Chinese Astrology is said by some scholars to be the oldest horoscope system in the world. However, if you trace Western Astrology back to its Middle East roots, both types are likely to have been born in their current recognizable form around 3000 years BC, however, they stem from entirely different beginnings as well as traditions and parts of the world.
The 12 animals depicted in Chinese Astrology are further flavored by the pervading element of that particular year (elements also revolve in a separate cycle). It is said that Buddha is responsible for the 12 animals as they were the only ones who came to bid him farewell into the next life.
Chinese Astrology is concerned with nature and its traits, the signs progress year by year, whereas Western Astrology cycles monthly. The consideration of Yin and Yang is a very great influence on this subject, with Yin being passive, female, and receptive while Yang is aggressive, male, and exploratory. The various permutations of these 2 essential forces in nature, places, organizations, events, and humanity and the quest to achieve balance so that both operate together in harmony rather than opposing or canceling each other out are an essentially Oriental viewpoint and quest, they form the basis of many Far Eastern traditions and other influences in Chinese Society such as Feng Shui.
The 12 Animal Signs are :
Rabbit (or Cat)
Birth years of the Rabbit: 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011
Next year of the Rabbit: 2023
People born in Rabbit years are described as smart, kind, and docile. Rabbits do not get along with Snakes. Rabbits are said to get along famously with Dogs, Goats, Monkeys, and Pigs. Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat (or Sheep), Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. The animal-ruling year in which you were born has a profound influence on your life.
Dragon
Birth years of the Dragon: 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012
Next year of the Dragon: 2024
Dragons are incredibly important to Chinese culture, so naturally, the Dragon is a very popular Chinese astrology sign. Dragon is warmhearted and enthusiastic. The birth rate will even increase during that year because everyone wants a Dragon baby. Dragons pair best with Roosters, Rats, and Monkeys.
Snake
Birth years of the Snake: 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013
Next year of the Snake: 2025
The Chinese say that the Snake is like the mini Dragon, so that is very popular as well. They’re very curious and wise, but they can also be jealous and greedy. Snake goes well with Ox. Dragons and Roosters are optimal matches for a Snake.
Horse
Birth years of the Horse: 1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014
Next year of the Horse: 2026
The horse has been one of the most influential animals in all of human history. The Horse is a leader and very generous as well. People born in Horse years are also said to be talented and energetic. This Chinese astrology sign matches well with Tigers, Goats, and Rabbits.
Goat
Birth years of the Goat: 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015
Next year of the Goat: 2027
Often seen as being followers and not leaders, people born in Goat years are gentle, decent, and a little timid. The Goat is an animal that a lot of people try to avoid because the Goat always has a hard life. If you’re a Goat, you’d be wise to make a match with a Horse, Rabbit, or Pig. Even if you’re not the biggest on astrology, these zodiac memes will still probably make you chuckle.
Monkey
Birth years of the Monkey: 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016
Next year of the Monkey: 2028
Pretty much everyone loves a Monkey, likely because this is the animal most genetically linked to humans. The Monkey has really good social skills and is very humorous. Those two personality traits also make Monkeys playful and even sometimes mischievous. The Ox, who is patient, and The Rabbit, who is kind, are ideal matches for this sign.
Rooster
Birth years of the Rooster: 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017
Next year of the Rooster: 2029
One can literally and figuratively set their clock by the Rooster, a sign that’s defined by reliability and consistency. For this reason, Roosters tend to do very well in Ox years. “They are also very brave and very entertaining,” Wang says. Ox and Snake are the best matches for a Rooster. When it comes to compatibility, you may want to cross-reference your zodiacs. According to Western astrology, these are the zodiac signs that should never date each other.
Dog
Birth years of the Dog: 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018
Next year of the Dog: 2030
The Dog sign is exactly what you think about dogs. The Dog is very loyal, playful, and selfless. This sign is also considered practical, much like how the real animal is used for protection or bred by humans for specific purposes. The Dog’s best bet for a partner is a Rabbit—someone who is as kind and loving as they are.
Pig
Birth years of the Pig: 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019
Next year of the Pig: 2031
The Pig is loving, happy, direct, and persuasive. The Pig may have come in last in the emperor’s race, but this animal sign is no slouch. 2019 was the year of the Earth Pig, which was predicted to bring steadiness, wealth, and opportunity. (How was it for you?) Tigers, Rabbits, and Goats will make a Pig happy.
Rat
Birth years of the Rat: 1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020
Next year of the Rat: 2032
The Chinese normally say The Rat is smart, charming, and imaginative. That’s how he got first place. The Rat secured first place in the emperor’s legendary race by riding on the back of the Ox and jumping off just in time to cross the finish line. This enviable wit is a source of pride for people of this Chinese astrology sign. As it happens, Rat is most compatible with Ox, as well as with Dragon and Monkey.
As the Chinese say, This is the animal that hides in your heart.
Ox
Birth years of the Ox: 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021
Next year of the Ox: 2033
Duped by the Rat, the Ox came in second place. The Ox is very determined and generous and patient. The Ox is also considered very hardworking. Those virtues may have helped people born in Ox years through 2021, the year of the Metal Ox—because in Chinese astrology, your year is considered unlucky. That’s because being born is said to antagonize a Chinese god of fortune named Tai Sui, earning you his curse. One way to ward off the evils of your birth year is to wear red, an auspicious color in Chinese culture. Snakes, Rats, and Roosters are the best matches for an Ox.
Tiger
Birth years of the Tiger: 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022
Next year of the Tiger: 2034
The Tiger is very adventurous. The Chinese consider people in that year very lucky. The negative side is that Tigers can be kind of dramatic and cocky. Interestingly, Forbes once did a study of the 400 richest Americans and found a disproportionately large number of them were Tiger babies! Tiger goes well with Dragon, Horse, and Pig.
There are also five (5) elements: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water, each adding a nuance of almost tactile character to the animal sign. Chinese Astrology is based on the Chinese calendar year of your birth or the year of an event. There are also many more nuances involving the month and day.
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