Chinese Astrological Years

A rat in China is not the dirty, nasty creature seen in Europe. A rat is cool; calm and charming. They act with integrity, are persistent and are careful with money. They are generous to those they love.

An ox is quiet and easy-going. Practical and self assured they are often successful. As they are not outspoken they can be difficult to read and so easy to misunderstand and provoke to anger.

Tiger people share the power and courage with the admired and respected animal. Tigers are thoughtful and may be destined for high office. They can be selfish and offhand; tigers have difficulty accepting orders.

A rabbit is a popular creature, good at getting along with people. Gifted and ambitious they are proficient at business. They are prone to sadness and are not deep thinkers. Naturally lucky, a rabbit is skillful in handling money.

In the West dragons are supposed to be violent and evil monsters. Not so in China, they are the most powerful of creatures but are friends as much as foes, and are considered lucky. Dragons have energy, courage and perception. Natural leaders, dragons are healthy and prosperous, however dragons can be spiteful and prone to anger.

The wisdom of the snake is proverbial, and this is a snake's principal virtue. Spells of deep thinking can make them loners and independent. Wisdom with handling money makes them able at attain wealth, they are also blessed with good looks. As they are not very perceptive of those around them, they can make poor partners.

A horse is cheerful and easy to get on with but impulsive and with a short temper. Horse people do not always think things through; they may choose a partner on a whim. Horses are gregarious and love entertainment; they can also be good at managing money.

One of the most creative people, sheep (or goats) ponder on life and can get depressed. They are not leaders and tend to be shy but look after themselves well. However their gentle nature does not indicate a lack of passion. Sheep are naturally helpful people, aiding anyone in distress.

While the dragon is the ruler, it is the monkey that is held in most affection. Skillful and successful, monkeys have an abundance of common sense and are fun loving. Talkative and impish they can alienate people at times. They are avid readers and promote harmony rather than discord.

A chicken is sociable but thoughtful. Ambitious and positive they are often overly ambitious and seem reckless. Roosters, however can be outspoken and act selfishly.

A dog in China goes not have the negative undertones that it has elsewhere. Dogs are loyal and dutiful and eager to please, which makes them good workers. There is a tendency towards selfishness and obstinacy, dogs do not take part in social affairs. Warm-hearted dogs can be relied on to stand up against injustice.

Like dogs, rats and snakes, pigs are not as bad as the Western association would make you think. Pigs are brave and strong, preferring to work on their own. A pig's knowledge is fairly superficial and they are not gregarious; pigs are loving and dedicated partners and friends.