The Chinese Zodiac

People born: 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996 are Rats.

People born: 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997 are Oxen.

People born: 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998 are Tigers.

People born: 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999 are Rabbits.

People born: 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000 are Dragons.

People born: 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001 are Snakes.

People born: 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002 are Horses.

People born: 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003 are Rams.

People born: 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004 are Monkeys.

People born: 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005 are Roosters.

People born: 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006 are Dogs.

People born: 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007 are Boars. **************** The Restless Rat **************** Rat people are born under the sign of charm and aggressiveness. They are expressive and can be talkative sometimes. They like to go to parties and spend quite sometime chatting with their friends. Although the Rat can be quiet sometimes, it is rare to catch a Rat sitting quietly.

Rat people usually have more acquaintances than real friends and they revere and cherish those close to them. Once you become their real friends, they will treat you as their family. Rats are self-contained and keep problems to themselves. Even though they can be talkative sometimes, they never confide in anyone.

Sometimes mean, narrow-minded and suburban in outlook, Rat people are nevertheless honest. They can always make a success of their lives as long as they manage to master their perpetual discontent and their insistence on living for the present moment.

The Rat is quick-witted. Most rats get more accomplished in 24 hours than the rest of us do in as many days. They are confident and usually have good instinct. Stubborn as they are, they prefer to live by their own rules rather others. It won't be an easy task to work with Rat people because they are also 100% perfectionists.

They are very organized and talented; perhaps that is why the Rat makes a good businessman or politician. Unfortunately, as soon as the Rat earns money, he spends it. Maybe that explains why the Rat is so careful when he lends money to others. If you ever borrow money from the Rat, don't be surprised by the high-interests.

The Rat is not romantic, but he is sensual and loving. Rat people could be hard to see through at first glance. They are very protective and although they are not easy to deal with at times they are worth the trouble. They are very loyal and devoting to their families.

Compatible with Dragon, Rat, Ox, Monkey, Boar, friends only with Snake.

*************** The Diligent Ox *************** Ox people are hard working and persistent. They can stick to a task longer and work harder than anybody. They believe in themselves and tend to classify almost everything into two basic categories, bad and good. They hold up their high standards as a model and severely judge those who don't aspire to maintain these same ideals. Ox people are not social or party animals, they tend to be quiet when in a party. Although the Ox appears to be tranquil and ponderous, they are impulsive when angry. They are capable of fearsome rages, so it is better not to cross an Ox.

Ox people are observant and have remarkable memories. They are good at reporting on absolutely everything they observe. Go ask an Ox if he remembers who was at the party 8 months ago and most likely, he will name them one by one to you. In the home, the Ox is a great guy to have around. In business, the Ox can succeed in the arts, a contracting business, or an estate, thanks to their creative nature. And since an Ox is intelligent and good with his hands, he can be a good surgeon as well.

Ox people are stubborn and dogmatic, they believe in their decision and will never regret. They are also very close to their families. Disappointedly, Oxen often find that those who are close to them fail to understand them. Nevertheless, they are patient and caring which makes an Ox the best friend you can ever have. Oxen are very responsible and loyal. They are seldom jealous but they will be jealous of their rights; and the fidelity of a husband or a wife is one of their rights. They are very family-oriented, conservative and faithful.

Compatible with Rat, Ox, Rooster, Monkey, Snake, Rabbit, Boar. ****************** The Powerful Tiger ****************** "Born leader" is the key word for the Tigers. They are always in the lead and are most likely to cry out "Let's Go"! Noble and Fearless, Tigers are respected for their courage, even from those working against them. Tiger people are daring fighters and are capable of standing up to the better end for what they think is right. Although they can be selfish from time to time in the little things, they are capable of great generosity. Tigers are unpredictable, always tense, and like to be in a hurry.

Tiger people are difficult to resist, for they are magnetic characters and their natural air of authority confers a certain prestige on them. They are tempestuous yet calm, warm-hearted yet fearsome, courageous in the face of danger yet yielding and soft in mysterious, unexpected places.

