Chinese Astrology Explained
The Chinese zodiac, also known as Shengxiao, is based on a twelve-year cycle, with each year in the cycle related to an animal sign.
These signs are calculated according to the Chinese lunar calendar and are deeply ingrained in Chinese culture, influencing people's lives, decisions, and relationships.
Here's a basic description of each sign:
Rat (鼠 - Shǔ)
People born in the Year of the Rat are considered intelligent, charming, and quick-witted. They are resourceful and have good instincts. Positive traits include adaptability and resourcefulness, while negative traits can be manipulativeness and greediness.
Ox (牛 - Niú)
Known for their strength, reliability, and diligence. Ox people are methodical and good at hands-on tasks. They are often patient and inspire confidence in others but can also be stubborn and conservative.
Tiger (虎 - Hǔ)
Tigers are brave, competitive, and self-confident. They are charming and well-liked by others. However, they can also be impulsive and overindulgent. Tigers are known for their ferocity and drive.
Rabbit (兔 - Tù)
Rabbits are often associated with creativity, compassion, and sensitivity. They are friendly and approachable, with a soft and tender personality. However, they can sometimes be moody and overly sentimental.
Dragon (龙 - Lóng)
Dragons are seen as powerful, ambitious, and passionate. They are natural leaders and seek adventure and excitement. However, they can also be arrogant and impatient.
Snake (蛇 - Shé)
Snakes are perceived as wise and intelligent, with a deep understanding of others. They are charming and seductive but can be overly suspicious and a bit secretive.
Horse (马 - Mǎ)
Those born in the Year of the Horse are seen as energetic, independent, and outgoing. They are quick-witted and love to be in the limelight but can also be hot-headed and impulsive.
Goat (羊 - Yáng)
Gentle, mild-mannered, and sympathetic, Goats are known for their kindness and artistic talents. They can be shy and indecisive but are also very compassionate and caring.
Monkey (猴 - Hóu)
Monkeys are fun-loving, energetic, and lively. They are clever, inventive, and have a natural curiosity. Sometimes they can be mischievous and opportunistic.
Rooster (鸡 - Jī)
Roosters are known for being observant, hardworking, and courageous. They are very straightforward and like to be in control. However, they can also be vain and boastful.
Dog (狗 - Gǒu)
Dogs are loyal, faithful, and honest. They are responsible and reliable but can sometimes be stubborn and have a sharp tongue.
Pig (猪 - Zhū)
Pigs are known for their generosity, diligence, and compassion. They enjoy life and are very focused on their goals. However, they can also be naive and overly trusting.
Relationships in Chinese Zodiac
Rat: Best with Dragon and Monkey; worst with Horse.
Ox: Best with Rat and Rooster; worst with Goat.
Tiger: Best with Horse and Dog; worst with Monkey.
Rabbit: Best with Goat and Pig; worst with Rooster.
Dragon: Best with Rooster and Monkey; worst with Dog.
Snake: Best with Monkey and Rooster; worst with Pig.
Horse: Best with Tiger and Dog; worst with Rat.
Goat: Best with Rabbit and Pig; worst with Ox.
Monkey: Best with Rat and Dragon; worst with Tiger.
Rooster: Best with Ox and Snake; worst with Rabbit.
Dog: Best with Tiger and Horse; worst with Dragon.
Pig: Best with Rabbit and Goat; worst with Snake.
Affinity Groups: Some animals naturally get along well. For example, Rat, Dragon, and Monkey form one group known for intelligence and charisma; Tiger, Horse, and Dog are connected by their freedom-loving nature; Ox, Snake, and Rooster are often seen as deep thinkers and philosophers; while Rabbit, Goat, and Pig are considered sensitive and artistic.
Conflict Pairs: Certain animals have a natural discord with others, which might lead to conflicts. For instance, Rat and Horse, Snake and Pig, and Dog and Dragon are known to have challenging relationships.
These relationships are generalized and based on traditional beliefs. In practice, individual personality and circumstances play a significant role in the dynamics of interpersonal relationships in Chinese astrology.
