The Chinese Zodiac for Beginners
Hello once again, astrology fans.
Today, we thought we’d shake things up a bit and do something a little bit outside
of our usual wheelhouse.
So far, we here at Bestie have made quite a few videos discussing topics and themes
related to the astrological signs of the Western zodiac.
As a change of pace, this week we decided to set our sights further east to see what
other forms of astrology are out there for us to learn more about.
Today, we will be taking a look at the Chinese zodiac, the twelve-animal themed signs that
make it up, and each of the signs’ corresponding meanings.
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Like the Western zodiac that you may be more familiar with, the Chinese zodiac is composed
of 12 different signs, with each person’s assigned sign corresponding to when they were
born in relation to the zodiac cycle.
However, while the signs of the Western zodiac switch out on a monthly basis, each sign of
the Chinese zodiac lasts for an entire year, moving from one sign to the next as part of
the Chinese new year, otherwise known as the Lunar New Year.
As a result, it takes 12 years to completely cycle through the Chinese zodiac; in order
to find out which sign is yours, all you need to do is take your birth year and find where
it fits into the cycle.
Each of the twelve zodiac signs is represented by an animal; according to some myths created
to explain the origin of the zodiac, these were the 12 animals that arrived to help mankind
at the request of the Jade Emperor.
In other versions of this myth, these 12 animals decided to compete in a race; the order of
signs in the zodiac represents the order in which each of the animals crossed the finish
line.
Whatever the reason, each of these 12 animals is believed to embody each of the virtues,
flaws, and personality traits of their associated sign, and these traits are shared with whoever
was born during that year.
Now, let’s take a look at all the different signs in the Chinese zodiac and see what meanings
are most commonly associated with them.
If you want, pause this video for a moment so you can look up which sign corresponds
to your birth year; that way, you’ll be prepared to hear all about your sign when
we reach it on the list.
The Rat The Rat is the first animal in the Chinese
zodiac, and as such, they are associated with new beginnings.
According to some versions of the zodiac’s origin story, the Rat secured its place at
the front of the cycle by hitching a ride on the back of the Ox, only to jump ahead
at the last minute in order to be the first one across the finish line.
People who were born during the year of the rat are said to be similarly crafty and inventive,
as well as naturally gifted with strengths such as intelligence, determination, and wisdom.
On a less positive note, people born on the year of the rat are also sometimes believed
to be selfish, ruthless and nervous.
In Wu Xing, or the five Chinese elements, the Rat is commonly associated with the element
of water.
2.
The Ox The second sign of the Chinese zodiac is the
sturdy Ox: in some tellings of the zodiac’s origin, the Ox was convinced by the Rat to
help them across the finish line first; similarly, people born on the year of the ox are believed
to be kind and loyal to their friends, as well as honest, observant, and cautious.
On the flipside, Oxen might also come across to others as self-righteous, stubborn, or
judgmental, so it might be best not to get on their bad side.
The Ox is associated with the Chinese element of Earth.
3.
The Tiger Third in the zodiac is the proud and noble
Tiger.
The Tiger was the third to cross the finish line in the race that determined the zodiac,
and might have placed higher if not for the fact that they had already winded and exhausted
themselves by the time it entered the last leg of the race.
Like the Tiger itself, those born on the year of the tiger are said to be outspoken, adventurous,
and enthusiastic, but are also prone to behaviour that can be described as aggressive, arrogant
or anxious, depending on who you ask.
The Tiger is associated with the Chinese element of wood, maybe because of all that time they
spend stalking around the forest.
4.
The Rabbit The Rabbit is the fourth animal in the Chinese
zodiac, and by that token also the fourth animal that was said to cross the finish line
during the race.
Poor guy; between this myth and the story of the tortoise and the hare, it seems as
though our long-eared friends just can’t catch a break.
People born on the year of the rabbit are said to be intuitive, compassionate, and clever,
though on bad days they can also reveal themselves as being pessimistic, insecure, and finicky.
To be fair, if all the best stories were about me losing races, I’d feel insecure, too!
Like the Tiger, the Rabbit is associated with the element of wood.
5.
The Dragon Fifth on the list of animals in the Chinese
zodiac is the Dragon.
Hey, wait a minute, since when are fictional animals allowed?
No fair!
According to myth and legend, the Dragon finished fifth in the zodiac race because they took
a detour along the way, bringing rain to a group of thirsty people and animals it passed
along the way.
Like the Dragon in the story, people born on the year of the dragon are said to be courageous,
compassionate, and charismatic; people born on these years also get exclusive bragging
rights for having their sign be an animal so cool it doesn’t even exist.
