Chinese Horoscopes

STRENGTHS:

wise, unique, intelligent, crafty, determined, inventive, and intense

• WEAKNESSES:

• acquisitiveness, ruthlessness, and nervousness

• COMPATIBILITY:

• Dragon, Ox, or Monkey

• MISMATCH:

• Horse or Rooster

• ELEMENT:

• Water

• YIN or YANG:

• Yin

YEARS:

1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020

Associated with new beginnings, Rat is the first animal in the Chinese Zodiac. The story varies on how the crafty creature got this coveted spot. Some say that Rat was the hero who bit the dark egg of the world, creating a crack to let in air and start creation. Others say that when the Buddha (or Jade Emperor) called on all animals to help mankind, Rat got there first using somewhat underhanded skills.

In some versions of this origin story, the race included a large body of water to cross. It’s said that Rat jumped on Ox’s back to ride across the water, then jumped off ahead of Ox to win the race.

Other versions tell of Rat scheming against a cat for the win, promising to wake him up for the race, but then leaving him to oversleep. In others, he pushed the cat off Ox’s back and into the water, resulting in the cat not making the top twelve to be included in the Zodiac.

It’s no wonder the cat is now out for Rat’s blood!

STRENGTHS:

honest, contemplative, observant, determined, cautious, and loyal

• WEAKNESSES:

• self-righteous, stubborn, petty, egotistical, judgmental, and overly cautious

• COMPATIBILITY:

• Snake, Rat, or Rooster

• MISMATCH:

• Goat, Horse, or Dragon

• ELEMENT:

• Earth

• YIN or YANG:

• Yin

YEARS:

1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021

According to legend, if wasn’t for Ox’s innately kind, generous nature – and for Rat’s guile – Ox would be first in Sheng Xiao.

In the famous race that determined this zodiac, Rat utilized not only Ox’s kindness, but also her capability. Knowing her strength and steadiness both on land and in water, Rat made a deal with Ox to ride across the water on her back, only to jump off near the finish line and win.

Not only was Ox crucial to Rat in legend, but oxen were crucial to China’s economic survival. Huge, yet gentle enough to be thoroughly domesticated, these animals were used for transportation, planting, and sacrifice when alive; and as food, clothing, and implements when dead.

STRENGTHS:

outspoken, adventurous, unconventional, and enthusiastic

• WEAKNESSES:

• aggressive, arrogant, short-tempered, and anxious

• COMPATIBILITY:

• Dragon, Horse, or Dog

• MISMATCH:

• Ox, Snake, or Monkey

• ELEMENT:

• Wood

• YIN or YANG:

• Yang

YEARS:

1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022

Tiger is a prideful creature. After struggling to the shore in the last leg of the race that determined his place in the zodiac, Tiger was panting and exhausted in third place. He explained how difficult it was to swim against the current, and boasted about how strong he was to have succeeded.

The powerful Tiger features prominently in Chinese mythology and art, usually pictured chasing away evil. Babies are given Tiger shoes to protect them, and Tiger charms are known to give courage and scare away the three evils: theft, fire, and ghosts.

The Tiger is known as King of the Beasts, and the three horizontal stripes on his head represent heaven, people, and earth, with a vertical line crossing and thus ruling all three.

STRENGTHS:

intuitive, even-tempered, gentle, faithful, compassionate, and clever

• WEAKNESSES:

• pessimistic, insecure, vain, overly cautious, and finicky

• COMPATIBILITY:

• Dog or Pig

• MISMATCH:

• Rooster

• ELEMENT:

• Wood

• YIN or YANG:

• Yin

YEARS:

1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023

Though Rabbit couldn’t swim, she was still able to finish the all-important race that secured her position in the zodiac. She came in fourth by jumping from stone to stone past mid-river, and then was lucky enough to find a floating log to ride to the opposite shore (with Dragon’s generous help, of course). Typical Rabbit – sizing up the situation and calmly making it work with a dose of good luck.

Many ancient Chinese tales connect Rabbit with the Moon. They say that when you look at the moon, you can see a Rabbit grinding with a mortar and pestle. In the Chinese tradition, the Rabbit in the moon is the companion to the woman in the moon, helping her grind the elixir of immortality.

Those born in a Rabbit year are assured good fortune, happiness, and longevity. They are even-tempered, gentle, faithful, compassionate, and clever – eschewing aggression and violence, particularly in public situations.

Rabbits can make friends with anyone as they are capable of astutely reading people and situations. They aim to maintain tranquility and balance at all times. Rabbits rarely act impulsively. They tend to be orderly and conservative. They’re known for their refined, artistic taste and elegant style in all areas of their lives. They love beautiful things but must beware of becoming acquisitive.

