How to Learn About the Animals of the Chinese Zodiac

Chinese astrology is based on a zodiac consisting of 12 animal signs representing different personality types. There are number of different stories about the origin of the zodiac and why each animal was chosen--there are years of the Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig, but no year of the Panda, Turtle or Carp (among other animals mentioned in Chinese folklore). The 12 zodiac signs and some of the characteristics associated with each sign are presented below.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A Chinese calendar to determine your birth year if you were born in January or February, as the years do not necessarily correspond with western ones

1. Recognize the rat, first animal in the Chinese zodiac. People born in the year of the rat tend to be charming, sociable, hardworking and shrewd, but may be selfish, obstinate, even ruthless at times.

2. Observe the ox, second in line, dependable, patient and calm. Oxen can be narrow minded, though, rigid at times to the point of inflexibility.

3. Take a look at the tiger, the passionate, daring, impulsive and generous third animal in the cycle. Tangle with a tiger at your own peril, however, as they can be quick to anger and may be reckless in their actions.

4. Run with the rabbit, fourth animal in the zodiac, and known for being gracious, kind and sensitive. Rabbits can be superficial, though, sometimes self-indulgent and somewhat lazy.

5. Dig that dragon! Proud, fiery, strong, and loyal, dragons think they belong at the number one spot instead of coming in at number 5. They can be eccentric, even arrogant at times.

6. Slither with the snake, the wise, mystical, soft-spoken snake. This sixth zodiac animal tends to be a loner and can be somewhat lacking in communication skills.

7. Hark to the horse, cheerful, popular, intelligent, and seventh in the cycle. Horses can be fickle, though, even rude at times, and they may be seen as quitters as they often fail to follow through on all of the ambitious projects they may get involved in.

8. Glory in the goat (sometimes known as the sheep), a compassionate, creative soul eighth in the cycle. Goats are gentle and peace-loving, but can be moody and prone to worry.

9. Marvel at the monkey, quick-witted, innovative and self-assured. This ninth animal can, at times, be vain, selfish and prone to jealousy and suspicion.

10. Remember the rooster, the practical, responsible, perfectionist. Tenth in the zodiac, roosters can be opinionated and overly critical of others.

11. Discover the dog, eleventh in line, honest, loyal and sincere. Dogs, however, can be lazy, pessimistic and quarrelsome if riled.

12. Be aware that the boar (also known as the pig) is the last animal in the 12-year cycle. Boars are gallant, sturdy and thoughtful, but they may tend to rely too heavily on others and may be somewhat naive at times.

[virtualibrarian]

on 12/11/2007 True - and the ruling year sign is Chinese astrology at its most basic. There are ruling signs for the month and hour of birth as well.

[grouch]

on 12/11/2007 Thanks for all the information. Although I don't think people are their sign 100%. Their most basic actions can be affected both for the good and the bad by the characteristics of the sign they were born under.