Chinese Horoscope: Bringing out the animal in you

The Chinese horoscope has been in use for thousands of years, and it is still consulted by millions of people on a daily basis. Its twelve animal signs are similar to the twelve signs of the Western Zodiac, but are determined by the year of birth rather than the month.

This kind of astrology is one of the most ancient philosophies still in existence in China today. Some estimate it to be more than 3,000 years old but recent studies place it further back into the clouded, hidden past of human history. From those ancient times until today, the Chinese horoscope has been used to predict what will happen in your life, health, wealth and much more.

Chinese astrology is the foretelling of the future from the, using a combination of astronomy and ancient Chinese philosophy based on a 60 year cycle documented since the Shang Dynasty. This basic cycle has been constructed from the 10 heavenly stems (the five elements of wood, fire, earth, metal and water in their yin and yang forms) and the 12 earthly branches (comprising the 12-year cycle of animals referred to as the Chinese zodiac).

According to legend, the naming of the twelve years in the Chinese Lunar cycle stems from the myth of Buddha. Before leaving this world, Buddha invited all the animals of the world to a feast. Twelve animals arrived: the rat, the ox, the tiger, the rabbit, the dragon, the snake, the horse, the goat, the monkey, the rooster, the dog and the pig. So Buddha decided to name a year after each of them, in the order of their arrival.

Each year in this twelve-year cycle now had a symbolic animal, whose characteristics are said to influence world events, personality and fate of everything and everyone born in that year. The animal ruling the year in which you were born exercises a profound influence on your life. As the Chinese say, "This is the animal that hides in your heart". Which are you?

Year animals and their characteristics

	Rat Quick-witted, clever, charming, sharp and funny. They have excellent taste, are a good friend and are generous and loyal. Compatible with Dragon or Monkey.
	Ox Steadfast, solid, a goal-oriented leader, hard-working, stubborn, serious but reliable, protective and strong companion. Compatible with Snake or Rooster.
	Tiger Authoritative, self-possessed, have strong leadership qualities, charming, ambitious, courageous and warm-hearted. Compatible with Horse or Dog.
	Rabbit Enjoy being surrounded by family and friends. Popular, compassionate, sincere, and they like to avoid conflict. Compatible with Goat or Pig.
	Dragon Energetic and warm-hearted, charismatic, lucky at love and egotistic. Natural born leaders and good at giving orders. Compatible with Monkey and Rat.
	Snake Gregarious, introverted, generous, charming, good with money, analytical, and intelligent. Compatible with Rooster or Ox.
	Horse Energetic, self-reliant, money-wise, enjoy traveling, love and intimacy. Seductive, sharp-witted and impatient Compatible with Dog or Tiger.
	Goat Creative, thinkers, wanderers, unorganized, highly-strung and insecure. Need love, support and reassurance. Compatible with Pig or Rabbit.
	Monkey Fun-loving, upbeat, good listeners but lack self-control. They're heart-breakers, not good at long-term relationships. Compatible with Rat or Dragon.
	Rooster Practical, resourceful, observant, analytical, straightforward, trusting, honest, perfectionists, neat and conservative. Compatible with Ox or Snake.
	Dog Loyal, faithful, honest, often guilty of telling white lies, temperamental, dogmatic and sensitive. Excel in business. Compatible with Tiger or Horse.
	Pig Good-mannered and tasteful. Perfectionists who enjoy finer things, enjoy helping others and are good companions until someone close crosses them, then look out! Compatible with Rabbit or Goat.