Chinese+Zodiacs

Rat Characteristics:
**Direction:** North **Color:** Midnight Blue **Polarity:** Yang **Gemstone:** Garnet **Lucky Number:** 11 ||  || **Sign Order:** First **Season:** Winter **Month:** December **Allies:** [|Dragon], [|Monkey] **Foes:** [|Horse] **Western Counterpart:** [|Sagittarius] || The sign of the Rat is the first of the 12 animals in Chinese Astrology. Charming, diplomatic, hardworking, and thrifty, Rat natives are well liked and usually successful.
 * **Element:** Water

Alert, funny, and social, Rats enjoy dressing up and going to parties. They are endlessly curious. They will have the support and admiration of a circle of dear friends.

Rats' lives can be complicated by a tendency to become deeply involved in the personal trials and dramas of those they care about. Deeply sentimental, Rats have difficultly surrendering any emotional attachments, including old sweethearts.

Rats are natural entrepreneurs, with a love of money, a concern for employees, and sound judgment overall. Thrifty Rats naturally recycle and chase a bargain. They are generous only to those they love. They can spend irrationally on their children.

The Rat person is a master at research and finding out other people's secrets. Rats are not hesitant to use any information they discover to their advantage. They can be terrible gossips.

Rats often appear rather reserved. They tend to hide strong emotions. When upset they can appear nervous, critical, or make cutting remarks. Rats hate lateness, unnecessary waste, laziness, and people who do not keep their word.

Positives:
Forthright, charismatic, meticulous, intelligent, sociable, quick-witted, popular.

Negatives:
Manipulative, selfish, calculated, secretive, intolerant, greedy, acquisitive.

Ox Characteristics:
**Direction:** North-North-East **Color:** Forest Green **Polarity:** Yin **Gemstone:** Aquamarine **Lucky Number:** 1 ||  || **Sign Order:** Second **Season:** Winter **Month:** January **Allies:** [|Rooster], [|Snake] **Foes:** [|Goat] **Western Counterpart:** [|Capricorn] || Steady and reliable Ox is the second sign of the Chinese Zodiac. When you need someone to depend on, call an Ox. These down-to-earth and sensible types are also kind-hearted and helpful to a high degree.
 * **Element:** Earth

The Ox prefers established methods and regular routines. Ox people want to build for long-term security. They are dignified and self-reliant. This is a person who likes rules and expects everyone to follow them. They will love their family deeply, but have high expectations and can be quite demanding.

Ox will say what they think and refuse to compromise their basic principles. Although they are generally calm, on a bad day an Ox can be uncompromising, demanding, and emotionally distant. They are enormously patient, but will be pushed only so far. An angry Ox is frightening to behold. An Ox can also carry a grudge or hurt feelings much to their own detriment.

In love, Ox can be strong and straightforward, rather then romantic and impulsive. It takes time for an Ox to grow into an intimate relationship. Once an Ox makes a commitment, they are stubbornly loyal no matter what comes. They are worth their weight in gold.

Positives:
Calm, methodical, honest, loyal, sincere, steadfast, popular, reliable.

Negatives:
Materialistic, rigid, stubborn, inflexible, impatient, narrow-minded.


 * == Tiger Characteristics: ==|| Element: Wood

Direction: East-North-East

Color: Purple

Polarity: Yang

Gemstone: Sapphire

Lucky Number: 7 ||  || Sign Order: Third

Season: Spring

Month: February

Allies: [|Horse], [|Dog]

Foes: [|Monkey]

Western Counterpart: [|Aquarius] ||

Energetic and exciting Tiger is the third sign of the Chinese Zodiac. Complicated Tigers will keep you guessing. They are lively, kind, generous, and funny. They can also be willfully independent, impulsive, vain, and sometimes remarkably selfish.

Tiger's vivaciousness and "never-say-die" attitude make them inspiring friends and a favorite at any social occasion. They love being active and trying new things. Risk is not an issue. Tiger will give their all to anything that inspires their passionate nature.

Tigers can be surprisingly suspicious and impatient. They will run in one direction one day and then become stalled and indecisive the next. When they feel disrespected, a Tiger can be truly mean and even seek revenge. Tigers need to shine and hate being ignored.

Tigers are romantic. They are the most charming of partners, who do best with someone more down-to-earth and realistic. They will often be particularly fond of and generous with pets and children.

The life of a Tiger person is never dull. There is always some new adventure just ahead. Their powerful emotions trigger equally powerful reactions. Although often blind to their obvious faults, temperamental Tigers never lose their optimism and love of life.

