HISTORY of Chinese Horoscopes

This Chinese Horoscope is an ancient perspective on our modern lives comes from the ancient Oriental art of divination and character reading. The first cycle of this Zodiac was introduced in 2637 BC by Emperor Huang Ti. This 'art form' developed as the system emerged and joined with philosophy. Some fascinating insights into a persons character, lifestyle, and emotional makeup are revealed. The roots of this interpretive art, are based deeply in the classical philosophy of Confucius, Lao-tse and the Yi Jing (I Ching).

According to legend, the order of the twelve signs was determined by Buddha, upon celebration of the Eastern New Year landing on different dates in accordance to mid-January to mid-February.  Buddha invited all of the animals in the kingdom together for a meeting.  12 creatures attended. The first animal to arrive was the Rat.  He jumped jumped of the Ox so that he could be first.  Then the Tiger arrived in front of the cat.  The others that followed in order were :  Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and the Pig.  Buddha gave each animal a year of its own, bestowing the nature and characteristics of each to those born in that animals year.

The Chinese Horoscope is perhaps the oldest known horoscope system in the world. Ancient writings have been dated as early as the fourth millennium BC and have been preserved in the monasteries of Tibet, China and Southeast Asia.

Each animal designation or ‘earthly branch’ is symbolic and represents a specific behavioral psychology in the chinese horoscope. It could, perhaps, be called the ‘Myers-Briggs’ personality inventory of ancient eastern philosophy. 

The Chinese horoscope uses calculations of yearly or lunar year periods, rather than months, to order the signs. Each of the twelve animal signs lasts for an entire year, beginning on various dates between mid-January through mid February. While each sign repeats every 12 years, the specific combination of animal and element occur only once every 60 years. 

While each one of us possesses some qualities of all 12 signs, each person has a dominant sign and birth element. Your birth year can paint a striking picture of attitude, mannerisms and potential. The purpose of this interpretive art was, and is, self-enlightenment. 

CHART What are you in the Chinese Horoscope?

Chinese Horoscope for The RAT "Tze"                                                              

In the Chinese horoscope the socially adept Rat possesses charisma, charm, intelligence, and the ability to verbally exchange their eclectic knowledge. Sociable and romantic with complex emotions, those born into this 1st sign of the Eastern zodiac form deep emotional ties. The always thrifty Rat, counts their pennies and knows how to spot a bargain. Impatient with those of slower of wit or actions, this soul needs a bright, energetic partner with a good sense of humor. The talkative Rat is also a natural writer and critic. High-strung, curious, and ever alert to their environment, the essence of this intellectual sign is 'concealment'. Rats gather strength during the midnight hours they rule, between 1100pm - 100am.


Chinese Horoscope for  The OX � Chou�

In the Chinese horoscope the Ox/buffalo is the hard working, serious loner of the family whose essence is �endurance.�. The opinionated 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. Souls born under this 2nd sign of the zodiac are capable of leading nations, not to mention running a most efficient household. Oxen are powerful individuals with stubborn, reliable personalities. Whether at home or at work these souls need to be captain of their ship and are dependable, honest, and stable. The quiet, yet firm Ox is a homebody, who possesses intense passion beneath their calm exterior. The industrious Ox needs partner of substance and loyalty. Oxen gather strength during the quiet post-midnight hours they rule, between 100am - 300am.


Chinese Horoscope for The TIGER �Yin�

         In the Chinese horoscope the Tiger is the restless, adventurous, and always courageous risk-taker of the Chinese zodiac. With a sense of "empowered entitlement," nobility and humanitarian causes appeal to the generous Tiger. These souls are tenderhearted, and affectionate with their friends and family, yet self-reliant and fiercely independent. This is the most unpredictable of the 12 signs, blessed with charm, nerve and grand ideas. Tigers flash brilliantly through life sometimes without caution for their own security. Courageous, enthusiastic, and optimistic, the passionate Tiger is an unconventional, yet humanitarian soul. The noble Tiger needs a sexy, exciting partner and gather their legendary strength during the pre-dawn hours they rule, between 300am - 500am.


The RABBIT (Vietnamese CAT) �Mao�

In the Chinese horoscope the well-mannered Rabbit/cat is diplomatic, easygoing, refined, and a devoted friend. Detached and aloof, the Rabbit flees personal upheaval and disruption. These souls excel in the fine arts, and are highly creative. Well grounded and virtuous Rabbits shun risk and emotional entanglements, choosing security, and quiet stability. Business partners extraordinare, peaceful and contented Rabbits possesses quiet sensuality and the gift of self-preservation. Sensitive and easily hurt, the private Rabbit keeps their own council and is highly sought after for their advice. The virtuous Rabbit needs a loving and unselfish partner. Cats gather strength during the breaking dawn hours they rule, between 500am - 700am.


Chinese Horoscope for  The DRAGON � Chen�

      In the Chinese horoscope the powerful Dragon is the physically healthy, sentimental visionary of the Chinese zodiac. Outspoken, lucky and financially fortunate, Dragons show boundless energy and vitality. These proud souls do not like to be challenged, and their nature is that of 'unpredictability'. Egotistic, high-profile Dragons are assertive, boisterous, and showy. Successful and popular, this 5th sign of the zodiac produces excellent actors and are born to be in the public eye. Lucky, original enthusiastic resourceful healthy. The infatuate Dragon needs a strong and intriguing partner, or else they may opt to live a solitary life. The Dragon gathers strength during its own morning hours of 700am - 900am.


