Your Chinese Horoscope for Each and Every Year

Copyright

Thorsons

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First published by Thorsons 2017

FIRST EDITION

© Neil Somerville 2017

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About the Author

Neil Somerville is one of the most widely read writers in the West on Chinese horoscopes. His 30-year annual series, Your Chinese Horoscope, enjoyed an international following and was translated into many languages. He is also the author of the bestselling books Chinese Love Signs (Thorsons, 2000), Chinese Success Signs (Thorsons, 2001), The Answers (Element, 2004) and Cat Wisdom (Thorsons, 2017).

Neil has always felt that much can be learned from the wisdom of the East and, as a hobby, enjoys writing haiku. A keen walker and traveller, he lives with his wife in Berkshire, England, and has a son and a daughter and far too many books.

Dedication

TO ROS, RICHARD AND EMILY

Epigraph

As we march through life,

we each have our hopes, our ambitions and our dreams.

Sometimes fate and circumstance will assist us,

sometimes we will struggle and despair,

but march we must.

For it is those who keep going,

and who keep their aspirations alive,

who stand the greatest chance of securing what they want.

March determinedly,

and your determination will, in some way, be rewarded.

Neil Somerville

Contents

Cover

Title Page

Copyright

About the Author

Dedication

Epigraph

Acknowledgements

Introduction

The Chinese Years

The Rat

The Ox

The Tiger

The Rabbit

The Dragon

The Snake

The Horse

The Goat

The Monkey

The Rooster

The Dog

The Pig

Appendix

Elements

Ascendants

A Final Word

About the Publisher

Acknowledgements

The world of a writer is both wonderful and strange, and I would like to give a special thanks to my family, Ros, Richard and Emily, for their great support and for putting up with the mountain of paperwork I produce and trail of notes I leave in my wake. And thank you too to my parents, Peggy and Don, for all they did.

Thanks too to Carolyn Thorne, my editor at HarperCollins, for her encouragement and support, as well as to Lizzie Henry for all her work over the years. A special mention as well to Barbara Booker for her thoughtfulness and faith, and to Barbara Smith, who has kindly given me an opinion on many an occasion.

I am also grateful to the many who have helped me in my study of Chinese horoscopes, including those who first awakened my interest in the wisdom of the East. And I acknowledge too the work of other writers on Chinese horoscopes, all of whom have added to the subject and shared their insights. Particularly to Derek Walters, Theodora Lau and Suzanne White, all of whose work I recommend, and other luminaries, thank you.

And to you who are now reading these words, thank you for taking the time and for your interest. And wherever you may be reading and at whatever time, I hope that in some way this book will help and encourage you as well as alert you to the specialness and potential that are within you.

Introduction

Whether in indicating portents or highlighting strengths and weaknesses, Chinese horoscopes offer a timeless wisdom from which we can all profit. Although their origins date back to at least 2637 BC, when Emperor Huang Ti introduced the Chinese calendar, it is only recently that the subject has gained prominence in the West. As a result, many are now familiar with their animal sign and look forward to reading what each Chinese year has in store. It is a fascinating subject and a helpful one.

For those new to Chinese horoscopes, the Chinese year is based on the lunar year, which starts in late January or early February. Each of the Chinese years is named after an animal and there is a legend offering an explanation for this. It describes how one Chinese new year, the Buddha invited all the animals in the kingdom to a party. Only 12 showed up – the Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig. In gratitude, the Buddha named a year after each of the animals and said that those born in that year would have some of the personality of that animal.

Another legend offers an explanation for the order of the years. According to this, the animals had to race across a river and the order they finished in would be the order of the years. The Rat, very much an opportunist and determined to win, craftily rode on the back of the Ox and, just as the Ox reached the riverbank, leaped off and ran ahead, so winning the race. This is said to be why the Rat starts the cycle of years and the Ox is next, followed by the other 10 animals. The Pig, who is known as a great finisher, aptly came in last.

To discover which animal year you were born in, you will need to look up your year of birth in the table of years that follows. If born in 1988, for example, you were born in the Year of the Dragon – and born under the sign of luck. However, if your birthday falls in January or February, do carefully check the dates to see in which year your birthdate actually falls.

Once you have identified your sign, you can look up the traits of the animal in the relevant chapter. Although there are many variations, which can be studied in more detail by considering elements and ascendants (described in the appendix), it is remarkable how Chinese horoscopes can indicate our true natures. Whether these show the loyalty and sense of duty seen in so many born under the sign of the Dog or the versatility, quick wits and memory skills of those born in the Monkey year, Chinese horoscopes can be illuminating. In addition to the main traits described in each chapter, there are also special tips to help each sign be at their best, together with inspirational quotes from people born under that sign.

