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About Us

About Chinese Zodiac

An independent editorial platform grounded in classical pre-Qing scholarship

Our Mission

ChineseZodiacYear.com exists to provide accurate, well-researched information about the Chinese zodiac, traditional astrology, feng shui, and the rich cultural heritage surrounding these practices. We are an independent editorial platform — not affiliated with any government, religious body, or commercial consultancy.

Our guiding principle is simple: go to the sources. The Chinese metaphysical traditions have been practised, refined, and transmitted for thousands of years through rigorous scholarly lineages. We believe this accumulated knowledge deserves careful, faithful presentation — not the diluted, commercialised versions that dominate popular media.

Editorial Philosophy

Pre-Qing Classical Foundation

Our content prioritises pre-Qing Dynasty (before 1644 CE) sources and methodologies. This means:

  • BaZi: We follow the Xu Ziping (徐子平) method as codified in the Song Dynasty Yuanhai Ziping (淵海子平) and refined through Ming Dynasty commentaries. The Four Pillars system we describe traces directly to Li Xuzhong's Tang Dynasty innovations.
  • Feng Shui: We reference the Form School of Yang Yunsong (楊筠松) and the Compass School traditions developed through the Tang and Song dynasties. The Zangshu of Guo Pu remains our foundational text.
  • Wu Xing: Our treatment of Five Elements theory draws from the Warring States philosophers, particularly Zou Yan (鄒衍), and the systematic integration found in the Huangdi Neijing.
  • Calendar and Zodiac: We trace the sexagenary cycle to its Shang Dynasty origins through oracle bone inscriptions, and the zodiac animal system to the earliest archaeological evidence from the Warring States period.

We do not dismiss later developments, but we clearly distinguish between classical source material and modern adaptations. Where contemporary interpretations diverge from the classical tradition, we note the distinction.

Accuracy Over Sensationalism

Chinese astrology and feng shui are frequently misrepresented online through oversimplification, commercial motivation, or cultural unfamiliarity. We commit to:

  • Using correct Chinese terminology with characters and pinyin
  • Citing historical sources and periods for all major claims
  • Distinguishing between established tradition and folk superstition
  • Presenting the internal logic of these systems without either uncritical promotion or dismissive scepticism
  • Acknowledging scholarly debates and areas of genuine uncertainty

Content Guidelines

All articles published on ChineseZodiacYear.com adhere to the following standards:

  • Original content — Every article is researched and written specifically for this platform. We do not republish content from other sources.
  • Historical grounding — Claims about tradition, history, or practice must be traceable to identifiable sources, texts, or scholarly consensus.
  • Chinese characters included — All key terms appear in their original Chinese characters alongside pinyin romanisation.
  • No medical or financial advice — Our content about Chinese medicine connections or fortune predictions is educational and cultural in nature, not professional advice.
  • Respect for living tradition — We treat Chinese metaphysical practices as a significant intellectual heritage worthy of serious engagement.

Contributing

We welcome contributions from scholars, practitioners, and writers with genuine knowledge of Chinese metaphysical traditions. We are particularly interested in:

  • Articles on specific classical texts and their methodologies
  • Case studies from classical feng shui or BaZi practice
  • Historical research on the development of Chinese astrological systems
  • Cultural analysis of zodiac traditions across different Chinese communities
  • Translations or analyses of pre-Qing source texts

All submissions are reviewed for accuracy, sourcing, and alignment with our editorial philosophy before publication. Contributors retain credit for their work.

Directory Listings

Our professional directory lists feng shui consultants, BaZi practitioners, cultural organisations, and related businesses. Listings are informational and do not constitute endorsement. We welcome submissions from qualified professionals and organisations.

Privacy Policy

ChineseZodiacYear.com respects your privacy:

  • Data collection — We collect only the information you voluntarily provide (e.g., email for newsletter subscription). We do not sell or share personal data with third parties.
  • Cookies — We use essential cookies for site functionality and analytics cookies to understand readership patterns. No tracking cookies from third-party advertisers are used.
  • Analytics — We use privacy-respecting analytics to understand which content serves our readers best. No personally identifiable information is collected through analytics.
  • Newsletter — Newsletter subscribers may unsubscribe at any time. Email addresses are not shared with any third party.

Terms of Use

Content on ChineseZodiacYear.com is provided for educational and cultural purposes. While we strive for accuracy, Chinese astrology and feng shui are traditional practices — not empirical sciences. Our content should not replace professional medical, legal, or financial advice.

All original content is copyright ChineseZodiacYear.com. Quotation with attribution is encouraged. Wholesale reproduction without permission is not permitted.

Contact

For editorial enquiries, directory listings, corrections, or contributor submissions:

Email: chinesezodiacyear@gmail.com

We read every message and aim to respond within a reasonable timeframe. For the fastest response, include a clear subject line indicating the nature of your enquiry.

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