Tigers are very confident, perhaps too confident at times. Although they love adventure and are addicted to excitement, it is better not to challenge a Tiger's confidence. They like being obeyed and not the other way around.

Because Tigers are urgent people and always in a hurry to get things done right, they usually choose to operate alone. Tigers like to work; they are hard working and dynamic. If you assign a task to a Tiger, the job will be undertaken and accomplished with enthusiasm and efficiency. Tigers make money, but are not directly interested in money. Still, the Tiger needs not worry about money; just when he fears the money is gone, more seems to show up.

Tigers are sensitive and emotional. They are capable of great love, but they can become too intense about it. They are also territorial and possessive. If you are a friend of a Tiger, he wants you to take his side against the bad guys and, because the Tiger is so adorable, you often do. As lovers, Tigers are passionate and romantic, but the real challenge for the Tiger is to grasp the true meaning of moderation.

Compatible with Dragon, Horse, Monkey, Dog, Boar.

******************* The Delicate Rabbit ******************* The rabbit is one of the most delicate of all 12 animals. Rabbits are usually kind, sweet and popular people. Nobody ignores them, for they are good company and know how to make the best of themselves. A rabbit's home is always a beautiful one because Rabbits are famous for their artistic sense and good taste. They are also usually well dressed. Go check out your Rabbit friend's closet, I bet you will find many expensive and beautiful clothes there.

But even though they are popular and loved by their friends and family, Rabbits are also pessimistic. They are conservative and insecure, and that explains why most of them don't like change.

As calm as they are, it is not easy to provoke Rabbit people. They don't like to argue and enjoy quiet, peaceful lives. They are also sentimental and compassionate. Yes, they cry easily too. They can be moved by personal problems you share with them. Therefore, if you work as a salesman for a living, you will have much better luck with rabbit people. Nine out of Ten Rabbit people will definitely buy your products!

Call them cautious or timid, Rabbits will undertake nothing before they have weighed the pros and cons from every angle. And that is probably why Rabbits do well in their work. Unless they abandon their conservative nature and become more aggressive, they will probably live a very normal and average life. They can be great partners in relationships. Romantic, sweet and faithful; Rabbits never lack for suitors. Male Rabbits are sometimes picky and perhaps not a family man. Female Rabbits should probably spend less time admiring themselves in front of the mirror and spend more time with friends.

Compatible with Rabbit, Dragon, Ram, Boar, friends only with Horse. *************** The Celestial Dragon**************** As the noble animal symbol that represents the Chinese emperors, Dragons are born leaders and masters of ceremonies. Dragons tend to get things started and keep them moving. They are feisty and gifted with power and luck. Most people look up to the Dragon. Dragons are born monarchs. As far as they can see, their power is indisputable. Dragons are idealists, perfectionists, they are born thinking they are perfect and they are inflexible. Dragons are also aggressive and determined; going after what they want is second nature to them. Due to their hunger for power, Dragons are not well suited to growing old. The prospect of losing power, the helpless feeling of youthful strength ebbing away is unbearable to them.

Irritable and stubborn, the Dragon is a real big mouth and his words often outrun his thoughts. Nevertheless, his opinions are worth listening to and his advice is always good. People do, in fact, listen to him and his influence is considerable. The Dragon is over-proud. He is enthusiastic to the point of impetuosity and loses his temper easily Dragons are dauntless, dynamic and delightful. When a Dragon enters a gathering, the room starts to simmer. The Dragon carries an assurance so impressive, an inflated ego so visible, and a mouth so loud that it is useless to try to tell him anything. Dragons are tyrannical. They hate orders except when they are giving them. Unlike the Tiger, who imposes his will seriously and firmly, the Ox, whose authority is implied in his very stern demeanor, or the Rat, who thrusts his dominion over others, the Dragon knows innately how to exert authority yet be gentle with his slaves. Dragons are terrible snobs. Although money is not always the object, they are slavishly impressed by wealth, prestige, rank and splendor.