Positives:
Passionate, vigorous, enthusiastic, bold, sociable, energetic, optimist.

Negatives:
Restless, reckless, impulsive, impatient, hotheaded, vain, disobedient.


 * == Rabbit Characteristics: ==|| Element: Wood

Direction: East

Color: Aqua

Polarity: Yin

Gemstone: Pearl

Lucky Number: 4 ||  || Sign Order: Fourth

Season: Spring

Month: March

Allies: [|Goat], [|Pig]

Foes: [|Rooster]

Western Counterpart: [|Pisces] ||

The Rabbit is the fourth sign of the Chinese Zodiac. Rabbits in China are a sign of longevity and are considered naturally lucky.

This sign is blessed by many wonderful and highly refined qualities. Rabbit people are gentle, gracious, kind-hearted, and value harmony and beauty. Their naturally diplomatic natures make them well suited to occupations working closely with other people.

At times, a Rabbit can be moody and distant. They are especially sensitive to negative or critical comments.

Socially, Rabbit people are wonderful hosts with an appreciation of all the nice things life has to offer. They prefer quality to cutting corners. They can be good friends who give excellent advice.

You will not always know what Rabbit is thinking. Under what can be flawless manners is a spine of steel and the ability to turn any situation to their advantage. They are good students, and better negotiators.

Although they appear to be a peacemaker, a Rabbit is always working to put their own interests first. They are not above being sneaky or manipulative to get what they want. What they want is comfort, peace, and personal security. With these values in mind, Rabbits generally have a very happy life.

Positives:
Kind, sensitive, wise, astute, docile, thoughtful, refined.

Negatives:
Moody, detached, cunning, possessive, fussy, snobbish.

Dragon Characteristics:

 * Element: Earth

Direction: East-South-East

Color: Gold

Polarity: Yang

Gemstone: Amethyst

Lucky Number: 2 ||  || Sign Order: Fifth

Season: Spring

Month: April

Allies: [|Rat], [|Monkey]

Foes: [|Dog]

Western Counterpart: [|Aries] ||

Powerful and strong-willed Dragons are the fifth sign of the Chinese Zodiac. They are charismatic people who insist on following their own unique path in life. Not always easy to be with, they can be demanding, inconsiderate, and over-confident about their considerable skills.

Dragons have something important to contribute. The power of Dragons lies in their refusal to give up. To the Dragon way of thinking, there is always a solution to be found. Dragons are happiest when they have a good cause where they can focus their energy.

Personal relationships often take second place to a cause and career concerns. What they may lack as lovers, they can make up as community leaders and defenders of those less able. They shine as warriors dealing directly with problems and challenges. Because they are naturally honest and direct, Dragons can be fooled by the tricks and manipulation of others. They simply do not see this coming.

Dragons are physically strong and often athletic. They are not hesitant to put all their effort and resources into anything they believe in. They can be bossy and demanding, but their charisma is strong and they are likely to have many followers and admirers.

Positives:
Decisive, original, confident, resourceful, adaptable, valiant, passionate.

Negatives:
Imperious, tyrannical, arrogant, tactless, hotheaded, critical, dogmatic.

Snake Characteristics :) :

 * Element: Fire

Direction: South-South-East

Color: Ice Blue

Polarity: Yin

Gemstone: Opal

Lucky Number: 3 ||  || Sign Order: Sixth

Season: Summer

Month: May

Allies: [|Ox], [|Rooster]

Foes: [|Pig]

Western Counterpart: [|Taurus] ||

Wise and often mysterious Snakes are the sixth sign of the Chinese Zodiac. They are physically striking and often have a wonderful sense of personal style. They are independent and rather private people who follow their own path, no matter what others think.

Snakes are sophisticated people who are most at home with the best books, films, music, gourmet foods, and anything of fine quality. Money is not an issue and they can be quite generous.

Snake people are often psychic and are attracted to philosophy and spiritual themes. They may appear slow and relaxed, but this sign actually is very analytical and tends to be high-strung, and even anxious.

In love, a Snake can be very demanding and also quite possessive. They have high standards for themselves and a mate. They can be very suspicious of loved ones and people in general. This is not always obvious. Snake people often keep secrets and are usually quite careful about what they say.

Snakes do not easily release anything they have chosen to cling to. They are not above seeking revenge. They will plot, plan, and wait for the right opportunity. Do not break your promises with a Snake.

Positives:
Sensual, creative, subtle, insightful, shrewd, discreet, wise, compassionate.

