12 Animal Zodiac Signs

According to legend, the 12 animals of the Taoist Zodiac were chosen by Buddha. When Buddha was near death and about to depart this earthly world, he invited all the animals to visit him. However, only 12 came: the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig in that order. For visiting him, Buddha honoured each by using them to represent the 12 phases of the Zodiac or each Lunar New Year.

The first animal to arrive was the talkative Rat (who was aggressive enough to jump off the back of the Ox in order to be the #1 arrival) next in place #2, came the serious, enduring and hard-working Ox with the honourable Tiger, and cautious Rabbit. The outspoken Dragon joined the others, along with the philosophical Snake. The physically active Horse arrived with the artistic Goat. The spirited Monkey and the showy Rooster came as well. The last to join the others was the watchful Dog and the meticulous, resigned Pig. Buddha gave each animal a year of its own, bestowing the nature and characteristics of each to those born in that animals year (however note that despite this legend the astrology comes from Taoism and has nothing to do with Buddhism).

The below is only a very general overview of the 12 Taoist animal signs. For a more precise reading you need to get a personalised reading which you can book with us.

Rat

1924 Feb 5 to Jan 24 1925

1936 Jan 24 to Feb 10 1937

1948 Feb 10 to Jan 28 1949

1960 Jan 28 to Feb 14 1961

1972 Feb 15 to Feb 2 1973

1984 Feb 2 to Feb 19 1985

1996 Feb 19 to Feb 6 1997

2008 Feb 7 to Jan 25 2009

2020 Jan 25 to Feb 11 2021

Characteristics

Charisma, thrift, charming protective, compassionate, sociable

Vices

Crafty, picky, meddling, argumentative, overbearing

Though in Western culture the rat is reviled as little more than a bottom-dwelling disease carrier, this animal is viewed much differently in the East. Here it is admired for its quick wits and its ability to accrue and hold on to items of value; rats are considered a symbol of good luck and wealth in both China and Japan.

When the Buddha summoned all the animals in the kingdom to him, it was the smallest of them all that won the race and arrived first, thereby guaranteeing his name on the first year out of twelve. The rat used his wit and cunning by hitching a ride on the back of the other animals to arrive first. Clever and quick-witted, the Rat of the Taoist Zodiac is utterly disarming to boot. Charming and somewhat aggressive, they seek to achieve and succeed, being movers and drivers. Born with leadership qualities, they have a hefty measure of guile. Impatient with those of slower of wit or actions, this soul needs a bright, energetic partner with a good sense of humour. Rats will defend and spoil those they love, while outsiders don’t count. They like to be surrounded by those who like and admire them.

Ideal Jobs

Financial advisor, Executives, Broker, Moneylender, Lawyer, Detective, Antique dealer, Auctioneer, Songwriter, Pathologist

Ox

1925 Jan 25 to Feb 12 1926

1937 Feb 11 to Jan 30 1938

1949 Jan 29 to Feb 16 1950

1961 Feb 15 to Feb 4 1962

1973 Feb 3 to Jan 22 1974

1985 Feb 20 to Feb 8 1986

1997 Feb 7 to Jan 27 1998

2009 Jan 26 to Feb 13 2010

2021 Feb 12 to Jan 31 2022

Characteristics

Integrity, stability, diligence, authoritative, confident

Vices

Stubbornness, vindictiveness, bigoted, tyrannical

Oxen are working beasts, used traditionally in the East to plough the fields. Remember this creature, while slow, did manage to come second in answering Buddha’s call, beating far faster creatures. This powerful sign is a born leader, who works hard, gets results, and has little patience for those that don’t. They are methodical, and approach projects in a step by step manner while never losing sight of their goal. The stable Ox is determined, strong, and conservative, with a notable gift for manual dexterity and working with their hands. Family and duty are of utmost importance, and capable of leading nations (Hitler and Napoleon were Ox signs!). Oxen are powerful individuals with stubborn, reliable personalities and are dependable, honest, and stable. Whether they are at home or at work they need to be captain of their ship. The quiet, yet firm Ox is a homebody, who possesses intense passion beneath their calm exterior. They are not overtly sexual and don’t feel the need to hop from bed to bed in order to be happy and feel complete. The industrious Ox needs partner of substance and loyalty.

