What’s Your Chinese Love Sign?

WHAT'S YOUR

CHINESE

LOVE SIGN?

Neil Somerville

Those who love others are always loved in return.

Chinese proverb

Contents

COVER

TITLE PAGE

EPIGRAPH

LIST OF CHINESE LOVE SIGN COMBINATIONS

INTRODUCTION

THE RAT

THE OX

THE TIGER

THE RABBIT

THE DRAGON

THE SNAKE

THE HORSE

THE GOAT

THE MONKEY

THE ROOSTER

THE DOG

THE PIG

THE CHINESE YEARS

KEEP READING

COPYRIGHT

ABOUT THE PUBLISHER

List of Chinese Love Sign Combinations

Rat and Rat

Rat and Ox

Rat and Tiger

Rat and Rabbit

Rat and Dragon

Rat and Snake

Rat and Horse

Rat and Goat

Rat and Monkey

Rat and Rooster

Rat and Dog

Rat and Pig

Ox and Rat

Ox and Ox

Ox and Tiger

Ox and Rabbit

Ox and Dragon

Ox and Snake

Ox and Horse

Ox and Goat

Ox and Monkey

Ox and Rooster

Ox and Dog

Ox and Pig

Tiger and Rat

Tiger and Ox

Tiger and Tiger

Tiger and Rabbit

Tiger and Dragon

Tiger and Snake

Tiger and Horse

Tiger and Goat

Tiger and Monkey

Tiger and Rooster

Tiger and Dog

Tiger and Pig

Rabbit and Rat

Rabbit and Ox

Rabbit and Tiger

Rabbit and Rabbit

Rabbit and Dragon

Rabbit and Snake

Rabbit and Horse

Rabbit and Goat

Rabbit and Monkey

Rabbit and Rooster

Rabbit and Dog

Rabbit and Pig

Dragon and Rat

Dragon and Ox

Dragon and Tiger

Dragon and Rabbit

Dragon and Dragon

Dragon and Snake

Dragon and Horse

Dragon and Goat

Dragon and Monkey

Dragon and Rooster

Dragon and Dog

Dragon and Pig

Snake and Rat

Snake and Ox

Snake and Tiger

Snake and Rabbit

Snake and Dragon

Snake and Snake

Snake and Horse

Snake and Goat

Snake and Monkey

Snake and Rooster

Snake and Dog

Snake and Pig

Horse and Rat

Horse and Ox

Horse and Tiger

Horse and Rabbit

Horse and Dragon

Horse and Snake

Horse and Horse

Horse and Goat

Horse and Monkey

Horse and Rooster

Horse and Dog

Horse and Pig

Goat and Rat

Goat and Ox

Goat and Tiger

Goat and Rabbit

Goat and Dragon

Goat and Snake

Goat and Horse

Goat and Goat

Goat and Monkey

Goat and Rooster

Goat and Dog

Goat and Pig

Monkey and Rat

Monkey and Ox

Monkey and Tiger

Monkey and Rabbit

Monkey and Dragon

Monkey and Snake

Monkey and Horse

Monkey and Goat

Monkey and Monkey

Monkey and Rooster

Monkey and Dog

Monkey and Pig

Rooster and Rat

Rooster and Ox

Rooster and Tiger

Rooster and Rabbit

Rooster and Dragon

Rooster and Snake

Rooster and Horse

Rooster and Goat

Rooster and Monkey

Rooster and Rooster

Rooster and Dog

Rooster and Pig

Dog and Rat

Dog and Ox

Dog and Tiger

Dog and Rabbit

Dog and Dragon

Dog and Snake

Dog and Horse

Dog and Goat

Dog and Monkey

Dog and Rooster

Dog and Dog

Dog and Pig

Pig and Rat

Pig and Ox

Pig and Tiger

Pig and Rabbit

Pig and Dragon

Pig and Snake

Pig and Horse

Pig and Goat

Pig and Monkey

Pig and Rooster

Pig and Dog

Pig and Pig

Introduction

Chinese astrology has been practised for thousands of years. However, it is only recently that we in the West have been able to appreciate the wonders of this ancient art.

In Chinese astrology there are 12 different signs. Each sign is named after an animal and each animal sign rules a year. Those born in that year inherit some of the characteristics of the animal.

To avoid the thorny problem of how to refer to the signs I have opted to use the masculine gender, but unless otherwise stated ‘he’ covers both the male and female of the sign.

