The Chinese Book of Animal Powers

Book excerpt: For thousands of years, the Chinese have believed that each of us is born with the characteristics and powers of a member of the animal kingdom, depending on the month and year of our birth. Now readers of all ages can discover for themselves the fun and wisdom of this age-old Chinese tradition in this exquisite book by celebrated author and artist Chungliang Al Huang. Find out which animal powers you were born with and which powers your friends and family possess. Discover how to absorb and adapt other animal powers into your own. Have fun pronouncing Chinese names with sounds that date back to ancient times. Feel each animal's graceful movements by tracing elegant brush calligraphy. With a full-page spread devoted to each animal, a glossary of movement and art, and an easy-to-use year and month chart, The Chinese Book of Animal Powers is a unique introduction to the Chinese Zodiac by an expert teacher and philosopher.