In the Chinese horoscope, each year is identified with one zodiac sign (animal). In first place is the Rat, followed by the Buffalo, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig (Wild Boar). There are many legends about how the Chinese horoscope was created, and one of the most popular is the following: the Chinese emperor wanted to measure time and therefore organized a competition in which, of all the animals that exist, these 12 reached the finish line.The winner of the competition was the one who swam the fastest across the swollen river and reached the finish line on the opposite side of the river.

Among the competitors were the Rat and the Cat. They didn’t like each other, in fact, they hated each other, and the aggravating circumstance was that they were the worst swimmers in the animal kingdom. But the intelligent Rat suggested to the Cat that they cross the river on the Buffalo’s back. The Buffalo, with a kind and gentle nature, accepted their request to help them. The Rat, wanting to win at any cost, pushed the Cat into the middle of the swollen river. The cat did not manage to reach the shore and she never forgave him for that act of betrayal. Some other versions of this legend say that the Cat, knowing that she likes to sleep, asked the Rat to wake her up on the day of the competition, but the Rat of course did not, so the Cat was late for the competition. The result is that from those ancient times to the present day, the Cat chases after the Rat whenever it sees him and tries to catch him!

As soon as the Buffalo reached the other side of the river, the intelligent Rat jumped in front of him and rushed towards the finish line and won. The good-natured Buffalo did not get angry, he was satisfied with second place.

The Tiger arrived third, which surprised everyone, because they all expected him to be the winner, considering that he is one of the strongest and bravest animals. Suddenly there was a knocking sound. It was a Rabbit crossing the river by jumping from stone to stone. At one point, he spotted a floating log. He jumped on it and managed to reach the opposite bank, finishing in fourth place.

In fifth place was the Dragon. Everyone was amazed that he, as the strongest animal, did not win. The dragon can fly, so crossing the river shouldn’t have been a problem for him. But he told the emperor that he could not arrive earlier because he had to stop several times to help the people in the village, and besides, while crossing the river, he saw a rabbit struggling on a floating log and decided to help him. He gently blew the log with the Rabbit towards the shore with a powerful breath, helping him to reach his goal.

Then the Horse galloped up, but he didn’t notice that he had had a Snake wrapped around his leg the whole way. As soon as he crossed the river, the Snake jumped in front of him, scared him and thus secured the sixth place, ahead of the Horse who arrived seventh. Shortly after them, the Rooster, the Monkey and the Goat arrived. Unlike all the other animals, the three helped each other. The rooster found a raft and called the Goat and the Monkey. By joining forces, they managed to reach the other side. The Goat arrived in eighth place , followed by the Monkey and the Rooster.

The Dog finished eleventh, regardless of the fact that he was an excellent swimmer, and could have arrived much earlier. He excused himself to the emperor by saying that he could not resist the fresh crystal water. He wanted to take a bath, so he stayed longer than expected. Just as the emperor decided to end the contest, a loud roar was heard. It was the Pig who, having reached the finish line in the last fraction of a second, told the emperor that she got so hungry during the competition that she had to stop to eat, and then she was so tired that she dozed off. When she woke up, she rushed towards the finish line with all her might, and managed to finish the competition in twelfth place.

This endearing legend explains the characteristics of animals and connects them with some of the general characteristics of people born in a certain sign. However, it is important to understand that

Chinese astrology is much more than this superficial presentation. Likewise, the energetic beginning of the year (the real Chinese New Year) should not be confused with the Spring Festival, which was celebrated on February 9/10.

A real energetic start to the New Year; the beginning of spring, the beginning of the year of the Wooden Dragon Yang happened on February 4, 2024 at 09:26 in Europe (0 meridian of Greenwich) and will last until March (not February? – see below?) 5, 2025 at 03:20. Although Chinese astrology is much more complex than simply dividing years and people into animal signs, the goal of this text is to give you some general information and advice for each of these signs. Keep in mind that the year in the Chinese horoscope starts and ends between February 2 and 5 every year, so if someone was born in January, for example, they belong to the sign from the year before.

RAT (born 1900, 1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020).

People born under this sign are very resourceful, especially when they don’t have many choices. They are enterprising and easy to work with. Honesty is one of their greatest qualities, but they are also opportunists, ready to use the situation quickly to their advantage in order to achieve their goals. This trait, coupled with a strong instinct for self-preservation, makes them extremely adaptable and allows them to survive in conditions where others cannot. They get along well with the Dragon and the Monkey, unlike with the Snake, the Horse and the Goat.

This year, people born in the year of the Rat will have opportunities that they will be able to make good use of, although somewhat less than last year, which was very successful. Do not rush and expect success overnight. Persistence, diligence and effort will lead you to achieve your goals. This year, it is better to slow down and take slow steps towards the goal and not expect quick and easy earnings. Stay away from betting (for big money) and investing in dubious investments that promise quick profits. Remember that no matter how intelligent you are, there is always someone more intelligent than you who can carry you thirsty (?) across the water. Use emotional intelligence in verbal conflicts and misunderstandings.

