Learning the signs could help you understand yourself better

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As the sky welcomes the first new moon of the calendar year, billions around the world celebrate Lunar New Year—also known as Chinese New Year here in the Philippines. 

2024 was the Year of the Dragon. Much like gazing at a mystical beast soaring through the clouds, the world saw transformative events such as the US elections and the rise of a new generation of pop stars. After the Dragon’s departure, the Snake slithers its way into our lives on Jan. 29, 2025. 

Characteristics of the Chinese zodiac don’t just pertain to yearly forecasts—they also apply to people. Being born in a specific year entails shared traits with a given animal. For example, those born in the Year of the Dragon are confident, enthusiastic, and lucky. Snake-born folk earn a reputation for being graceful and prudent. 

While this zodiac cycle originated in China, communities all over the world defer to it for celestial wisdom and guidance. Knowing your sign could predict your temperament and fortune. Knowing others’ signs would foster collaboration and compatibility. But more importantly, learning the signs could help you understand yourself better.

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Graphic courtesy of Madeleine O. Teh | Photos from Unsplash and Pexels The Rat

The clever Rat starts off the Chinese zodiac cycle. According to folklore, the Jade Emperor held a race to determine its order. The rat, the smallest in the race, rode on the ox’s back and jumped off the beast to finish first. 

Like the rat in the story, those born under this sign constantly spot and seize opportunities. They make excellent businesspeople and strategists with both foresight and adaptability. Some people born under this sign include Eminem, Mark Zuckerberg, and Zendaya. 

The Rat would make a fine collaborator to the Monkey and Dragon. All three value innovation, curiosity, and adaptability. The Ox would come to the Rat’s aid in times of need. But, the Horse’s impatience would clash with the Rat’s calculated approach.

Rat Years:

February 10, 1948 – January 28, 1949 January 28, 1960 – February 14 1961 February 15, 1972 – February 2, 1973 February 19, 1996 – February 6, 1997 February 7, 2008 – January 25, 2009 January 25, 2020 – February 11, 2021 The Ox

Slow and steady wins the race—or comes in second. Through sheer determination, the Ox can conquer any challenge. Those born under this Chinese zodiac sign are known to be patient, organized, and stubborn. Instead of taking big risks, they rely on their work ethic to achieve success. 

But, don’t mistake these folks as pushovers. Those who cross the Ox will get the horns. Famous Oxen include Olympic record holder Michael Phelps, singer Jungkook, and singer-rapper Lisa. 

The Ox’s allies are the Snake and the Rooster. The Ox values the Snake’s intuition and the Rooster’s punctuality. The Rat’s penchant for strategy complements the Ox’s strength in execution. However, the Sheep’s sensitivity and nervousness won’t go well with the Ox. 

Ox Years:

January 29, 1949 – February 16, 1950 February 15, 1961 –  February 4, 1962 February 3, 1973 – January 22, 1974 February 20, 1985 – February 8, 1986 February 7, 1997 – January 27, 1998 January 26, 2009 – February 13, 2010 The Tiger

Although the Tiger came third in the Chinese zodiac race, this beast shouldn’t be underestimated. In Chinese culture, it represents courage and protection. 

Like this large cat, those born in the Year of the Tiger are brave, competitive, and impetuous. Today’s Tigers include Michelle Yeoh and Cynthia Erivo. 

The risk-loving Tiger would make great friends with the Dog and the Horse. The Dog manages to balance idealism and practicality—the latter of which the Tiger often needs. The Tiger would love to go on adventures with the Horse. The Pig’s gentle pace could persuade the Tiger to slow down. The Monkey’s tendency to jest would clash with the Tiger’s directness.

Tiger Years:

February 17, 1950 – February 5, 1951 February 5, 1962 – January 24, 1963 January 23, 1974 – February 10, 1975 February 9, 1986 – 28 January 1987 January 28, 1998 – February 15, 1999 February 14, 2010 – February 2, 2011 February 1, 2022 – January 21, 2023 Graphic courtesy of Madeleine O. Teh | Photos from Unsplash and Pexels The Rabbit

The Rabbit is known for being elegant and prudent. In Chinese culture, this animal symbolizes longevity and plays a significant role in the Mid-Autumn festival. 

Those born to this sign have strong imaginations tempered with strong business acumen and a sense of self-preservation. Famous Rabbits include Sabrina Carpenter, Kendrick Lamar, and Angelina Jolie.

The Pig and Sheep share the same gentle disposition as this Chinese zodiac sign. The Rabbit would appreciate the Pig’s sincerity and the Sheep’s emotional depth. The Dog would encourage the Rabbit to bring the latter’s dreams to life. The Rooster’s bluntness might bruise the Rabbit. 

