Korean astrology
The astrological column in a newspaper today is generally based on the sign of the Zodiac in which the sun was located when a person was born. A simplified form of astrology, it implied that, all people born under the same sign anywhere in the world at any time, share common characteristics and that their daily activities should be so guided. A more individual analysis is possible when casting a horoscope by noting the relationships of the Sun, Moon, planets, and signs of the Zodiac to the time and place of one's birth.
The twelve parts on the Western Zodiac are believed to control the destiny of those born on a day assigned to each part: Aries (the Ram), Taurus (the Bull), Gemini (the Twins), Cancer (the crab), Leo (the Lion), Virgo (the Virgin), Libra (the Scales), Scorpio (the Scorpion), Sagittarius (the Archer), Capricorn (the Goat), Aquarius (the water carrier), and Pisces (the fishes).
The Korean zodiac consists of a 12-year cycle in which each year is represented by a particular animal. Associated with each animal are certain characteristics. Like the Chinese zodiac on which it is based, the Korean zodiac follows the lunar calendar.
The year in which a person was born determines his or her animal zodiac sign, and sometimes, depending on one's sex, certain signs are considered more auspicious or inauspicious. Traditionally, Koreans believed that the characteristics ascribed to one's sign predetermined one's personality and destiny. Even today, the zodiac signs are considered important factors not only in foretelling one's fortune or fate in life, but also in assessing the compatibility of prospective marriage partners.
In oriental region, especially in Korea, there is a lot of ways to predict one's fate or future. Among them, the fundamental and most general method is the way by so-called "Tee.” It also consists of twelve symbols-all symbols are animals reflect some ancient thoughts in Shamanism (called Kut in Korean), and twelve animal totems (Ship e gung or Hwang-do-dae): the Rat, the Bull, the Tiger, the Rabbit, the Dragon, the Snake, the Horse, the Lamb, the Monkey, the Cock, the Pig, and the Dog.