Chinese astrology has reportedly been around since 2637 B.C. and is based on a lunar year (twelve successive new moons) system. According to this engaging form of divination, people who are born in the same lunar year share similar personality traits. These characteristics have been grouped into twelve distinct classes originally known as the twelve Earth Branches. But as time passed, they began to be known by these animal signs: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. The personality traits of each sign are listed below.

The Rat Personality

Rats are charmingly deceptive. Sure, they look calm on the outside, but they have a wealth of restless energy on the inside. They seem to have a problem relaxing and that’s because they’re always thinking.

If you’re looking for a friend who’ll share his or her innermost thoughts, avoid Rats; they’re known for being quite secretive. But don’t assume Rats are sneaky. They just prefer to keep their thoughts and feelings to themselves.

If you were born during these recent years, you have the Rat personality: 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, and 1984.*

The Ox Personality

Some consider the Ox to be boring. This is untrue. The Ox is simply more disciplined than the rest of us. And if you desire a stable, dependable individual in your life, try hooking up with someone born under this sign.

Oxen are known for their fidelity in love relationships. However, if you’re in desperate need of romance, the Ox won’t do it for you. Wooing is just not this animal's strong suit--so be prepared to go without.

If you were born during these recent years, you have the Ox personality: 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, and 1985.*

The Tiger Personality

Want someone who’ll always take the lead? Look no further than the fierce Tiger. Tigers have plenty of leadership potential to go along with their endless reserve of charisma. As you could probably guess, Tigers don’t mind standing out from the rest of the crowd. In fact, they love it. They need to have groupies around to admire their every move.

Tigers aren’t perfect. Most have wicked tempers and are pretty reckless. Tigers are also known for being quite impatience. They often act on impulse, causing them to make decisions they may later regret.

If you were born during these recent years, you have the Tiger personality: 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, and 1986.*

The Rabbit Personality

The sophisticated Rabbit is never looking for a fight. He or she will always try to avoid conflict and confrontation. But don’t think Rabbits are cowards. They just value peace and quiet about all else.

Rabbits are friendly people with plenty of polish. They love to live a life of comfort and prefer more tranquil types of entertainment.

However, Rabbits are also critical and fussy creatures. And they have a shallow nature, preferring to emotionally separate themselves from serious matters. Therefore, if you need someone to get you through a major dilemma, think twice before calling a Rabbit. Rabbits detest the harsh realities of life and will detest you for dragging them into your drama.

If you were born during these recent years, you have the Rabbit personality: 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, and 1987.*

The Dragon Personality

Dragons have strong ideals and lots of integrity. Like Tigers, Dragons have major charisma and will attract their share of groupies. They also make good, strong leaders. But unlike Tigers, Dragons don’t crave the attention. They’re loners—fiercely independent types who don’t form relationships too easily.

Dragons also share something else with Tigers: they often lose their tempers. And Dragons can breathe fire when they're angry. So don’t be surprised if they unconsciously say something hurtful to you during a little squabble. Dragons are really good with words because they don’t waste any; these individuals are blunt and direct.

If you were born during these recent years, you have the Dragon personality: 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, and 1988.*

The Snake Personality

Snakes like to study you before they make their move. So don’t be put off by their intense stare. Yes, they’re sizing you--and everyone else--up. That’s why Snakes are so insightful. While others are jumping to conclusions, they’re observing and collecting information about everything. And snakes are certainly not above using that info to their advantage. Actually, they’re known for it.

Snakes are also known for their sexy brand of charm. Most love to flirt. But there’s usually an ulterior motive behind their inviting ways, so beware! Snakes are not above using seduction to get what they want.

Also, Snakes are filled with jealousy. Therefore, if you choose a Snake to be your love, don’t be shocked by his or her possessive nature.

If you were born during these recent years, you have the Snake personality: 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, and 1989.*

The Horse Personality

You can’t stop a Horse. And don't ever try--unless you want hoofprints on your back. Horses are forceful individuals who are determined to get what they want. And if a Horse is frustrated in its attempt to achieve its goal, it may use force.

Horses are fiercely independent types who hate to be tied down. They’re awfully impatient and need to be on the move. So try to keep up, will you?

