Chinese Star Signs (See below for your animal sign personality traits)

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Chinese Star signs : are a mixture and connection of geomancy, horoscopes, astronomy and astrology.  In short, the sun, moon and stars are thought to have an influence over the moral conduct of people.  This in turn helps to control climatic changes by people's thoughts and actions.  The Chinese lunar calendar dates from 2637 B.C. and comprises five cycles of twelve years each, with a complete cycle lasting sixty years.  Each of the twelve years was assigned an animal, because, as legend has it, only twelve animals came to bid farewell to the Buddha before he departed from the earth.  As a reward to these twelve animals, the Buddha named a year after each one in the order that they arrived. During the sixty year cycle each animal is combined with five Chinese elements namely: 

wood - ruled by Jupiter
Fire - ruled by Mars
earth  - ruled by Saturn
metal - ruled by Venus
water - ruled by Mercury

These five Chinese elements are in turn divided into the positive and negative magnetic poles of the Ying and Yang.  The Chinese lunar calendar starts at 11pm and the twenty four hours of the day are divided into twelve sections of two hours each.  An animal sign rules each one of these twelve sections and has an element, direction and a season.

A Chinese birth sign is calculated by the elements and their effects on our lives as follows:

1).  The element of the year of birth
2).  The element of ones animal sign
3).  The element of the hour of birth
4).  The element of the month of birth
5).  The element of the country of birth

The Chinese birth signs are as follows:
Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, Boar.

As a point of interest, the animal that rules your year is the animal that rules your heart.  in order to find out which Chinese animal rules you year of birth, please visit our birth sign locator.  Simply enter you birth year, birth month and birth day, and both your Western and Chinese Star signs will be worked out for you.

Chinese star signs are linked to the TAO TE CHING:

"the most sacred book of the Chinese is the TAO TE CHING, the book of the Tao or the Way.  One inscription says that this is the ancestor of all doctrines, the mystery beyond mysteries - it can not be put into words, only intuitively understood. 'The Tao that can be put into words is not the everlasting Tao'

Practical techniques from acupuncture to Chinese martial arts are derived from Taoism.  It accepts the changing nature of reality reality, a refusal to look upon anything as being altogether alone from humanity and is one of the most tolerant of the worlds religions.  Taoism is the only one of the great religious beliefs that refuses to condemn magical and occult practices but instead absorbs them into itself.  The book of the Tao is the book of self knowledge."


Personality Traits for the Twelve Chinese Birth Signs

To Find out your Western and Chinese birth signs - click here! 


The Rat (SHU) 
Ruler of the hours 11pm to 1am
Direction - North
Season - Winter/December
Fixed element - Water positive
Yin/Yang - Yang

Personality Traits:
People born under the year of the Rat tend to be forthright, generous and easy going to all of those that they love and care for.  They generally have happy, lively personalities and are very outgoing, although they can get very edgy when upset.  On the whole they are successful in what they choose to do and are full of imagination and possess very good memories.  During a crisis rats come into their own because they are level headed and intuitive, but often their energies can be scattered by their over ambitious tendencies.  If their over ambitious enthusiasm can be avoided there is no reason why Rats should not do well.  The Rat is a lover of money and a hater of waste and idleness.

The year of the Rat: is symbolic of opportunity and good prospects.  Business in general is forecast as being good although it is possible that bleak years will follow.  However anything that began in the year of the Rat should in theory be successful.

The Fire Rat - aggressive, dynamic, competitive, competitively motivated, self-determining and is full of ideals.

The Wood Rat - inquisitive, intuitive, apprehensive, adaptable, is motivated by diligence and is not very conventional.

The Earth Rat - trusty, adult, is motivated by permanence, is realistic and sanctimonious.

The Metal Rat - sensitive, idealistic, envious, is motivated by thought and is possessive.

The Water Rat - shrewd, perceptive, is motivated by education, is traditional and understanding.

Click here to find what type of Rat is symbolic of your birth date.


The Ox (NIU)
Ruler of the hours 1am to 3am
Direction - North/Northeast
Season - Winter/January
Fixed element - Water negative
Yin/Yang - Yin

Personality Traits:
People born under the sign of the Ox are generally calm, dependable, patient and unflagging. The Ox is symbolic of prosperity that is achieved through hard work.  Although obstinate they do have logical minds and will not be easily frightened.  They appreciate that in order to achieve success things must be done in a certain methodical and correct way.  Ox people are seldom deprived and tend to be both reliable and conventional.  They are patient, but once angry and incensed it will be difficult to reason with them, they also have a propensity to hold grudges.  Ruled more by their heads than hearts they are full of pride and uncompromising and in order to be happier they should nurture their sense of humor.