Note that Ox signs born during the day will generally have a harder life than their compatriots born during the night. During the day, the Ox is a working beast, ploughing the fields all day. As they get to rest at night, those Ox signs born at night will have an easier life.

Ideal Jobs

Composer, Landlord, Doctor, Cook or Chef, Farmer, Police officer, Soldier, Teacher, Judge, Banker, Insurance broker, Gardener

Tiger

1926 Feb 13 to Feb 1 1927

1938 Jan 31 to Feb 18 1939

1950 Feb 17 to Feb 5 1951

1962 Feb 5 to Jan 24 1963

1974 Jan 23 to Feb 10 1975

1986 Feb 9 to Jan 28 1987

1998 Jan 28 to Feb 15 1999

2010 Feb 14 to Feb 2 2011

2022 Feb 1 to Jan 21 2023

Characteristics

Bravery, honourable, hard-working, magnetism, authoritative

Vice

Hotheadedness, disobedience, reckless predatory, moody

While traditionally the West places the lion as king of the beasts, Eastern culture actually places the Tiger as king. The noble and courageous tiger is known as a risk-taker. Dynamic and needing change and movement, it is quite common for Tigers to hold many different jobs throughout their lives. They are kind and affectionate with their family and friends, yet are self-reliant and fiercely independent. Despite being the most unpredictable of the 12 signs, they are blessed with charm, and magnetism. Natural born leaders they are courageous and generally come out ahead in battle, whether it be in the boardroom or bedroom. The passionate Tiger is an unconventional, yet humanitarian soul. They often moody and feel things more intensely than others.

As this sign has attributes that are traditionally considered “masculine”, the Tiger is traditionally considered as more of a male sign. Females with these attributes were seen as less desirable as this sign was considered too strong for them.

Tiger signs born during the night (know as night Tigers) are generally more successful in life. For at night time, under the cover of darkness, Tigers are more successful hunters. Those born during the day (known as day Tigers) are considered more benign. For during daylight, the Tiger is exposed to his prey and therefore a less successful hunter.

Ideal Jobs

Entrepreneur, Military officer, Politician, Musician, Writer, Poet, Designer, Theatre director, Stockbroker, Athlete, Film star, Trade union leader, Company director, Stunt person, Explorer, Teacher.

Rabbit

1927 Feb 2 to Jan 22 1928

1939 Feb 19 to Feb 7 1940

1951 Feb 6 to Jan 26 1952

1963 Jan 25 to Feb 12 1964

1975 Feb 11 to Jan 30 1976

1987 Jan 29 to Feb 16 1988

1999 Feb 16 to Feb 4 2000

2011 Feb 3 to Jan 22 2012

2023 Jan 22 to Feb 9 2024

Characteristics

Tactful, sensitive, ambition, virtue, longevity, prudence

Vices

Complicated, hypochondriacal, self-righteousness, pedantic

The mild-mannered Rabbit is considered the diplomat of the signs. Timid and attractive, they flee personal upheaval and disruption Rabbits seek harmony and refinement in all things.

They are naturally creative and tend to excel in fine arts. They are drawn towards the classical and refined. Tradition and custom are important to the Rabbit. Rabbits seek comfort and elegance. Being refined, well presented, and charming, they also often make the ideal corporate wife. They are often prudent with money and never waste funds, generally also being good business partners. Being well grounded, they shun risk and emotional entanglements, while choosing security and stability. Sensitive, generous and gentle in nature, they are often taken advantaged of by other signs who exploit these qualities of theirs. For this, they need a loving and unselfish partner.

Ideal Jobs

Antique dealer, Diplomat, Administrator, Interior decorator, Politician, Historian, Art collector, Barrister, Tailor, Receptionist, Chemist, Landlord, Pharmacist, Beautician, Accountant, Librarian.

Dragon

1928 Jan 23 to Feb 9, 1929

1940 Feb 8 to Jan 26, 1941

1952 Jan 27 to Feb 19, 1953

1964 Deb 13 to Feb 1, 1965

1976 Jan 31 to Feb 17, 1977

1988 Feb 17 to Feb 5, 1989

2000 Feb 5 to Jan 23, 2001

2012 Jan 23 to Feb 9, 2013

2024 Feb 10 to Jan 28 2025

Characteristics

Strength, Success, Good heath, Self-sufficient, Charismatic

Vices

Rigidity, Mistrust, Dissatisfaction, Demanding, Opinionated.