The subject of relationships is also a fascinating one and each chapter contains a guide to how each sign relates to the other signs. Some signs are considered to be compatible and others complete opposites, but there are again many exceptions. While, for example, a Chinese proverb decrees, ‘The Ox and the Horse cannot share the same stable’, I am sure there are some born under these two signs who love each other very much and live happily together.

The main part of this book is, however, devoted to horoscopes, which are based on the trends and influences of each Chinese year. These give an indication of the most propitious years and the most problematic. Forewarned is forearmed, and Chinese horoscopes can help us to make the best of what is to come. This is one of the key values of them (and, I believe, of the I Ching too). They speak to us as if to a friend, but it is we ourselves who are masters of our destiny and we who must determine how best to direct our lives.

There is a Chinese proverb which reminds us, ‘Every moment is precious’ and what we do with our lives is precious too.

As you journey through the years, I wish you every good fortune.

The Chinese Years

Horse 11 February 1918 to 31 January 1919

Goat 1 February 1919 to 19 February 1920

Monkey 20 February 1920 to 7 February 1921

Rooster 8 February 1921 to 27 January 1922

Dog 28 January 1922 to 15 February 1923

Pig 16 February 1923 to 4 February 1924

Rat 5 February 1924 to 23 January 1925

Ox 24 January 1925 to 12 February 1926

Tiger 13 February 1926 to 1 February 1927

Rabbit 2 February 1927 to 22 January 1928

Dragon 23 January 1928 to 9 February 1929

Snake 10 February 1929 to 29 January 1930

Horse 30 January 1930 to 16 February 1931

Goat 17 February 1931 to 5 February 1932

Monkey 6 February 1932 to 25 January 1933

Rooster 26 January 1933 to 13 February 1934

Dog 14 February 1934 to 3 February 1935

Pig 4 February 1935 to 23 January 1936

Rat 24 January 1936 to 10 February 1937

Ox 11 February 1937 to 30 January 1938

Tiger 31 January 1938 to 18 February 1939

Rabbit 19 February 1939 to 7 February 1940

Dragon 8 February 1940 to 26 January 1941

Snake 27 January 1941 to 14 February 1942

Horse 15 February 1942 to 4 February 1943

Goat 5 February 1943 to 24 January 1944

Monkey 25 January 1944 to 12 February 1945

Rooster 13 February 1945 to 1 February 1946

Dog 2 February 1946 to 21 January 1947

Pig 22 January 1947 to 9 February 1948

Rat 10 February 1948 to 28 January 1949

Ox 29 January 1949 to 16 February 1950

Tiger 17 February 1950 to 5 February 1951

Rabbit 6 February 1951 to 26 January 1952

Dragon 27 January 1952 to 13 February 1953

Snake 14 February 1953 to 2 February 1954

Horse 3 February 1954 to 23 January 1955

Goat 24 January 1955 to 11 February 1956

Monkey 12 February 1956 to 30 January 1957

Rooster 31 January 1957 to 17 February 1958

Dog 18 February 1958 to 7 February 1959

Pig 8 February 1959 to 27 January 1960

Rat 28 January 1960 to 14 February 1961

Ox 15 February 1961 to 4 February 1962

Tiger 5 February 1962 to 24 January 1963

Rabbit 25 January 1963 to 12 February 1964

Dragon 13 February 1964 to 1 February 1965

Snake 2 February 1965 to 20 January 1966

Horse 21 January 1966 to 8 February 1967

Goat 9 February 1967 to 29 January 1968

Monkey 30 January 1968 to 16 February 1969

Rooster 17 February 1969 to 5 February 1970

Dog 6 February 1970 to 26 January 1971

Pig 27 January 1971 to 14 February 1972

Rat 15 February 1972 to 2 February 1973

Ox 3 February 1973 to 22 January 1974

Tiger 23 January 1974 to 10 February 1975

Rabbit 11 February 1975 to 30 January 1976

Dragon 31 January 1976 to 17 February 1977

Snake 18 February 1977 to 6 February 1978

Horse 7 February 1978 to 27 January 1979

Goat 28 January 1979 to 15 February 1980

Monkey 16 February 1980 to 4 February 1981

Rooster 5 February 1981 to 24 January 1982

Dog 25 January 1982 to 12 February 1983

Pig 13 February 1983 to 1 February 1984

Rat 2 February 1984 to 19 February 1985

Ox 20 February 1985 to 8 February 1986

Tiger 9 February 1986 to 28 January 1987