Rabbit Years:

February 6, 1951 – January 26, 1952 January 25, 1963 – February 12, 1964 February 11, 1975 – January 30, 1976 January 29, 1987 – February 16, 1988 February 16, 1999 – February 4, 2000 February 3, 2011 – January 22, 2012 January 22, 2023 – February 9, 2024 The Dragon

The Dragon represents good fortune, confidence, and generosity in the Chinese zodiac. As the only mythological creature in the zodiac, many believe the sign to be auspicious. Consequently, birth rates in Chinese communities tend to increase during the Year of the Dragon—so-called “Dragon babies” have bright futures ahead of them. 

The Dragon Babies Club counts Rihanna and Jack Ma among their members. After a successful music career, Rihanna transitioned into entrepreneurship by launching Fenty Beauty and Savage x Fenty. Ma founded Alibaba, which is one of the largest online selling platforms in the world.

The Dragon could easily collaborate with the Rat and Monkey. These three signs have the knack for seizing and maximizing opportunities. The Rooster’s natural charm could draw attention from the Dragon. However, the Dog’s need for stability might dampen the Dragon’s thrill-seeking spirit.

Dragon years

January 27, 1952 – February 13, 1953 February 13, 1964 – February 1, 1965 January 31, 1976 – February 17, 1977 February 17, 1988 –  February 5, 1989 February 5, 2000 – January 23, 2001 January 23, 2012 – February 9, 2013 February 10, 2024 – January 28, 2025 The Snake

After the Dragon comes the Snake, which some regard as the “little Dragon.” This sign symbolizes grace, intuition, and strategy. Those born in the Year of the Snake appear cautious, but that’s because they observe before striking. 

Like the animal, those born under this sign have the ability to shed their skin. Taylor Swift reinvented herself and her music over two decades by experimenting with different genres. Swift even embraced being called a “snake” in her “Reputation” era. Fellow Snake Billie Eilish balances vulnerability and distance in her lyricism. Pierce Brosnan also lends an air of mystery to his portrayal of 007.

The Snake is in good company with the Ox and the Rooster. The Ox’s work ethic appeals to the Snake’s preference for action over words. The outgoing Rooster could draw the Snake out of their comfort zones. The Snake appreciates the Monkey’s roundabout problem-solving. Although, the Snake’s subtlety might confuse the Pig. 

Snake Years:

14 February 1953 – 2 February 1954 2 February 1965 – 20 January 1966 18 February 1977 – 6 February 1978 6 February 1989 – 26 January 1990 24 January 2001 – 11 February 2002 10 February 2013 – 30 January 2014 Graphic courtesy of Madeleine O. Teh | Photos from Unsplash and Pexels The Horse

The award for the most enthusiastic Chinese Zodiac sign goes to the Horse. Those born under this sign are independent and spontaneous. Their minds, bodies, and jam-packed social schedules run well past a mile a minute.

Horses love pushing themselves to their limit Like how Kobe Bryant cemented his place in sports history. Though already a successful actress, Emma Watson chose to challenge herself intellectually by pursuing higher education. Watson shares her love for advocacy work with fellow Horse and environmentalist Greta Thunberg.

It’s tough to keep up with the Horse, but the Tiger puts in a good effort. The Dog’s protective instincts could help the Horse foresee danger without smothering the latter. Despite the Sheep’s pessimism, their dreamy outlook complements the Horse’s restlessness. 

According to the legend, the Rat asked the Horse for a ride. But the Horse declined, thinking the Rat to be sly. Conversely, the Rat thought of the Horse as selfish. Different life approaches between these signs may cause friction. 

Horse years:

February 15, 1942 – February 4, 1943 February 3, 1954 –  January 23, 1955 January 21, 1966 – February 8, 1967 February 7, 1978 – January 27, 1979 January 27, 1990 – February 14, 1991 February 12, 2002 – January 31, 2003 January 31, 2014 – February 18, 2015 The Sheep

Amid the strong personalities in the zodiac cycle, the Sheep represents sincerity and compassion. The Sheep’s helpful attitude attracts aid and blessings from others tenfold. Those born in the Year of the Sheep can endure life’s hardships, though they might complain once in a while. 

Sheep may be shy and soft-spoken, but don’t forget they have horns. Steve Jobs’ creativity led to innovations such as fonts in computers. But, his tough leadership style also intimidated his collaborators. Microsoft founder Bill Gates was also born under this sign and shares Jobs’ vision for personal computers.

The Sheep could create lasting friendships with the Rabbit and the Pig. All three signs are known for their mild demeanors. But, opposites also attract! The Sheep could find excitement with the Horse, who benefits from slowing down once in a while. However, the soft-hearted Sheep might not understand the gruff Ox. 

