The world may perceive Oxen as being far too serious or incapable of loosening up. This sturdy sort is less than social by nature and tends to become introverted in a crowd. To make things worse, they can't be bothered with what other people think and prefer to do what makes them feel best. Behind that calm facade, though, lives an Ox who can feel hurt, lonely and unable to connect with others. Friends and family are a great source of comfort to this beast, even if they don't always understand what makes the Ox tick. As a lover, friend, family member or housemate, the Ox makes a wonderfully strong, tender and affectionate companion who is protective and always reliable.
Out in the world, though, Oxen tend to be stubborn, dogmatic, my-way-or-the-highway kind of people who have no concept of when to back down. Oxen don't care to be pushed, especially since they think they're the good guys of the Chinese Zodiac. There is some truth to that theory, since the Ox is smart, trustworthy, caring and honorable. If you need honest, steady and unbiased advice, call on the Ox.
A good lesson for mighty Oxen is to strive to overcome a judgmental nature that
keeps them from getting close to others. If they can learn to value their own good
qualities, they'll have more room in their hearts to invite others in.
The Snake is somewhat insecure deep down and tend to be a rather jealous, possessive lover, behavior that can end up alienating loved ones. Despite these less-than-stellar tendencies, however, the Snake often proves irresistible and is a generous, loving partner. Slightly dangerous and disarmingly smart, the Snake's philosophical and intuitive mind generally supersedes logic in favor of feelings and instinct. Snakes will rely on their own gut reactions and intuitions before turning to others for suggestions. This makes this Sign a great hand in any business venture, possessing the caution and smarts needed to get ahead.
Snakes are hard workers (when they see good reason to be!) and are possessed of a keen intelligence. Snakes have incredible follow-through, once they get going, and they expect the same from others. Thus, their coworkers and employees had best stay on their toes, lest they anger the Snake and suffer its poisonous bite!
In general, of course, Snakes are generous and genteel, charming and appealing.
Snakes must try to learn humility and to develop a stronger sense of self. Once
Snakes realize that confidence comes from within, they will finally be comfortable
in their own skin.
The Monkey tends to be rather accident-prone due to a certain lack of very high morals. This Sign's first interest is pursuing its own pleasure; this is not a malicious interest, it's just the way the Monkey is. However, this kind of carefree self-involvement can lead to all kinds of scrapes. In love, the Monkey makes a fun, exciting lover -- but one that may have the potential to stray romantically. The good news is, the Monkey’s glib manner and witty repartee can often get this Sign out of a scrape. Perhaps not everyone will be won over by the Monkey -- but do you think the Monkey really cares? The Monkey's world, full of devil-may-care energy and revelry, isn't for everyone. Remember, though, it's not that this Sign is mean; it might just be a bit too curious for its own good. Monkeys often feel the need to try everything at least once, which can make for a merry-go-round of relationships.
The Monkey's love of self-indulgence can also lead to other types of trouble. This Sign may have limited self-control concerning food, alcohol and other pleasurable activities. It's party time all the time for the Monkey, yet when it leads to a monster hangover or a shattered heart (generally someone else's, not theirs), this Sign might actually show a touch of remorse. They won't flat-out admit the error of their ways, but at least they'll pull back and try to tone things down -- for a while.
Monkeys must try to learn to think of others ahead of themselves, at least some
of the time. This Sign's world will be more complete once it realizes the world
doesn't revolve around it.
Tigers are courageous beyond compare and generally come out ahead in battle, be it in the boardroom or the bedroom. Seduction is one area where the Tiger is definitely king! Noble and warm-hearted, Tigers have a natural, raw appeal that's extremely attractive to other Signs. They're not just about attraction, though; ever on the side of right, Tigers will fight the good fight to the bitter end if the cause is worthy. Opponents are wise to fear this feline.
A bit of caution is a good thing around Tigers, since they can pounce without warning. They experience mood swings and often feel things more intensely than others, the latter quality being both good and bad. They can react poorly under stress and are prone to emotional outbursts. This Sign's bristling sensitivity can send friend and foe running for cover.
A lesson that Tigers would be well-served to learn is moderation in all things. Once these cats can find their center and direct their considerable energies toward worthwhile endeavors (as opposed to racing through life), they will accomplish much.
