Twelve-Constellation Chinese Astrology is used by millions worldwide, even today, and should be mentioned as well. Chinese Astrology developed simultaneously with Chaldean and Roman Astrology and are alike in that they use a person's birth date to chart the destiny of the individual. The Chinese zodiac is literally a circle of animals, and isn't very mythological or cosmic at all. Chinese astrology looks to philosophy, the calendar, the cosmos and the rhythms of nature for its interpretations and ideals. It predictions and interpretations of events are heavily mixed with a spiritual Buddhist-Taoist flavor.

The Hindus have long cycles of time they would discern using the calculations of their astrology such as 7, 12, 108, 1000, and 100,000 year cycles they call kalpas. “Kalpa” is Sanskrit for cycle and for vine. The image was that of a wish giving vine granting the long cycles of time as a gift to humans and gods. Elements of this were received from and contributed to Chinese Astrology, and many have been incorporated into Sabean astrology. From Sabian culture through Rome and Greece, European Astrology developed, which is the form used by the Western world today.

Western Astrology, looks heavenward to the stars. Western astrologers chart the positions and movements of the celestial configurations to discern information about the future and the nature of the world and mankind. Western astrological signs are monthly, each having an ancient heaven inspired name corresponding to only a single moon cycle. Each month makes one what he or she is in the cosmological schema. For instance, someone born in a Sagittarius month is a Sagittarian for example.

Chinese Zodiacal Signs, as opposed to the monthly zodiac signs in Western Astrology, are yearly. Each Sign has a different animal name and corresponds to a period equivalent to an entire Chinese Calendar year. The year long period determines the label one is given. For instance, if one is born in the entire year of the Dragon, one is called a Dragon. In actuality, this year long empowerment of one Sign with only minor influences from the monthly cycle, makes Chinese Astrology much simpler than Western Astrology.

In Chinese Astrology intricate charts are written up, consisting of a person's primary Birth Chart. This system doesn't use the elusive ascendant and system of Houses. Most calculation in general astrology goes into the slightly alternating meanings of the interpretations due to the shifting day of the New Year. The New Year can fall as early as mid January or as late as the end of February.

To determine one's sign, match the date of birth with the astrological chart predictions provided below. The Chinese symbols are: Rat, Water Buffalo, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. These animals always appear in the same order. These familiar animals were used by the Sages in order to communicate clearly from the highest to the lowest of a patriarchal agrarian society. The patterns of Chinese Astrology are not yearly, but in a twelve year cycles beginning in 2637 B.C. The twelve year pattern has recurred without surcease since then. In 2637 B.C., the Chinese began dividing celestial history in 60 year cycles, dividing each cycle into 12 years. It may seem odd to someone born in a western, ego-based society that everyone born in an entire year is alike. The practice of doing this stems from an early Chinese legend that was incorporated into Buddhism and Taoism. The legend says that Buddha called an assembly of animals, to teach the dharma to them, in order they might attain precious human rebirth. However, only twelve different species of animals arrived. Buddha then named each of the predominate constellations for each animal who arrived, the animal's characteristics being imbued into the constellation's energetic influence. This legend is an emblem for the real history of Chinese Astrology's deviation from the predominate Egyptian model. Taoist Chinese astrology was practiced for millennium since 4000 B.C. all over the Orient, including India, hence the influences shared with Ayurvedic astrology. It became intensely popular between 2953-2838 B.C. under Emperor Fu Hsi, and again under the immortal Sheng-Nung who was born in 2800 B.C. The Chinese Zodiacal system and its broad interpretations were codified by Ta Nao, a minister of Emperor Huang Ti, born in 2704 B.C. It was made official in 2637 B.C. and was formally inaugurated as an official Chinese system at Huang Ti's accession to the Throne. For 5000 years after, the Chinese Astrological System has always been used.

As with Ayurvedic astrology, the Chinese system grew out of meditation and philosophy. Chinese astrology comes from the Chinese interpretation of unity and the five occult elements along with correspondences from the Chinese Calendar. From supreme emptiness, Wu-Chi arises mysteriously the Tai-Chi, Supreme Ultimate, which emanates as the five elements, fire, water, earth, wood, and metal. From heaven emerges the primal male; from earth arises the primal female and the myriad things of the universe. Water engenders wood, wood engenders fire, fire engenders earth, earth engenders metal and metal engenders water in the patterns of nature.

The characteristics of people born in the different animal's years follow this pattern. People born in pig years are somewhat naive and hate to say no; rats are aggressive and talkative; dogs loyal and anxious; snakes altruistic and attractive; dragons healthy and noisy; horses independent and pragmatic; goats dependent and creative with no sense of time; Water Buffalo slow, but eloquent; tigers rash and magnetic; rabbits flee conflict and love tradition; monkeys are entertaining and giving; roosters resourceful, vain, and bossy.

The Chinese calendar year contains between 12 and 13 moons. Unlike the fixed Roman calendar, the Chinese year is flexible and begins at varied dates each year. Chinese calendars are counted in 60 year periods rather than centuries, each 60 year period separated into 12 year patterns. The elements work by governing each animal sign once through the sixty year period. There is only one correspondence between an element and an animal every 60 years, such as Fire Dragon or Water Rat. This creates 60 base personality profiles for those born on the astrological dates as opposed to the 12 personalities of Western Astrology. When a person is born, the Chinese Astrologer drafts his or her chart according to year, month and season, time of day, weather, and astral configurations at the time of birth. In all, there are traditionally 512,640 different possible personality charts. This means that even those born in the same year have a 1 in 500,000 chance of being divined the same destiny of another. This is one reason why some people consider Chinese Astrology more accurate than all others.