Unfortunately, people born on the year of the dragon can also be impetuous, inflexible,
and brash.
Dragons are associated with the element of earth.
6.
The Snake Number six is the Snake.
Much like how the Rat was able to hitch a ride on the Ox during the race, it is said
that the snake was able to get ahead by wrapping itself around the hoof of the Horse.
As such, people born on the year of the snake are said to be meticulous planners and careful
strategists, as well as wise, sympathetic and often beautiful.
However, people born on these years are also said to be hedonistic, duplicitous and sometimes
even outright malicious.
Mess with a Snake and you can expect to get bitten.
The Snake is also associated with the element of fire.
7.
The Horse We’re past the halfway point in the cycle
now!
Leading the charge for the second half is number seven, the Horse.
Had it not been for a sneaky Snake hitching a ride on their hoof, chances are this noble
stallion would have been able to place higher in the rankings; but seeing as they didn’t
come in dead last, perhaps this is one gift the horse shouldn’t look in the mouth.
Fortunately, the Horse doesn't hold a grudge; people born on the year of the horse are described
as easygoing, witty and highly energetic.
However, on their off days, a person born on one of these years might instead be impatient,
impulsive, and self-centered.
Horses are associated with the element of fire.
8.
The Sheep The Sheep is the eighth animal in the Chinese
zodiac; it is said that the Sheep was able to form an alliance with the Rooster and the
Monkey in order to help each other across the finish line, and to this day the Sheep
sign is still considered the mark of a true team player.
People born on the year of the Sheep can be described as intelligent, romantic and compassionate,
though they are also said to have the capacity to be indecisive, disorganized and timid.
I guess that’s why timid people are sometimes described as “sheepish”.
The Sheep is associated with the element of earth.
9.
The Monkey The Monkey is the ninth member of the Chinese
zodiac cycle; as we said before, the story of the race claims that the Monkey joined
forces with the Sheep and the Rooster in order to help each other reach the finish line.
As a result, people born under the year of the monkey are said to be good additions to
any team, being able to contribute using their confident, charming and humorous natures.
No monkey business here!
Monkeys also have a dark side, however, and can also be distrustful, opportunistic or
manipulative if they feel like it, so try not to get sucked in by their charm unless
you want them to throw a “monkey” wrench into all your plans.
The Monkey is associated with the Chinese element of metal.
10.
The Rooster Number 10 on the Chinese zodiac is the Rooster,
thus wrapping up the Rooster-Monkey-Sheep trifecta from the story of the race.
The Rooster was, in fact, the leader of this alliance, and their natural leadership skills
shine through in people who are born under this sign.
People born on the year of the rooster are expected to be capable, self-reliant and brave;
don’t let anybody convince you that being called a “chicken” is an insult!
However, Roosters can also potentially turn out to be controlling, insensitive, and reckless,
so it may be best to avoid running “afoul” of them.
Get it?
A fowl?
Like the Monkey, the Rooster is associated with the element of metal.
11.
The Dog Eleventh on the Chinese zodiac is everyone’s
best friend, the Dog!
According to the story of the race, the reason the Dog placed so low in the rankings is because
they stopped to play in the water instead of crossing the finish line.
Because of this, it should come as no surprise that those who were born under the year of
the dog are similarly playful and carefree, as well as sincere, protective, and helpful
towards their friends and loved ones.
If you thought these canine companions were all bark and no bite, don’t be fooled; people
born on the year of the dog might also turn out to be cynical, stubborn, and overly aggressive
if rubbed the wrong way.
The Dog is associated with the element of Earth...hey, is it just me or are there a
lot of earth signs in this zodiac?
12.
The Pig What’s shakin’, bacon?
Last but certainly not least in the Chinese zodiac cycle is the Pig.
As much as we say slow and steady wins the race, that sadly doesn’t seem to be the
case for the Pig-- according to legend, the Pig ended up placing last in the race because
they decided to stop and take a nap halfway through, which only serves to demonstrate
the Pig’s easygoing nature.
People born during the year of the pig are believed to be thoughtful, creative and curious,
and it’s worth mentioning that pigs in China are considered a symbol of good luck.
Like all the other signs, though, Pigs have their share of flaws as well; people who belong
to this sign might also be materialistic, gullible, and short-tempered.
The Pig is most commonly associated with the element of water.
And with that, our overview of the Chinese zodiac’s 12 signs comes to a close.
So which sign is yours?
Do you feel like you match up with the description of your animal, or do you think this astrology
stuff is all a load of “hog” wash?
(Last pun, I promise).
Be sure to let us know in the comments section below to help us keep the conversation going,
and be sure to share this video with anyone you think might find it interesting!