Unlike Western astrology, Chinese astrology bases its signs on the year of a person's birth. The Chinese zodiac also assigns an astrological symbol to each new year, which, in China, begins on the second new moon after the Winter Solstice.
In Chinese astrology, those born in the year ruled by a particular animal exhibit the traits of their given sign.
Here are brief descriptions of the animal symbols represented in the Chinese zodiac, along with a sampling of the years each rules:
Rat - 1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008
The rat leaps on good opportunities, lending it an edge in professions such as advertising and real estate. Sociable and charming, the rat works well with people from a wide range of backgrounds. Western Counterpart - Sagittarius.
Ox - 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009
A born leader, the level-headed, conservative ox is well suited to a career in the military. With its patient, steady approach to life, the ox often eventually triumphs in a myriad of ways. Western Counterpart - Capricorn.
Tiger - 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010
Courageous, yet sensitive, the tiger is hard to control. Tigers are poorly suited for work that requires order-taking. They are much better off owning their own businesses. Western counterpart - Aquarius.
Rabbit - 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011
The diplomatic rabbit is known for its tact and good fortune. Those born under this sign make wonderful attorneys and actors. Western Counterpart - Pisces.
Dragon - 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012
Artistic and popular, the dragon is influential. Look for those born under this sign in the performing or creative arts, or even in politics. Western Counterpart - Aries.
Snake - 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013
Alluring and sharp-witted, the snake can be found in the hallowed halls of academia as well as on stage in theaters. They are considered the most attractive sign in the Chinese zodiac. Western Counterpart - Taurus.
Horse - 1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014
Strong and graceful, the horse is happy to work hard. Despite their large egos, they are fond of company and love to be surrounded by friends. Western Counterpart - Gemini.
Goat (or Sheep) - 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015
Nervous, but caring, the goat is typically found working in healthcare or other "giving" professions. Western Counterpart - Cancer.
Monkey - 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016
Clever and magnetic, the monkey is a natural-born journalist or marketing professional. It has a tendency to deceive others. Western Counterpart - Leo.
Rooster - 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017
The rooster is confident and visionary, making it the perfect Hollywood executive or Wall Street entrepreneur. Western Counterpart - Virgo.
Dog - 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018
The faithful dog tends to be loyal and comfortable with its "pack," but also possesses an adventurous spirit that occasionally rears its head. It will attack anyone it senses is threatening a loved one. You will find dogs teaching at schools or working as nurses. Western Counterpart - Libra.
Pig - 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019
Ethical and trustworthy, the pig can also be gullible. Its creative side makes it a natural artist. Western Counterpart - Scorpio.