Below is a longer chart is for the years and elements. What is your sign? What is your element? http://www.annabelburton.com

Year Sign Element Year Begins Year Ends:
1900 Rat Metal 31 January 1900 18 February 1901
1901 Ox Metal 19 Feb 1901 7 Feb 1902
1902 Tiger Water 8 Feb 1902 28 Jan 1903
1903 Rabbit Water 29 Jan 1903 15 Feb 1904
1904 Dragon Wood 16 Feb 1904 3 Feb 1905
1905 Snake Wood 4 Feb 1905 24 Jan 1906
1906 Horse Fire 25 Jan 1906 12 Feb 1907
1907 Goat Fire 13 Feb 1907 2 Feb 1908
1908 Monkey Earth 3 Feb 1908 21 Jan 1909
1909 Rooster Earth 22 Jan 1909 9 Feb 1920
1910 Dog Metal 10 Feb 1920 29 Jan 1911
1911 Pig Metal 30 Jan 1911 17 Feb 1912
1912 Rat Water 18 Feb 1912 5 Feb 1913
1913 Ox Water 6 Feb 1913 25 Jan 1914
1914 Tiger Wood 26 Jan 1914 13 Feb 1915
1915 Rabbit Wood 14 Feb 1915 2 Feb 1916
1916 Dragon Fire 3 Feb 1916 22 Jan 1917
1917 Snake Fire 23 Jan 1917 10 Feb 1918
1918 Horse Earth 11 Feb 1918 31 Jan 1919
1919 Goat Earth 1 Feb 1919 19 Feb 1920
1920 Monkey Metal 20 Feb 1920 7 Feb 1921
1921 Rooster Metal 8 Feb 1921 27 Jan 1922
1922 Dog Water 28 Jan 1922 15 Feb 1923
1923 Pig Water 16 Feb 1923 4 Feb 1924
1924 Rat Wood 5 Feb 1924 23 Jan 1925
1925 Ox Wood 24 Jan 1925 12 Feb 1926
1926 Tiger Fire 13 Feb 1926 1 Feb 1927
1927 Rabbit Fire 2 Feb 1927 22 Jan 1928
1928 Dragon Earth 23 Jan 1928 9 Feb 1929
1929 Snake Earth 10 Feb 1929 29 Jan 1930
1930 Horse Metal 30 Jan 1930 16 Feb 1931
1931 Goat Metal 17 Feb 1931 5 Feb 1932
1932 Monkey Water 6 Feb 1932 25 Jan 1933
1933 Rooster Water 26 Jan 1933 13 Feb 1934
1934 Dog Wood 14 Feb 1934 3 Feb 1935
1935 Pig Wood 4 Feb 1935 23 Jan 1936
1936 Rat Fire 24 Jan 1936 10 Feb 1937
1937 Ox Fire 11 Feb 1937 30 Jan 1938
1938 Tiger Earth 31 Jan 1938 18 Feb 1939
1939 Rabbit Earth 19 Feb 1939 7 Feb 1940
1940 Dragon Metal 8 Feb 1940 26 Jan 1941
1941 Snake Metal 27 Jan 1941 14 Feb 1942
1942 Horse Water 15 Feb 1942 4 Feb 1943
1943 Goat Water 5 Feb 1943 24 Jan 1944
1944 Monkey Wood 25 Jan 1944 12 Feb 1945
1945 Rooster Wood 13 Feb 1945 1 Feb 1946
1946 Dog Fire 2 Feb 1946 21 Jan 1947
1947 Pig Fire 22 Jan 1947 9 Feb 1948
1948 Rat Earth 10 Feb 1948 28 Jan 1949
1949 Ox Earth 29 Jan 1949 16 Feb 1950
1950 Tiger Metal 17 Feb 1950 5 Feb 1951
1951 Rabbit Metal 6 Feb 1951 26 Jan 1952
1952 Dragon Water 27 Jan 1952 13 Feb 1953
1953 Snake Water 14 Feb 1953 2 Feb 1954
1954 Horse Wood 3 Feb 1954 23 Jan 1955
1955 Goat Wood 24 Jan 1955 11 Feb 1956
1956 Monkey Fire 12 Feb 1956 30 Jan 1957
1957 Rooster Fire 31 Jan 1957 17 Feb 1958
1958 Dog Earth 18 Feb 1958 7 Feb 1959
1959 Pig Earth 8 Feb 1959 27 Jan 1960
1960 Rat Metal 28 January 1960 14 February 1961
1961 Ox Metal 15 Feb 1961 4 Feb 1962
1962 Tiger Water 5 Feb 1962 24 Jan 1963
1963 Rabbit Water 25 Jan 1963 12 Feb 1964
1964 Dragon Wood 13 Feb 1964 1 Feb 1965
1965 Snake Wood 2 Feb 1965 20 Jan 1966
1966 Horse Fire 21 Jan 1966 8 Feb 1967
1967 Goat Fire 9 Feb 1967 29 Jan 1968
1968 Monkey Earth 30 Jan 1968 16 Feb 1969
1969 Rooster Earth 17 Feb 1969 5 Feb 1970
1970 Dog Metal 6 Feb 1970 26 Jan 1971
1971 Pig Metal 27 Jan 1971 14 Feb 1972
1972 Rat Water 15 Feb 1972 2 Feb 1973
1973 Ox Water 3 Feb 1973 22 Jan 1974
1974 Tiger Wood 23 Jan 1974 10 Feb 1975
1975 Rabbit Wood 11 Feb 1975 30 Jan 1976
1976 Dragon Fire 31 Jan 1976 17 Feb 1977
1977 Snake Fire 18 Feb 1977 6 Feb 1978
1978 Horse Earth 7 Feb 1978 27 Jan 1979
1979 Goat Earth 28 Jan 1979 15 Feb 1980
1980 Monkey Metal 16 Feb 1980 4 Feb 1981
1981 Rooster Metal 5 Feb 1981 24 Jan 1982
1982 Dog Water 25 Jan 1982 12 Feb 1983
1983 Pig Water 13 Feb 1983 1 Feb 1984
1984 Rat Wood 2 Feb 1984 19 Feb 1985
1985 Ox Wood 20 Feb 1985 8 Feb 1986
1986 Tiger Fire 9 Feb 1986 28 Jan 1987
1987 Rabbit Fire 29 Jan 1987 16 Feb 1988
1988 Dragon Earth 17 Feb 1988 5 Feb 1989
1989 Snake Earth 6 Feb 1989 26 Jan 1990
1990 Horse Metal 27 Jan 1990 14 Feb 1991
1991 Goat Metal 15 Feb 1991 3 Feb 1992
1992 Monkey Water 4 Feb 1992 22 Jan 1993
1993 Rooster Water 23 Jan 1993 9 Feb 1994
1994 Dog Wood 10 Feb 1994 30 Jan 1995
1995 Pig Wood 31 Jan 1995 18 Feb 1996
1996 Rat Fire 19 Feb 1996 6 Feb 1997
1997 Ox Fire 7 Feb 1997 27 Jan 1998
1998 Tiger Earth 28 Jan 1998 15 Feb 1999
1999 Rabbit Earth 16 Feb 1999 4 Feb 2000
2000 Dragon Metal 5 Feb 2000 24 Jan 2001
2001 Snake Metal 25 Jan 2001 12 Feb 2002
2002 Horse Water 25 Jan 2002 12 Feb 2003
2003 Goat Water 13 Feb 2003 1 Feb 2004
2004 Monkey Wood 2 Feb 2004 19 Feb 2005
2005 Rooster Wood 20 Feb 2005 8 Feb 2006
2006 Dog Fire 9 Feb 2006 28 Jan 2007
2007 Pig Fire 29 Jan 2007 16 Feb 2008
2008 Rat Earth 17 Feb 2008 5 Feb 2009
2009 Ox Earth 6 Feb 2009 26 Jan 2010
2010 Tiger Metal 27 Jan 2010 14 Feb 2011
2011 Rabbit Metal 15 Feb 2011 3 Feb 2012
2012 Dragon Water 4 Feb 2012 22 Jan 2013
2013 Snake Water 23 Jan 2013 9 Feb 2014