The year of the Ox: is one in which success will escape without a sustained, mindful effort.  The sort of problems that are encountered in the year of the Ox tend to be home front problems that seem to be never ending.  The Ox year needs discipline and it is not the time for unruly behaviour or taking short cuts.  In this year success is achieved solely through hard work.

The Fire Ox - powerful, money-oriented, motivated by combat, but is also objective.

The Wood Ox - traditional, accommodating, ethical, fair-minded and motivated by honesty.

The Earth Ox - resolute, enduring, motivated by patience, is focused and genuine.

The Metal Ox - confrontational, conceited, bright, intense and motivated by conviction.

The Water Ox - systematic, motivated by strength of mind, is patient, practicable and levelheaded.

Click here to find what type of Ox is symbolic of your birth date.


The Tiger (HU) 
Ruler of the hours 3am to 5am
Direction - East/Northeast
Season - Winter/February
Fixed element - Wood positive
Yin/Yang - Yang

Personality Traits:
People born under the year of the Tiger tend to have very go-ahead personalities, they love to be the centre of attention and are often very fortunate and full of drive.  Although they are often skeptical by nature they can make rash decisions, but above all they are loving, giving, and genuine.  They tend to immerse themselves in any of their undertakings and while full of optimism they are not materialistic.  Intensity as opposed to logical best describes a Tiger person.  At their worst they are stubborn, self-centred and awkward but on the plus side they can also be sensitive and sympathetic.  They will go to great lengths to reap their revenge and detest being ignored.  As a tiger, life will be filled with just about every emotion and very volatile; and being great optimists life will also be full of many challenges

The year of the Tiger: is a very likely to be a volatile year, everything is taken to its limit in this big and bold year.  It can also be a year of war, disasters and all kinds of disputes, it is a year for massive change but this can also bring out the best.

The Fire Tiger - dramatic, self-reliant, giving, motivated by enthusiasm and is quirky.

The Wood Tiger - enchanting, pioneering, scheming, motivated by co-operation and is tolerant.

The Earth Tiger - hard working, academic, motivated by worth, is impartial and responsible.

The Metal Tiger - aggressive, attractive, diligent, motivated by self interest and selfish.

The Water Tiger - perceptive, motivated by tranquility, is unbiased, open minded and honest.

Click here to find what type of Tiger is symbolic of your birth date.


The Rabbit (TU)
Ruler of the hours 5am to 7am
Direction - East
Season - Spring/March
Fixed element - Wood negative
Yin/Yang - Yin

Personality Traits:
People born under the year of the Rabbit tend to be fortunately blessed, strong willed, hate disagreements, careful, unobtrusive, systematic and confident. The Rabbit is one of the most fortunate of all the Chinese star signs.  With their live and let live attitude toward life they don't often get into trouble and seldom make enemies.  Although they can often put themselves first due to their fondness for comfort, they are considerate, kind and thoughtful towards others. Rabbits are said to be elegant and kindly and the Rabbit is the symbol of long life.  They are said to draw their life energy from the moon. Although being graceful, kind and sensitive and leading tranquil lives, they do have a tendency towards being removed, indifferent and somewhat temperamental.  In business they do tend to be fortunate but this comes from being shrewd, crafty and hardnosed.  On the whole the Rabbit likes an easy, good time and gives sensible solid advice, although they do shy away from commitments. 

The year of the Rabbit: is in sharp contrast to the explosive year of the tiger. It is a year of placidity and respite where little will be set in stone; a carefree happy year that will be both temperate and relaxed.

The Fire Rabbit - loving, unobtrusive, sensitive, perceptive and motivated by appreciation.

The Wood Rabbit - thoughtful, kindly, motivated by generosity, is liberal and compassionate.

The Earth Rabbit - fair, withdrawn, money-oriented, motivated by appropriation and is solemn.

The Metal Rabbit - crafty, rational, temperamental, sensitive and motivated by attention to detail.

The Water Rabbit - empathic, delicate, motivated by peace, is also biased and introvert.

Click here to find what type of Rabbit is symbolic of your birth date.


