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Richard
Giles, astrologer and feng shui consultant, gives
us a brief explanation of the meanings of the Chinese
Zodiac characters, the twelve animals. February is
the commencement of the Chinese New Year, traditionally
starting on the 4th February, beginning a new zodiac
animal cycle. Of course there is a lot more to Chinese
Astrology than just the Zodiac Animals, but this article
is a good beginning to the study.
The Chinese Zodiac is based on the Lunar
Year, while Western Astrology is based on the Solar
Year, so the two do not exactly coincide. The Zodiac
Animals form the underlying basis of this ancient
system, but bear in mind that there is much more to
it than appears from the simple Animal Characters.
Here is a list of the Chinese
Zodiac Animals, with a brief analysis of their meanings,
plus the years in which they rule.
RAT: They are intelligent,
charming and ambitious and often successful in business.
Rats are quick to spot potential and put their creative
and clever ideas into effect. At times they may appear
stubborn, selfish and greedy as they approach things
wholeheartedly. They are energetic and great organizers
so if you want something done call in a Rat. They
are suited to careers in shop keeping, sales, buying
and selling or accountancy. They shine in managerial
positions. In partnership they are faithful if their
partner provides security and love.
Years: 1924, 1936, 1948,
1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008.
OX: They are steady,
honest, gentle and reliable. The Ox builds plans and
ideas on firm ground. Patience and hard work bring
success to the Ox. They need peace and quiet to work
through their ideas and are best left alone to work
as they can become hotheaded, inflexible and stubborn
when pushed. They are logical and find it hard to
forgive if deceived. They prefer a truthful, loyal
and committed partner. They work well in careers to
do with the earth, visual arts, farming, estate management,
cooking, religion and medicine. They are often very
skilled with their hands.
Years: 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009.
TIGER:They are determined,
enthusiastic and positive with a sense of superiority.
Tigers explore the potential in unlikely situations.
They like to see everything settled, rarely abandon
projects and will become self centered and obstinate
if they fail to achieve. Tigers tend to place themselves
in leadership or radical roles. They may become aggressive
if trapped. In love, they need a steady consistent
partner who quietly gets on with their own life. They
are born leaders, are suited to travel, designing,
advertising, politics or the military.
Years: 1926, 1938, 1950,
1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010.
RABBIT: Are usually generous, friendly and
tranquil by nature. Rabbits like everything to be
low key and even tempered and are anxious if forced
to take risks. They enjoy paying attention to detail
to create an ambience in their lives. Rabbits most
often prefer the easy road. There ideal partner is
loving and kind hearted and always fulfills their
partner's desires. Rabbits are suited to careers in
literature, art, design, public relations, counselling,
advisory occupations and law. They also make good
secretaries.
Years: 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011.
DRAGON: Their personality
is energetic, enthusiastic and self-confident. Dragons
are good at creating an impression. Dragons are interested
in the world around them, full of energy and are comfortable
with being the centre of attention. In difficult situations,
Dragons can judge well, stepping in at the right moment
to resolve things. They can be decisive, lucky and
capable yet quiet serious and dignified. They can
also be brave and charismatic and have a whole hearted
approach to life. They see themselves as protectors.
In partnerships they look for someone who will give
them space and at the same time satisfy their romantic
nature. They can often be disappointed at what they
see as weakness in others. Their careers can be in
acting, law, religion, management and the arts. Enjoying
responsibility they will not tolerate being trapped
in poor jobs or being at the mercy of others.
Years: 1928, 1940, 1952,
1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012.
SNAKE: They like
to always be in control, are charming and captivating,
yet calculating and often conservative. They are often
enduring characters who can keep going in adversity.
They have the alertness of the snake and often exhibit
uncanny perception. Companionship, moral support and
love are important to a Snake in intimate relationships.
Their partners must like cosy surroundings and intimacy.
They are brilliant at laying in wait and may patiently
observe for months or years, then strike at the right
moment. Their careers are in public relations, archaeology,
astrology, philosophy, catering or the law.
Years: 1929, 1941, 1953,
1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013
HORSE: Are independent,
confident, full of strength and ambitious. Also very
honest and loyal.They set out to achieve recognition
for their skills. They often turn out to be totally
devoted to their work, family or home. Even in the
face of crises, Horses have a tendency to go forward
which is a sign of their tremendous inner confidence.
They are willing to do their very best and are usually
devoted to whatever they focus on . They are often
very devoted to their tasks and need a partner who
will take care of them but will also leave them free
to pursue their own adventures if needed. In careers
they will make good politicians, explorers and artists.
Years: 1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002,
2014.
SHEEP: Are considered
patient and like to exercise moderation and caution
in all aspects of their lives. They can bear great
pressure and remain stable. Can be very hard workers
accomplishing much and can easily take on more than
their load. Often they will remain in the background
of an endeavor not needing to hog the limelight. Good
team workers. Their steadfastness makes them very
reliable. In love they tend towards a partner who
will protect them and give them space for their creativity.
They can have careers in the arts, research, outdoor
work, emergency relief work, in libraries or in design.
Years: 1919, 1931, 1943,
1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015.
MONKEY:These
are the active signs of the zodiac. People born in
these years have an inner spirit of lightning energy.
They have a mental gift of being intelligent and learning
quickly, they come up with new ideas and like to learn
new things. They love playing games and are often
ready to tease or play tricks. Their fast moving energy
makes them sometimes appear insensitive to others
so often for this reason they find it hard to settle
with one person. Often Monkeys find themselves born
into families that support them well. They can be
very ambitious and adaptable. In career they are good
at design, media management, public relations and
planning.
Years: 1920, 1932, 1944,
1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016.
ROOSTER: These people
are very courageous, brave and wise. They enjoy singing
and music and can be very creative. Often have very
powerful imaginations. They have a strength of persistence
and often exhibit strong personal power usually knowing
what they want. Are very good talkers and can persuade
others. In relationships they frequently yearn for
companionship or friendship and make astute observers
of what happens in a partnership. In career they can
be adept in politics, public relations, arts, creative
work, and scientific endeavors.
Years: 1921, 1933, 1945,
1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017.
DOG: These are the
honest, friendly and sincere sign of the zodiac. Always
seem to be ready for action and this quality brings
respect from others around them. They can be brave
and courageous and rarely withdraw from a commitment
or betray a confidence. Their inner power and physical
vigor makes them a good person to have on a team.
They are very loyal and reliable and in relationships
settle with someone who supports them. They are devoted
to the welfare of others and are often wonderful listeners.
They can be very faithful to their partners and to
others around them. The careers that they approach
include teaching, social work, counseling, medicine,
research, public campaigning and law.
Years: 1922, 1934, 1946,
1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006.
PIG: Pigs are tolerant
and generous, virtuous and peaceful. They are well
liked for their honesty and warm natures. They aim
to find the best in people and allow others plenty
of freedom of expression. They are often imbued with
the energy of wealth and the support of others though
they are not concerned with accumulating wealth. They
can be content with modest means. They rarely criticise
others and are not vengeful and thus have few enemies.
The Pig accepts the existing richness of life and
doesn't demand more. They enjoy simple and earthy
pleasures. In relationships they give love and affection
and trust that they will receive the same. They possess
considerable determination and if they set their minds
on something will pursue it and attain it. Good careers
are in music, food, writing, social work, gardening
and looking after others.
Years: 1923, 1935, 1947,
1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007.
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