If you are born on a Rat year your good qualities include being idealistic, attractive, dynamic, charming, skillful in your occupation, prosperous and open-minded. People under the sign of the Rat are usually attractive, loving, talented, communicative and community oriented. Because of these qualities you are a good business person and politician. Rat’s negative qualities can include being defensive, addictive, overbearing in their views, argumentative, picky and exploitative. Rat people can be extremely obsessive and possessive in their worst moments. Traditions and lasting cultural symbols will have special powers and meanings for the Rat. As the Rat person, you will be happy showing your outward identity in as many ways as you can. Symbols of yourself and your interests will prove extremely powerful for you. Be as comfortable as possible in your identity, there you will be secure and happy, feeling your own worth.

Legend has it that Buddha called together the twelve symbolic animals for a teaching of the Dharma. The Rat showed up first, and as a reward for this Buddha gave him the starting position of the Chinese Zodiac. Buddha's attribution of the Rat plays out in the Rat quality of being oriented toward winning and leadership positions. The Rat's ambition makes these people intense communicators, engaging friends and strangers alike, with their own idiosyncrasies and whims, aphorisms and anecdotes. Rat people play intensely, work intensely, love intensely and compete vigorously with everyone they meet. Rat people do best when they have an ample audience in which they are the center of attention.

Sometimes the Rat personality can become overbearing, especially when another vies to control the communication dynamic. A conversation with two alpha male Rat people in the room is to be avoided! Spectators will be simultaneously annoyed and bored. Rat people are talkers, loving to speak about daily things wrought with aphorisms of the small incidents of the past. The opinions of the rat are expressed openly and overtly to anyone who will listen, as they can be slightly conflictual, yet intensely social and family oriented people.

Rat people will be directed toward huge amounts of activity and won’t back down, even at the advice of others. They often will cause health risks to themselves after years of constant social and business activity. It is rare to catch Rats sitting quietly; it's as if they do their daily planning and thinking while asleep, and are ready to go the second they wake up. These people are constantly on the move from morning to evening. They will be busybodies prone to drama, and often are overachievers. Rat people can become depressed if their incessant flow of accomplishments is blocked by anyone or anything. Do not suggest that a Rat person relax and stop their endeavors. If this person does stop activity, he or she will sulk and complain, driving everyone to distraction.

The Rat will never let anyone escape from past errors or guilt. The Rat will have people and reasons responsible for blockages and their failures already neatly categorized in their heads along with the corresponding judgments and grudges attributed to every wrong incident. In families Rats are very caring, cherishing their families and lovers. They will be generous to their own, even to extremes. Rats esteem and protect those they love; they take the necessary time to do so as well. They are good at giving undivided attention or creating moments just to please those close to them. Even though people will be annoyed with the Rat person, they are the best ones to have around on holidays.