I believe that the 12 Chinese signs can teach us much about ourselves and our relations with those around us. By understanding strengths and possible pitfalls, relationships can often be better understood and improved. I hope that you will find Chinese Love Signs informative and enjoyable reading.

The Rat

Key characteristics:

Charming, sociable, resourceful, quick-witted, ambitious, crafty.

In love:

Romantic, attentive, affectionate – and hard to resist.

The rat may not be considered the most endearing of creatures, but it is resourceful, intelligent and alert. As are those born under the first of the Chinese signs.

Governed by charm, he has a friendly, sociable manner and a good understanding of human nature. The Rat knows how to put others at ease and is invariably popular. A keen socializer, he enjoys attending parties and functions and has a good appreciation for the finer things in life. He can also be crafty, manipulative and driven by ambition. He likes to keep himself continually busy and one of his main aims in life is to improve upon his present situation.

The Rat is a private individual and will not allow others to pry to closely into his own concerns. He likes to retain a certain independence in his actions. The Rat is a survivor and even when events go against him, he will often be the first to pick up the pieces and look for new challenges.

Being sociable, the Rat values relations with others and makes friends easily. He is supportive to his partner and will try to establish a close-knit family. He tends to have a large family and makes a loving and caring parent. With his wide interests and fertile imagination he will encourage his children but will also be a good disciplinarian.

The female Rat has a lively and outgoing manner, but no matter how successful or busy she might be, her family always comes first. The male Rat is confident and suave. But behind his personable air lurks a sharp mind.

The Rat is the first sign in the Chinese zodiac and, with his charm and outgoing manner, he is invariably popular and well-respected.

Famous Rats:

Colin Firth, Hugh Grant, Prince Harry, Samuel L. Jackson, Katy Perry, William Shakespeare, Prince of Wales.

Rat and Rat

General Relations

The Rat delights in the company of others and when it is another lively and sociable Rat, the two can have much fun together. Between them they have many interests they can share and, as both enjoy conversation, they may wile away many a happy hour locked in intense discussion.

When two Rats work together their combined skills can bring them considerable success. Both are enterprising and opportunistic, and both are keen to make the most out of their skills. Rats sometimes spread their energies too widely and become involved in more activites than they can sensibly handle. If they can control their restless and greedy natures, then a working relationship between them goes well.

In Love and Marriage

The attraction between two Rats is strong. Both are romantic and passionate and they have a good understanding of each other. Both delight in socializing, entertaining and travelling and may have a fondness for literature and the arts.

They place much value on their home life and, if they have children, make caring and protective parents. Rats value their family bonds and the Rat family is likely to be close knit. Although Rats can be indulgent, a Rat couple handles financial matters well and enjoy a good standard of living.

A Rat couple can find much happiness together but they would do well to maintain some separate interests rather than insist on complete togetherness. Also Rats can be forthright and highly critical and this may sometimes lead to acrimonious exchanges. However, as a couple they strive to overcome problems and make a devoted pair.

A good match

Rat and Ox

General Relations

Although the Rat and Ox have very different personalities -the Rat being far more outgoing then the Ox – these two signs get on well together. They trust and respect each other and can become firm friends. The Rat particularly appreciates the Ox’s confident and steadfast nature, while the Ox delights in the vivacity and charm of the Rat. General relations between the Rat and Ox are often excellent.

The Rat and Ox also work well together. The Rat is the master of PR and customer relations while the Ox provides method, order and consistency. They recognize and capitalize on each other’s strengths and there is a great deal of trust and respect between them. Together they can build up an excellent working relationship.

In Love and Marriage

There is a strong attraction between the Rat and the Ox and, in love and marriage, they can find much happiness. The character differences that exist between them often prove complementary and each loves and admires the other dearly.

The Rat is the more outgoing of the two and the Ox gains from the Rat’s vivacity, love of life and sociable nature. Under the Rat’s influence the Ox may become more outgoing and more at ease in his relations with others. Similarly, the Rat admires the Ox’s loyalty, strength of character and ambition. The Rat feels reassured by having such a resolute and reliable partner. Both attach much importance to their home and, if they have children, make caring and conscientious parents.

The Rat and the Ox also seek stability and security in their lives and with the Rat’s thrift and the Ox’s careful nature, most Rat-Ox couples are materially well off.

