Shortly afterwards the Sheep, the Monkey and the Rooster reached the shore together. They had been helping each other in crossing the river. The friendly Rooster had spotted a raft and took the Monkey and the Sheep with him. The ingenious Sheep and the active Monkey cleared the weeds, and pulled the raft to the shore. Because of their combined efforts the Sheep was named the eighth Animal of the Zodiac, the Monkey the ninth and the Rooster the tenth.
Although the lively Dog was the best swimmer of them all, he had spent his time playing and having a good time in the river. So he came in as the eleventh Animal.
The contest was almost coming to an end when the easy-going Pig appeared. He had become hungry during the race and had stopped for a meal. Afterwards he fell asleep, and consequently came in as the last Animal of the Zodiac Cycle.
The Yin and Yang aspect of the Chinese Zodiac
According to Chinese wisdom a polarity is seen in every element. Yin and Yang are the complementary, dynamic forces which keep the Universe in perfect balance.
Yin is connected to the Earth, the Moon, Water and Night, and is perceived as female, dark and passive.
Yang on the other hand is connected to Heaven, the Sun, Fire and Day, and is perceived as male, light and active.
The concept of Yin and Yang also affects the Chinese Zodiac signs, as every second year is either Yin or Yang; always starting with the Rat as Yang and ending with the Pig as Yin.
The Elements of the Chinese Zodiac
There are Five universal Elements in Chinese philosophy, Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water.
They are associated with a certain ”Life Force” or ”Qi” (”Chi”).
Each Element is related to a Direction, a Season, a Colour, and an Energy:
Wood: East, Spring, green, Life and the process of renewing Life.
Fire: South, Summer, red, enthusiastic and passionate.
Earth: Centre, Change of Seasons (last month of the Season), yellow, nurturing and sympathetic.
Metal: West, Autumn, white, guarded and private.
Water: North, Winter, black, flexible and fluid.
The Five Elements form a 60-year cycle together with the 12 Animals in the Chinese Zodiac.
Every 12-year sequence, the Animal takes on one of the Elements, until all five have been used.
Throughout the 60-year cycle, there are 60 different combinations.