The social nature of the seemingly self-centered Rat can tend toward a fixation on the mundane as normal or correct. Even though Rat speak can be tedious, they need an audience to feel accepted. When Rat people get older they will talk to themselves, to invisible audiences, if the need isn't fulfilled in life. The Rat person will go on and on about mundane things, lineage, family stories, and little events that make everyone else eventually make for the door. The Rat person will not allow that though, manipulating the communication dynamic in order to keep their captive audience. They can often use flattery in order to gain subtle or not so subtle dominance in a conversation, and in fact will use this tactic in many situations. They often have trouble accepting a receptive or non-dominant position. In group company the seductive and equally aggressive Rat will take over the communication dynamic in clever ways. When the Rat is forced to be out of the position of total control, at work for example, they will be falsely polite and begrudgingly accept their position. The Rat is actually the boss in most cases, however; as mentioned earlier, the Rat nature makes for perfect business sense. The almost tribal instinctual regard for Rat's friends is coupled with an unmatched greed and need for dominance.

If you are born on Water Buffalo year, your best qualities will be patience, a contemplative nature, confidence, and you should be industrious, eloquent, steady, steadfast and strong willed. The Water Buffalo's negative qualities would be prejudice, tyranny, petty criticism, eccentricity, and on occasion violent qualities will emerge. Blind faith, overweening pride, and bigotry are also dangers in the Water Buffalo personality.

The Chinese Water Buffalo is tough and strong without peer. They tend to classify everything they do into completely dualistic categories of good and bad. They might suffer family and social problems because of their over generalization of supposed good vs. evil. Water Buffalo people aren't the psychologists of the zodiac. They need simple guidelines to operate within so their world makes sense. They crave equilibrium and security, and socially that is the Water Buffalo's main function. They add an earthy stability to any organization they are involved with. The Water Buffalo person usually won’t go past fundamentals; they don't regard nuance or shades of meaning as important.

Often, the Water Buffalo person will be neurotically meticulous, constantly calculating the possible results and coincidences long before they have ever approached a situation. The Water Buffalo will painstakingly pick over every detail on every level of their lives. They will watch every move everyone around them makes. Their judgments are overly simplistic, and in worst cases can be totally stereotypical and form bound. The Water Buffalo person is just there, like a mountain, or something unmoving, unflinching and unafraid within the set boundaries they have deemed morally and practically correct.

They are proficient in all their endeavors, competent in their work when it befits them, thorough and annoyingly accurate. Water Buffalo people can seem very intelligent or very stupid, depending on if they are fitted for the task they are given. In the right placement, the Water Buffalo will quickly become the best worker or associate in the group. Their intelligence and stability will be directed toward workday affairs.

Any tasks involving security or information gathering should be given to the Water Buffalo. Terminus, limitations, parameters, these are the Water Buffalo's forte. The only thing that Water Buffalo people are frightened of is removing any of the boundaries they are comfortable with. They will use the sheer solidity of their presence to attain their ends as well. The Water Buffalo will never work without contract or allow themselves to be tricked by another seeking advantage. The Water Buffalo will work like a slave for those he's loyal to, but only if he is treated like a king.

The Water Buffalo doesn't mind carrying the heaviest burdens for a friend or someone he trusts, nor of repeating the same tired tasks again and again. However, it would be ignorant to attempt to trick a Water Buffalo, because on their bad side they might destroy another person for perceived wrong doing. Water Buffalo people will be slow to trust another, but when they do they will be loyal and empowering to the communal situation. They will be protective and nurturing of any communal project. Those surrounding them will be guarded and have a tangible feeling of safety. As friends and allies they will feel obligated to perform flawlessly, but it is good advice to never humiliate or deceive a Water Buffalo person, as they will use their weight to crush enemies.

The Water Buffalo is good in his own eyes, even if he isn't in actuality. Concepts of righteousness and work-ethics will be important to them. They will consider themselves the basis on which to model trust in friendships and relationships, for the most part this is true; the Water Buffalo person will be very trustworthy and loyal. It is rare that a Water Buffalo person will plan out adultery or wrongful activities. They are usually “innocent” in the broadest sense of that word.

The two Water Buffalo people I've met have been a CPA and Shipping Clerk. If you are in partnership with a Water Buffalo, let him do his work and get out of the way. Do your part and you can be assured he will do his with proficiency and timeliness. The Water Buffalo is completely pattern and schedule oriented. They are always on time and are good with repetitive work that takes cleanliness and organization. In family matters the Water buffalo is organized and efficient. They teach their children well, but tend to create overly critical home lives for them. The family schedule will be centered around meal times and traditional family values in accord with Water Buffalo's personality. Appearance and schedule will be important to the Water Buffalo as a parent, just as keeping your word and doing your duty will be crucial. The Water Buffalo is the person who gets things done in a stable slowly building fashion that always pays off in the end.

If you are born on a Tiger year some of your best qualities will be a loving nature, allure, warm-hearted, altruistic, very hard working, pleasant, dynamic and engaging. The negative qualities of the Tiger are moodiness, recklessness, and Tiger could become ill tempered to the level of being caustic and explosive in situations. The Tiger person is usually disobedient, has issues with authority, will be reckless and can be down right predatory. A Chinese saying goes "beware of catching the Tiger by the tail, for you will be the one who is truly caught."

The Tiger person possesses a charisma and aura that are not to be found with the other signs. There will be a sense of instant trust and accessibility with a Tiger, a magnetic sense of attraction toward the Tiger's seemingly exciting and carefree lifestyle. The Tiger will be the doer of grandiose creative projects, the leader or motivating force behind many works. If you're ever bored or feeling down, go see the Tiger, his whole vibe will empower and give cheer to whoever is around. Even going out for the night will become an adventure not to be missed. The Tiger will seem contradictory and whole, truly comprehending all sides of the situation and everyone's separate viewpoint.