Because they may be prone to hide their true feelings and desires, choosing instead to fulfill societal or interpersonal expectations, Rabbits must be careful to nourish deep self-awareness and a sense of self-worth. They can also become pessimistic, insecure, vain, overly cautious, and finicky.

STRENGTHS:

courageous, intelligent, charismatic, and passionate

• WEAKNESSES:

• impetuous, inflexible, and brash

• COMPATIBILITY:

• Rat, Tiger, Snake, or Monkey

• MISMATCH:

• Ox, Sheep, or Dog

• ELEMENT:

• Earth

• YIN or YANG:

• Yang

YEARS:

1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024

Oh, Dragon, what a creature. This magical and selfless being finished the Jade Emperor’s race in fifth place because, while flying to the finish line, he saw how thirsty the people, animals, and land were. Knowing that he could assuage the suffering of humanity, Dragon stopped and made it rain. Then he noticed Rabbit stuck in the middle of the river on a log and blew her to shore, enabling Rabbit to finish ahead of Dragon.

For these reasons, Dragon is known to be noble, powerful, generous, and idealistic. Dragons have always been seen as controlling rain; the Mandarin word for “Dragon” is thought to come from the sound for thunder. Ancient Chinese considered themselves direct descendants of Dragons and believed that their Emperors had Dragon blood.

Some speculate that ancient tribes living in China had animal totems, with one tribe worshipping a coiled Snake. As this tribe blended with nine others, their totem animals were grafted onto the Snake, reshaping it into a Dragon. Some say that dinosaur bones might actually be Dragon bones.

Dragons are courageous, intelligent, charismatic, and passionate. They often marry late in life, and as natural leaders brimming with self-assurance, they don’t like deferring to others. They are hardworking and capable of success in all things. Honest and direct, Dragons crave to be of use and need to find a purpose or goal in life. They don’t recognize their own limits and should avoid over-working.

Wealth and prestige impress Dragons. They can be perfectionists and prone to short bouts of rage. They can also be impetuous, inflexible, and brash. Dragons must beware of becoming tyrannical.

STRENGTHS:

wise, enigmatic, intuitive, sympathetic, mesmerizing, sensual, and beautiful

• WEAKNESSES:

• hedonistic, vain, malicious, overly materialistic, and duplicitous

• COMPATIBILITY:

• Rooster, Ox, or Dragon

• MISMATCH:

• Tiger

• ELEMENT:

• Fire

• YIN or YANG:

• Yin

YEARS:

1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025

It is said that Snake managed to come in sixth place only by hiding in Horse’s hoof, demonstrating that she plans meticulously and do whatever is necessary to achieve a goal.

Often referred to as Little Dragon, the coiled Snake is an ancient symbol in China and is considered the precursor of the Dragon. Some ancient Chinese worshipped the Snake and believed it was connected with the beginning of the Universe. Those born in a Snake year are reputedly wise, enigmatic, intuitive, sympathetic, mesmerizing, sensual, and beautiful.

Snakes learn by doing and from their own mistakes, rather than basing their lives on the judgements of others. They appreciate and crave all that is fine and beautiful, having a unique and well-honed style. They can be talented and very successful in the arts. They are intelligent, witty, and patient, smart with money, and can succeed at most things.

Snakes don’t forgive easily and are capable of long-term revenge. They can be charmingly and subtly manipulative. They seem cool and calm, but that’s no indication of their inner thoughts or emotions. Snakes can be easily stressed and are often anxious. They can become hedonistic, vain, malicious, overly materialistic, and duplicitous.

It takes Snakes a long time to form intimate, intense relationships because they don’t trust easily. They can be fiercely possessive and need to battle their own jealousy and envy. Snakes will live healthier and happier lives in committed relationships as long as they honor their need for periods of alone time.

STRENGTHS:

virile, easygoing, witty, honest, and outspoken

• WEAKNESSES:

• impatient, impulsive, and self-centered

• COMPATIBILITY:

• Tiger, Goat, or Dog

• MISMATCH:

• Rat, Ox, or Rooster

• ELEMENT:

• Fire

• YIN or YANG:

• Yang

YEARS:

1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026

It is said that Horse would have finished the race in sixth place, but Snake snuck a ride in the equine hoof, unbeknownst to the host. When Snake jumped ashore, she startled Horse. In typical Horse fashion, this majestic creature reared back, and Snake slithered across the finish line first. This story exemplifies how Horse may run with full speed, strength, and intent after goals, promises, and love interests, but can also scare easily.