The Dragon (LONG)
Ruler of the hours 7am to 9am
Direction - East/Southeast
Season - Spring/April
Fixed element - Wood positive
Yin/Yang - Yang

Personality Traits:
People born under the year of the Dragon appear to have magical traits, they are strong and full of energy and forever on the go.  Some of their more negative traits include: eccentricity, a tendency towards being arrogant and very trying.  However they do have many fans and expect the same level of excellence from others that they expect from themselves.  They are also full of pride. Other traits include: failing to practice what they preach, over confident, a tendency to intimidate others, feel themselves to be above the law, and can be illogical, domineering and obstinate.  In many cases they fail to identify their foes.  Although energetic they are liable to become obsessive.  On the plus side they seldom hold grudges and are generally quick to forgive.  Dragons are said to be able to accomplish great things and those born in this year are also said to represent the horns of destiny. Needing a cause for which to fight, Dragons will never merely stand back and accept their fate or what life brings.

The year of the Dragon: is one that brings happiness and good fortune.  It is one of the most positive and strongest of all of the twelve star signs.  During the year of the Dragon their will be violent acts of nature, with an electrifying ambience and things coming in waves.  For those considering marriage or starting a new venture or business it is an favourable year.

The Fire Dragon - challenging, compassionate, fair, motivated by aspiration and is virtuous.

The Wood Dragon - arrogant, giving, logical, motivated by inspiration and frank.

The Earth Dragon -  courageous, motivated by jurisdiction, is practical, steady and leisurely.

The Metal Dragon - truthful, intense, motivated by contest, is resolute and inflexible.

The Water Dragon - democratic, dedicated, unrestrained, motivated by negotiation and is also dependable.

Click here to find what type of Dragon is symbolic of your birth date.


The Snake (SHE)
Ruler of the hours 9am to 11am
Direction - South/Southwest
Season - Spring/May
Fixed element - Fire negative
Yin/Yang - Yin

Personality Traits:
People born under the year of the Snake tend to exhibit the following characteristics: they are intellectual, superstitious, sceptical, astute, have elegance, innate wisdom, and possibly some levels of supernatural capability.  Snake people rarely seek independent advice or advice from others, possibly because on the whole they don't communicate well with others.  They tend to be very private people, but when they are riled they like to " settle old scores".  Generally they are very deliberate about whatever they say. They like to think first and speak later and they also have a cautious business sense.  It is in their nature to be very unremitting and suspicious and this results in a character that is both slow to forgive, highly calculative, somewhat hateful in nature and can certainly bide their time in order to reap their revenge.  Other features include: leading dangerous lives that are full of thrills and intrigue, yet they keep a firmness of purpose and a clear presence of mind.

The year of the Snake: is a somewhat changeable year, filled with preparation, contemplation and much reflection.  Often breakthroughs are made but achieved in silence.  Generally the Snake year is not a calm year, possibly a year of sharp dealings, turmoil and even war if differences cannot be resolved. To sum up: the year of the snake is the strongest most negative force of all of the signs.

The Fire Snake - self-assured, masterful, motivated by authority and power, wary and unbending.

The Wood Snake - constant, discreet, serious, fascinating, motivated by understanding and accord.

The Earth Snake -  traditional, trusty, is motivated by rationality, unrelenting and dependable.

The Metal Snake - scheming, vigorous, cautious and is motivated by commitment.

The Water Snake - inquiring, money oriented, a thinker, motivated by " insight" and is "patient".

Click here to find what type of Snake is symbolic of your birth date.


The Horse (MA)
Ruler of the hours 11am to 1pm
Direction - South
Season - Summer/June
Fixed element - Fire positive
Yin/Yang - Yang

Personality Traits:
People born under the year of the Horse tend to fall very easily in and out of love, as well as being both cheery and very well-liked they are willful and irritable but often very nice-looking. Some of their other personality traits include: a love of exercise, a tendency to make rash choices and they have a unpredictable character.  They are somewhat lively, impulsive and independent, unbiased, adaptable and proficient and think nothing of making a snap decision.  They possess the ability to " manipulate" people and events. Often they rush those that are not as quick as themselves.  They have a love of independence and free-will and give preferentiality to things done their way, although they do tend to be forgetful and " jump to conclusions".  Their powers of persuasion are extraordinary and they are neither envious or mistrustful by nature; instead they loathe wasting time, can be variable, cannot stick to agendas and have great difficulty in unwinding.  Although having many friends, they like better, to rely on themselves and prefer their way of achieving their aims.

The year of the Horse: is a time for progress, it is a very happy-go-lucky, frantic and wild year that is both adventurous and satisfying.  There will be an upward turn to the year with a deal of good humour.  It is a year for going it alone, perhaps with some shocks in store but on the whole a courageous and daring year.

The Fire Horse - highly strung, powerful, inconsistent, alluring and motivated by strength of will.

