Western and Chinese Astrology were found thousands of years before and they both look similar in some aspects but they also differ in some places.
The Chinese astrology depends on the lunar cycle and its zodiac signs are named after animals. They are Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig.
While the Western astrology also comprises of 12 signs, however it is based on solar cycle. There are Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius and Pisces.
Both the Chinese and Western rely on symbols or icons to communicate with the theories.
Chinese astrology has four pillars namely year month day and hour of birth. In western astrology the three important parts are sun, moon and the ascendant. It is similar to Chinese because the ascendant is the hour sign which reflects the outward personality.
Western astrology is divided into four elements namely water, fire, earth and air. It is believed that people with same elements are best compatible with each other. Similarly Chinese consists five elements including wood and metal in the list and excluding air. They also believe that people with opposite elements experience difficulties.
Western astrology believes that people born in same month share similar characteristics, while Chinese is quite opposite to it and believes in years.
Chinese Astrology’s icons are derived from a myth. It is said that when god organized a race for all the creatures on the earth and the first twelve species to reach the destination are awarded signs in the zodiac. The rat which is the first zodiac sign is believed to win the race through its cunning strategies. The pig came late and it is thought not as a smart animal.
Though both systems depend on date and time of birth for astrology but they differ substantially.
Useful Websites for more information on Western & Chinese Zodiac signs:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_zodiac
https://chinese-zodiac-signs.com/
https://chinese-zodiac-signs.com/compatibility/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astrological_sign