Negatives:
Distrustful, mendacious, manipulative, vain, malicious, possessive.



Horse Characteristics:

 * Element: Fire

Direction: South

Color: Ebony

Polarity: Yang

Gemstone: Topaz

Lucky Number: 8 ||  || Sign Order: Seventh

Season: Summer

Month: June

Allies: [|Tiger], [|Dog]

Foes: [|Rat]

Western Counterpart: [|Gemini] ||

The popular and active Horse is the seventh sign of the Chinese Zodiac. These natives are independent and cheerful types who genuinely enjoy people. They can also be quite headstrong and when angry and are apt to act without thinking things through.

These are the natural salespeople of the Chinese Zodiac. Their upbeat and physically magnetic nature combines with a love of thinking up new ideas. They love to help anyone and anything to get ahead, including themselves. Horses will do a good job. They want to succeed. Never underestimate a Horse native's power of persuasion.

In love, the Horse can be a heartbreaker. They are easily attracted and may manipulate or flirt in a way that is most seductive. Unfortunately, some Horses prefer to play and value freedom above commitment. A Horse must be mature to marry successfully.

This is a person who likes to have fun. Horses need physical activity and lots of variety. They are flexible people who do well with sudden changes and shifts of direction. People who like them must expect the same.

Horse has a large circle of friends but, ultimately, they walk alone. A Horse is going to follow their own path, running free ahead of the herd.

Positives:
Magnetic, vivacious, witty, independent, cheerful, refined, enduring.

Negatives:
Anxious, rude, selfish, volatile, impatient, vain, reckless.


 * == Goat Characteristics: ==|| Element: Earth

Direction: South-South-West

Color: Light Green

Polarity: Yin

Gemstone: Emerald

Lucky Number: 12 ||  || Sign Order: Eighth

Season: Summer

Month: July

Allies: [|Rabbit], [|Pig]

Foes: [|Ox]

Western Counterpart: [|Cancer] ||

The receptive, gentle, and compassionate Goat (sometimes called Sheep) is the eighth sign of the Chinese Zodiac. These quiet and sometimes shy people have enormous compassion, an artistic eye, and emotions close to the surface. They often feel especially close to their families.

Money somehow comes to the Goat. Often other people give it to them. As artists, they can have patrons. A Goat is a great guest and someone powerful people enjoy having around. Goats enjoy nice things and are not opposed to treating themselves.

This is not a person who likes confrontation. A Goat would rather have someone else take the lead and make a decision. Of course, you might hear about it if your decisions do not work out to Goat's comfort.

It is a good thing that Goat is naturally lucky because of their peaceful nature and kind heart. Romantic Goats need a partner who is willing to listen and has patience with mood swings, indirect answers, and occasional self-pity. Goat needs loyal friends who are steady and reliable. Goat people are well worth all the time and attention. With love, approval, and admiration, a Goat can blossom in any direction their creative talent takes them.

Positives:
Creative, artistic, cultured, kind, gentle, intelligent, sensitive.

Negatives:
Indecisive, self-indulgent, dependent, insecure, ungrateful, wise.

Monkey Characteristics:

 * Element: Metal

Direction: West-South-West

Color: Yellow

Polarity: Yang

Gemstone: Peridot

Lucky Number: 10 ||  || Sign Order: Ninth

Season: Autumn

Month: August

Allies: [|Dragon], [|Rat]

Foes: [|Tiger]

Western Counterpart: [|Leo] ||

Mentally alert and multi-faceted Monkey is the ninth sign of the Chinese Zodiac. Monkey people are naturally confident. They rarely underestimate themselves. Their high-spirited love of life helps other feel good as well.

Monkey people are analytical and can turn any situation to their advantage. They are good with words and money and love solving problems in original ways.

If there is a flaw in all this talent, it's Monkey's ease at cutting corners. Monkey is clever, but not scrupulous about honesty if his or her best interests lie elsewhere. Friends forgive this tendency to bend the law. Monkey spontaneity is often irresistible.

Monkey natives on a good day are brilliant. They are communicative and versatile. They can be blind to anything that does not affect them directly but not out of any true selfishness. Rather, they are exuberantly expressing themselves. They can succeed in any work that combines skill, challenge, communicating ideas, and supporting the social good.

Monkeys develop wonderful skills that help them make important contributions to others. Monkeys can find original ways to make money. Do not expect loyalty from a Monkey if self-interest is in the mix. These clever people keep their options open.

Positives:
Quick-witted, imaginative, ingenious, resourceful, versatile, persuasive, humorous.

