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Chinese Zodiac

The Shēngxiào (Chinese: 生肖), better known in English as the Chinese Zodiac, is a scheme, a systematic plan of future action, that relates each year to an animal and its reputed attributes, according to a 12-year mathematical cycle. These animal signs are the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and pig. The Chinese zodiac is calculated according to Chinese lunar calendar.

Signs of Chinese Zodiac

The zodiac traditionally begins with the sign of the Rat. The following are the twelve zodiac signs (each with its associated Earthly branch) in order and their characteristics.

Rat-- -----鼠(子) ----------- (Yang, 1st Trine Fixed Element Water). You are imaginative, charming, and truly generous to the person you love. However, you tend to be quick-tempered and overly critical. You are also inclined to be somewhat of an opportunist. Born under this sign, you should be happy in sales or as a writer, critic, or publicist.

Ox---------牛(丑) ---------- (Yin, 2nd Trine, Fixed Element Water). You are a born leader, you inspire confidence from all around you. You are conservative methodical, and good with your hands. Guard against being chauvinistic and always demanding your own way. The Buffalo would be successful as a skilled surgeon, general, or hairdresser.

Tiger-----虎(寅) ----------- (Yang, 3rd Trine, Fixed Element Wood). You are sensitive, emotional, and capable of great love. However, you tend to get carried away and be stubborn about what you think is right; often seen as a "Hothead" or rebel. Your sign shows you would be excellent as a boss, explorer, race car driver, or matador.

Rabbit---兔(卯)------------ (Yin, 4th Trine, Fixed Element Wood). You are the kind of person, that people like to be around affectionate, obliging, pleasant. You have a tendency, though, to get too sentimental and seem superficial. Being cautious and conservative, you are successful in business but would also make a good lawyer, diplomat, or actor.

Dragon--龍(辰)---------- (Yang, 1st Trine, Fixed Element Wood) you are full of vitality and enthusiasm, the Dragon is a popular individual even with the reputation of being foolhardy and a "big mouth" at times. You are intelligent, gifted, and a perfectionist but these qualities make you unduly demanding on others. You would be well-suited to be an artist, priest, or politician.

Snake----蛇(巳)---------- (Yin, 2nd Trine, Fixed Element Fire). Rich in wisdom and charm, you are romantic and deep thinking and your intuition guides you strongly. Avoid procrastination and your stingy attitude towards money. Keep your sense of humour about life. The Snake would be most content as a teacher, philosopher, writer, psychiatrist, and fortune teller.

Horse----馬(午)---------- (Yang, 3rd Trine, Fixed Element Fire). Your capacity for hard work is amazing. You are your own person-very independent. While intelligent and friendly, you have a strong streak of selfishness and sharp cunning and should guard against being egotistical. Your sign suggests success as an adventurer, scientist, poet, or politician.

Goat -----羊(未) ---------- (Yin, 4th Trine, Fixed Element Fire). Except for the knack of always getting off on the wrong foot with people, the Goat can be charming company. You are elegant and artistic but the first to complain about things. Put aside your pessimism and worry and try to be less dependent on material comforts. You would be best as an actor, gardener, or beachcomber.

Monkey-猴(申) ---------- (Yang, 1st Trine, Fixed Element Metal). You are a very intelligent and a very clever wit. Because of your extraordinary nature and magnetic personality, you are always well-liked. The Monkey, however, must guard against being an opportunist and distrustful of other people. Your sign promises success in any field you try.

Rooster -雞(酉) ---------- (Yin, 2nd Trine, Fixed Element Metal). The Rooster is a hard worker; shrewd and definite in decision making often speaking his mind. Because of this, you tend to seem boastful to others. You are a dreamer, flashy dresser, and extravagant to an extreme. Born under this sign you should be happy as a restaurant owner, publicist, soldier or world traveller.

Dog-------狗(戌)----------(Yang, 3rd Trine, Fixed Element Metal). The Dog will never let you down. Born under this sign you are honest, and faithful to those you love. You are plagued by constant worry, a sharp tongue, and a tendency to be a fault finder, however. You would make an excellent businessman, activist, teacher, or secret agent.

Pig--------豬(亥) ------ (Yin, 4th Trine, Fixed Element Water). You are a splendid companion, an intellectual with a very strong need to set difficult goals and carry them out. You are sincere, tolerant, and honest but by expecting the same from others, you are incredibly naive. Your quest for material goods could be your downfall. The Pig would be best in the arts as an entertainer, or possible a lawyer.