BUFFALO (born 1901, 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021).

People born under this sign are conscientious, diligent, determined and strong, both at work and in their private lives. Calm and stubborn. They are good leaders, thanks to their moral and work ethic. However, their inclination towards the traditional and a certain mental limitation make them unwilling to change, especially if it is a question of re-examining their life principles. The buffalo wants to be respected, especially in the family, but he must make sure that he “earns” this honesty at the expense of his personal qualities and by respecting others, and not by stubbornness, unwillingness to engage in dialogue and imposing personal principles. He gets along well with the Snake and Rooster, unlike with the Horse, Goat and Monkey.

This year will be very favorable for those born under the sign of the Buffalo. Great success awaits you at work. You are otherwise very hardworking and this year it will be recognized and bear fruit. Of course, continue in the same rhythm, because only by making an effort will you get what you want, and maybe you will achieve even more than you expected. It is important for you that people “see” and respect you, but remember that they also expect that from you, and that you are not always the only one who is right. Don’t get into conflicts that will only drain you, but try to count to 10 (maybe

even 100) to calm down. Remember the old proverb: “You be right and I will be at peace”. You will see over time that not everything is as you thought. The Dragon has an extremely strong, headstrong, fast energy that distorts the real picture of things, and yes, of course, “he is always right”. Don’t let it get you down. It is also important not to talk publicly about your wishes, plans and projects.

TIGER (born 1902, 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022).

People born under this sign are daring and prone to an adventurous lifestyle. They love risk and are not afraid of challenges. They arew confident and extroverted and this allows them to be in the center of attention and to have a wide circle of people and acquaintances. They are the prominent ones in society and at parties. Excessive self-confidence sometimes leads them in the wrong direction, so they may make quick and reckless decisions that can cost them a lot. Caution is advised in this regard. When they manage to collect their scattered energy, enthusiasm and self-confidence and direct it towards a concrete goal, they achieve great success. They get along well with the Horse and Dog, unlike with the Goat, Monkey and Rooster.

This year for those born under the sign of the Tiger will be the way you make it for yourself. What does that mean? The work will be very intense with many opportunities (?) to achieve business and financial success, but it will exhaust you physically. Therefore, it is necessary to take a moderate approach to everything or organize yourself in such a way that work is in the foreground, everything else is in the background, and that your loved ones are ready for that sacrifice. If you want to create a new emotional relationship, it would be better not to enter into anything serious this year, because the energy of the Dragon will distort your ability to assess and be objective when it comes to other people. Likewise, stay away from risky investments, gambling (for big money), because the desire for quick profit can lead you to a quick loss.

RABBIT (born in 1903, 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023).

People born under this sign are calm and good-natured. They are kind, quiet, calm and respect others. They hate arguments and avoid conflict at all costs, even when it is to their detriment. They have style both in their behavior and in their clothing, and they are often introverted. They get along well with the Goat and the Wild Boar, and less well with the Monkey, the Rooster and the Dog. With all his qualities, the Rabbit must be careful not to remain on the sidelines and away from everyone else. His voice and opinion are very valuable and it is important that he does not keep them to himself.

This year for those born under the sign of the Rabbit will be colorful in the sense that there will be constant “ups and downs”. Just when you thought something was headed in the right direction, something will happen to challenge it. Big changes await you in your business and private life. It is important to keep things to yourself, not react and not enter into conflicts. Don’t spend beyond your means. Save money, but don’t invest it. Next year will be much more favorable for you, then you will have more room for maneuver to achieve your goals.

THE DRAGON (born 1904, 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024).

People born under this sign are characterized by courage. They are strong and determined,very activeand intelligent; one of the most powerful and respected signs in the Chinese horoscope. The largest number of children in China are born in this sign, because the Chinese wait for several years to have a child in the year of the Dragon. These people make excellent leaders provided they can control their huge egos. They are very proud, and you would rather break them than bend them. They get along well with the Rat and the Monkey, unlike with the Rooster, the Dog and the Pig. Due to their strong personality and inclination to leadership positions, they must be careful how they treat others.

Although this is “your” year, it does not mean that you will have greater privileges than others. In fact, instead of situations becoming fluid and going in your favor, there will be stagnation and backward movement. Similar to when retrograde Mercury “conspires” against us. You will find strength in a family environment to which you must pay more attention. This year, the most important thing is to stay focused and keep your attention on what is important to you.

It’s like going through a desert storm knowing that an oasis is waiting for you along the way, towards which you must move in a straight line without looking left or right. Do not spend beyond your means, do not enter into risky investments. Allow yourself rest and regeneration of body and soul. Spending time in nature with the family will be the best distraction. Make a daily, weekly, monthly plan of what you want to do and stick to it, but definitely don’t hesitate to set aside time for yourself. Practice patience, something that is not your strongest asset.

