Chinese astrology is similar to the Zodiac signs that we are familiar with in Western astrology, except that the Zodiac wheel is based on animals.

The Chinese Zodiac is based on an ancient Chinese legend. When the world was created Buddha invited all of animals in his kingdom for a meeting, but only twelve of them showed up. To thank them for coming to his court, he named a year after each of them. The rat was given the first place in the Chinese Zodiac pantheon because he impressed the Buddha by playing the flute.

You can find out what your Chinese animal is by looking it up online. There are many sites that will tell you what animal you are in the Chinese Zodiac according to the year of your birth. In essence, the Chinese Zodiac turns over in the same order every twelve years.

Here is a short introduction to the Chinese Zodiac animals in the order that they arrive.

 

The Rat

The Rat is more than a rodent in the Far East. It is a symbol of intelligence and creativity. People born in the Year of the Rat are admired for their expressive, aggressive, and confident ways. They are very good at business. They are good parents and wonderful loyal friends. Many of them are also talented writers, musicians, and performers. The goal of a rat is often to amuse and entertain others.

 

The Ox

These are stable, persistent and stubborn individuals that have a great deal of stamina and strength. They have photographic memories and are very creative. They are not as sociable as other Chinese Zodiac signs and prefer the company of their families as opposed to strangers at parties. They are excellent cooks and gardeners. They tend to mind their own business and be very faithful to their spouses.

 

The Tiger

This is a flamboyant and aggressive sign that is a bit of seducer. They fall easily in love and can be cruel when they break up with someone. They also tend to be hasty, passionate, and accident prone. This sign loves luxury and can display a bad temper if they do not get their way. However, they are sexy and charismatic and for that reason alone end up being powerful leaders.

 

The Rabbit

The Rabbit is a calm, kind, and diplomatic Chinese sign that tends to have many friends. The Rabbit is a people pleaser who detests confrontations. These sensitive creatures are often great musicians, artists or poets. They can be unstable emotionally and prone to depression. They tend to have money problems because they are so disorganized.

 

The Dragon

Dragons are commanding authority - individuals who are self-confident, powerful, and sexy. They can also be snobs.  Dragons love money and usually make quite a bit of it in their lifetime as they tend to be successful in business. Dragons are also naturally charismatic and do well in politics. They are wise and often become the pillars of the community.

 

The Snake

The Chinese Snake is a charming and seductive individual that is known for being graceful in all situations. This is the sign of the philosopher and deep thinker. The Snake is naturally prosperous, which a good thing is because people born under this Chinese Zodiac sign actually tend to be a bit lazy. They tend to marry rich or inherit money, which is fortunate as often it is hard to get the Snake to focus on anything but sex.

 

The Horse

The Horse is a naturally athletic individual that loves to compete. Horses are hardworking, productive people that play just as hard as they slave away to get ahead. They love socializing and parties. The horse can be hot tempered and loves to run wild. These individuals do not like to be told what to do. They love to flirt, but always return back to the person who "owns them" in the end.

 

The Ram

This Chinese Zodiac animal is practical, ambitious, and a sharp dresser. It is very important for them to be right and also to be number one at everything they do. Sex is also very important to this sign. They make great athletes and dancers and have an innate sense at how to be a community leader. Some have a rash temper. You don't want to butt heads with them as they will always win an argument.

 

The Goat

This is the most creative of all the signs, but also the most emotionally insecure of all the signs as well. These gentle souls are romantic, poetic, and fond of nature. They can be very flaky and disorganized. They can be very indecisive and shirk away from too much obligation and responsibility. However, they are very lovable which makes up for their flaws.

 

The Rooster

This savvy wealth gatherer does not miss a trick. Roosters have formidable powers of perception and analysis. They are passionate, love luxury, and especially love attending large parties where they can be the focus of attention. They also love fashion and love to strut their stuff.

 

The Dog

People born under the Chinese sign of the Dog are faithful, loyal and sincere. They are known for being loyal.  They value the family, tradition, and honor. Therefore, they make great providers and parents. There is no better friend in the Chinese Zodiac, as the Dog is very loyal and a good listener. However, some Dogs can be morally very rigid and it can be difficult to get them to see another point of view sometimes.

 

The Pig

This is one of the most generous and honorable signs in the Chinese Zodiac. Pigs are intelligent and have hearts of gold. They tend to be poor materially, as they are often taken advantage of. They are the idealists of the Chinese Zodiac. They are also very sensual crematories that love good food, good wine, and amusing company. Many of them are excellent chefs.

 

Like Western astrology, some signs in this pantheon are more compatible with others in business or love depending not only on the year that they were born but also depending on what Chinese element that year was associated with. The elements are the same as those that are found in the Feng Shui cycles of creation and destruction - wood, fire, metal, earth, water, and air.  The idea that the element also is identified with each year makes the deciphering of Chinese astrology compatibility quite a complex matter sometimes