The Wood Horse - helpful, motivated by advancement, dependable, methodical and quirky. 

The Earth Horse -  reliable, rational, motivated by prudence, accurate and slow.

The Metal Horse - affectionate, egotistical, motivated by "challenge", fruitful and obstinate.

The Water Horse - flexible, amusing, lacking consistency, motivated by " action" and self-absorbed.

Click here to find what type of Horse is symbolic of your birth date.


The Sheep (YANG)
Ruler of the hours 1pm to 3pm
Direction - South/Southwest
Season - Summer/July
Fixed element - Fire negative
Yin/Yang - Yin

Personality Traits:
People born under the year of the Goat/Sheep tend to take on the role of the " good Samaritan".  The Sheep is the most feminine sign of all of the Chinese animals.  Usually they are very good-natured, genuine, timid and bashful, which can sometimes lead to them being taken 'for a ride' by others.  Some of their other traits include: being overwhelmed by their emotions, a tendency to become somewhat negative, gloomy and introvert. They are natural born worriers who will always predict and expect the worst.  They especially loathe criticism and regulation and sometimes find it difficult to maintain an objective view on things.  However they are kindhearted, mild, understanding and very forgiving.  They would rather be in a huff than come to blows.  On the whole people tend to " care deeply" for them and they will always have the things that they require in life.  They have an enduring personality that prefers not to disclose troubles unless really forced to.  Sheep people deny themselves nothing and are "hopeless romantics".

The year of the Sheep: is one that will be a time for caring, bringing out creative talent, imagination and emotion, whilst remaining, calm, smooth and slow.  " Harmony with moderation" are the key words with a warning about the danger of negativity. 

The Fire Sheep - aggressive, dramatic, lively, motivated by deed and can be malicious.

The Wood Sheep - loyal, bighearted, motivated by "trust", " sentimental" and considerate.

The Earth Sheep -  traditional, autonomous, motivated by diligence, anxious and hopeful.

The Metal Sheep - motivated by accord, jealous, defensive, " vulnerable" and unbalanced.

The Water sheep - attractive, mild, suggestible, motivated by others and is opportunistic.

Click here to find what type of Sheep is symbolic of your birth date.


The Monkey (HOU)
Ruler of the hours 3pm to 5pm
Direction - West/Southwest
Season - Summer/August
Fixed element - Metal positive
Yin/Yang - Yang

Personality Traits:
People born under the year of the Monkey tend to be generally good at " mastering anything" they put their hands to, they are also successful.  This is possibly due to a combination of personality traits including: charm, cleverness, quit wittedness and their love of a challenge.  They are also crafty, competitive, envious and have a flexible character.  At times they are capable of great dishonesty, they can be both self-centered and narcissistic and can often have a superiority complex, believing themselves to be above others.  They always manage to give good reason for their deeds and with a total and unshakeable belief in themselves, they feel that they always know best and are seldom discouraged.  Although they have a complete lack of impartiality they do have good intellectual skill and good memories.  The monkey has an avid inquisitiveness but likes to find the easy way out of any problems.

The year of the Monkey: is one where absolutely anything and everything is possible, a year when things that appear impossible will succeed.  With all of this success around no-one will know what they are doing.  A haggling and shamming it year full of luck and one where no-one will accept no for answer.

The Fire Monkey - bossy, lively, creative, motivated by rivalry and sexual.

The Wood Monkey - cautious, talkative, perceptive, motivated by honesty and restless.

The Earth Monkey -  motivated by curiosity, good-natured, dependable, sullen, and methodical.

The Metal Monkey - motivated by constancy, affectionate, self-reliant, stylish and sturdy.

The Water Monkey - collaborative, elusive, clever, motivated by amiability and sensitive.

Click here to find what type of Monkey is symbolic of your birth date.


The Rooster (JI)
Ruler of the hours 5pm to 7pm
Direction - West
Season - Autumn/September
Fixed element - Metal negative
Yin/Yang - Yin

Personality Traits:
People born under the year of the Rooster tend to hide their conservative natures via a display of aggression and self-confidence, however they are very "dignified".  Roosters come in two types: those that are very somber and those that are very communicative.  They love to be the focus of attention, showing scant regard for the feelings of others and as a result they are often susceptible to flattery and sycophancy.  Other personality traits include: vigilance, decisiveness, straightforwardness and accuracy.  They have a love of debate and dispute, but can also be very critical and forthright.  Roosters tend not to be very creative or adaptable, but still like to be noticed and especially to be given awards.  However they are excellent with money and are great purists to the degree that they will not allow for human weaknesses.  Their minds work along scientific lines and generally they are genuine and " well meaning".