Negatives:
Cunning, mischievous, deceptive, manipulative, sly, restless, superficial.

Rooster Characteristics:

 * Element: Metal

Direction: West

Color: Violet

Polarity: Yin

Gemstone: Citrine

Lucky Number: 6 ||  || Sign Order: Tenth

Season: Autumn

Month: September

Allies: [|Ox], [|Snake]

Foes: [|Rabbit]

Western Counterpart: [|Virgo] ||

Much-misunderstood Rooster is the tenth sign of the Chinese Zodiac. These people are complex. They appear very attractive and sure of themselves. Some are the strong, mysterious and silent types. Some are aggressively chatty. They can win you with charm or be your worst nightmare. Roosters leave little middle ground.

Roosters approach life is expansive. They have high hopes and a strong desire for success. They are willing to put in the hours and do the work that builds success in any area.

Under all that bluster is a very traditional person. They are good-hearted and mean only the best for others. Roosters are excellent workers and do amazing things with limited resources.

Rooster people believe they are always right. They believe it so strongly that they are convinced they must bring all others to their point of view. This can become tiresome in the extreme. Roosters love a good argument. They are blunt, honest, and will not worry about being diplomatic. Roosters need the energy they generate from debate.

If you want to be friends with a Rooster, you need to dive right in. Be prepared not the take things personally. This is someone who hates admitting they are wrong.

Positives:
Perfectionist, resilient, courageous, passionate, protective, responsible, industrious.

Negatives:
Opinionated, blunt, conceited, rude, impatient, aggressive, bossy.

Dog Characteristics:

 * Element: Earth

Direction: West-North-West

Color: Turquoise

Polarity: Yang

Gemstone: Diamond

Lucky Number: 9 ||  || Sign Order: Eleventh

Season: Autumn

Month: October

Allies: [|Tiger], [|Horse]

Foes: [|Dragon]

Western Counterpart: [|Libra] ||

Loyal, honest Dog is the eleventh sign of the Chinese Zodiac. They share many qualities with their canine companions. Dog people have a strong sense of justice and fair play. Genuine and unassuming, they are charming and magnetic in an effortless, down-to-earth way.

Dogs can be irritable, less than polite, and sharply argumentative if you cross any dearly-held principle. They also can be worriers, even on the alert to protect their families and those they love.

One's first impression is of an easygoing and friendly person with a casual, comfortable beauty. This is true. They can be stubborn, and make snap judgments, but this may not be obvious at first. Dogs like outdoor activities and having fun with friends. They are cooperative and easy going much of the time.

Dogs make wonderfully loyal friends. Straightforward and direct, they value personal integrity and have a strong sense of responsibility. A Dog can be surprisingly judgmental. People are either with them or against them. Like guard dogs protecting their home, Dogs are alert to assess new people. They are naturally suspicious. A Dog makes friends slowly. They will protect a friend's interests as if they were their own.

Positives:
Amicable, unpretentious, reliable, persistent, resourceful, generous, honest.

Negatives:
Worrier, stubborn, introverted, nosy, anxious, pessimistic, cynical.

Pig Characteristics:

 * Element: Water

Direction: North-North-East

Color: Royal Purple

Polarity: Yin

Gemstone: Ruby

Lucky Number: 5 ||  || Sign Order: Twelfth

Season: Winter

Month: November

Allies: [|Rabbit], [|Goat]

Foes: [|Snake]

Western Counterpart: [|Scorpio] ||

Strong, rough, cheerful Pig is the twelfth, and last sign of the Chinese Zodiac. Pig's straightforward, honest and brave nature offers much to be admired.

Pigs will not hold hard feelings and try to keep on good terms with all. They are very patient and good teachers.

Sensual Pigs appreciate good food and drink. This is a person who likes to have a good time. The Pig is very passionate and will remain vigorous into old age. Generous to a fault, they are the one to call if you need help or support.

Pig natives are trusting. They often believe everything they hear. This can make them subject to fast-talking opportunists. It also means much money and resources are spent in the pursuit of pleasure.

Despite their enjoyment of life, Pigs are hard workers, terrific friends, and natural community organizers. They can become the martyr doing everything possible for others.

Pigs can succeed in any area they choose, but often they are not willing to deceive or play political games behind the scenes. What you see is what you get with a Pig. Their deep generosity of nature seems to give them good fortune no matter what they do.

Positives:
Patient, loyal, sincere, gregarious, diligent, generous, obliging, unpretentious.

Negatives:
Fatalistic, naive, materialistic, superficial, self-indulgent, gullible.