Of all the 12 zodiac animal signs, this is the only one that exists in myth. People born under this mythical sign are always highly attractive, magnetic, and always have a majestical air about themselves. Possessing a natural authority, even if you cannot stand them, Dragons command your attention. Dragon women, even if they are not attractive, command attention and all eyes train on them when they enter a room. Possessing a certain natural charming and charisma, they can always influence their peers and often find themselves the center of attention in social situations. Many famous actors often fall under this sign and also those in the limelight.

Outspoken, they are seen as lucky and financially fortunate. This is the reason why traditionally many Chinese families try to have a child during the year of the Dragon. Though often able to amass considerable wealth through their lives, it is rather power rather than money that they are truly after. However, in spite of appearing formidable, Dragons are not invincible and all those flames are mere camouflage. They are a pushover and are real softies at heart. Being unpredictable they are egotistic, showy, assertive, usually high profile, and popular.

Ideal Jobs

Managing director, Salesperson, Advertising executive, Barrister, Film producer, Prime minister or President, Photojournalist, Architect, Astronaut, Artist, Film star, War correspondent

Snake

1929 Feb 10 to Jan 29, 1930

1941 Jan 27 to Feb 14, 1942

1953 Feb 14 to Feb 2, 1954

1965 Feb 2 to Jan 20, 1966

1977 Feb 18 to Feb 6, 1978

1989 Feb 6 to Jan 26, 1990

2001 Jan 24 to Feb 11, 2002

2013 Feb 10 to Jan 30, 2014

Characteristics

Attractiveness, Intuitive, Charitable, Compassion, Discreet

Vices

Extravagance, Judgemental, Haughty, Fickle, Conniving

In Western society, snakes don’t have a good image. For it was, after all a snake’s body that the Devil hid within to tempted Eve with an apple. In Chinese culture however, snakes are considered beautiful, wise, beneficial, and sensual. These souls are inclined towards the abstract and aesthetic in life.

Snakes are beautiful and are considered the “Female Fatale” of all the 12 zodiac signs, having mastered the art of seduction down pat. Physically attractive with flawless skin they are also born deep thinkers and gifted with deep intuition. They often rely on their own gut and intuition first before seeking help. This highly sensual sign is also rather insecure deep down and tend to be a jealous and possessive lover. On the other hand, they are often irresistible and are generous, loving partners.

For all the qualities mentioned, the Snake sign is considered to be a natural female sign, just as the Tiger is considered a natural male sign. This does not mean that males that fall under this sign are gay or effeminate in any way. Rather Male snakes tend to be charming, refined, and enjoy the finer things in life. They are sensual and make excellent lovers. Consider them as more Romeo rather than Boy George!

Ideal Jobs

Professor, Linguist, Teacher, Psychiatrist, Psychologist, Astrologer, Clairvoyant, Personnel officer, Public relations executive, Interior designer

Horse

1930 Jan 30 to Feb 16, 1931

1942 Feb 15 to Feb 4, 1943

1954 Feb 3 to Jan 23, 1955

1966 Jan 21 to Feb 8, 1967

1978 Feb 7 to Jan 27, 1979

1990 Jan 27 to Feb 14, 1991

2002 Feb 12 to Jan 31, 2003

2014 Jan 31 to Feb 18, 2015

Characteristics

Sociable, Productive, Warm-Hearted, Persuasiveness, Generous

Vices

Rebellion, Selfishness, Unscrupulous, Condescending, Moody

Those born during Horse years, like their sign, are free-spirited and cannot bear to be held in check. They must express themselves, feel free, and operate in an environment that reflects them and their personality. Horses are physically active, quick-witted, and athletic, they are the nomads of the 12 Chinese animal signs, being constantly on the move with places to go and people to see. They dream of freedom from all constraints. This cheerful, charming and witty sign is often successful in politics or any other role that heavily involves public speaking. Rather insecure they tend to feel inferior to their peers. Being self-reliant they might lose interest fast in a tedious, nine-to-five day job, but are willing to do the work necessary to get ahead. Being rather clever with their hands, they excel better at the practical rather than the theoretical or academia. Horses tend not to follow their own whims rather that look at the big picture, which can result in a trail of prematurely ended relationships, jobs, projects and so on. They do however make delightful companions and excellent friends.