A Horse has a great deal of personality and appeal. So don’t be surprised to find one with more than a few admirers. And there’s a pretty good chance that the Horse’s groupies are using flattery to get on his or her good side. Horses devour compliments like bales of hay.

If you were born during these recent years, you have the Horse personality: 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, and 1990.*

The Sheep Personality

Sheep are comforting creatures who don’t like the leadership role. They prefer the calm, safe route of going along with the herd. In other words, Sheep prefer tranquility.

You won’t see Sheep get angry too often; they rather not show you that side of themselves. But their emotions are always near the surface. They’re the ones who worry about others and show compassion to those in need. It’s this extreme sensitivity that causes them to be particularly moody.

But the Sheep has plenty of patience and lots of understanding, so if you’re going through a rough time, you can have no better shoulder to cry on.

If you were born during these recent years, you have the Sheep personality: 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, and 1991.*

The Monkey Personality

If you’re having a party, you’ve got to invite a few Monkeys to the bash. Monkeys are likeable, amusing individuals who have interesting things to say about almost any topic. Plus, they’re good listeners, too.

But Monkeys have their bad side. Their egos are huge. They believe they’re smarter than everyone else—including you. And this belief may cause them to attempt to deceive you from time to time. But even when the Monkey is caught being dishonest, its charming nature can usually get you to forgive and forget.

If you were born during these recent years, you have the Monkey personality: 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, and 1992.*

The Rooster Personality

Roosters are not easy to have as friends. They’re extremely opinionated and will tell you exactly what’s on their minds—even if it’s not so nice. Don’t think that they’re mean-spirited. They just feel it’s their duty to point out what’s wrong with you and the rest of the world.

If you like to debate, find a Rooster and prepare to argue until the sun goes down. And don’t expect them to give in to your point of view. They won’t do it. They can’t do it. But only because they believe they’re never wrong—about anything! And even if they’re proven wrong, they won’t admit it. The Rooster is supremely confident in its own belief system.

Roosters crave the spotlight and will show off to impress others. But don’t blame them. They just want to share their importance with others.

If you were born during these recent years, you have the Rooster personality: 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, and 1993.*

The Dog Personality

When you first meet a Dog, don’t be offended if he or she doesn’t warm up to you right away. Dogs are a bit shy and don’t trust easily. They have to get to know you first. But if you manage to gain the trust of a Dog, you gain an ally that’s loyal, trustworthy, and reliable. And if you ever find yourself in a fight, make sure you have a Dog by your side. Dogs will attack anyone who tries to take you down.

But friendship with the Dog is not always perfect. Dogs are worriers and complainers. They're also very stubborn, often insisting on following a course of action that’s clearly doomed to fail. Therefore, you should try to be reassuring and supportive when dealing with your Dog friend. And it will pay off it the end: Dogs are known for being quite generous to their loved ones.

If you were born during these recent years, you have the Dog personality: 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, and 1994.*

The Pig Personality

If you want to throw a wild party, you have to have a couple of Pigs there. That’s because Pigs are probably the most fun of all the animal signs. They’re friendly, laid-back, people who enjoy a good time.

Pigs believe that life is to be enjoyed to its fullest. And many seem to act as if there’s no tomorrow. Unfortunately, this belief may cause the Pig to eat, drink, and perform other actions in an excessive manner.

Pigs make great buddies, in part because they don’t mind sharing what they have. But you must protect your Pig partner: he is far too trusting and naïve. Pigs have a child-like innocence that makes them easy to fool.

If you were born during these recent years, you have the Pig personality: 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, and 1995.*

Chinese astrology is fascinating, enlightening, and entertaining. But understand these descriptions are very general. An individual’s complete personality can only be determined when additional factors (i.e. month, day, and time) are known. To further your knowledge about Chinese astrology, visit your local library or bookstore.

*Note: In Chinese astrology, a new year begins at the start of a new moon, not on January 1st. Therefore, the birth year alone is not sufficient to determine the animal signs of those born in either January or February. For these individuals, it is necessary to consult a reliable resource (i.e. lunar calendar) to determine their animal signs.