrology,’ says Catherine. ‘But I just kept telling the clinic: “It has to be then.” The way I saw it, we were using a mix of cutting-edge ­science and a dose of magic.’

Nicola’s predications came true, and Willow was born in May. ‘I know many people will say we were successful because we used this new type of IVF, but I also like to think we chose a propitious time. I would say to any woman, try astro-fertility, because I believe it works,’ she says

Her view is shared by health ­psychologist Dr Pat Harris, who researched the link between a woman’s fertility and horoscope for her PhD.

She says: ‘I found that women who knew their exact time of birth who then used an astro­logical chart to p­redict their best time to conceive could increase their chances of conception by 23 per cent.’

She adds: ‘We have more to learn, but ­astrology seems to be an effective way of ­identifying fertility windows that other systems do not.’

Despite happy endings such as Mandy’s and Catherine’s, IVF ­support groups such as Infertility Network UK are still very ­cautious. A spokesman for the group said: ‘Although some couples may have been successful using fertility astrology, there will be many more for whom this has not worked.

‘They need to think carefully before spending lots of money on treatments because an astrologer says it’s their most fertile time. Some couples eventually have to face up to the fact they are unlikely to have a child.’

The Astrological Elements

The astrological elements – earth, water, air and fire, are related to different ways of being and to our perception of the world. Earth relates to the physical function, water to the emotions, air to the intellect, and fire to the spirit or intuition. The zodiac is divided into three sets of signs of each element, which have special affinity with each other. The elements regulate the action of planets placed within them.

EARTH

Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn

Related to the practical and sensation level of being, earth signs are pragmatic and grounded – literally, “down-to-earth.” Self-sufficient earth’s concerns are to do with survival and security. This is the most productive of the elements, and is known for shaping matter into physical form. Earth signs utilize the five senses of taste, touch, smell, sight, and hearing in order to understand the practical world around them. It is also a sensual element – earth-sign people are at home in their bodies.

WATER

Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces

Linked to sensitivity, feeling, and perception, the water signs are emotional and imaginative. This is a passive, rhythmic element that ebbs and flows. Water people have a desire to look inward, and need to take time to process their emotions. Motivation is unconscious, concerned with subtle feelings and emotional needs. Attuned to delicate nuances, the water signs are empathetic and caring. This is an element that has a deep craving for other people, experiencing itself most strongly through an interchange of feelings.

AIR

Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius

Intellectual and innovative, air-signs are ideas people, who see new and infinite possibilities. This is the communicative element that works through self-expression and mental concepts. Air-signs need other people for an exchange of ideas. To them, discussion s more important than food. Mutual understanding is absolutely essential for this connective element and mental rapport is essential in an air relationship.

FIRE

Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius

Active and our-going, the fire element is an encapsulation of the creative urge. It brings new possibilities into being. Fire-signs possess an enormous appetite for life. This element ranges widely in the search for inspiration and vision. It is an element that operates in the realm of spirit and intuition. True creation is the act of the visionary fire element. Too much fire in a chart can lead to burnout, but without fire there would be no regeneration, no creative spark.