Roosters aren't shifty or cagey and have no interest in hiding behind a facade. They are the proverbial open book, telling the truth and keeping their word. If you show your hand, the Rooster will respect you for it. This kind of trusting behavior can tempt tricksters to pull a fast one on the Rooster, but that would be a bad move! Remember, this Sign doesn't indulge in flights of fancy and keeps those eyes wide open at all times.
Roosters tend to be perfectionists and expect to be in control, especially over their appearance. Primping and posing for the Rooster can go on forever! Being noticed and admired is an aphrodisiac for Roosters, and they can go a long time on a few kind words. Roosters also adore being out on the town, especially if they're in the company of adoring friends. The Rooster will also be the best-dressed one of the bunch -- style counts with this Sign, regardless of the cost.
Roosters also expect to be in control of their surroundings, including whoever happens to be in those surroundings. Roosters keep an impeccably neat house and expect their lovers, housemates and family members to maintain the same high standards of dress and conduct as they do. This can cause problems with other, more relaxed types who just want to be accepted as is. The Rooster needs the right partner, one who understands this Sign's basically conservative nature. With the right person, the Rooster can be the most loyal, trusting and supportive mate around, one who bends over backward to please its loved ones. Some Signs may just end up feeling hen-pecked, however.
Roosters need to learn to value their heart and soul as much as their good looks. Their excellent people skills and sharp minds are qualities that others will appreciate as much as a pretty face. This Sign would also do well to learn to adopt the philosophy of live and let live; perhaps an appeal to the Rooster's logic -- that it's inefficient to waste time nagging others -- will help this Sign learn to let others be whomever and however they are.
Behind that sweet smile, though, Rats are keen and unapologetic promoters of their own agendas. This Sign is motivated by its own interests, which often include money; greed can become a problem if the Rat isn't careful to keep its priorities straight. This Sign's natural powers of charm and persuasion can definitely come in handy! Although they are often hoarders, Rats can be very generous to those in their pack, namely friends and family members who have proven their loyalty. Others might perceive them as quick-tempered and sharp-tongued, but never boorish. Verbal jousting is a great pleasure for the Rat, a Sign that everyone around will quickly learn either to love or to hate.
Rats enjoy being on the outside looking in, as the outside affords a view into the inner workings of a system or situation. The Rat's keen mind always seeks out new knowledge, to be stored away for future use. This ever-curious Sign also welcomes challenges as a way to stay sharp. If boredom sets in the Rat is no fun at all, but that isn't likely; this Sign knows how to keep itself entertained.
A valuable lesson for Rats is to learn to consider others above themselves, at least
sometimes. If they can develop their sense of self and realize it leaves room for
others in their life as well, Rats could find true happiness.
A Pig with no one around to appreciate its giving nature is a sad sight. Pigs are so magnanimous they can appear almost saintly; this can lead some less-than-well-intentioned souls to stomp all over this Sign, and the bad news is, the Pig will take the blows! Pigs make great companions in part because of their refusal to see the more negative or base qualities in a partner, but that rose-colored view can lead to this Sign's allowing itself to be taken advantage of. Contrary to their seemingly benign dispositions, however, Pigs can be quite venomous in response to being crossed by a lover, friend or business partner.
Pigs are highly intelligent creatures, forever studying, playing and probing in their quest for greater knowledge. They can be misinterpreted as being lazy, however, due to their love of reveling in the good stuff; this Sign could happily spend hours on end making love, napping, taking a long bubble bath or dallying over an incredible spread of rich foods. Pigs tend to make wonderful life partners due to their hearts of gold and their love of family. Even so, Pigs can be rather exclusive, choosing to spend time with those who will appreciate them most and ignore the rest of the populace. Pigs would do well to realize that there's more to life than being needed. When they open up their world to a diverse group of people, they will truly bloom.
The Rabbit is a rather delicate Sign that needs a solid base in order to thrive. Lacking close, supportive friends and family, the Rabbit might just break down in tears at the first sign of conflict. Emotional upsets in this Sign's life can even lead to physical illnesses. Rabbits dislike arguments and other conflict and will try anything to avoid a fight; this results in something of a pushover nature. Rabbits can also lapse into pessimism and may seem stuck in life -- often to mask their insecure natures. Rabbits tend to move through life's lessons at their own, rather contemplative pace; it's a waste of time to become exasperated with this Sign's seeming disinterest in facing its problems and conquering them.