Chinese mythology contains stories of flying horses, horses that are part dragon or deity, and a silkworm/mulberry origin story wherein a girl promises to marry a horse if he helps her find her father. When found, the father murders the horse to preclude the marriage, and the girl and horsehide transform into a silkworm on a mulberry tree – thus even today, you can see a horse’s face on the silkworm.

Those born in the year of the Horse have inexhaustible energy (including potent sexuality), yet are easygoing, witty, honest, and outspoken. Horses are independent, adventurous, have a quick intuitive intelligence, and are good with money. They are decisive, generous, extremely popular, and can often be found in the middle of large social happenings.

Horses are passionate about beginnings but don’t always stay beyond the first flush of enthusiasm – there’s always another challenge beckoning them. Since Horses can crave intimacy, love, and belonging as much as they’re repelled by feeling fettered, their major challenge is often unraveling their own psyche to help them find and sustain what truly nourishes and fulfills them. Horses can be impatient, impulsive, and self-centered.

STRENGTHS:

intelligent, romantic, charming, compassionate, and gentle

• WEAKNESSES:

• disorganized, lazy, pessimistic, timid, indecisive, anxious, and gullible

• COMPATIBILITY:

• Horse, Rabbit, or Pig

• MISMATCH:

• Ox, Tiger, Dog, Rat, or Snake

• ELEMENT:

• Earth

• YIN or YANG:

• Yin

YEARS:

1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027

It is said that three animals worked together as a team to cross the finish line of the Jade Emperor’s race: Rooster, Monkey, and Sheep.

Rooster found a raft, and Sheep and Monkey cleared it of weeds and carried it to the water. The three sailed to the opposite shore and crossed the finish line together.

This exemplifies how, while Sheep don’t necessarily like to lead, they enjoy being in a group both socially and as part of a team. Sheep was accorded the eighth position in the Zodiac. In Chinese culture, eight is considered a lucky number, and the symbol for Sheep is contained in the symbol that means auspicious.

Sheep are the most sensitive of all the signs. They can also be the most creative and artistically talented and may be drawn to the spiritual or esoteric. They are intelligent, romantic, charming, compassionate, and gentle. Sheep always like to look their best and have a terrific sense of style. They flourish in an environment where they can work at their own pace, in spaces that are aesthetically pleasing, and surrounded by approval, love, and support. Sheep are also known as the most potentially vulnerable and needy sign.

Luckily, Sheep tend to attract whatever they need in life – including powerful allies, wealthy patrons, and patient and adoring friends and partners. They will do anything to support and show love for friends and family, but they should avoid smothering them with the amount of support and love that they require for themselves. Sheep can also be disorganized, lazy, pessimistic, timid, indecisive, anxious, gullible, secretive, bossy, and overly sensitive.

STRENGTHS:

confident, charming, humorous, exuberant, and popular

• WEAKNESSES:

• distrustful, arrogant, opportunistic, erratic, manipulative, and dishonest

• COMPATIBILITY:

• Rat or Dragon

• MISMATCH:

• Tiger or Pig

• ELEMENT:

• Metal

• YIN or YANG:

• Yang

YEARS:

1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028

In the great race that secured their spots in the Zodiac, it’s said that Rooster, Sheep, and Monkey worked together to cross the finish line. Rooster found a raft, then Monkey and Sheep cleared it of weeds and carried it to the water. (Of course you’d want Monkey in on any plan, because not only are they great fun, but Monkeys can also figure out how to untangle anything and keep everyone’s energy centered and moving forward.) The three animals sailed the raft to the opposite shore and crossed the finish line together. Monkey was accorded the ninth position.

The number nine is an auspicious number in Chinese culture as it shares the pronunciation for the word “everlasting.” Also, the Monkey Deity (or Monkey King), a trickster with amazing physical and mental powers, has been part of Chinese mythology for thousands of years.

Those born in the year of the Monkey want to know about everything and have the potential to be brilliant in just about anything. They have prodigious memories, a natural affinity to learn languages, and the ability to unravel the knottiest problems. They’re endlessly inventive and lucky with money.

Monkeys are charming and popular with a wicked and clever sense of humor, supreme self-confidence, and a craving to be the center of attention. With their infectious exuberance, they’re ready for any adventure or challenge.

Monkeys form few close attachments and tend to flit from relationship to relationship, but they can be steadfast and faithful if they actually commit to someone. They can also be distrustful, arrogant, opportunistic, erratic, manipulative, dishonest, and totally self-centered.

STRENGTHS:

charming, witty, honest, blunt, capable, talented, brave, and self-reliant

• WEAKNESSES:

• controlling, insensitive, narrow-minded, selfish, and reckless

• COMPATIBILITY:

• Ox, Dragon, Snake, or Pig

• MISMATCH:

• Rat, Rabbit, Dog, Tiger, or Rooster

• ELEMENT:

• Metal

• YIN or YANG:

• Yang

YEARS:

1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029

Leader of the legendary team of Sheng Xiao, Rooster is the one who found the raft that carried Monkey and Sheep across the river to finish the race that determined their places in this Zodiac.