Chinese Horoscope for The SNAKE �Si�

In the Chinese horoscope the Snake is the wise philosopher and stealth personality of the Chinese zodiac. Physically attractive with flawless skin and flawless advice, the Snakes are the sages, psychiatrists and spiritual advisors of the zodiac. Quiet, 'accumulated strength' is the nature of their soul. Those souls born into Snake years are inclined towards abstract and aesthetic in life. Unusually gifted with deep intuitions, Snakes are uncommonly attractive, and the consummate philosopher and sage. Insight, compassion, subtlety, and discretion are the sum and substance of this 6th sign of the Eastern zodiac. The highly sensual Snake is possessive and needs an emotional partner who abandons themselves to feelings and passionate desire. The most harmonious time of day for the Snake is their own hours, between 900am - 1100am.


Chinese Horoscope for The HORSE �Wu�

In the Chinese horoscope the Horses are the physically active, oratory and quick-witted athletes of the zodiac. Charming, independent, and �decisive,� the Horse prefers to be 'on the move' with places to go and people to see. Natural leaders, idealistic and humanitarian in character, the Horse is a gifted speaker and strong communicator. Elegant, witty, and charming, those born into Horse years are difficult to defeat in an argument, and always make a persuasive case. Often successful in politics or public speaking, the cheerful and friendly Horse is talkative and needs absolute freedom to maneuver through life�s pastures. This independent 7th sign of the zodiac needs a mate who stimulates their mind and appreciates their wit. Rejuvenating time of day for Horses is during their own high-noon hours, between 1100am - 100pm.

Chinese Horoscope for The GOAT �Wei�

 In the Chinese horoscope the Goats are the artists in temperament and in character. These changeable free spirits, love social gatherings, stimulating conversation, and interesting people. �Propriety� and a beautiful environment are important to their souls. Gentle in spirit, Goats desire a peaceful spot to exist undisturbed and un-obligated. Creative, sensitive and kind, those souls born into Goat years are warmhearted, disorganized, and extremely vulnerable. They are capricious, work when least expected to, and are never reached by being pressured or by a heavy hand. This 8th position in the zodiac is intelligent, sometimes insecure, and generous to a fault. This good Samaritan has a soft heart towards those less fortunate whether a homeless puppy or a needy friend, and needs a strong partner able to take the reins and handle their usually fortunate finances. Goats gather strength during their own early afternoon hours, between 100pm - 300pm.

Chinese Horoscope for The MONKEY �Shen�

In the Chinese horoscope the youthful and clever Monkey is the eternal child of the Eastern zodiac. These highly diverse and bright souls are 'irrepressible.' Monkeys are quick, restless, enterprising, and sexual. Mischievous and high-spirited, Monkeys are social, active, convincing, and are gifted with a hilarious sense of humor. Imagination, ingenuity, and resourcefulness characterize those born into a year of the multifaceted Monkey. Versatile, curious and easily bored, mischievous Monkeys are witty companions, indulgent, intelligent, and ready to play. This 9th sign of the zodiac is the most difficult to define due to their dual and sometimes contradictory nature. Monkey�s need mentally sharp partners who stimulate their cerebral resources. The best time of day for Monkeys are the hours they rule, between 300pm - 500pm.

Chinese Horoscope for The ROOSTER �You�

In the Chinese horoscope the Rooster is the military strategist and appearance conscious soul of the zodiac. Finely dressed with a taste for pageantry, the Rooster enjoys a lively, outgoing manner, and is most candid in speech. These efficient and methodical souls, work hard today, applying themselves, planning ahead for rewards tomorrow. Confident, resilient, and industrious, those souls born into Rooster years apply themselves to practical projects. Enthusiastic about details others may have overlooked, Rooster�s refuse to be bossed and are best suited to work which they have control over. Swanky Rooster�s may tend to boast a bit, but this 10th sign of the zodiac is a reliable and excellent friend. Roosters love to socialize and adore adornment and finery. The assertive Rooster needs a strong and self-assured partner whom they can respect. Rejuvenating time of day for Roosters is during their own sunset hours of 500pm - 700pm.

Chinese Horoscope for The DOG �Xu�

In the Chinese horoscope the Dogs are the watchful worriers of the Chinese zodiac, and the champions of the underdog. The Dog is famous for complete loyalty towards their friends and loved ones, but intense ferocity towards the enemies of their loved ones. Anxiety, loyalty and protectiveness characterize the magnanimous Dog personality. Devotion, generosity, and perseverance are the cornerstones of the wary Dogs temperament. This 11th sign of the Eastern zodiac is earnest, sincere and faithful to those whom they love, but being plagued by wariness, can have a sharp tongue, and a tendency to jump to conclusions. Cautious and serious regarding love, the Dog needs a trustworthy partner who has strong family sympathies, and appreciates their tenderhearted virtues. Low on ego, high on soapboxes, the Dogs' fair-minded humanitarianism is legendary. Best time of day for Dogs is between 700pm - 900pm.

Chinese Horoscope for The PIG �Hai�

In the Chinese horoscope the Pig is Considerate, long-suffering, and supremely honest, the unpretentious Pig makes a cheerful friend and sincere partner. This 12th and last sign of the zodiac is pragmatic and has an unquenchable thirst for new knowledge. They are often betrayed because of their faith in others, but are oftentimes rewarded with financial security due to their pure hearts. Companionship, physical love and emotional security are a must, and these souls need an easy-going mate who talks out problems instead of shouting. Gentle, yet strong of will, Pigs are motivated by their conscience. Resigned and accepting the world as it is, Pig souls do not push themselves ahead at the cost of another. Most harmonious time of day for the Pig is between 900pm - 1100pm.

Final Thoughts

You will also hear Chinese Horscopes defined as Horoscopo Chino, Asian Horoscopes, Asian Astrology, Easter Astrology, Eastern Horoscopes.