The Dragon is gifted, intelligent, tenacious, willing and generous. He can do anything. No matter whether the Dragon chooses an artistic career, medical or political one, he is going to shine in it. He will be a success wherever he goes. The Dragon is often loved. He is never disappointed in love. In fact, he is frequently the cause of some drama of despair. The women of this sign are surrounded by admirers and often demanded in marriage. Compatible with Rat, Rabbit, Tiger, Ram, Monkey, Rooster, Boar.

**************** The Diplomatic Snake**************** Snakes have always been the seducers of human beings. If you know the story of "The White Snake", you will understand what I mean. In reality, Snake people are born charming and popular. Snakes are spotlight magnets, and they will not be ignored. Peer group attention and public recognition are the least of what he expects. Yet Snakes are never noisy or deliberately outspoken, and they have excellent manners. Unlike the Snake, who seduced Eve in to sin, the astrological Snake is not a devil, not even a little demon. The Snake is a nice oversexed normal human being. Determined to follow through anything he undertakes to the bitter end, the Snake detests being left in the air. He makes his decisions quickly and firmly.

Most people are secretly or hopelessly in love with Snakes. Gather those frustrated folk you know and most likely, they are probably in love with a Snake. Irresistible as they seem, the Snake never wastes time in idle gossip. He thinks often and deeply. He is an intellectual, a philosophers, a cerebral person. Snake people reply heavily on first impressions, on their own feelings, on their sympathies, rather than on facts, on the advice and opinions on others. He seems to have a kind of sixth sense in this way.

Snakes are a bit tight when it comes to lending money, though his sympathy for others often leads him to offer help. The fatal flaw in his character is, in fact, a tendency to exaggerate - in helping friends as with everything else. If he does somebody a favor, he becomes possessive of them in an odd way. Another big flaw in a Snake's character is that, they are capable of biggie lies. White lies, true lies, whatever they call them, though they don't lie often, they do lie when they feel they can get away from it.

In money matters, the Snake has good luck: he doesn't have to worry - he'll always be able to lay his hand on money when he needs it. Generally, Snakes are careful but generous with friends and family. The Snake should stick to careers that won't involve him in any risk - even the risk of working too hard, for to tell the truth, the Snake is a bit lazy. In love, the Snake male is romantic and charming. He has a sense of humor and the female is usually beautiful and successful, but if a Snake chooses a partner, he'll be jealous and possessive - even if he no longer loves her. Rejection is the worst blow his delicate ego can suffer. The Snake must be received, welcomed, accepted and approved by those with whom he comes in contact. They need a lot of security.

Compatible with Ox, Horse, Rooster, Ram, Dragon, friends only with Rat.

*************** The Productive Horse *************** Horse people are active and energetic. They have plenty of sex-appeal and know how to dress. Horses love to be in the crowd, maybe that is why they can usually be seen in such occasions like concerts, theaters, meetings, sporting occasions, and of course, parties. The horse is very quick-witted and is right in there with you. Before you have had the chance to finish what you are saying, he's on to the thought in your mind even before you've expressed it. In general, the Horse is gifted. But in truth, he is really more cunning than intelligent and he knows it. That is probably why most Horses lack confidence.

The Chinese believe that because horses are born to race or travel, all Horse people invariably leave home young. The Horse despises being pressured to act for the good of the group or made to feel guilty. No matter how integrated he seems to be, a Horse's inner self remains powerfully rebellious. Although they have boundless energy and ambition, Horses have a hard time belonging.

The Horse is hot-blooded, hot-headed and impatient. He is a bit of an egoist, can be selfish sometimes, it is rare for him to interest himself in any problems except his own. Though this egoist works only for himself and for his own success, his work nevertheless benefits everybody. The Horse is a worker, adept at handling money and is a good financier.

Unfortunately, he is also famous for suddenly losing interest in some things. In his relationship with the opposite sex, the Horse is weak. He will give up everything for love. Being born a Horse, there are many contradictions in his character. Horses are proud yet sweet-natured, arrogant yet oddly modest in their approach to love, envious but tolerant, conceited yet humble. They want to belong, yet they are burdened by their need for independence. They need love and crave intimacy yet often feel cornered, pressured. But the truth is, the Horse is an individual, who depends only on his wits and his labor to get what he wants.