An excellent match

Rat and Tiger

General Relations

The Rat and Tiger are two lively and outgoing signs and they generally get on well together. Both are keen socializers and, with their wide interests, they invariably have interests they can share. The Tiger is very much taken with the Rat’s charm and personable manner while the Rat enjoys the Tiger’s vibrant, enthusiastic and confident personality.

When the Rat and Tiger work together each is quick to appreciate the strengths of the other. The Rat values the Tiger’s enterprise and enthusiasm, while the Tiger recognizes the Rat’s resourcefulness and ability to spot opportunities. Both are ambitious and both are capable of devising many wonderful and innovative ideas.

In Love and Marriage

The Rat and the Tiger are often attracted to each other. Both have lively and sociable natures and they enjoy each other’s company. They are also both highly passionate signs and the physical attraction between them is strong.

The Tiger delights in the Rat’s charming and sociable manner as well as appreciating his skills as a homemaker. The Rat, in turn, finds reassurance in the Tiger’s confident and ebullient manner.

However, their different attitudes to money may cause problems. The Tiger tends to be generous in his spending while the Rat is more thrifty. In addition, the Rat feels unsettled by the Tiger’s restless nature and he must accept that the Tiger needs a degree of independence. Both are frank in expressing their views and this may give rise to some heated exchanges.

Their relationship may not always be harmonious, but there is much love and passion between them.

A reasonably good match

Rat and Rabbit

General Relations

Although the Rat and the Rabbit are both sociable signs neither cares much for the other. The Rabbit, who has a calm and tranquil manner, feels ill at ease with the active and energetic Rat, while the Rat considers the Rabbit reserved and over-sensitive. They may delight in a once-in-a-while conversation but rarely do the two signs become close friends.

When the Rat and Rabbit work together, however, their different skills may prove complementary. The Rabbit appreciates the Rat’s skills at seeking out opportunities as well as his outgoing and action-oriented character. The Rat values the Rabbit’s organizational and commercial skills and shrewd judgement. Nevertheless, due to their different peronalities, they may not always feel completely at ease working together.

In Love and Marriage

The Rat and the Rabbit are two passionate and sensual signs and there may be a strong physical attraction between them. Both are charming and sociable, are homelovers and enjoy literature and the arts. The early stages of their relationship may bring much happiness, but the longer they know each other, the more difficult their relationship may become. Their temperaments are ill suited and, in love and marriage, a match between them may prove challenging.

The Rat is an active and energetic sign and tends to involve himself in a multitude of activities and interests. The Rabbit, however, seeks a much quieter and more settled lifestyle. The Rat may find the cautious nature of the Rabbit a restrictive influence while the Rabbit may find him brash and overbearing.

A difficult match

Rat and Dragon

General Relations

The Rat and the Dragon get on extremely well together. They are both lively, outgoing and sociable signs and they enjoy each other’s company. They have many interests in common and there is a great deal of trust and understanding between them. The Rat and Dragon may often become close and lifelong friends.

When the Rat and Dragon work together they can enjoy considerable success. Both are ambitious, entertaining and work hard, and each values the skills of the other. The Dragon, in particular, appreciates the Rat’s ability to seek out new opportunities and his skills at PR, while the Rat values the Dragon’s resolute and confident manner. They trust and support each other and in business make a formidable and successful team.

In Love and Marriage

This is a splendid match and in love and marriage the Rat and Dragon can find much happiness.

The Rat greatly admires the confident, determined and honourable nature of the Dragon and finds the Dragon lively and enjoyable company. Similarly, the Dragon loves the charm and sociable nature of the Rat as well as appreciating the Rat’s resourcefulness and versatility.

They love each other dearly and, as both have passionate and sensual natures, the physical attraction between them is strong – together the Rat and Dragon have much fun. Both are also keen socializers and take great pleasure in entertaining and travel. They value their home life and, if they have children, make caring and attentive parents.

An excellent match

Rat and Snake

General Relations

The Rat and Snake like and respect each other and general relations between them are often good. The Rat has many interests, a lively repartee and a charm that the Snake finds irresistible. The Rat in turn admires the Snake’s calm, collected and thoughtful nature. They enjoy each other’s company and while their tastes may not always converge – the Rat is much more a partygoer and socializer than the Snake – these two signs always have time for each other.

In business matters the Rat and Snake work well together. The Snake is the planner, organizer and adviser while the more action-orientated Rat sets plans into motion. The Snake also happily leaves the persuasive Rat to win over their customers but at the same time is a useful curb on some of the Rat’s more risky notions. Both are ambitlous, opportunist and materialistic.

