What is shichen?

"Shichen" is a term used in Chinese culture to represent the division of the day into 12 two-hour periods. Each shichen is associated with a specific animal from the Chinese zodiac and has its own unique characteristics and significance.

The 12 shichen are Rat (23:00 - 01:00), Ox (01:00 - 03:00), Tiger (03:00 - 05:00), Rabbit (05:00 - 07:00), Dragon (07:00 - 09:00), Snake (09:00 - 11:00), Horse (11:00 - 13:00), Goat (13:00 - 15:00), Monkey (15:00 - 17:00), Rooster (17:00 - 19:00), Dog (19:00 - 21:00), and Pig (21:00 - 23:00).

Each shichen is believed to influence different aspects of life, such as health, relationships, and career. People often consult the shichen chart to determine the best time for important activities, such as starting a new project or making important decisions. The concept of shichen is deeply rooted in Chinese astrology and traditional beliefs about the influence of time on human destiny.