As the most observant and hardworking animal in the calendar, of course Rooster would spot a raft, and probably congratulate himself about it all the way across the river.

Some believe that those born in the year of the Rooster are psychic, but others claim that it’s only Rooster’s acute observation, attention to detail, and extreme self-confidence which enables him to know so much. Roosters are considered auspicious because their crowing sounds like the Chinese words for “fame” and “merit.”

Roosters are smart, charming, witty, honest, blunt, capable, talented, brave, and self-reliant. They are known for their ability to do astounding things with extremely limited resources. Their way is always right (in their mind, at least), and they love to debate their stance. Roosters are extremely sociable and bask in attention and praise.

Those born in the year of the Rooster are attractive and very fine dressers no matter what the cost, and they’ll spend whatever time it takes to achieve just the right look – though they will always be punctual. They are organized, a trait that’s reflected in their orderly homes.

Roosters dream big, set huge goals, and then work like crazy to achieve what they desire. For all their brashness, Roosters are loyal and will go to extremes to please their partners. Still, they can be controlling, insensitive, narrow-minded, selfish, and reckless.

STRENGTHS:

animated, likable, witty, sincere, cooperative, protective, helpful

• WEAKNESSES:

• pessimistic, cynical, paranoid, overly aggressive, stubborn

• COMPATIBILITY:

• Horse, Rabbit, Tiger, or Pig

• MISMATCH:

• Rooster, Dragon, or Goat

• ELEMENT:

• Earth

• YIN or YANG:

• Yang

YEARS:

1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030

Even though he is one of the strongest swimmers, Dog came in eleventh because he stopped to play and bathe in the water.

Not only exuberant and playful, Dog’s humanitarian side is highlighted in another story. When Dog used to have nine tails he snuck into Heaven to steal grain for humanity, but the guards of heaven chopped off eight of his tails as he was escaping. Dog carried the grain back to Earth stuck on his remaining tail — and that is why stalks of grain look like a dog’s tail.

Those born in the year of the Dog are loyal and brave with an innate sense of duty. They may not seek leadership positions, but they often end up chosen as leaders due to their impartial sense of justice, intelligence, diplomacy, and determination to fight for what they know is right.

Dogs are known to have a heightened ability to immediately discern the underlying motives of both people and situations, and may be sharp tempered when others lack their high moral ground. Dogs are possibly the least materialistic of the signs, and are not driven by money, although they are adept at earning whatever they need.

Dogs are animated, likable, witty, sincere, direct, cooperative, protective, helpful, and generous. They are often introverts. Dogs are extremely faithful and supportive to friends and family. They can be huge worriers and should beware of becoming pessimistic, cynical, paranoid, overly aggressive, stubborn, cold, overly critical, or self-sacrificing.

STRENGTHS:

intelligent, thoughtful, creative, responsible, curious, and noble

• WEAKNESSES:

• gullible, materialistic, insecure, and hot-tempered

• COMPATIBILITY:

• Tiger, Rabbit, Goat or Dragon

• MISMATCH:

• Snake or Monkey

• ELEMENT:

• Water

• YIN or YANG:

• Yin

YEARS:

1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031

In the great race that determined the animals’ position in the Zodiac, Pig barely made twelfth place. Why? She stopped to eat and take a nap in the middle of the competition – demonstrating the easygoing sensuality of this sign. And yet, those born in the year of the Pig are good planners and organizers, work relentlessly to achieve their goals, and complete projects on time.

In China, the Pig is a symbol of good luck, happiness, and abundance – including fertility. The Pig is often portrayed with a fat head and big ears (big ears are considered auspicious). So important was the Pig to the economy of ancient China that the Chinese word for “home” is made up of the ideograms for roof and Pig.

Pigs are noble – born with an innate sense of fair play and honesty, they are intelligent, thoughtful, creative, responsible, and have an intense thirst for knowledge. Though self-reliant and good with money, Pigs are usually lucky enough for help to materialize when needed.

Pigs are not impressed with wealth or status, and they’re extremely generous. They love to socialize and have no trouble making and keeping friends. They are loyal, compassionate, intuitive, optimistic, and have a good sense of humor.

Pigs have an enormous appetite for all the pleasures of life. They need to beware of over-indulging, and to learn how to discriminate about what and who is worthy of their big-hearted attention. Pigs are romantic, affectionate, and monogamous once they commit to a relationship.