Like Western Astrology, Chinese Astrology also has 12 zodiac signs. The Chinese Astrology signs are however based on a Lunar or Moon year as opposed to a Solar or Sun Year. In determining Chinese Astrology Signs the year of birth is used as opposed to the date. The 12 Chinese Astrology signs are based on animals. Chinese legend has it that the great Buddha had invited all animals to a New Years Celebration but only 12 showed up. To give appreciation to the 12 that did show up, they are the 12 animals of the Chinese Zodiac.
The 12 Chinese Astrology Signs are: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit/Cat, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep/Goat/Ram, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig. Corresponding to each animal is a possibility of one of 5 elements; Metal, Water, Wood, Fire and Earth are included with Chinese Astrology Signs. In Chinese Astrology Signs, the sign lasts one whole year as opposed to western astrology where the Sign lasts a month. In short it lasts one year in that sign and element and returns in 60 years in that sign and element again. Chinese Astrology is based on 60-year cycles from the cycle you were born in.
Here is a Chart of the Chinese Astrology Signs and their Attributes:
Rat people are charming and attracted to the opposite sex. They are hard workers almost too much to the point of workaholics. They like to be perfect. They strive hard to acquire possessions. They can be cheap, when not thrifty. They can be protective especially with family because family is important to Rat. They are talented and are achievers. They can be possessive, picky, excessive, stingy, and overbearing. Rat gets along best with Dragon, Monkey and Ox. Rat is incompatible with Horse. Rat’s motto is “ I Rule� Rat is Yin Western Sign Equivalent: Sagittarius Rat Years: 1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, and 1996
Ox folks are patient and don’t talk much. They inspire others to have confidence. They can be eccentric, and bigoted. They are very sharp mentally and physically and don’t speak a lot because they anger very quickly. They can be easygoing but also extremely stubborn. They dislike opposition and failure. They can be petty and believe blindly in something. Ox gets along best with Snake Rooster and Rat. Ox is incompatible with Sheep. Ox’s motto: I Preserve Ox is Yin Western Sign Equivalent: Capricorn Ox Years: 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, and 1997
Tigers: Those under the year of Tiger are courageous and powerful. They can be lovable, sensitive, hardworking and independent. They can show a lot of sympathy towards others and be very idealistic. However they are extremely short tempered and hot headed. Sometimes they have problems with other people and those in positions of authority. Tiger people can be very rebellious. They can be indecisive and have trouble making up their minds. If they make a hasty decision the results can be bad. They have a tendency not to trust people. Tiger is most compatible with Horses, Dragons and Dogs. They are least compatible with Monkey. Tiger’s Motto: I Win Tiger is Yang Western Sign Equivalent: Aquarius Tiger Years: 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986 and 1998
Rabbits: Those born under Rabbit are for the most part are ambitious and talented. They are articulate and can gossip. They can be discreet, cultured and well mannered. People admire Rabbits because they are tactful, kind and can control their tempers. They are good business people and never back out of a contract. They are astute gamblers and have an uncanny knack of always choosing the right numbers. When rubbed the wrong way they can be arrogant, sneaky, self indulgent, self-centered and horribly condescending. Rabbits do best with Sheep, Pigs and Dogs. They are least compatible with Rooster. Rabbit’s Motto: I Retreat Rabbit is Yin Western Sign Equivalent: Pisces Rabbit Years: 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987 and 1999
Dragons: Dragon people are very vibrant and energetic individuals. They can be very principled and self-sufficient. They inspire confidence in others due to their bravery, honesty and sensitivity. They can also be very hot tempered, ruthless, power crazy and pompous. They are considered the most eccentric of the Chinese Astrology Signs. They do not borrow money and do not make embellished speeches. But they are extremely kind to the point where people can take advantage of them. They get along best with Rats, Snakes, Monkeys and Roosters. They are least compatible with Dog. Dragons Motto: I Reign Dragon is Yang Western Sign Equivalent: Aries Dragon Years: 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988 and 2000