The flow of life is important to the Tiger. They usually won't save money or plan for the future too extensively, but rely instead upon reality to provide by some vague future means that the Tiger can sense from a hundred miles away by some mysterious prognostication only they are aware of. The complex Tiger will be genuinely gentle yet wrathful, wise yet rash, compassionate yet fearsome, courageous yet sensitive, and aware of subtleties most wouldn't notice. Tigers are the essence of unpredictability, infamous for being hot, then cold, to friends and family, being totally loving yet vengeful when provoked. They will see and know things in a person with a glance that no one could ever guess.

Afraid of nothing, the Tiger charges around the world at a pace and with a rigor unmatched by any of the other archetypal animals of the zodiac. No one can stop the Tiger and no one can really persuade or dissuade him from anything once his mind is set. Tigers are strong to an extreme keeping an almost immortal pace that most others won't be able to keep up with. Tigers possess their strength out of a feeling of well being, a supreme sense of the inner well-spring of life from where all dynamic energy flows. There are soldiers as well as sages who have been Tigers.

Tiger people will be very erratic and moody, which can make those around them insecure. The Tiger usually doesn't regard social function or etiquette as important.

The Tiger likes being elusive and will seriously balk at any attempt to pin him down or categorize him in any way; try to regulate him with law or limitation, and you may have just lost your Tiger friend forever. Tigers are stoutly independent, resisting even the most minor criticism. In bad moods, Tigers will freak out at the slightest advice. When Tiger people are put up against authoritarian limitation or censorship, they can be harsh, even seemingly cruel. A defensive Tiger can destroy even the toughest opponents' sense of self. Tigers cornered in situations they are uncomfortable with can be crushingly belligerent. Tigers are more fierce and vengeful than the dragon, and more strategically clever than Monkey, Horse, or Water Buffalo. The stoic solitary quality of overcoming, and experiencing, being in its primacy is the realm of the Tiger, ready to pounce and tense with energy, able to devour or destroy beneath a calm exterior, always watching, able to protect or deceive with total unity of being. The Tiger will destroy an enemy, waiting in their jungle hideaway until the moment to pounce. The Tiger equalizes all power struggles because ultimately he will win; even those who dominate him or trap him ultimately will pay the price.

Most Tigers are noble, upright beings whose freewheeling lifestyle may get them into trouble, yet the Tiger person will detest evil and avarice. The Tiger is the natural sage whereas the Dragon is the celestial sage. The yogi and spiritual practitioner is often a Tiger. Some texts claim the historical Buddha, a warrior-prince, was born on a Tiger year, although this is debated by the various traditions.

There is a Chinese aphorism that having a Tiger person under the same roof protects one from all ghosts, demons, thieves, and the negative qualities of the elements. Wang Bi, the compiler of one version of the I-Ching, tells two interesting aphorisms concerning the Tiger in this context. One is a wonderful story of how Tiger scared away fire from destroying the forest and nearby villages. The other speaks of having a Tiger by the tail as an ally only because the Tiger is cooperating with you, while to attempt to capture a Tiger by the tail as an enemy means certain death. To have a Tiger as a loyal ally is utterly valuable, more than most people ever realize. The Tiger truly does frighten all wicked spirits and people away. His presence assures safety to those he loves and cherishes. It is not a defensive protection such as with Water Buffalo, but a kind of protection where defense isn't necessary because the Tiger person's presence creates a field in which negativities don't want to enter.

Tigers are very extreme. A person will love or hate the Tiger, but almost never in between. Tigers can be very invasive and overwrought about their living space, and those around them, so they are often difficult to deal with. The possibly worst personality traits of the Tiger is ignorant risk taking in the face of danger that can turn a simple wrong turn into an extended legal court case, or a small investment into an outrageous debt. The most ideal form of this risk taking is the Tiger's ability to be self-sacrificing for those he loves, expressed as courage and protection.

If you were born on a Rabbit year your good qualities are sensitivity, tact, and discretion. Rabbit people are often artists, poets, and scholarly types. The Rabbit person will be physically fit and intelligent, yet humble. The bad qualities of a Rabbit person are snobbishness, and are unnecessarily pedantic when communicating. They can also be blind, self-righteous and condescending on bad days.

Rabbits are all about carefulness and discretion, almost always living quietly without too many associations, scrutinizing the world and others’ emotions. The Rabbit is endlessly unsure of himself, even in the wake of great success. The opinion of others in positions of social supremacy is extremely important to the Rabbit person. Very habitual and home bound, the Rabbit will be intellectually adventurous, rather than literally take any kind of risks.

The Rabbit is in his element most with a few personal friends or in an accepted community. Comfortable at home, safe in the warm fur lined Rabbit hole, cleanliness and total order are important to the Rabbit person. The Rabbit's orderly nature makes them conservative in life and politics, even to a level of fascism if that's what it takes to keep “order”. The Rabbit is a bit weak hearted when it comes to enforcing his views. Psychologically, a lot of Rabbit people are conflicted, believing in opposite things simultaneously, more out of resignation than from confusion. The Rabbit will be dogmatic and avoid any conflict, especially when uncomfortable truths are spoken. There can be a denial aspect in the Rabbit's personality that resists accepting the violence of life, or disorder. This mentality agrees with labeling people in different categories and positions in a social machine. The Rabbit actually feels more comfortable in that situation, whereas for a Tiger, for example, it would be a living hell.

