Explore the 12 Chinese Zodiac Animal Signs and Their Impact on Your Life

Everything - all that we see has a symbol. These symbols dictate the essence, traits, and characteristics in a pictorial form. Chinese Astrology, too, has symbols. And these symbols are animals!

Animals signify spiritual evolution. For instance - at a shrine in Nara, Japan - deer are revered and are spiritually very important to the people who worship here.

Chinese Astrology is more complicated than it appears. In Chinese Astrology, each New Year comes under the influence of an animal.

Each year, the Chinese New Year begins on the second New Moon after the winter solstice and falls on a different day. So to understand which animal year sign falls to you - you will need to check the date of the New Year at the time of your birth.

Rat is the first of all zodiac animals. If you're born to this zodiac, then you are clever and a quick thinker. Be it general knowledge or visual tasks - you tend to react more quickly than others.

You may be restless, but you are resilient and can manage your stress well. You are full of 'Rat Energy' and are, thus - a survivor. You radiate with optimism and can also get others moving. You are wonderful at business affairs, but you may have to work on your skills of communication.

Your lucky flowers are Lily, African violet, and Valley Lily. Your lucky colors are blue, green, and gold, and you must avoid yellow and brown.

Chinese peasants told the story that the Emperor of Heaven felt sorry for the people starving on earth. To show His mercy, he sent oxen down to earth. The oxen carried a message that if mankind worked hard, then they would starve no more. Thus, Oxen symbolize wealth, prosperity, and persistence.

If you're born to this zodiac, then you are a born leader. You signify diligence, strength, and honesty. You are a hard worker who never looks for praise, but will get the recognition for your efforts.

Your lucky plants are lily of the valley and lucky bamboo. Blue, green and yellow are your lucky colors, but you must avoid red and brown. You may make a good lawyer, doctor, business person, or teacher.

The king of the Jungle occupies the third place in Chinese astrology. Being born to this sign makes you daring and fearless. You have intense eyes, and people may easily fall for your charms.

You carry confidence with grace and have a strong sense of self-esteem. You love taking challenges hands-on and strive towards constant improvement. Your ferocity is admirable, but you must avoid being brash while dealing with people.

Plum blossom is your lucky flower. Blue and green are your best colors, and you must avoid donning white. You may make an exceptional politician, leader, or an entrepreneur.

In Chinese culture, Rabbit is associated with the Moon and is believed to have magical powers. If you're born to this zodiac, then you are earnest with everything you do. You are intelligent and have great wit, but you must bring out your strength and confidence.

With good powers of reasoning, you are a natural problem solver. No matter what, you also have the ability to move towards your goal steadily. All's well with this zodiac, but you must watch out your eating patterns and try to overcome your anxiety.

Red, pink, purple, and blue are your lucky colors, and you must avoid brown and gray. You can make a good musician, artist, and architect and are good at PR jobs.

In Chinese culture, the Dragon is the most revered animal. You have a mesmerizing personality if you're born to this zodiac. A born fighter, nobody dare underestimate you.

You carry a very high self-esteem, and honesty is your signature trait. The right mix of exceptional traits that you have makes you magnificent and striking. You are adventurous at heart and are best suited for a career in politics, business, arts, and education.

Wearing colors like gold, silver, and gray will further enhance your strengths and vitality. You must strive to create long-lasting relationships, avoid working too much and never forget to exercise.

Snake symbolizes transformation and metamorphosis. Born to this zodiac, you are original and inventive. You rarely know how to give up and have a complex mind. If you love - you love with all your force, and if you hate - all heaven may break loose.

You are a natural problem solver and can figure out solutions calmly. You have your to-do lists and always seem to be busy making plans.

Red, yellow and black are your lucky colors, and you must avoid wearing white, gold, and brown. Balance your diet, avoid bottling up emotions and express yourself. Your heart is your weak spot, so pay attention to it. You are best suited for management and leadership jobs.

In the Chinese Zodiac, Horse represents nobleness and faithfulness. Being born to this zodiac, you dictate strength, motility, power, and stamina. You are a free spirit and need your own space.

You pulsate with energy, but you must wisely channelize it to reach your goals. Your inner urge to seek happiness is what drives you into action. However, you may have a short temper and witness a fluctuating attitude.

Green, red and purple are your lucky colors, and you must avoid gold, brown and black. Watch out for your kidney and liver. You must drink enough water and rest in plenty. You are best suited for technical work, journalism, and sales.

Goat symbolizes independence and faith. Born in this zodiac, you are a determined individual. You have strong survival instincts and are blessed with ample creativity. It's never too hard for you to love others and think about them.

Your high resilience makes you a pure competitor. You love doing charities and have the ability to make friends.

Green, purple and red are your lucky colors, but you must avoid gold, brown and black. You are best suited to build a career in arts, and healthcare. You may suffer from cold, sore throats, headaches, and heart problems. So avoid cold foods and remember to exercise.

Monkey is symbolic of electric energy and endless enthusiasm. If you belong to this zodiac - then you are a powerful person! You have an infinite reserve of energy and are a pure explorer.

Throw a challenge or get stuck in a problem- you are hands-on while working out the solution. Innovative, intelligent, and original, this zodiac brings you a whole bundle of exceptional traits. You take praise and critique with equal grace.

White, blue, and gold are your lucky colors, and you must avoid wearing black, gray, and dark brown. You have an active personality and are thus prone to accidents. Watch for your reckless streak, take care of your cold and throat, connect with friends and family, and above all - avoid being arrogant.

It's a brand new day for you! Being a Rooster, every day is a new day and marks a new beginning for you. Hope is your greatest strength, and your candor is your panache. In China, Roosters are symbolic of luck and abundance.

You are brave, but deep down, you seek others' validation. Asking others for their opinion is a done thing, but ultimately - you must learn to keep confidence and trust your instincts. Your family is your nest and your support system.

Gold, brown and yellow are your lucky colors, and you must avoid wearing red, orange, and purple. You are a picky eater, so channelize your mood swings and balance your diet. You can make a good politician, diplomat, tour guide, or fashion designer.

Dogs are a powerful symbol of unconditional love. Born to this zodiac, you always remain loyal to your friends, family, and work. People see a true friend in you and easily confide in you. As honesty and loyalty are your key traits - you are a reliable partner.

Green, red and purple are your lucky colors, and you must avoid wearing blue and brown. Take care of your digestive system, beware of an unhealthy diet, take frequent breaks, and we strongly recommend doing yoga.

You make a good lawyer, referee, and an interviewer and are best suited for jobs that involve working behind the scenes.

Pig is the twelfth and last of all animals in the Chinese zodiac. If you're born to this zodiac, then you have a charming personality. Pigs are a symbol of wealth and fertility, but they also represent arrogance. So you are a mix of all these characteristics, and must learn to cultivate your positive traits.

Tolerance, energy, and enthusiasm are your greatest strengths. Material pleasures motivate you to work hard and thus - also spiral you into being an ace achiever.

Yellow, gray, and brown are your lucky colors, and you must avoid wearing blue and green. Owing to your patience and understanding, you may make a good career in the field of business, investment, and real estate. Avoid unhealthy diets, take care of your heart and cholesterol, and get regular checkups.