Rabbit 29 January 1987 to 16 February 1988

Dragon 17 February 1988 to 5 February 1989

Snake 6 February 1989 to 26 January 1990

Horse 27 January 1990 to 14 February 1991

Goat 15 February 1991 to 3 February 1992

Monkey 4 February 1992 to 22 January 1993

Rooster 23 January 1993 to 9 February 1994

Dog 10 February 1994 to 30 January 1995

Pig 31 January 1995 to 18 February 1996

Rat 19 February 1996 to 6 February 1997

Ox 7 February 1997 to 27 January 1998

Tiger 28 January 1998 to 15 February 1999

Rabbit 16 February 1999 to 4 February 2000

Dragon 5 February 2000 to 23 January 2001

Snake 24 January 2001 to 11 February 2002

Horse 12 February 2002 to 31 January 2003

Goat 1 February 2003 to 21 January 2004

Monkey 22 January 2004 to 8 February 2005

Rooster 9 February 2005 to 28 January 2006

Dog 29 January 2006 to 17 February 2007

Pig 18 February 2007 to 6 February 2008

Rat 7 February 2008 to 25 January 2009

Ox 26 January 2009 to 13 February 2010

Tiger 14 February 2010 to 2 February 2011

Rabbit 3 February 2011 to 22 January 2012

Dragon 23 January 2012 to 9 February 2013

Snake 10 February 2013 to 30 January 2014

Horse 31 January 2014 to 18 February 2015

Goat 19 February 2015 to 7 February 2016

Monkey 8 February 2016 to 27 January 2017

Rooster 28 January 2017 to 15 February 2018

Dog 16 February 2018 to 4 February 2019

Pig 5 February 2019 to 24 January 2020

Rat 25 January 2020 to 11 February 2021

Ox 12 February 2021 to 31 January 2022

Tiger 1 February 2022 to 21 January 2023

Rabbit 22 January 2023 to 9 February 2024

Dragon 10 February 2024 to 28 January 2025

Snake 29 January 2025 to 16 February 2026

Horse 17 February 2026 to 5 February 2027

Goat 6 February 2027 to 25 January 2028

Monkey 26 January 2028 to 12 February 2029

Rooster 13 February 2029 to 1 February 2030

Dog 2 February 2030 to 22 January 2031

Pig 23 January 2031 to 10 February 2032

Rat 11 February 2032 to 30 January 2033

Ox 31 January 2033 to 18 February 2034

Tiger 19 February 2034 to 7 February 2035

Rabbit 8 February 2035 to 27 January 2036

Dragon 28 January 2036 to 14 February 2037

Snake 15 February 2037 to 3 February 2038

Horse 4 February 2038 to 23 January 2039

Goat 24 January 2039 to 11 February 2040

Monkey 12 February 2040 to 31 January 2041

Note

The names of the signs in the Chinese zodiac occasionally differ, although the characteristics of the signs remain the same. In some books the Ox is referred to as the Buffalo or Bull, the Rabbit as the Hare or Cat, the Goat as the Sheep or Ram, the Rooster as the Cock and the Pig as the Boar.

The Rat

24 January 1936–10 February 1937 — Fire Rat

10 February 1948–28 January 1949 — Earth Rat

28 January 1960–14 February 1961 — Metal Rat

15 February 1972–2 February 1973 — Water Rat

2 February 1984–19 February 1985 — Wood Rat

19 February 1996–6 February 1997 — Fire Rat

7 February 2008–25 January 2009 — Earth Rat

25 January 2020–11 February 2021 — Metal Rat

11 February 2032–30 January 2033 — Water Rat

The Personality of the Rat

According to legend, when the Buddha invited the animals of the kingdom to a party, the Rat was the first to show. And Rats certainly like to be at the forefront. Active, sociable and born under the sign of charm, they make popular company.

They are also quick to latch onto opportunity. Wherever they are, they like to make the most of their situation. In conversation they engage with others, find out information and invariably make an impression. If a member of a group, club or indeed workplace, they like to be involved and play their part. They also have a good way with words, including persuasive skills. Their observant nature allows them to appraise situations and they are worth seeking out for an honest and unbiased opinion. They also make superb critics.

However, while seemingly outgoing, Rats can be guarded. While they may not be averse to learning about the plans and secrets of others, they keep their own very much to themselves. And while they may offer advice, they rarely ask for it themselves. It would be to their advantage to share their true feelings (and concerns) more often.