Messiness and disorder are enemies to the Rabbit. Any condition of entropy scares Rabbits, so they will be meddlesome socially, always thinking they know how to set things right. Subtlety is also a no-no for the Rabbit person; everything should be stated and downright contractual if the Rabbit has his way. This orderliness gives the Rabbit definite neurotic patterns in which “uncomfortable” or conflict causing thoughts and expressions are not communicated. The Rabbit person is a terrible messenger because they will actually leave out information that one may need to know, yet they feel is too controversial or conflictual in the situation the unsaid details refer to. Rabbits dodge all conflict as much as possible, completely self-absorbed in their own sufferings and tribulations. This makes them of no use when real help or support is needed because they are too cowardly to put themselves out there and take a risk. The Rabbit will always tell everyone else to do the errands, take the risk, to go for it, but then will retreat into their own security without doing anything themselves. They will throw out big ideas, yet when it comes time to act, they won't. All the Rabbit's grandiose plans never occur; plans are just a momentary pastime without sincerity to the Rabbit.

The Rabbit person will often be quite intellectual or pedantic, cultivating their minds and gathering knowledge, willing to go at length in any subjects that they are interested in. A lot of the time there are non-intellectual aspects to the Rabbit's personality that he is deep down aware of, adding a defensiveness and shiftiness to the Rabbit. Don't ever contradict or disagree with Rabbits, especially in one of those subjects they pride themselves on knowing, or you'll wind up in a four hour conversation about something you could care less about. The intellectual quality of the Rabbit is boring and often overwhelming, so most people usually decline to debate or argue with a Rabbit person.

The Rabbit also seems to revel in sorrow and neurosis. Constant conversational reminders of the woe, dread, and injustice in life will come from the Rabbit person. They will constantly talk about people's bad qualities and all the terrors of the evening news, whether you want them to or not. A Rabbit person can also be a bit of a backstabber; their non-confrontational nature will often lead them to being two faced, very critical of someone behind their back then will go out to dinner with them the same night after crucifying them socially just an hour before. The cowardly yet arrogant quality of the Rabbit may be the worst the Rabbit has to offer. Coupled with the dogmatism of their nature, this often gives their traditions and views a stale unreal quality. There is a strange hypocrisy to the Rabbit person in their simultaneously opinionated, yet cowardly nature. They are good people, but can actually be more dangerous in their pedantic folly then a Tiger is in his wrath.

There is the appearance of order and stability, but it is easily overridden by fear. There is a Chinese aphorism which says, "The cowardly Rabbit in his folly is more dangerous to the sage than the Tiger in all his righteous rage." What this means is that folly and cowardice play into the hands of evil even more than anger. Those who truly hate use folly and cowardice, in order to control people and falsely rule the world. The saying addresses the superior dignity of those who would keep their word and have the self-confidence to even go against the social norm when it is perceived as wrong, than the coward who always does what he should, yet harbors a negativity and malice toward all of humanity in his heart. This negativity has a way of emerging at all the wrong times.

From the strategic standpoint of the Tiger the Rabbit is of no use, except to keep records at some extension office unrelated to any main workings of any project. To the Dragon the Rabbit is there to write down the songs, poems and teachings the Dragons bring from on high. For a Rabbit person, the biggest challenge is to overcome a skittish nature, which can ruin friendships and families. Their insistence upon social etiquette can make them pleasant to be around for social occasions or things like shopping, however only Rabbits should move together in any deeper associations. Rabbits, because of being mainly non-conflictual, can get along with all the other signs, although most of the other signs intuitively disregard deep lasting relationships with the Rabbit at the same time.

If you are born in a Dragon year you will possess the positive qualities of charm, charisma, magnanimity, intelligence, discrimination, spirituality, awareness, health, vibrancy of body and spirit, and love. Your dark qualities are defensiveness, egocentrism, pushiness, demandingness, sentimentality, ruthlessness, foolishness, and you're sometimes overly willful and arrogant. The Dragon is the charisma in the room; people will notice the Dragon person without them having to do anything. The Dragon person will always, very naturally, be the leader in any given situation.

Dragons talk big, live big, and actually succeed. Dragons never are “just talk” or idle boasters. They succeed and do exactly what they say they were going to do. Dragon people are hugely successful in their fields, which can be varied. Whatever they put their minds toward they attain. Others will perceive the Dragon as arrogant and aggressive, fearless and without doubt. They also will see the Dragon as wise and brave, possessing keen intelligence and discernment. Usually the Dragon is in a profession that requires intelligence and wisdom on many levels. The Dragon's unending lust for life and endless ambition is admirable. Even enemies of the Dragon person will respect the Dragon qualities. The Dragon person is usually in the leadership position at work and is apt to philosophical and military speculation.

Socially, the Dragon is often the professor or inventor, spiritualist or philosopher. They are also the kings and wealthy ones of the earth, imposing their will with a totalitarian yet paradoxically gentle approach. Beings will automatically follow the word of the Dragon person without even knowing why. Perhaps the Dragon's magnetism toward wealth, prestige and social rank attracts others to him, or perhaps it is the cosmic sense of timing with which the Dragon moves. Over Dragon, no one truly rules or can order around. No matter what the situation, the Dragon already somehow knows everyone else's weaknesses, likes, and dislikes. They are great leaders because they share the bounties of success with their workers and inferiors. Even when a Dragon person is in an inferior social position they will end up running the show, including subtly telling their bosses what to do and helping fellow employees with an unsaid influence over their superiors. It is always rewarding to do good work for a Dragon; one is aptly rewarded and given full compensation for their efforts.

