The
Chinese Zodiac is the longest chronological record in history and was
introduced dating from 2637 BC. One complete cycle takes 60 years to complete-there are 5 cycles of 12 years. It is
a method for counting years, months, days, and hours. It is
popular among Asians and Westerners as a method of divination. The system is informally used to forecast one’s future and determining one’s
character. Each sign represents energy patterns and modes of expression.
Legend has it that the Buddha summoned all the animals to come before him before he
parted the Earth. 12 animals arrived to bid farewell. In honor of the animals he named each cycle after one of them. The
animal ruling the year in which you were born exercises a profound influence and characteristics of your life.
The 12 animals include:
-
Rat
-
Ox
-
Tiger
-
Rabbit
-
Dragon
-
Snake
-
Horse
-
Sheep
-
Monkey
-
Rooster
-
Dog
-
Pig/Boar
RAT
They are
intelligent, charming, and ambitious and often successful in business.
They
work hard to achieve
their goals, and acquire possessions, and are likely to be perfectionists.
They
are basically thrifty with money. Tend
to be easily angered and love to gossip. They
appear to be selfish and greedy as they approach things wholeheartedly.
They
are faithful if their partner provides security and love.
OX
They are
patient, speak little, and inspire confidence in others.
Tend
to eccentric and bigoted, and are easily angered.
Usually
need peace and quiet to work through their ideas and are best left alone to
work as they become hot headed, inflexible, and stubborn when pushed.
They
are often very skilled with their hands. They
are logical and find it hard to forgive if deceived.
Ox
people are mentally and physically alert and hate to fail or be opposed.
TIGER
They are
determined, enthusiastic and positive with a sense of superiority.
Tiger
people are sensitive, given to deep thinking, capable of great symphony.
They
can be extremely short-tempered. May
come into conflict with older people or those in authority, and may become
aggressive if trapped. In
love, they need a steady consistent partner who quietly gets on with their own
life. They
are suspicious of others, but are courageous and powerful.
They
are born leaders, are suited to travel, designing, advertising, politics or
the military.
RABBIT
They are
articulate, talented and ambitious. They
are virtuous, reserved and have excellent taste.
Usually
they are generous, friendly, and tranquil by nature.
Rabbit
people seldom lose their temper and are anxious if forced to take risks, they
most often prefer the easy road. They
would make good gamblers for they have the uncanny gift of choosing the right
thing. However they are known to be conservative and wise.
In
relationships they fulfill their partner’s desire.
DRAGON
They are
energetic, enthusiastic, excitable, and short-tempered.
They
inspire self-confidence and trust. Dragon
people are the most eccentric of any of the other zodiac signs.
They
are comfortable with being the center of attention.
In
difficult situations, dragons judge well, stepping into the right moment to
resolve things. They
see themselves as protectors. In
partnerships they look for someone who will give them space and at the same
time satisfy their romantic nature.
SNAKE
They like
to be in control, are charming and captivating, yet calculating and often
conservative. Snake
people are often quite vain, selfish, and a bit stingy.
They
tend to overdo, since they have doubts about other people’s judgment and
prefer to rely on themselves. Although,
calm on the surface, they are intense and passionate.
In
relationships-companionship, moral support, and love are important.
Their
partners must like cozy surroundings and intimacy.
HORSE
They are
cheerful, independent, and perceptive, although they sometimes talk too much.
They
are full of strength and ambitious. They
are impatient and hot-blooded about everything except their daily work, which
they are totally devoted to. Horse
people set out to achieve recognition for their skills.
They
are very honest and loyal and need a partner who will take care of them but
will also leave them free to pursue their own adventures if needed.
SHEEP/RAM
They are
considered patient and like to exercise moderation and caution in all areas of
their lives. Ram
people can often be shy, pessimistic, and puzzled about life.
Sometimes
clumsy in speech, they are always passionate about what they do and what they
believe in They
can bear great pressure and remain stable.
They
are considered hard workers accomplishing much and can handle more than their
share. In
love they tend towards a partner who will protect them and give them space for
creativity.
MONKEY
They are
erratic geniuses in the signs of the zodiac.
Clever,
skillful, and flexible, they are remarkably inventive and original and can
solve the most difficult problems with ease.
Monkey
people are good decision makers, though they tend to look down on others.
They
love to play games and are often ready to tease or play tricks.
Their
fast and moving energy sometimes makes them appear insensitive to others and
for this reason sometimes find it difficult to settle with one person.
ROOSTER
They are
deep thinkers, courageous, and wise. They
like to be busy and are devoted beyond their capabilities and are often
creative with music, sing, and the arts. People
born in the Rooster rather have difficult relationships with others.
They
always think they are right and usually are!
They
are very good talkers and can persuade others.
In
relationships they are astute observers of what can and can’t happen in a
partnership.
DOG
They are
honest, friendly, and sincere and possess the best traits in human nature.
They
have a deep sense of loyalty and inspire other people’s confidence because
they can keep secrets. Dog
people are somewhat selfish, terribly stubborn, and eccentric.
They
are noted for their sharp tongue. Their
inner power and physical vigor makes them a good person to have on a team.
They
are very faithful and reliable and in relationships settle with someone who
supports them.
PIG/BOAR
They are
tolerant, generous, virtuous, and peaceful.
They
don’t make many friends but they make them for life, anyone who is friends
with a boar will receive extreme loyalty. They
are most kind to their loved ones. They
rarely criticize others and are not vengeful and thus have few enemies.
They
thirst for knowledge and are well informed.
Boar
people enjoy the simple and earthy pleasures.
In
relationships they give love and affection and trust that they will receive
the same.