Table of Contents
Introduction
Astrology is a fascinating subject that has captivated, intrigued, and attracted people for millennia. It can be defined as the study of how cosmic objects, such as planets and stars, influence human lives.
Needless to say, astrology has been a spectacular attempt at understanding people’s psyches and predicting future events. The conviction surrounding astrology has been powerful throughout history.
For instance, until the 18th century, astrology was a part of the educational curriculum, and some of the world’s most renowned astronomers, like Kepler and Galileo, were astrologers. You can get involved in the field of astrology with the help of relevant astrology resume writing services.
Even in 2023, the aura of astrology does not seem to simmer, as a recent survey shows that one in four Americans believe in astrology.
Nevertheless, many people associate astrology with the Tropical version that dates back to ancient Greeks. However, there are other types of astrology, such as Vedic, Chinese, etc.
This guide will help you navigate the enticing terrain of the Chinese zodiac and understand the Chinese Year of the Rabbit, which is 2023.
What is Chinese Astrology?
The Chinese astrological system is a traditional categorization scheme centered on the Chinese calendar that assigns an animal to each year in a repeating 12-year cycle. Each animal represents different attributes, personality traits, prospects, and fortunes for those born that year.
Similar to tropical astrology, the Chinese zodiac system also has twelve signs, but this is where all similarities cease between the two systems.
The Chinese zodiac symbols are based on a person’s birth year and not the month, and every twelve years constitute the year of a zodiac sign. The 12 animals in the Chinese astrological system are –
- The Rat
- Ox
- Tiger
- Rabbit
- Dragon
- Snake
- Horse
- Sheep
- Monkey
- Rooster
- Dog
- Pig
Each animal embodies unique characteristics and cultural significance passed down through generations. What makes Chinese astrology all the more unique is that it is an amalgamation of astronomy, astrology, and mythology, whose inception can be traced back to the Han Dynasty (206 BCE – 220 CE).
For thousands of years, it has been leveraged as a tool for fortune-telling, matchmaking, and personal and social guidance.
Currently, Chinese astrology and its variants are incredibly popular in many East Asian and Southeast Asian nations, such as China, South Korea, Vietnam, Nepal, Thailand, Japan, etc.
The 12 Signs in Chinese Astrology and Their Years
- Rat: Years – 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020, 2032, 2044, 2056….
- Ox: Years – 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021, 2033, 2045, 2057…
- Tiger: Years – 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022, 2034, 2046, 2058…
- Rabbit: Years – 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023, 2035, 2047, 2059…
- Dragon: Years – 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024, 2036, 2048, 2060…
- Snake: Years – 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025, 2037, 2049, 2061…
- Horse: Years – 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026, 2038, 2050, 2062…
- Goat: Years – 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027, 2039, 2051, 2063…
- Monkey: Years – 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028, 2040, 2052, 2064…
- Rooster: Years – 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029, 2041, 2053, 2065…
- Dog: Years – 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030, 2042, 2054, 2066…
- Pig: Years – 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031, 2043, 2055, 2067…
Thus, for example, if you were born in 1998, your zodiac sign, as per Chinese astrology, is The Tiger. All the 12 Chinese zodiac signs are assigned certain characteristics, and part of those traits includes – the Yin/Yang forces, the trine, and the natural element.
However, they are more advanced aspects of Chinese astrology, and it is best to start with the most accessible elements – the attributes associated with each sign. What are they? Let us find out!
Characters and Personality Traits of the 12 Chinese Zodiac Signs
- Rat
If you were born in the ‘year of the rat,’ then you are an incredibly smart, driven, inquisitive person. People see you as someone cautious and clever. Those with a ‘rat’ as their zodiac sign are sociable but are picky about whom they reveal their truest selves!
- Ox
If you were born in the ‘year of the ox,’ your personality is straightforward, genuine, and calm. The phrase, ‘what you see is what you get,’ aptly describes the characteristics of a person with an ox as their zodiac sign. Despite having a calm demeanor, the ox can be a fearful sight when angered.
- Tiger
People born in the ‘ear of the tiger’ are natural-born leaders. They are persistent with a go-getter attitude. Besides, their dominant, gregarious, and enthusiastic personalities usually result in getting the job done. If your Chinese zodiac sign is Tiger, you love being in charge.
- Rabbit
People born in the ‘year of the rabbit’ are deemed peaceful, respectable, and diplomatic. They have charming and friendly personalities and are quite popular among their peers. If you are a ‘Rabbit,’ then chances are others usually consider you as pleasant and affable company.
- Dragon
Dragon people are driven, adventurous, and risk-takers. They dabble into any challenge with utmost sincerity and zeal, a trait that makes them successful. If you were born in ‘the year of the dragon,’ remember to take things slowly sometimes, as having too much on the plate can lead to frequent burnouts.
- Snake
A snake person is mysterious. They are destined for greatness and are blessed with a confident and self-assertive personality. However, when made angry, people with ‘snake’ as their Chinese zodiac can be quite unforgiving in their approach.
- Horse
If you were born in the ‘year of the Horse,’ you are a social and extroverted individual. You are an expert at multi-tasking and swiftly juggling different duties simultaneously. Besides, being an avid risk-taker comes naturally to you. However, such risks are not reckless, as they are well-calculated and thought-out. Such mindfulness and analytical abilities make Horse people highly successful in whatever they attempt in life.
- Goat
Goat people are softhearted, tender, and caring. However, they also need equal pampering, mushiness, and affection in their lives once in a while. People with a Goat as their Chinese zodiac sign can be quite anxious on the inside, and it is something that they have to work on to overcome actively. Besides, they are also highly appreciable of the finer, richer, and more luxurious things in life.
- Monkey
If you were born in the ‘year of the Monkey,’ you are probably curious, wide-eyed, and playful. Besides, wit, intelligence, and humor also come naturally to you. Those with a Monkey as their Chinese astrological sign can be quite goal-oriented and competitive. They always love a challenge and go the extra mile to win it.
- Rooster
Rooster people love the limelight. They are perfectionists and also love being doused in attention. If you were born in the ‘year of the Rooster,’ people probably describe you as smart, competitive, and convincing.
- Dog
People born in the ‘year of the Dog,’ are among the most giving and benevolent. However, they are also suspicious and get extremely angry when threatened. However, those with the ‘Dog’ as their Chinese astrological sign are mostly described as naturing, protective, and caring individuals.
- Pig
Lastly, if you were born in the ‘year of the pig,’ then you are an extrovert who enjoys the company of other fellow humans. You appreciate the good things in life and do not shy away from opulence. Besides, people with Pig as their Chinese zodiac sign are considered extremely giving and philanthropic.
Conclusion
So, there we have it, a crisp overview of Chinese astrology and the 12 Chinese zodiac signs. 2023 is the Year of the Rabbit and is widely considered auspicious. Oxes, Tigers, and Snakes are the luckiest zodiac signs in 2023.