Dragons can be extremely vain however, mistaking superficialities for real qualities. Wealth and social position can often influence an otherwise wise Dragon toward a mistaken path. An overly ambitious Dragon can be ruthless to the extreme, overriding all counsel with an overwhelming drive toward their goal. This can increase the Dragon's negative qualities. Normally, the Dragon is usually the life-saver in bad circumstances, the one who will help out in the shortest notice. The seeming arrogance of the Dragon is a cover for true compassion and altruism that they express through their leadership. They are also the first to bail a friend out of trouble or give a loan to a friend in need.

Dragon person, make sure you remember to tone down your arrogance when dealing with others . If you are in a relationship with a Dragon give the Dragon a little room when they annoy you; they will be the last to recognize their conceit and pushiness. A trait Dragons have is a denial of negative actions; they will have every justification and reason for everything they say and do, never able to make a mistake in their own eyes. The worst quality of a Dragon person is this denial. They sometimes won't even know what's going on, yet they act as if they rule the world. The other signs usually find this the most annoying quality of the Dragon.. As a Dragon person's friend don't try to point out any of their problems; they will think you are only being mean without regard to how they come off originally. The Dragon has a very idealistic view that makes them forget or ignore their own negative traits. The Dragon person's utopian leanings will sometimes replace reality when they are faced with problems they don't want to admit.

The Dragon is a person who has integrated spiritual enlightenment with their regular personality. In the I-Ching, Book of Changes, Heaven's primal lines are depicted as Dragons riding the heavens, assuring the sage that a pack of Dragons is the most powerful force on Earth in all matters of Earth, Heaven, and amongst Man. The Dragon is the Emperor, the Tiger the General and the Rabbit the Minister. A group of Dragons without a leader will create vast projects of a grand nature. A group of Dragon people working together can achieve anything. This is the primal arrangement of Heaven, the Dragon person being the key to channeling the primordial Tao.

If you are born on a Snake year you are friendly, compassionate, passionate, intuitive, sexual, sensual, amusing, beautiful, discreet, and able to work with others. The negative qualities of the Snake are self-righteousness and pessimism. The Snake can also be very judgmental, clinging, haughty, and sexually obsessed.

The main quality of the Snake personality is seduction. Snake people will have people love them due to their sexual presence and overwhelming beauty. The Snake, as an archetype, is always the tempter and the emblem of life's cyclic nature. There is no malicious quality, for the Snake person usually can't stop themselves from tempting and seducing. They live for the attention of the social group and the sexual attention from whomever they have deemed as lovely as themselves. They are extremely self-absorbed, yet in this create a presence of beauty that most others enjoy. The Snake person will usually love themselves, taking care of their bodies diligently out of this enormous self-love. They will dress perfectly and appropriately for every occasion.

The downfalls of the Snake are sexual obsession and lying. In China, the Snake person is thought to be a liar and it is unfortunate to be born on a Snake year. Snake people can even be pathological liars, weaving mythic spells through the minds of their listeners, appearing to be whatever the people in the conversation want them to be. The Snake can be ingeniously deceptive, creating multiple layers of falsehood that when their lying is discovered, the truth still isn't revealed. The Snake woman in particular is an adulteress. This lying quality is the worst in Snakes because it usually becomes pathological if the Snake person faces failure or rejection. The Snake will deceive so much they themselves believe their own untruths, which is psychologically dangerous. They can become sex and drug addicts in the worst case scenario; completely given over to the vanity of debauchery and boasting, usually over things that are fabrications.

Obviously this oversexed, not completely genuine personality doesn't fare that well in society, unless the Snake is a very wealthy person to begin with. With money, the Snake will gladly spend a fortune on expensive jewelry, then be unable to pay the hundred dollar phone bill. They will be generous with family and friends, yet careful not to give to many others. Most of their focus will go toward self accessorizing and personal beauty. Overall, they are greedy enough about money to keep it, even though they will lavishly spend on vanities and creature comforts.

Comfort, repetitive daily routines and traditions are also a must for the Snake person. They will sacrifice most everything else in their lives in order to keep their sense of security, even their notorious passion. In chaotic and disruptive circumstances the Snake will go crazy. As Snakes grow older, they will regard this comfort as more and more important to themselves. After the Snake’s seductiveness and beauty fade with age, this sense of security and usually accomplishment in life become the aged Snake's main foci, rather than seduction and acceptance due to the glamour of one's being.

If you are born on a Horse year your most positive qualities are that you are productive, amusing, warm-hearted, talented, agreeable, generous, sociable, self-reliant, logical, and persuasive. The Horse person's negative qualities are his defiant nature, condescension, overly opportunistic and having the problem of being too obtuse. The overriding personality trait of the Horse person is self concern. They are utterly self-reliant and autonomous in their own lives.

The Chinese say that a piebald Horse is the most powerful force in the universe when they set their strong independent mind to a task, even more influential than the Dragon. In Chinese Astrology, Horse people are said to move out at a young age and usually go into the work or political world quite young. In China, the Horse quality of independence is so wrapped up with the sign, Horse babies are seen as misfortunate because they cause so many disruptions to family life and sanctity later in life. The Horse child's need for early independence is usually viewed as a curse in China because of their culture's insistence on family unity and the parental authoritarian order of the society.

The Horse is usually successful due to his headstrong personality, yet will always have feelings of not fitting in. During the Horse's life, he will usually disregard family and friends for his own solitary freedom, often closing himself off from convention and the support of his community. The competitive nature of the Horse makes them successful in society, if not in the family.

