Taoist Astrology and the Structure of the UniverseTwelve Earthly Branches or Duodenary Cycle / Twelve AnimalsTwelve Branches Twelve AnimalsNo. Name
Tran-
scrip-
tionUsual MeaningSignificance in the
Duodenary
CycleSymbolElement
to Which
RelatedNameWaterWoodFireMetal1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9101112TzeChuYinMaoChenSsuWuWeiShenYuShuHaiRegeneration of
vegetationRelaxation; untying
a knotAwakening of life;
plantsBreaking through
the soilFirst vegetation;
seed-timeSupremacy of YangYin reasserting
itselfTaste of fruitYin growing strongCompletionExhaustionKernel or rootYang stirring
undergroundHand half-
openedWriggling
earthwormOpening a gateThunderstormSnakeFemale principle
in hidden growthTree in full
bloomClasped handsCider or wine-
pressYang withdraw-
ing undergroundYang in touch
with YinChildCordTo revereA period of timeVibrationEndTo opposeNot yetTo expandRipeGuardKernel EarthMeaningRatOxTigerHareDragonSerpentHorseGoatMonkeyCockDogBoar