With the right partner -- meaning someone whose high principles won't allow it to
take advantage of this sensitive, giving Sign -- the Rabbit can make an incredibly
loving and protective partner or family member. Rabbits love to entertain at home
and always make sure their house is comfortable and tastefully-furnished. What Rabbits
need most is a stronger sense of self-worth and the security that comes with it.
Their discerning natures, coupled with some hard-won assertiveness, will help these
happy creatures go far.
The Rabbit and the Pig can make a great and mutually satisfying connection, especially if they're friends, lovers or members of the same family. The Pig derives great pleasure from offering its loved ones help, affection and protection. The emotional Rabbit relies on friends and family for support, without which it has trouble maintaining equilibrium. These two qualities are highly complementary, and these two Signs are likely to make one another feel very well-loved and -cared for.
Other qualities are also working in their favor, be their relationship amorous or platonic. The Pig has an amiable, generous nature that tends to see only the best in others, while the Rabbit possesses great powers of compassion and perception. Both Signs can forgive almost any fault -- and with one another, the faults to forgive are few. The Rabbit's weaknesses, such as timidity, passivity and subjectivity, tend to come into play only when this Sign interacts with other, more overbearing Signs, but the honorable Pig isn't likely to override the Rabbit on any level. The Pig's weaknesses are generally the result of its sensual, loving nature; this Sign knows how to work hard when it cares about the results and can be a fearsome force when need be. The Rabbit will feel very well protected by the Pig and will offer its loyalty and sweet affection in return.
As lovers, these two could have quite a steamy connection; the Pig is an out-and-out sensualist and the Rabbit's timidity belies a truly passionate nature. If in business together, the Pig may act as front person, being more socially gregarious and at ease than the Rabbit; however, the Pig's good manners would never let it presume it had the upper hand in the business. This Sign will always listen to the Rabbit's ideas and will likely find them to be uniquely innovative.
Remember that each year is associated not only with a Chinese Sign but also with one of the Chinese Elements -- Metal, Water, Wood, Fire or Earth. That means there's Metal Rabbits, Water Rabbits, Wood Pigs, Fire Pigs ... Find your Element as well as your Sign and see how your Element affects your Animal nature.
The Ox and the Pig are a good match, especially if their relationship is amorous! When these two Signs come together, their sensualist natures come to the fore; together they might spend entire days lolling around in the bed or the bath, giving one another massages, eating rich, delicious meals and napping the hours away. It's not that either Sign is lazy -- both are very hard workers, in fact, the Ox in its practical, methodical way and the Pig in its dedication to its goals. The Ox loves to create a calm, harmonious home life, which fits in well with the Pig's cultured sensualism. The Pig can really draw the Ox out of its shell and help it get in touch with its luxurious side. The Pig is also happy to stay home at night with the Ox, who is rather shy and generally prefers stay-in, one-on-one dates to going out and socializing with a crowd.
If the relationship between these two Signs is business-oriented, their business is likely to be quite successful and their office very tastefully designed. The Pig will work very hard for any cause it believes in, a quality that the Ox will appreciate. Virtually born for hard work, the Ox likes to spend the time and focus needed to get things done right the first time. The Pig is something of a perfectionist and will greatly appreciate the Ox's abilities. The Pig tends to see only the best in others, and in the Ox, the best is this Sign's dependable, trustworthy nature, its natural integrity and high ideals. The Ox would never take advantage of the gregarious, sometimes gullible Pig, as other Signs might. The Pig will lean gratefully on the sturdy Ox in times of need. The problem between these two may be their mutual stubborn streaks. The Pig loves to get its own way and the Ox finds it very difficult to change directions midstream or give in to someone else's point of view when it feels strongly about its own.
Remember that each year is associated not only with a Chinese Sign but also with one of the Chinese Elements -- Metal, Water, Wood, Fire or Earth. That means there's Metal Oxen, Water Oxen, Wood Pigs, Earth Pigs ... Find your Element as well as your Sign and see how your Element affects your Animal nature.