If we're beginning to know more or less the nuances of astrology according to the signs of the solar zodiac, it's important to know that there's also a Chinese horoscope! Far be it from us to lose you, let's take a look at the mechanism of Chinese astrology, the astrological signs in detail and how to know your Chinese zodiac sign! Take a deep breath, Elia explains it all to you, as simply as possible...
What are the 12 Chinese zodiac signs?
In Chinese astrology, there are twelve zodiac signs, symbolized by animals. The Chinese astrological signs follow one another in a similar order each year. Since there are 12 Chinese astrological signs, the cycle of these twelve signs spans twelve years. Each year is symbolized by one of these signs. The twelve Chinese astrological signs are: Rat, Buffalo, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig. And in that exact order!
Remember that each Chinese astrological sign is associated with specific character traits, as well as a natural element : water, metal, earth, fire and wood. Thus, Chinese astrology experts use Chinese signs to make "predictions" about people's futures, as well as personalized recommendations about relationships, work, health and money .
On-lineChinese horoscopes are available on the Internet, enabling you to find out your Chinese astrological sign, as well as making "forecasts" for the year ahead. Here again, it's important to be wary: there's no scientific proof of this! It's up to you to decide whether to follow your Chinese zodiac sign's indications... or not!
Chinese zodiac sign Rat
The Chinese zodiac sign Rat is associated with the element of water. People born under the Chinese sign of the Rat are often described as passionate, rather cheerful and resolutely optimistic. Rats are perceived as having great seductive power and charm! People born under the Chinese sign of the Rat are protective, generous and irresistible. But beware of passionate love affairs and toxic relationships!
Chinese sign of Buffalo
The Chinese sign of the Buffalo is the second sign of the Chinese zodiac. Its natural element is water. People born under the Chinese sign of the Buffalo are often known as hard-working, honest, strong and determined individuals. They have high ambitions in life and place great importance on family and work. Buffalo" people are said to be very patient, but sometimes a little out of step with society due to their difficulty in communicating with others.
Chinese sign Tiger
The Chinese Tiger sign is associated with the natural element of Wood. It's the third sign of the Chinese zodiac, and one of the signs endowed with Yang sensitivity, i.e. masculine energy. In terms of personality, people born under the Chinese sign of the Tiger are renowned for their courage, bravery, charisma and competitive spirit!
But beware: Tigers can be unpredictable, as they have a horror of routine. On the one hand, they can be altruistic and communicative, but on the other, they can be slightly dishonest and even a little haughty!
Chinese sign Rabbit
The Chinese sign of the Rabbit is related to the natural element Wood, and people born under this sign are known for being kind, caring, calm and favoring security and gentleness over conflict. Rabbits" are reputed to be highly cultured, with a slight tendency to flaunt their knowledge... But they are very pleasant people to live with. A woman born under the Chinese sign of Rabbit will tend to be rather discreet and sensitive.
Chinese sign Dragon
The Chinese sign of the Dragon is associated with the natural element of Wood. Reputed to be open-minded and good company, "Dragons" are loyal, frank and passionate individuals. Beware, Dragons can be slightly stubborn.
Chinese sign Snake
The Chinese sign of the Snake is an astrological sign reputed to belong to the Yin family, the feminine energy. Its natural element is Fire! As for their character traits, Chinese Snake sign natives are known for being seductive, sentimental and very sensual. He's a charmer at heart (or a charmer!), capable of bewitching anyone and everyone around him. The Serpent woman is also very charismatic, though rather discreet .
Chinese sign Horse
The Chinese Horse sign belongs to the Yang (masculine) sign family and is the seventh sign of the Chinese zodiac. The Horse is associated with the natural element of Fire . People born under the Chinese sign of the Horse are known for being enthusiastic, easy-going and very positive! But... they can quickly become tense and irritated by everyday details!
Chinese sign Goat
The Chinese sign of the Goat is the eighth sign of the Chinese zodiac, and is also known as the "sheep" or the "ewe". People born under this Chinese astrological sign display great sensitivity, gentleness, emotionality and perseverance as their main character traits. They are fiercely convinced of the existence of Love with a capital A, and dream of Prince Charming.
Chinese sign Monkey
The Chinese Monkey sign is the ninth sign of the Chinese zodiac. It's associated with the natural element of Metal. In terms of personality, the Chinese Monkey sign is often associated with a strong masculine (Yang) sensibility. What does this mean? A curious and ambitious person, but also eager for adventure and full of energy. He loves competition and stands out for his intelligence. On the downside, he can be accused of a tendency towards narcissism!
Chinese sign Rooster
The Chinese sign of the Rooster is the tenth sign of the Chinese zodiac (logical, as we move step by step through the cycle!). Its natural element is Metal. In terms of personality, the Rooster is a person of Yin polarity, feminine energy. People born under the Chinese sign of the Rooster are reputed to be methodical, ambitious and perfectionist, with a strong character! They're very demanding, both of themselves and of others. Their tendency? Begging for attention...
Chinese sign Dog
The Dog is the eleventh sign of the Chinese zodiac, and its natural element of reference is Metal. This Chinese astrological sign is dominated by a Yang polarity, masculine energy .
People born under the Chinese sign of the Dog are known to be highly appreciated by others, and are gentle and pleasant to be around, with great kindness and empathy. She's probably THE person to have in your life! The Dog is said to be loyal, faithful, intelligent and very honest, with a strong sense of justice .
Chinese sign Pig
The Chinese sign of the Pig, also known as the Wild Boar, is the ultimate sign of the Chinese zodiac. Its natural element is Water and its polarity is Yin, a majority of feminine energy! The Pig is often associated with Scorpio in solar astrology. People born under the sign of the Pig are often described as calm and collected, with a touching personality and a great sense of generosity.
How to calculate your Chinese zodiac sign?
The Chinese zodiac sign is calculated according to each person's year of birth, and therefore changes every year on a twelve-year cycle. However, for people born between January and February, the day and month of birth must be taken into account, as the year alone is not sufficient to determine the corresponding Chinese sign. The beginning of a Chinese year is never fixed at January 1st, and changes from one year to the next!
On the Internet, you can find charts to help you determine your Chinese sign according to your year of birth and the precise date of the month. Once you know your sign, you can associate it with a natural element: wood, fire, earth, metal and water .
What are the love compatibilities between Chinese zodiac signs?
Love compatibility" between Chinese zodiac signs is a major topic in Chinese culture. According to Chinese astrology experts, love compatibility can be measured in terms of attraction, professional understanding, sexuality and character. These elements indicate whether the relationship is likely to last.
For example: the Rat is reputed to get on well with the Dragon, the Buffalo and the Monkey, but absolutely not with the Horse, the Tiger and the Pig! As for the Buffalo, it's said to go well with the Rooster, Rat or Snake, but absolutely not with the Goat or Monkey.
It should be remembered, however, that love compatibility cannot be determined by Chinese zodiac signs alone, as an infinite number of other factors come into play in a love relationship! (It would be a bit too simple otherwise, wouldn't it?).