The year of the Rooster: is one of a huge dissipation of energy, with only a precarious balance, which can often lead to arguments.  It is a cautious year where no-one wants to listen to anyone else resulting in many disagreements and " frayed nerves".  However no-one will undergo too much hardship.

The Fire Rooster - hard working, independent, motivated by principals, exact and unpredictable.

The Wood Rooster - thoughtful, truthful, motivated by dependability, disciplined and selfless.

The Earth Rooster -  well-organized, motivated by efficiency, scholarly, methodical and modest.

The Metal Rooster - idealistic, hard working, motivated by inference, opportunistic and practicable.

The Water Rooster - competent, lively, academic, motivated by ingenuity and practical.

Click here to find what type of Rooster is symbolic of your birth date.


The DOG (GOU)
Ruler of the hours 7pm to 9pm
Direction - West/Northwest
Season - Autumn/October
Fixed element - Metal positive
Yin/Yang - Yang

Personality Traits:
People born under the year of the Dog tend to be very well liked as it is one of the most popular of all of the animals.  Dog people are: truthful, clever, with a strong sense of fairness and devotion.  They never shirk their duties, they always do their fair share of things and will always " listen to reason".  They would never ignore a distress call, often putting the well-being of others before their own and they never abandon people.  Other traits include: open-mindedness, never envious, non money-minded and very adept at seeing straight through others.  However should you try to snoop into their affairs they can become secretive and also give a cold shoulder to those who they don't really like. They are also: intrepid, practical and " have great insight into human nature".  They can be belligerent, gloomy, be anxious for no apparent reason and they absolutely detest pretence.  Inevitabilities are never put on hold, neither is giving a clear-cut answer to something.  Above all they are never sly, underhand or crafty.

The year of the Dog: is a year for reflection and to assess ones values.  There will be disturbances, revolts, but as the Dog is always on the lookout, honesty will always rule the day.  This year will see great benevolent and idealistic deeds and various unusual changes; a time when broadmindedness and fairness will be supported.  Although this year is one of great cynicism a sense of balance and tranquility will be upheld.

The Fire Dog - dramatic, ferocious, alluring, motivated by strength of mind and self confident.

The Wood Dog - adaptable, bighearted, motivated by logic and reason, steady and affectionate.

The Earth Dog -  motivated by morals, practical, careful, enigmatic and wary.

The Metal Dog - generous, judicious, rigid, motivated by devotion and gracious.

The Water Dog - laid-back, instinctive, motivated by self-indulgence and philosophical.

Click here to find what type of Dog is symbolic of your birth date.


The BOAR (ZHU)
Ruler of the hours 9pm to 11pm
Direction - North/Northwest
Season - Autumn/November
Fixed element - Water negative
Yin/Yang - Yin

Personality Traits:
People born under the year of the Boar tend to be: brave, giving, like commitment, unpretentious, incredibly enduring, reliant, strong and trusty.  They are very patient, loyal and do not hold grudges; they also make very good tutors.  As a result of their loyal and thoughtful natures Boars make very many permanent companions, although they do expect others to put up with their shortcomings.  They detest quarrels, but they can be somewhat patronizing and "naive"; this leads to a certain amount of gullibility.  Boars are selfless, hot tempered, quick surmount their problems and always enjoy good fortune.  Even though others may be entirely wrong, Boars will still listen to them.  On the whole Boars are quite happy, they tend to remain in the background of any situations and are very loyal and considerate.  Sometimes they are taken very much for granted.

The year of the Boar: is one of benevolence, one with a lot of 'feel good factor', one of " abundance" and a good year for business.  Life in this year will be lived to the full and although there will be uncertainty it will be minimal.  It is a rich year with impetuous acts, but care is recommended with any matters concerning money.  The Boar is the symbol for great courage and integrity.

The Fire Boar - deep, motivated by affection, stubborn, sensual and irresponsible.

The Wood Boar - deceitful, kind-hearted, scheming, motivated by ambition and shrewd.

The Earth Boar -  welcoming, motivated by common-sense, calm, industrious and level-headed.

The Metal Boar - bossy, lively, extroverted, motivated by fortitude and patience and is full of pride.

The Water Boar - motivated by belief, insightful, unrelenting and influential.

Click here to find what type of Boar is symbolic of your birth date.

Source:  Information and any excerpts from: The Elfin Magical Diary 1995, Astrological & Psychic Guide - An Elfin Production - PO Box 684, Longridge, Preston. PR3 2LX



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