Compatible with Tiger, Snake, Ram, Dog, Boar, friends only with Rabbit.

*************** The Gentle Ram *************** Ram people are elegant, charming, artistic, gifted and fond of nature. People born under this sign are also the most creative. They are also very delicate, their good manners and charms always bring many admirers and friends. Rams are insecure. They need to feel loved and protected. They are easily drawn into complex predicaments. This being, so, they usually shy from confrontation, pull back when faced with heavy decision-making and blatantly refuse to take an unpopular stand in a conflict.

Ram people are dreamers. Sometimes they are pessimistic, hesitant and over-anxious worriers! They can be lazy sometimes. If Rams had the choice, they would definitely choose to marry a wealthy person and sit back for the rest of the lives. They are also obsessed with their appearance, which plays an enormous part in their sense of personal stability. If they don't look their best, they may be afraid to go out the door to pick up the Sunday papers.

Due to their indecisive nature, Rams like to study the esoteric to know more about the unknown. They enjoy reading books about horoscope and fortune-telling. Therefore it is not unusual to find Rams working as astrologers or fortune- tellers. Disorganized though they are, business is definitely not their strong point. Instead, the Ram will make a good craftsman, artist or writer and can confidently take up any career demanding artistic talents and creativities. Ram people are very romantic, sensitive, sweet and darling. In relationships, they can sometimes be a little bit bossy and lazy, but with their gentle and caring nature, it will be hard to resist them.

Compatible with Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Monkey, Boar, friends only with Ox.

**************** The Merry Monkey **************** Monkeys are fun and loving people who are always cheerful and energetic. They are very clever. Give a monkey a boring book to read and he'll turn it into a Musical. Better yet, he'll invite everyone to see it free! That's how talented, creative and generous monkeys usually are.

If you go to a party, you'll find Monkeys at the center of attention. Their charm and humor is the key to their popularity. Sociable and diplomatic as they may appear, they can be deceptive sometimes - they hide their opinions of others beneath their friendliness. However, they don't hide their emotion. You can probably tell how a monkey is feeling from miles away - he wants everyone to know how happy or depressed he is.

Monkey people are very good at problem-solving. Wherever you are, whoever you may be, if you've got a problem pick up the phone and dial-a-Monkey. Monkeys know how to listen closely and work out solutions at the same time. And because of the Monkeys' curiosity, they usually have a great thirst for knowledge. Still they have few scruples - they can be unreasonable sometimes, and they have the ability to persuade themselves and everyone around them to believe that they are doing the right things. Some say monkeys are self-centered, opportunistic, or guileful, but monkeys couldn't care less - because they are also indifferent.

The Monkey has a good chance of becoming famous or well-known. Whatever he does, his charm and luck will make him successful. As friends, Monkeys are both loyal and devoted. As lovers, they can be passionate and yet flighty - they can fall easily in love but will get tired of the relationship and look for another. Most Monkeys have one fetish - FOOD. They are not pigs, they don't stuff themselves with food, instead they just have this habit of eating snacks whenever and wherever they like. One last truth about monkey people is, they adore bananas. Go visit your monkey friend's kitchen, I bet you will find some bananas there.

Compatible with Rat, Ox, Tiger, Dragon, Monkey, Boar.

************** The Enthusiastic Rooster ************** Rooster people are very observant. Most of the time, they are very accurate and precise with their observations. Perhaps you can say that Roosters have a very keen "sixth-sense". With Roosters, what you see is exactly what you get. There are no hidden depths to the Rooster's character. He is neither complicated nor profound, rather, he is very forthright and straightforward. The rooster likes to be noticed and flattered. He might dress a little flashily with this in mind, but in his heart, he is completely conservative. Roosters always appear attractive and beautifully turned out. They are sociable and love to receive attention.

Believe it or not, it is not an easy task to fool the Rooster. His mind is cautious and skeptical and with this perceptive gift, Roosters make excellent trouble shooters, detectives, doctors, nurses and psychiatrists. Roosters are always up, out and doing. You rarely see a relaxed rooster that sits quietly in the living room, doing nothing. They are also multitalented, and can become accomplished in many different ways.