Snakes: Those born under the year of the Snake are very deep. They possess great wisdom and speak little. These people tend to be very fortunate financially. Although they have a soft side for the less fortunate they can be very miserly. They can also display vanity and selfishness. They doubt people’s capabilities and prefer to rely on themselves. Snake people tend to be good looking and are very fickle so sometimes their marriages suffer. They are sore losers and do not like to fail. Underneath their calm exteriors are very passionate and intense individuals. Snakes get along the best with Ox and Rooster. They get along least with Pig. Snakes Motto: I Feel Snake is Yang Western Sign Equivalent: Taurus Snake Years: 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989 and 2001
Sheep/Ram/Goat people are very artistic and accomplished in the arts. They are eloquent and always appear well off. They can actually be quite shy and timid. They can be wise gentle and passionate. When in a negative mode they can be very pessimistic. They can become full of self-pity and down right parasitic. They have a tendency to be very religious people and can always make money. They can also be careless, irresponsible and ill tempered if rubbed the wrong way. They get along best with Rabbits, Pigs and Horses. They are least compatible with Ox. Sheep’s Motto: I Depend Sheep is Yang Western Sign Equivalent: Cancer Sheep Years: 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991 and 2003
Monkeys are the erratic geniuses of the Chinese Astrology Sign Cycle. They are original, skillful and easily solve even the most difficult problems. When they get an idea they do not like to wait it has to be done on the spot. They can be extremely self-indulgent and down right immature. They have a tendency to look down on others and will live a project if it isn’t done right away. Their memories are excellent and deeply desire knowledge. Although they are strong willed they do not stay angry for long. Most of the time they are happy go lucky folks. They get along best with Dragon and Rat. They get along the least with Tiger. Monkeys Motto: I Entertain Monkey is Yin Western Sign Equivalent: Leo Monkey Years: 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992 and 2004
Roosters can be deep thinkers. They are very capable and talented. They like to be the boss. When they fail they are deeply disappointed. They like to be busy and stretch their limits beyond reason at times. Rooster people are quite eccentric and have problems with people and relationships. They think they are always right and for the most part are. They are loners who give the impression of being outgoing. In actuality they are quite timid. Roosters’ emotions like their fortunes go to extremes. They can be selfish and quite outspoken. They are also very brave and interesting individuals. They are most compatible with Ox, Snake and Dragon. They are least compatible with Rabbit. Roosters Motto: I Know Better Rooster is Yang Western Sign Equivalent: Virgo Rooster Years: 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993 and 2005
Dog people possess the best traits in human qualities. They are loyal, and honest. Dogs can be dutiful, well meaning and helpful. They gain peoples confidence quite easy because they can keep secrets. They make great leaders. Although wealth is not essential for them they always seem to have a dollar. They can have very sharp tongues and find fault quite easily. At parties they can be distant and at times appear quite cold. They too can be eccentric as well as selfish and stubborn. On a bad day they can be impossible to live or deal with. They get along best with Horse, Tiger and Rabbit. They get along the least with Dragon. Dogs Motto: I Worry Dog is Yin Western Sign Equivalent is: Libra Dog Years: 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994 and 2006
Those that are born under the year of the Pig/Boar are very chivalrous and gallant. They do everything whole-heartedly with their whole being. They will not retreat from difficult undertakings, and have great fortitude and are very honest. They are not out going for friends but a friend to a person born under the sign of the pig is their friend for life. They study because they love knowledge and always well informed. They are quick tempered but do not like to argue or fight. No matter how bad a problem seems they try and work it out. They are very kind to their loved ones. They are self sacrificing and loyal. When their generosity is stretched beyond its limits they can become criminally angry. Pigs get along the best with Rabbits and Sheep. They get along the least with Snake. Pigs Motto: I Preserve Pig is Yin Western Sign Equivalent: Scorpio Pigs Years: 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995 and 2007