 Chinese Astrology
Chinese astrology is based on a twelve-year cycle as opposed to the twelve-month rotation of Western
astrology. It has its origins in the legend that Buddha called together all the animals in creation, but only twelve
of them turned up, and those that did were each given a year in the order of their arrival. Just as Western astrology presupposes
that your character is influenced primarily by the astrological sign that the
sun was in at the moment of your birth, so Chinese astrology decrees that your character is
influenced by the animal sign governing the year in which you were born.
The date of the Chinese New Year varies from year to year, and it generally occurs during the second half of January or
the first half of February. If you were born at this time of year then you will need to consult a Chinese astrologer or
date book to find the Chinese year of your birth, and if you were born in the first half of January, your sign is that of
the previous year.
Each of the Chinese signs is introduced in order below, along with some years associated with the sign. Further information
about Chinese symbols is available in our symbols section.
 Rat
1900 1912 1924 1936 1948 1960 1972 1984 1996 2008 2020
People born in the year of the Rat are often energetic and tenacious. They are capable of being generous and lovable and
are good listeners when one is needed. However, Rats can also be manipulative and power hungry creatures, so those befriending
them must be wary of these tendencies.
 Buffalo
1901 1913 1925 1937 1949 1961 1973 1985 1997 2009 2021
Those born under the sign of the Buffalo (also known as the Ox) are usually hard-working, methodical, patient people. Though
they can often be found in positions of leadership, they can sometimes be loners. People born in the year of the Buffalo
can also be stubborn to the point of being rigid, and at worst they can be jealous or vindictive.
 Tiger
1902 1914 1926 1938 1950 1962 1974 1986 1998 2010 2022
The Tiger is a noble, courageous creature, as can be the people born under this sign. They are protective and passionate
as well, which compliments their sensitivity. Tigers can be hotheaded at times, even to the extent of becoming quarrelsome
and acting rashly or hastily. These characteristics can lead to vain, uncompromising or unruly folk.
 Cat
1903 1915 1927 1939 1951 1963 1975 1987 1999 2011 2023
Those born in the year of the Cat (sometimes known as the Rabbit) are often refined and socially adept, which makes them
all the better to have as friends. These clever folk can sometimes be seen as a bit old-fashioned or even aloof, and at
worst they can be thin-skinned and devious.
 Dragon
1904 1916 1928 1940 1952 1964 1976 1988 2000 2012 2024
To be born in the year of the Dragon is to be a spirited and scrupulous individual. Others tend to admire the enthusiasm
and the vital, generous nature of the Dragon. However, like the fire-breathing creature, a Dragon can be overbearing, loud-mouthed
and irritable. Giving and independent, the meticulous Dragon can be a demanding person to be around.
 Snake
1905 1917 1929 1941 1953 1965 1977 1989 2001 2013 2025
Those born in the year of the Snake can be wise and understated, and are often soft-spoken, placid and compassionate souls.
Snakes can have an air of intelligence about them that could be related to their good breeding or philosophical minds. When
you anger a Snake, though, beware: they can be vengeful, fickle and possessive, and they are often sore losers.
 Horse
1906 1918 1930 1942 1954 1966 1978 1990 2002 2014 2026
People born in the year of the Horse are often athletic, independent and skillful. These powerful, hard-working folk are
not only quick on their feet but are also quick with their tongues. Horses make quite charming friends because of their
wittiness and upbeat moods on most days. They can be rebellious and tactless at times, even ruthless when they lose their
tempers.
 Goat
1907 1919 1931 1943 1955 1967 1979 1991 2003 2015 2027
The year of the Goat gives rise to peaceful, sweet-natured people who tend to be well-mannered and artistic. These intelligent
folk can be kind-hearted and persevering when a cause motivates them. However, a Goat can also be intrusive, irresponsible
and inclined towards melancholy.
 Monkey
1908 1920 1932 1944 1956 1968 1980 1992 2004 2016 2028
Those born in the year of the Monkey are often known for their intelligence and problem-solving abilities, which could explain
why they make such good businessmen. They can be witty and captivating, but at worst they can be vain, untrustworthy or
immature.
 Rooster
1909 1921 1933 1945 1957 1969 1981 1993 2005 2017 2029
The year of the Rooster brings forth enthusiastic, self-assured people. Roosters are quite industrious, and they often have
a conservative streak that clashes with the more adventurous side of their nature. While these people can be very resourceful,
they can also be difficult to work with or be around because of their tendencies to nit-pick and brag. At their worst, Roosters
are brazen and untrusting.
 Dog
1910 1922 1934 1946 1958 1970 1982 1994 2006 2018 2030
Loyal, discreet and dutiful people are often born in the year of the Dog, making them excellent prospects for friends. They
can be intelligent and selfless as well, but they can also be introverted, critical and defensive, and at their worst, Dogs
are cynical and grim.
 Pig
1911 1923 1935 1947 1959 1971 1983 1995 2007 2019 2031
People born in the year of the Pig are often peace-loving, accommodating and sociable folk. Pigs have a sensual side that
often shows their love of indulgence. While they can be intelligent, some Pigs are naive, which allows less scrupulous individuals
to take advantage of them. Gullibility and insecurity can be a dangerous combination for Pigs at times.
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