The Chinese astrological system is the oldest of its kind. It is based on traditional astrology and the lunar calendar and it differentiates people into 12 signs. This last feature is similar to Western and Indian astrology while the way of living is influenced by eastern philosophy, with its connection to seasons and weather.

According to Taoism, the foundation of Eastern wisdom, the universe is created from the continuous interaction between two opposite forces. These two opposite forces are named as Yin (the male) and Yang (the female) and represented by the Sun and the Moon. By adding the five elements to these forces, the foundation of Chinese Astrology is set. In addition to 12 different animals, there is the concept of five elements, wood, fire, earth, metal and water, in Chinese astrology. The 12 Chinese signs are controlled by these five elements. Considering the periods controlled by each element, it can be seen that the Chinese calendar is based on 60-year periods.

After the general information about Chinese astrological system, we can take a look at the signs.

You can find your Chinese zodiac according to your birth date in the table below and start reading your characteristics.

1948 1960 1972 1984 1996 - Rat
1949 1961 1973 1985 1997 - Ox
1950 1962 1974 1986 1998 - Tiger
1951 1963 1975 1987 1999 - Rabbit
1952 1964 1976 1988 2000 - Dragon
1953 1965 1977 1989 2001 - Snake
1954 1966 1978 1990 2002 - Horse
1955 1967 1979 1991 2003 - Goat
1956 1968 1980 1992 2004 - Monkey
1957 1969 1981 1993 2005 - Rooster
1958 1970 1982 1994 2006 - Dog
1959 1971 1983 1995 2007 – Pig

DRAGON

It would be better to start with the Dragon as 2012 is the Dragon Year.
Dragon year is considered as the luckiest year amongst Chinese zodiacs.

Personality

Dragon, being the 5th zodiac in Chinese astrology, is the most powerful zodiac. Dragon, the mythical creature, is the symbol of good luck and strong power. It’s believed that the Dragon spreads good luck and is the master of authority in Eastern Philosophy. Thus, people born in the Dragon year are honoured and respected.

Dragons symbolize the characteristics like dominance and ambition. Dragons, who prefer to live by their own rules, are most likely to be successful when they are on their own. They do not avoid challenges and love taking risks. They are passionate about what they do. However, this passion and excitement can be tiring for Dragons. Even though they help the people around them, they almost never ask for help. Although their self-reliance can be understood as arrogance and insolence, they do not have these characteristics. Be careful, though, dragons can inflame quickly!

Health

When considering the hardworking nature of Dragons, they are generally in good health. They might develop stress and periodic blood pressure related problems or headaches as they take too many risks. It would be beneficial for the Dragons to include modest activities in their daily routines. Yoga or jogging can be the best activities as they can work their bodies out as well as their minds.

Career

Dragons prefer to lead than to be led. Investment, management, computer analysis, law, engineering and architecture are the most appropriate career options for Dragons as they can use their creativity.

Relationship

There is always a place for love in Dragons. However, they never give up their freedom. As they can blaze suddenly and might have a nature of revenge, their partners shouldn’t have an easily influenced and fragile nature. Dragons love to be around interesting people and when they find the right person for them, they would be committed to that person for the rest of their lives.

Dragons and the 5 Elements

Before moving on to the influence of elements on the zodiacs, you may want to find your element according to the table below.

01.27.1952 – 02.13.1953 : Water
02.13.1964 – 02.01.1965 : Wood
01.31.1976 – 02.17.1977 : Fire
02.17.1988 – 02.05.1989 : Earth
01.28.2000 – 02.14.2001 : Metal

Metal Dragons

Dragons’ powerful nature is strenghtened by metal. Metal dragons fight for what they believe in. They are true leaders. They follow the truth. They are brave and extreme but sometimes they can be stubborn. As long as they are determined, they reach success. They respect the people who are against them. Metal Dragons can always find followers but even if they can’t, they do not hesitate to fight alone.

Water Dragons

Water puts out the Dragon’s fire. Water dragons are able to look at situations through the perspectives of others. They don’t need to be right all the time. Generally their decisions are right, when searched throughly, because they let others to participate in decision making.

Water has a calming effect on the dragon’s fearless nature. Water directs dragon’s excitement and make them more understanding. These dragons know the art of patience and don’t want the stage lights to be on them unlike the other dragons, so, they are capable of re-evaluating situations and make smart decisions. If they don’t think or search more or if they start a new task before finishing the other, their risk of making wrong decisions increases.

Wood Dragons

Wood dragons have strong artistic skills and love to be creative. They get along well with people but they are always the dominant power.

As wood has a changing effect, it brings creativity to this zodiac. They question and are liberal, they love talking about originial ideas and are open to new thoughts. They have everything needed to build a successful and happy life.

Fire Dragons

The emotions of fire dragons can change anytime. As they rush and are careless, they might end up making wrong decisions. Fire Dragons need to slow down and control their sudden change of emotions in order to be their best. They are their own worst enemies as their mood changes quickly. They believe that they are valuable and know everything.

Earth Dragons

As they have their roots from the earth, earth dragons act wisely and make smart decisions. They can control their acts. They help the people around but they also want to be appreciated by others. Earth element brings the characteristic of self-control to the dragon’s personality. They take their lives and relationships very seriously.