All Roosters are extremely conscious about clothing and appearance. They may appear conservative but are obsessed with their look - they can spend hours standing in front of the mirrors and will not even wink when they spend $500 for a dress. That doesn't mean they don't care about money. In fact, they love to compare prices and even if the bargain is only few cents or few dollars cheaper, they will be satisfied. Though sharp, practical and resourceful, the Rooster also likes to dream. And because he likes to dream, he will disappoint the loved one, for the reality will never match up to the dreams he would like to share with her although, he really is sincere about those dreams. Roosters make great hosts and adore entertaining. The main virtue in the Rooster character is loyalty. They make devoted friends. They always keep their promises and are always true to their word. When Roosters love and admire someone, they will even catch the moon just to keep them happy.

Compatible with Ox, Snake, Boar.

*************** The Dutiful Dog *************** Dog people are honest, faithful and sincere. They respect tradition, value honor, and enjoy helping people. The Dog is very righteous, and always is the first to speak out against injustice. He is not good at socializing with friends, rarely shines in company, but he is intelligent, caring and a good listener.

Loyal, faithful and honest, the Dog has the most profound sense of duty. You can count on him and he'll never let you down. Because he is a good listener, the Dog is also very reliable in keeping secrets for others. He simply doesn't like to gossip. The Dog is an agreeable companion - when he is in a good mood. But when panic strikes, he can turn nasty, and bark until he is tired. He can be judgmental, defensive and picky if you rub him the wrong way, but as long as you know how to pet and massage him, the Dog makes absolutely the best and most honorable companion on earth.

Dogs are born old and get younger as they age. They take everything very seriously. You may hear the Dog complain a lot about street lamps, traffic, or the weather, but as he gets older, the less he takes his own criticisms seriously.

The loyal Dog makes a splendid captain of industry, priest, educator, critic, or doctor. Whatever his career, it will have in him a spokesman whose ideals will be profound and often original. When the fear becomes reality, Dogs go a little crazy. The Dog enters a relationship where he is the giver and the partner is the taker. He is usually very generous and loyal. In love, he is honest and straightforward but he will have romantic problems all his life - it's his own fault, really. He leads himself by his emotional in stability and his eternal anxiety. He is a worrier.

Compatible with Rat, Tiger, Horse, Snake, Boar.

****************** The Chivalrous Boar ****************** Boars are models of sincerity, purity, tolerance, and honor. When you first meet them, Boars seem too good to be true. They are careful and caring, obliging and chivalrous. Put your trust in him, he won't let you down and he will never try to. The Boar simply want to do everything right. Boars are the people everyone admires most. Make a list of the Boars in your life. Aren't they the nicest, most loving and scrupulously caring people around? Boars are born to give, yield and serve. Frankly speaking, most people take advantage of this Boar nature. Not only are Boars easy to fool but they like it that way too. No matter how old they get, Boar people still only see and believe that all men/women are basically good. Boar people constantly sacrifice their own happiness and comfort for the sake of somebody else.

The Boar is a splendid companion. If you have a lifetime Boar friend, don't think that your worries are over. Boars are loyal, faithful and giving - only as long as they approve of you. In order to keep your lifetime Boar friend remember, never try to force your opinions on a Boar. A Boar rarely asks for help and cannot graciously accept it. The Boar doesn't say much but when he does decide to speak, suddenly, nothing can stop him until he runs out of subjects. Like the Monkey, the Boar is intellectual and a character with a great thirst for knowledge.

Some people claim that Boars are snobbish. Manners, breeding and good taste are of enormous importance to them. In fact, Boars are aesthetic. Boars are born with an excellent nose for style in everything. Food is another of Boar's little sins. Boars adore food and after-dinner chocolates. The Boar often over-eats, but he eats with good taste. In relationships, Boar people are sensitive, sweet and caring but naive. They are romantic and certainly are the marriage- type. But on the other hand, Boars are also possessive, jealous and exclusive.

Compatible with Rat, Rabbit, Tiger, Dragon, Ram, Monkey, Dog, Boar.