Ideal Jobs

Athlete, Technician, Administrator, Chauffer, Inventor, Lorry driver, Sales person, Teacher, Reporter, Painter, Advertising executive, Poet, Hairdresser, Publican, Tour guide.

Goat

1931 Feb 17 to Feb 5, 1932

1943 Feb 5 to Jan 24, 1944

1955 Jan 24 to Feb 11, 1956

1967 Feb 9 to Jan 29, 1968

1979 Jan 28 to Feb 15, 1980

1991 Feb 15 to Feb 3, 1992

2003 Feb 1 to Jan 21, 2004

2015 Feb 19 to Feb 7, 2016

Characteristics

Generous, Sensitive, Intuitive, Creative

Vices

Pessimistic, Lazy, Indecisive, Self-pitying.

Goats are regarded as artists and dreamers of the 12 Chinese animal signs, making great craftsman, artisans or in fact any occupation that allows the full range of the mind.

Goats tend not to be very well-organized, therefore avoid conducting any business where attention to detail is crucial. In fact, they generally do not handle finances well and are best to find a partner who does so they may not have to handle this aspect of their lives together. They are free spirited, love social gatherings, stimulating conversation, and interesting people. They are gentle in nature and desire a peaceful existence where they can be undisturbed and un-obligated. Being creative, sensitive, kind, these souls born into Goat years are also extremely vulnerable. They are intelligent, insecure and may be generous to a fault. Being good Samaritans they have a soft heart towards those less fortunate to themselves. Goats need plenty of love, support and open reassurance from their lovers. At the first sign of emotional conflict they will often flee – either physically or into themselves. Goats will not hesitant to tell their partners what they need, and will definitely return the favour, delighting in indulging their lover’s every wish.

Ideal Jobs

Actor, Painter, Musician, Landscape gardener, Television presenter, Dancer, Escort

Monkey

1920 Feb 20 to Feb 7, 1921

1932 Feb 6 to Jan 25,1933

1944 Jan 25 to Feb 12, 1945

1956 Feb 12 to Jan 30, 1957

1968 Jan 30 to Feb 16,1969

1980 Feb 16 to Feb 4, 1981

1992 Feb 4 to Jan 22, 1993

2004 Jan 22 to Feb 8, 2005

2016 Feb 8 to Jan 27, 2017

Characteristics

Cunning, Wit, Improvisation, Stability, Autonomous

Vices

Deceitful, Self-involvement, Immature, Petty, Carelessness

The clever and ever youthful Monkey is regarded as the eternal child of the Taoist zodiac – a Peter Pan. Charming, energetic, they are the original party animal and know how to have a good time, swinging from one group to another. Like real monkeys they have a natural curiosity and are easily bored, needing an active social life. They love to show off and dazzle amongst their friends. Being highly diverse they are quick, restless, enterprising, sexual and irrepressible. Being gifted with hilarious sense of humour, they are witty companions but also need mentally sharp partners. They are also imaginative, resourceful, and display ingenuity, making them excellent business people as they are good at negotiating and finding ways to beat their competitors at their own game. For all of this though, this sign is the most difficult to define due to their dual and often contradictory nature.

Ideal Jobs

Counsellor, Therapist, Bus driver, Nurse, Occupational therapist, English teacher, Stockbroker, Town planner, Writer, Journalist.

Rooster

1921 Feb 8 to Jan 27, 1922

1933 Jan 26 to Feb 13, 1934

1945 Feb 13 to Feb 1, 1946

1957 Jan 31 to Feb 17, 1958

1969 Feb 17 to Feb 5, 1970

1981 Feb 5 to Jan 24, 1982

1993 Jan 23 to Feb 9, 1994

2005 Feb 9 to Jan 28, 2006

2017 Jan 28 to Feb 15, 2018

Characteristics

Resilience, Forthright, Hardworking, Astute, Generous

Vices

Cranky, Fussy, Egotistical, Bossiness, Cockiness

The Rooster is regarded as the strutting, showy peacock of the 12 Taoist zodiac signs! They are the strategist and appearance conscious of all the signs. They quick thinkers and prefer to stick to what they know, tried and true rather than risks on something new. Frequently occupying positions of authority, Roosters hate to obey and is essentially a very candid person. Naturally bossy they excel at setting a good example for others to follow. He wants to speak the truth at all costs and whatever the costs! They are too frank for their own good as their blatancy sometimes does them in. Confident, resilient, assertive, and industrious they apply themselves to practical projects. They work hard and always plan ahead for a rainy day. They are funny and enjoy entertaining others at parties or the office. They may tend to boast a bit but they are reliable and make an excellent friend.

