Chinese Astrological Animals
So, you know how in Western astrology there are zodiac signs like Aries and Leo? Well, in Chinese astrology they use a different system based on animals. There are twelve animals that make up the Chinese zodiac, each representing a different year in a twelve-year cycle. These animals are the Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. Each animal is believed to possess certain characteristics and traits that influence the personality of people born under that animal sign. For example, those born in the Year of the Dragon are said to be strong-willed and ambitious while those born in the Year of the Rabbit are thought to be creative and compassionate. It’s a fun way to explore your personality traits and see how they align with your Chinese zodiac animal!
The ancient Chinese sages believed that the universe was exactly 3,600 years old. They divided this time into 60 year cycles, which they considered the perfect human lifespan. Each human cycle was divided by the five elements to give 12 cycles. Originally these 12 years were referred to as the ‘Twelve Earthly Branches’. In time these acquired the characteristics of 12 distinct animals. The animal signs do not just govern the years. They have a month, and a time of day over which they preside. Each animal brings its own qualities to your astrological chart.
The Legend of the Great Race…
The Legend of the Great Race, dating back over 2,000 years, recounts the story of how the twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac were chosen. According to legend, the Jade Emperor, ruler of the heavens, declared a race, inviting all animals to participate. The first twelve to cross the finish line would be honoured with a place in the zodiac, each representing a year in the lunar calendar.
On the day of the race, the animals gathered at the riverbank, eager to prove their worth. The crafty Rat, realizing its small size and inability to swim across the river, hitched a ride on the back of the strong Ox, promising to help navigate. As they approached the opposite shore, the Rat leaped ahead and claimed victory, securing its place as the first animal of the zodiac.
Behind the Rat, the diligent Ox arrived second, followed by the resourceful Tiger, who braved the currents with determination. The Rabbit, agile and swift, hopped across the river by leaping from stone to stone, securing fourth place. The noble Dragon, flying high above the river, was delayed by its compassionate nature, pausing to create rain to help the local villagers.
Just as the Dragon arrived, the Horse galloped across the finish line, having been startled by the Snake, who emerged from the grass and startled the Horse into sixth place. The Snake, cunning and wise, slithered ahead of the Horse, securing seventh place, followed by the humble Goat, Monkey, and Rooster, who worked together to cross the river on a makeshift raft.
In eleventh place, the Dog arrived, having taken a refreshing swim in the river before continuing the race. Finally, the Pig, who had stopped to feast along the way, arrived last but with a satisfied belly.
Impressed by the animals’ perseverance and ingenuity, the Jade Emperor honoured them by naming each year of the lunar calendar after them, in the order of their arrival. Thus, the Legend of the Great Race not only explains the origins of the Chinese zodiac but also teaches valuable lessons about cooperation, determination, and the diversity of the animal kingdom.
The Animals That Made The List!
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Rat (1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020, 2032):
- Quick-witted and resourceful
- Intelligent and adaptable
- Charming and sociable
- Element: Water
- Direction: North
-
Ox (1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021, 2033):
- Diligent and dependable
- Patient and methodical
- Strong and resilient
- Element: Earth
- Direction: North-North East
-
Tiger (1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022, 2034):
- Brave and confident
- Energetic and passionate
- Charismatic and adventurous
- Element: Wood
- Direction: East-North East
-
Rabbit (1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023, 2035):
- Gentle and compassionate
- Elegant and sensitive
- Diplomatic and intuitive
- Element: Wood
- Direction: East
-
Dragon (1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024, 2036):
- Powerful and charismatic
- Ambitious and visionary
- Creative and innovative
- Element: Earth
- Direction: East-South East
-
Snake (1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2037):
- Wise and intuitive
- Mysterious and insightful
- Charming and seductive
- Element: Fire
- Direction: South-South East
-
Horse (1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2038):
- Free-spirited and independent
- Energetic and adventurous
- Charismatic and sociable
- Element: Fire
- Direction: South
-
Goat (1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2039):
- Gentle and compassionate
- Artistic and creative
- Harmonious and nurturing
- Element: Earth
- Direction: South-South West
-
Monkey (1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2040):
- Intelligent and witty
- Curious and mischievous
- Agile and adaptable
- Element: Metal
- Direction: South West
-
Rooster (1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2041):
- Confident and honest
- Hardworking and punctual
- Resourceful and observant
- Element: Metal
- Direction: West-South West
-
Dog (1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2042):
- Loyal and faithful
- Courageous and protective
- Kind-hearted and reliable
- Element: Earth
- Direction: West
-
Pig (1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2043):
- Honest and generous
- Optimistic and easy going
- Compassionate and sincere
- Element: Water
- Direction: North West
So, at the end of the day, when you’re exploring the 12 animals that represent different years in the lunar calendar, it’s important to remember that not all animals get along swimmingly. In fact, there are some pairs of animals that clash and have a hard time finding common ground due to their conflicting personalities and traits. These clashes can impact relationships and even affect your luck or fortune in certain situations. On top of that, each animal also has a secret friend—an animal with whom they share a special bond and who can provide support and harmony in times of need. Understanding these dynamics can give you valuable insights into your relationships with others and offer guidance on how to navigate tricky situations with grace and understanding. So, whether you’re a Rat looking for your secret friend Ox or trying to avoid conflicts with your rival Tiger, knowing the ins and outs of these animal interactions can help you make more informed decisions in your daily life.
UPDATED: May 4th, 2024.