In Love and Marriage

The attraction between these signs is strong. The Rat is captivated by the Snake’s quiet and seductive charm, while the Snake is drawn to the Rat’s warm, friendly and sensual nature. There is a powerful sexual chemistry between these two signs.

The two signs have similar outlooks; both are opportunists and both go through life intent on making the best of their abilities and skills. Both enjoy the material comforts in life and each aims for a high level of security. They are imaginative, enjoy intelligent discussion and may share a fondness for literature and the arts. They make caring and attentive parents and happily devote much time and energy to the upbringing of any children they have.

However, there are certain elements in their personalities that may cause problems. The Snake prefers to conduct his activities in a calm and measured way and may not always appreciate the Rat’s more aggressive and blustering style. Similarly, the Rat may sometimes feel restricted by the Snake’s possessive nature.

A good match

Rat and Horse

General Relations

The Rat and Horse are both outgoing signs and for a short time may find each other interesting company. However, their different temperaments may bring them into conflict and it is rare for the Rat and the Horse to become lasting friends. Both signs can be strong willed, opinionated and forthright in their views and this may lead to clashes between them. There is not much empathy between them and general relations between these two signs are poor.

Problems also emerge when the Rat and Horse work together, each wants to take the lead and dominate. There is mistrust between them; the Horse comes to view the Rat as conniving and thrifty, while the Rat sees the Horse as impulsive, impatient and short-tempered. There is little agreement between them and their competitive and independent spirits get the better of them – not a happy or successful arrangement.

In Love and Marriage

Both the Rat and Horse are romantic and passionate and they may fall deeply in love with each other. The Horse is seduced by the Rat’s irresistable charm and the Rat by the Horse’s lively and engaging manner. In the early stages of their relationship they have much fun.

However, relations between them quickly degenerate. Both the Rat and Horse are strong-willed and opinionated signs. Both are egoists and both want to dominate the relationship. The Rat is open and forthright in expressing his views and has little trouble in igniting the Horse’s short temper.

Differing attitudes towards money may also cause problems. The thrifty Rat likes to keep a close control over the purse strings and views the Horse as a spendthrift and over-generous, while the Horse considers the Rat materialistic and tight-fisted.

A turbulent relationship

Rat and Goat

General Relations

Both the Rat and Goat know how to enjoy themselves and have a fondness for the good life. Together they enjoy wining, dining and leading an active social life. For the short to medium term the Rat and Goat can become good friends but each has traits which irritate the other and in time they may drift apart.

The Rat and Goat do not work well together. The Rat is a supreme opportunist, constantly geared up for action and determined to make the most of his abilities. He is competitive and ambitious. The Goat, however, needs to feel inspired and encouraged by others. The Rat is a self-starter, the Goat needs to be prodded. In work they are best going their separate ways.

In Love and Marriage

The Rat and Goat are both friendly and sociable signs and are often attracted to each other. Both possess romantic and passionate natures and both exude a strong sex appeal.

However, a relationship is hard to maintain and the longer-term prospects for a match between the Rat and Goat are decidedly bleak. As the intensity of their feelings begins to fade they begin to discover the gulf that exists between them.

The Rat is hardworking, industrious and energetic, while the Goat sets about his activities in a more leisurely manner. The Rat is thrifty while the Goat is a spendthrift. The Rat can be forthright and candid in his views, while the Goat is sensitive, shrinks from arguments and takes the Rat’s criticisms very much to heart. The Rat has little time for the Goat’s artistic and sometimes whimsical nature, and in turn, the Goat may come to view the Rat as greedy, meddlesome and fussy.

A difficult relationship

Rat and Monkey

General Relations

With their lively and sociable natures, the Rat and Monkey get on well together. Each greatly admires the other and with their great sense of fun they relate well to each other. The Rat delights in the Monkey’s resourcefulness, wit and keen intellect while the Monkey enjoys the Rat’s charm, drive and ambition. They may become close and lasting friends.

These two signs also work well together. Both are cunning, opportunist and determined to succeed; both recognize this drive and commitment in the other. However both the Rat and the Monkey can be crafty and they may be tempted to outwit the other; neither would succeed, as both are masters in the art of self-preservation. If they can both keep their attention firmly on their joint objectives, they could enjoy considerable success.