Sheep years:

February 5, 1943 – January 24, 1944 January 24, 1955 – February 11, 1956 February 9, 1967 – January 29, 1968 January 28, 1979 – February 15, 1980 February 15, 1991 – February 3, 1992 February 1, 2003 – January 21, 2004 February 19, 2015 – February 7, 2016 The Monkey

The Monkey holds a special place in the Chinese zodiac. Monkeys are most similar to humans and are revered for their intelligence. The Monkey King, a literary character, gains supernatural abilities and goes on an adventure to find Buddhist texts. Like the Monkey in the story, those with this sign are smart, fun-loving, and adaptable. 

Monkeys are often on the cutting edge of trends, or beloved for making their friends laugh. Brat Summer, led by Charli XCX, encapsulates the amazing vibes these folks emanate while Tom Hanks dazzles audiences with his comedic timing and depth. 

The Monkey gets along well with the Dragon and the Rat. The Dragon would value the Monkey’s insights, while the Rat shares the Monkey’s talent for observation and foresight. The Monkey would enjoy the Snake’s company since both often read between the lines. The Tiger takes themselves too seriously to enjoy the Monkey’s sense of humor. 

Monkey years:

February 12, 1956 – January 30, 1957 January 30, 1968 – February 16, 1969 February 16, 1980 – February 4, 1981 February 4, 1992 – January 22, 1993 January 22, 2004 – February 8, 2005 February 8, 2016 – January 27, 2017 Graphic courtesy of Madeleine O. Teh | Photos from Unsplash and Pexels The Rooster

The early bird gets the worm! The Rooster’s crow woke up all of the animals to kick off the zodiac race. Similarly, those born in a Rooster year are self-disciplined, alert, and somewhat eccentric. Catch them going for early morning runs and drawing crowds during dinner parties. 

Roosters aren’t afraid to have their voices heard. Beyoncé won her place in pop history through her artistry and community work. Chris Evans advocates for voter participation outside of his acting career. 

The Rooster could count on the Ox and the Snake for support. The Rooster finds stability in the Ox and insight from the Snake. The exuberant Dragon shares the Rooster’s ambition and the Rooster could help the Dragon be more strategic. However, the Rooster’s racket might tire the Rabbit. 

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Rooster years:

February 13, 1945 – February 1, 1946 January 31, 1957 –  February 17, 1958 February 17, 1969 – February 5, 1970 February 5, 1981 – January 24, 1982 January 23, 1993 – February 9, 1994 February 9, 2005 – January 28, 2006 January 28, 2017 – February 15, 2018  The Dog

Like man’s best friend, folks born under this Chinese zodiac sign are loyal and protective. At times, the Dog’s concern errs on nagging. Don’t worry, their bark is worse than their bite. Dogs deeply care for their loved ones and enjoy helping those in need. 

Famous people born under this sign include Justin Bieber, Prince William, and Anne Hathaway. All three often express their devotion to family while fulfilling their professional duties. They strike a balance in their professional and personal lives. 

The Dog benefits from taking occasional breaks. The Horse encourages the Dog to let loose while the Tiger extends its protective instincts over the Dog. The Rabbit could create a serene environment for the Dog to rest after long days working. But, the Dog might doubt the Dragon’s grand schemes. 

Dog years:

February 2, 1946 – January 21, 1947 February 18, 1958 – February 7, 1959 February 6, 1970 – January 26, 1971 January 25, 1982 – February 2, 1983 February 10, 1994 – January 30, 1995 January 29, 2006 – February 17, 2007 February 16, 2018 – February 4, 2019 The Pig

Last but certainly not least, the Pig symbolizes prosperity, authenticity, and compassion. People born in the Year of the Pig trust quickly, so it’s crucial to draw boundaries and always be alert. However, their sweet disposition wins them allies everywhere they go. 

Pigs love working and playing hard. On top of being a global pop star, Dua Lipa carves out time to travel, read books, and try new cuisines. Snoop Dogg considers music, cooking, and fashion design among his many passions. 

Great matches for the Pig include the Rabbit and the Sheep. The Rabbit can help the Pig spot opportunities, while the Sheep shares the Pig’s pace of life. The Tiger and Pig also make an odd match. But, the former brings excitement into the Pig’s life. The Pig may question Snake’s tendency to skirt around challenges. 

Japan pulled the plug on nuclear power after the 2011 Fukushima disaster, but with the G7’s dirtiest energy mix, it is seeking to cut emissions, and atomic energy is making a steady comeback, in part because of AI.

Pig years:do888

January 22, 1947 – February 9, 1948 February 8, 1959 – January 27, 1960 January 27, 1971 – February 14, 1972 February 13, 1983 – February 1, 1984  January 31, 1995 – February 18, 1996 February 18, 2007 – February 6, 2008 February 5, 2019 – January 24, 2020