It has been said that the more people you know, the more opportunities come your way. And this is certainly true for Rats. Their active lifestyle brings them into contact with many people and they are able to garner good support. In addition, they are often helped by their versatility. Their interests are many and skills wide-ranging. They are also alert, keen and ambitious, and if they sense an opportunity, they will be quick to pursue it. Little gets past them. However, because they involve themselves in so much – Rats never like to miss out – they can be restless and can abandon activities if they think there are better rewards elsewhere. This lack of persistence can sometimes work against them and they may not always reap the full rewards of their efforts. At times, greater discipline and persistence would help.

This also applies to money matters. Rats value money and like to protect and preserve their assets. However, having saved so hard, they may then succumb to lavish and indulgent spending sprees. They find bargains and sales irresistible! They are also very generous to their loved ones.

Although many Rat homes are tidy, the cupboards and storage spaces are likely to be crammed with items accumulated over the years. Rats can be notorious hoarders and rarely throw anything away lest it should have some future use.

With their versatile and personable nature, Rats can enjoy success in many lines of work. Being observant and interested in what is going on around them, they are often skilled communicators and make good writers, commentators and teachers. They also excel in professions calling for persuasive skills, including politics and the law. Banking, accountancy or one of the sciences may also appeal to their sharp, analytical mind. Ambitious, resourceful and capable, they have skills that can take them far.

Another of their abilities is problem-solving and if a way out of a tricky situation is needed, they will be sure to have an idea. Rats are masters of self-preservation.

They like to be busy and when not working will be usefully occupied pursuing their own interests and/or enjoying the company of others, usually both. Keen socializers, they like to party and go to shows and other forms of entertainment as well as take an interest in events happening locally.

Rats are also romantic and very much enjoy the thrill, passion and excitement of love. Tender, caring and attentive, they have much to offer and will very much treasure the love and affection of a partner. Family life is very important to them and they often have a large family. If they are parents, their diverse interests and fertile imagination will inspire and encourage many a young mind, and they often have a great love of their own parents and a desire to emulate them.

For female Rats, their family and home are their first priority. Caring, well organized and interested in others, they keep tabs on all that is going on and will often have a lot revolving around them. They are also incredibly versatile and use their talents in many different ways. They present themselves well and choose stylish and fashionable clothes. At work, they are ambitious, but will always try to ensure their commitments do not impact adversely on those who are important to them. Again, family and home are their priority.

With energy, enthusiasm, wit and charm, Rats are irrepressible. They just like to get on and do things, and will fill their days in many ways. Admittedly, they can be restless and impulsive and sometimes spread their energies too widely, but they are, above all, resourceful and energetic. And, being so companionable, they are also good to be with.

Top Tips for Rats

 You may like to make the most of your situation and be very adept at spotting opportunities, but don’t always be looking over your shoulder and wondering if there are better prospects elsewhere. With persistence and staying power, you will often be able to achieve far more rewarding results.

 You have a creative and inventive mind and a strong intuitive nature. But sometimes you may underestimate what you are capable of and not promote your ideas and special talents as fully as you should. In some instances this may be down to a fear of failure. Take note and believe in yourself!

 Despite being so outgoing, you can be a private and guarded individual. Although you will gladly dispense advice, you will rarely ask for it, or even share what is on your mind. If you were to open up more, you would be able to benefit from the assistance and support others can give. In some cases, extra help could make an appreciable difference.

 Time management! You tend to spread your energies widely and sometimes prioritizing and greater focus would make you more effective. Also, a longer-term strategy would help you to direct your energies in specific ways and often result in you achieving substantially more.

Relations with Others

With another Rat

Two Rats understand each other, have similar values and get on well together.

In work, their drive and enterprise can reward them well, although both need to focus and resist spreading their energies too widely.

In love, Rat couples are loving and devoted and enjoy many shared interests. Home life is especially important. A good match.

With an Ox

Although these two signs are very different in personality, they complement each other well and relations between them are mutually beneficial.

In work, the Rat has great respect for the conscientious and methodical Ox. The signs can quickly establish trust and, by drawing on each other’s strengths, enjoy an excellent working relationship.

In love, each gains from the other, with the Rat valuing the Ox’s strength of character and dependability. With both striving for a settled and stable home life, they can make an often excellent match.

With a Tiger

Lively, sociable and enterprising, Rats and Tigers like and respect each other and enjoy good relations.

In work, when these two join forces and have a common aim, their combined energy and inventiveness make them a formidable team.