Ideal Jobs

Newsreader, Sales person, Restaurant owner, Hairdresser, Public relations officer, Farmer, Athlete, Teacher, Waiter, Journalist, Travel writer, Dentist, Surgeon, Soldier, Fireman, Security guard, Police officer.

Dog

1922 Jan 28 to Feb 15, 1923

1934 Feb 14 to Feb 3, 1935

1946 Feb 2 to Jan 21, 1947

1958 Feb 18 to Feb 7, 1959

1970 Feb 6 to Jan 26, 1971

1982 Jan 25 to Feb 12, 1983

1994 Feb 10 to Jan 30, 1995

2006 Jan 29 to Feb 3, 2007

2018 Feb 16 to Feb 4, 2019

Characteristics

Loyal, Attentive, Modest, Devoted, Altruistic

Vices

Disagreeable, Self-righteousness, Cynicism, Tactlessness.

Like the animals that they are named after, those that fall under the Dog signs are loyal, faithful, honest, and always stick to their own ethics. Dogs are known for their complete loyalty towards their friend and loved ones. Dogs are crusaders and campaigners against injustice. Give them a cause to campaign for and they will turn over every stone to uncover every wrong to make sure that justice is done. They espouse anxiety, loyalty, humanitarianism, and fierce protectiveness. Dogs are nice, friendly and loving souls. If you love a Dog, and are lucky enough to be loved by one, then you can expect a lifetime of devotion and faithfulness to the very end. For this reason the Dog needs a trustworthy partner with strong family values, and appreciates their tender hearted virtues.

Like the Tiger and Ox signs, there are two types of Dogs. For those born during the night (night Dogs), their lives will be harder, as during the night the Dog is a working dog. He needs to guard the house and is constantly on alert. In contrast, for those born during the day (day Dogs), their lives are easier, as during the day the Dog gets to rest and is the family pet.

Ideal Jobs

Priest, Nun, Trade union leader, Teacher, Charity worker, Nurse, Doctor, Judge, Lawyer, Scientist, Researcher, Social Worker, Lawyer, Community worker.

Pig

1923 Feb 16 to Feb 4, 1924

1935 Feb 4 to Jan 23, 1936

1947 Jan 22 to Feb 9, 1948

1959 Feb 8 to Jan 27, 1960

1971 Jan 27 to Feb 14, 1972

1983 Feb 13 to Feb 1, 1984

1995 Jan 31 to Feb 18, 1996

2007 Feb 18 to Feb 6, 2008

2019 Feb 5 to Jan 24, 2020

Characteristics

Sincerity, Self-sacrificing, Caring, Sweetly naïve, Obliging

Vices

Hesitation, Pigheadedness, Authoritarian, Pessimistic.

The very last of the animals to heed Buddha’s call and arrive is the Pig. Where the West may have a lowly image of the Pig, in the East the Pig is more highly regarded and may be the most generous and honourable sign of the zodiac. They are a model of sincerity, purity, tolerance, and honour. Pigs possess impeccable manners and are nice to a fault, being far too accommodating people tend to take advantage of your yielding nature. The considerate, extremely honest, and unpretentious Pig makes a cheerful friend and sincere partner. Pigs also care a great deal about friends and family and work hard to keep everyone in their life happy, so much so that helping others is a true pleasure for the Pig. Fortunately Pigs tend to attract money due to their pure hearts and often become rich. This is fortunate as they love opulence and delight in finery and have sumptuous tastes. Pigs are motivated by their conscience and are often betrayed because of their faith in others. They need physical love and emotional security, and an easy-going partner who they can talk problems through with.

Ideal Jobs

Researcher, Scientist, Chemist, Technician, Musician, Restaurateur, Social worker, Fundraiser, Builder, Chef, Delicatessen owner, Personnel manager, Administrative officer, Civil servant.

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