Chinese Astrology
Chinese Astrology plays a significant role in Chinese culture. The Chinese Zodiac comprises of a 12 year cycle which represents 12 animals. These 12 animals affect the characteristics, successes, happiness and relationships of the persons born under the 12 years. The 12 animals include Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig. The Chinese zodiac is deeply embedded in Chinese mythology.
The legend behind Chinese Zodiac is that once Buddha invited the animals to participate in a race. The first 12 winners were promised a place in the Chinese zodiac calendar according to the order in which they completed the race. According to the mythology, the first animal to cross the finish line was Rat followed by Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig.
Rat: Disciplined, charismatic, shrewd, sociable, manipulative and selfish
Ox: Loyal, logical, ambitious, patient, stubborn and materialistic
Tiger: Sincere, passionate, affectionate, volatile, reckless and selfish
Rabbit: Elegant, cautious, kind-hearted, sensitive, lazy and opportunistic
Dragon: Strong, logical, proud, gracious, stubborn and eccentric.
Snake: Mystic, shrewd, responsible, wise, cautious and cynical
Horse: Flexible, smart, open-minded, gracious, stubborn and rude.
Sheep: Empathetic, creative, generous, sincere, emotional and wavering
Monkey: Inquisitive, creator, intelligent, sociable, jealous and selfish
Rooster: Decisive, smart, responsible, neat, critical and self-centred
Dog: Loyal, attractive, intelligent, affectionate, lazy and stubborn
Pig: Simple, hard working, reliable, understanding, naïve and materialistic
These animals are categorised under four trines. Rat, Dragon and Monkey constitute the first trine. They are powerful and capable of great things. Ox, Snake and Rooster constitute the second trine. They are patient, modest and loyal. Tiger, Horse and Dog constitute the third trine. They are relationship oriented and loyal. Rabbit, Sheep and Pig constitute the fourth trine. They have excellent leadership qualities and compassionate.