Chinese Zodiac Signs By: Bo Guo Chinese astrology is based on the twelve cycles of the moon.

The calendar is very old: it dates back to 2600 BC. The Chinese zodiac consists (is made up) of twelve animals. One animal symbolizes (stands for) the entire year. The calendar and its animals were based on an ancient legend. It tells us that the animals were all fighting about who was going to be in the prime (first) position on the Chinese calendar. The gods created a test in which the animals would compete for their position by swimming across a river. Another version says that the Buddha requested visits by the animals before he left earth. He named the moon cycles after the animals in order of appearance. The animals used in Chinese astrology are rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep (goat), monkey, rooster, dog, and boar (pig). Persons born during their cycle are said to take on their animal traits (characteristics): Rat- Perfectionist, charming, aggressive, secretive, party-loving, quickwitted, stubborn, good at politics and business, can be mean Ox- Quiet, quick to anger, excellent memories, hard-working, family loyalty, creative, skillful hands, responsible, self-confident Tiger- Leaders, courageous, territorial, possessive, fighters, generous and selfish, magnetic, passionate, works solo, dynamic Rabbit- Sweet-natured, conservative, artistic, tasteful, sentimental, emotional, shy, faithful to partners, romantic, avoid fighting Dragon- Regal, leader, center of attention, powerful, lucky, aggressive, dynamic, big ego, snobbish, tyrannical Snake- Charming, popular, lies easily, possessive, hates rejection, deep thinker, well-mannered, lazy, romantic, insecure

Horse- Crowd lover, rebellious, energetic, selfish, self-centered, good with money, cunning, lacks self-confidence Sheep or goat- Artistic, creative, lazy, disorganized, charming, wellmannered, dreamy, pessimistic, romantic, worrier, not good in business Monkey- Charming, witty, clever, emotional, unscrupulous, love food but not gluttons, deceptive, funny, lucky Rooster- Straight-forward, honest, flashy dresser, loyal, honest, dreamer, psychic, busy, loves a bargain, observers Dog- Traditional, loyal, sincere, intelligent, private, judgmental, serious, anxious, likes solitude, champions causes Pig or boar- Loving, caring, chivalrous, sincere, honorable, easy to take advantage of, belief in goodness, love food, romantic, jealous As you can see the Chinese calendar with its Chinese zodiac symbols is most interesting indeed. If you look up your Chinese zodiac sign, you will enjoy the time learning more about yourself.

About the Author Bo Guo is the owner of Char4U.com and OrientaLabels.com. Please include an active link to our sites when reprinting this article.