Astrology - What Are Chinese Signs?

How much do you know about astrology and the zodiac? If nothing else, you've probably heard the words before, right? Well if you know anything about the zodiac then you are probably aware of the 12 signs people are born under, including Aries, Scorpio and Leo. Well, in addition to this more well-known aspect of the zodiac are the 12 Chinese animal signs of the zodiac. Many people are not nearly as informed about this aspect of astrology - but if you're interested in learning more then let's take a journey down the road less traveled to understand the significance of these signs.

What are Chinese Signs?

The Chinese animal signs are a part of a 12-year cycle that is used for dating the years. Instead of dating a calendar in correlation with the sun's cycle, the Chinese Lunar Calendar looks at the cycles of the moon starting somewhere between late January and early February.

The twelve astrological animal signs of the Chinese zodiac are the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig. So instead of assigning an astrological sign to a specific 28-30 day span like the Western zodiac, each animal is assigned a year, and after the 12th animal's year has come and gone, the first animal is repeated again. This practice has been in existence since 1911, and while much of Chinese culture uses the Western solar calendar, many still honor the animal signs as well.

Now that you've learn a little bit more about the background of this alternative form of astrology, let's look at the specific meanings of each animal sign.

The 12 Chinese Signs of the Zodiac

As mentioned previously, in Chinese astrology there are 12 animal signs representing the 12-year cycle of the zodiac. Let's look at them more closely.

Rat

The rat is the first sign in Chinese astrology and has a reputation for being relentless. They are said to be manipulative and aggressive, but hide it well under a charming exterior. These are the people who make the world go-round; they strive for power, are excellent at making critical decisions under pressure and are endlessly intelligent. The one thing that can slow this animal down is over-indulgence in power and success. They can often become greedy and end up losing what they worked so hard to achieve. Rats are born in the years 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, and soon to come 2008.

Ox

The next sign the Chinese astrology is the ox. This sign is considered to be much more easy-going than the rat, achieving goals and becoming very successful in public speaking and politics. While the rat loves to make constant financial moves and can become careless, the ox can be quite the opposite, almost being too spend-thrifty. If this description sounds familiar to you then you might be an ox, but to verify, if you were born in the years 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985 and 1997 then you are an ox.

Tiger

In Chinese astrology, tigers are known for being indecisive, however many say they can be good leaders. They are extremely competent and independent - almost to a fault. Many tigers have problems taking orders from others as they feel they are the ones who should be giving the orders. They are deemed selfish but also are very caring and loving partners. Those born in the years 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986 and 1998 are frisky tigers.

Rabbit

Rabbits are considered very pleasant, preferring to blend into the background rather than facing confrontation. They are honest, very intuitive and often loved by others as you can always count on a rabbit to give you a bright smile. Sometimes rabbits have a tendency to live in a fantasy world and have to be shaken out of it, but all-in-all they are said to be very pleasant to be around. Rabbits are born in the years 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987 and 1999.

Dragon

Dragons in Chinese astrology are said to be very courageous and energetic and can sometimes spew their fire in a fit of anger. They do this because they believe in justice and expect it at all times - and when they don't receive it, trouble may shine over the horizon. Dragons are born in the years 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988 and 2000.

Snake

Snakes are said to be attractive and charming with a passion for helping others - as long as that help is not monetary. They are mistrustful of other people's information, preferring to investigate on their own, which isn't really a bad thing for many find great success this way. Snakes are born in the years 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989 and 2001.

Horse

If you are a horse, according to Chinese astrology, you love to socialize and are probably a very popular person. You seem to be very confident but are using that as a mask to hide your insecurities. Horses can also be hopeless romantics who daydream about frolicking through fields of dandelions with their lovers; however, by being such a daydreamer, they often forget to see the real person they love and are sometimes disappointed. If you were born in the years 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990 and 2002 then you are a frolicking, daydreaming horse.

Goat

Goats are deemed very artistic and creative with just as much of a propensity toward being insecure. Some are said to have frequent bouts with depression but can be pulled out of it through a loving relationship with a caring partner. You are a goat if you were born in the years 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991 and 2003.

Monkey

If you are naturally business-minded then you may very well be a monkey in Chinese astrology. Monkeys are said to be very successful in business and have tons of common sense to guide them through tough decisions. In the love arena, they are known for being very loyal and great marriage material, so if you know a monkey, or are one, get ready to hang in there for the long haul. If you were born in the years 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992 and 2004 then you are a monkey.

Rooster

Roosters are often thought of as too blunt and tactless when it comes to the art of communicating. However, if they find friends who understand them through their tough exterior, they normally have those friends for life. Sometimes roosters are loners, enjoying their own company more than being with others, but it is advised that they periodically come out and visit with the hens. Roosters are born in 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993 and 2005.

Dog

Dogs are said to be human diaries and are very trustworthy when told a secret. They are said to be very hardworking and respectful of others. However, in the relationship arena, they can be somewhat selfish and overly critical, which can push close people away. So if they want to have success at personal relationships, they have to learn to lighten up. Dogs are born in the years 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994 and 2006.

Pig

Pigs are often shy but also work well in a team environment. They make great friends due to their loving and caring demeanor, and make great family-oriented people because they know how to put others first. You are a pig if you were born in the years 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995 and 2007.

Many don't take Chinese astrology very seriously - but then they may not take any form of astrology seriously. But if you find it interesting, I encourage you to research more about it. It may give you insight into who you are - and maybe even help you change characteristics that they brought to light.

Want to know if you're going to have a good day before the day even starts? Have your horoscope sent to your mobile phone daily!

Jeffrey Meier at Jam727 Enterprises at http://www.thearticlehome.com blog offers even more detailed information on a wide variety of topics.

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