They have the strange quality of seeming totally dignified, then blurting out the completely wrong thing at the wrong time. They can be rude and even obnoxious with their social folly. A Horse person must always remember this trait and remedy it in social situations because for the Horse Person it is the primary source of any trouble they may have. The Horse will often have trouble knowing how to behave in social situations, yet will be brilliant public speakers and amazing at persuading anyone to do anything.

They are incredibly strong with a mind to progressing in their endeavors. There is a powerful inner drive for the Horse to succeed. He will deeply believe and support the causes he is working for. It is difficult to find a superficial Horse. Although they will always think they are right, they actually are good listeners and people to get practical advice from. Their advice usually tends toward “tough love.” They basically tell one to toughen up and be strong in the situation.

The Horse person only likes those who are self-reliant, tough and assured in themselves. Those are the qualities the Horse person respects. They will choose solid, stable careers rather than anything risky. Through stable effort and ambition they ascend to successful heights in their chosen professions; as workers and craftsmen they are unstoppable. The Horse will be a hands-on learner who ascends through the ranks proficiently and steadily in any endeavor.

These are creative, elegant and charming people who need a lot of time alone to daydream and be in their own minds. People born in a Goat year make great artisans and craftspeople. They enjoy learning about the esoteric and the unknown. This mind needs full range of freedom and may not be very well organized. They are not very materialistic, finding plenty of riches in their own imagination. Goats often feel insecure and have a great need to feel loved and admired. Goats may have a hard time with romance because they are sensitive and constantly worry but they have a sweet and caring nature. During conflict, goats often pull away. They refuse to take an unpopular stand in adverse situations. Goats can be great communicators expressing their needs. They will certainly return any favors and enjoy giving lavish gifts. Appearances are important to the goat and they can spend hours in front of the mirror. The most compatible match for a goat is the pig or rabbit.

The monkey is the original party animal. They are fun, cheerful, charming and energetic. They are clever and creative. They crave activity and stimulation and know how to have a good time. Monkeys swing from one group of friends to another, attracting quite a crew along the way. They are considered celebrities in their circle. Their charm and luck will bring them success. Monkeys also make good listeners, deal with challenging situations easily and are good problem solvers. People born under this sign pursue their own pleasure first. They can hide their opinions behind their friendliness but never their emotions. They are carefree and sometimes this leads to accidents and hurt feelings. They make fun and exciting lovers and may stray romantically. Monkeys really don’t care what others may think of their carefree attitudes. They like to try everything once. They may have limited self-control regarding food, alcohol and other temptations. This sign does have the capacity to show remorse after seeing that their actions may have caused some harm. The monkey’s challenge is to think of others ahead of themselves. The most compatible match for the monkey is the rat or the dragon.

People born under this sign are quick & practical thinkers. They are resourceful and prefer not to undertake unproven risky behaviors. Roosters are extremely observant and seem to have eyes in the back of their heads. It is not easy to fool the rooster, they have a cautious and skeptical mind. They are multi-talented and great at anything that requires close attention to detail and analysis. People of this sign make great lawyers, doctors, psychiatrists, detectives and accountants. They are very straightforward and do not hide behind a façade. They tell the truth and keep their word. Roosters are perfectionists and expect to be in control, especially over their appearance. They enjoy being out on the town with adoring friends. They like to be noticed and flattered. Roosters also expect to be in control of their environment including keeping a neat home and expecting the people around them to maintain the same high level of standards. The rooster needs the right partner who understands the rooster’s conservative nature. The rooster can be the most loyal and supportive partner who bends over backwards to please its loved ones. This may make some signs feel hen-pecked. Roosters need to learn the value of their heart and soul. A good philosophy for them to learn is, “live and let live.” The most compatible match for a rooster is the ox or the snake.

Dogs are loyal, sincere, faithful and honest. They stick to their code of ethics of right and wrong. This sign has trouble trusting others. The dog is a wonderful friend and an excellent listener and will never let you down. The dog’s philosophy is, “live right, look out for the little people and fight injustice whenever possible.” Sometimes the dog can be narrow-minded or stubborn and even judgmental and defensive. When important issues are on the table the dog may have difficulties staying calm and centered. Often the dog needs to be alone in order to recuperate from any temperamental mood swings or emotional distress. The dog has a lot of irrational fears and anxieties that turn into hurt feelings. The dog is a sensitive sign that needs to warm up to others over time and slowly learn to build trust as a foundation. Dogs have a tough time finding a partner. They can stress out their partner with their anxiousness. Dogs can also be generous, honest and straightforward in a relationship. This sign may be an excellent business person. The dog needs to stay physically active, constructing something new or cleaning, making something better. Dogs need to work on controlling their irrational worries and to relax their high standards. The most compatible match for a dog is the tiger or the horse.

The pig may be the most generous and honorable sign of the zodiac. They are sincere, caring and tolerant. They have perfect manners and good taste. They want to do everything right and can be too nice and the most loving people you know. They believe all people are basically good. Just don’t impose your opinion on a pig. Some may see them as snobs because of their perfectionist behaviors. They have a truly luxurious nature of fine delights and riches. Pigs believe in the best of human qualities and don’t consider themselves superior. They deeply care about friends and family and work hard, finding pleasure to help keep everyone happy. Pigs make great companions. They may allow themselves to be taken advantage of but will respond by striking back when crossed. They are very smart and studious, with a strong thirst for knowledge. They love to spend time relaxing and enjoying the good life. Pigs make great life partners but can be possessive and jealous. They choose to spend time with those who will appreciate them the most. They need to learn that there’s more to life than being needed. They will truly bloom when they open their world to a more diverse group of people. The most compatible match for a pig is the rabbit or the goat.

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