SNAKE (born 1905, 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025).

People born under this sign are endowed with intuition and intelligence. They are calm and quiet. They seem reserved and absent, but their minds are working at 100 kilometres per hour. It is very good to have them as a friend, especially in crisis situations, because they have the ability to see things from multiple aspects when making important decisions, both for themselves and for others. If the initial solution does not produce results, they look for and find other solutions until they achieve what they set out to do. They are characterized by determination and almost always achieve success in what they do. With their intellect, they are able to dive to the heart and even deeper, to the soul. They get along well with the Buffalo and the Rooster, unlike with the Rat, the Dog and the Wild Boar.

This year for those born under the sign of the Snake will be very positive, full of favorable opportunities both in business and in private life. If you are interested in further education, college or professional development of any kind, now is the time to do so, because what you learn now will bear fruit in the future. Be careful when spending, save and do not enter into risky investments. You tend to break the rules to get what you want, but this year make sure everything is within the law. A little more morals and ethics in relation to others will not hurt. Make sure you don’t burn out because of work.

HORSE (born in 1906, 1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026)

People born under this sign are characterized by liveliness, energy and expansiveness. They like to be among company and to be the center of attention. They are appreciated by colleagues, friends and everyone who meets them. Optimists, practical and very energetic, tireless at work. They are endowed

with great potential and curiosity, they love traveling, and discovering new cultures. They get along well with the Tiger and the Dog, unlike with the Rat, the Buffalo and the Wild Pig.

This year will be very demanding for those born under the sign of the Horse in all fields, but if they invest energy in work and career, they will not lack success. However, they must be careful that their health does not suffer because of this, which they must devote more attention to this year. They must find some meaning or hobby in the grayness of everyday life, and it would be preferable if they were more involved in sports, or easier techniques such as yoga. Meditation or mindfulness helps to calm the mind. Although it won’t be a fairy tale for them in the emotional field either, the influx of Dragon energy can help them end a relationship to their own satisfaction. Although this is not one of the most patient signs, patience and self-care are exactly what they need to focus on this year.

GOAT (born 1907, 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027).

People born under this sign are quiet, reserved, introverted and at first seem almost insensitive. Ambitious and determined in achieving their goals, which they achieve with pragmatism and diligence. They live in the here and now and are not prone to daydreaming. They are patient, persistent, not in a hurry, but still achieve their goals,as in the story of the Hare and the Tortoise. They are good friends and partners with whom you won’t make a fairy tale come true, but you won’t stay either hungry or without a roof over your head. They get along well with the Rabbit and the Wild Boar, unlike with the Rat, the Tiger and the Buffalo.

For people born under this sign, this will be a very successful year. Luck will follow you and when some situations seem lost, you will manage to turn them to your advantage. Dragon energy will encourage you to be busy in all areas of life, but be careful not to speed up too much, because you won’t be able to stop and go back to fix or reset what you have got into. You are one of the few signs that can invest money this year, but never in projects that are uncertain. Apart from love life, everything else will be fine. A good year for parting or ending a relationship, to your satisfaction.

MONKEY (born 1908, 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028).

People born under this sign are lively and sociable. But they are also fickle, capricious and opportunistic. They will take advantage of any opportunity that comes their way, without thinking of others, but this allows them to achieve great results. They are self-confident, intelligent and break rules and laws if necessary to reach their goal. They can be insincere and focused solely on themselves. They are playful and great for a good (but superficial) time. They get along well with the Rat and the Dragon, unlike with the Tiger, the Rabbit and the Buffalo.

For people born under this sign, this year will be very challenging. You will have the feeling that everyone is against you and that you are everyone’s target. Don’t let that discourage you, you can and should find salvation in work. Take care of your relationship with your co-workers. Avoid gossip, and if they speak against you, do not pay attention to it, because it is always important who says something, not what is said. No matter how good you are at your job, there will always be someone who will try to undermine you, either by word or deed, questioning your authority and professionalism. Be very concentrated, and if you are not sure about something, check it several times. Adapt to this year like water adapts to its container. This is just one year, not a lifetime.

ROOSTER (born in 1909, 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029).

People born under this sign are very communicative, moody, extroverted. They can be extravagant, both in speech and in dress and behavior. They are the first to know news, they are interested in everything new and can be very vain. They work better in a couple than alone, whether it’s a partnership or business, because they always need someone to be grounded, while they already live for tomorrow today. But they are blessed with honesty and a good heart. They are able to do everything to make their loved ones happy. They get along well with the Buffalo and the Snake, unlike with the Rabbit, the Tiger and the Dragon.

For people born under this sign, this will be a better year than the previous one, but still not 100%. Great opportunities for your personal and business growth can arise at work and otherwise in life. Your efforts at work will not go unnoticed, and you could receive a raise or some other form of recognition from your boss or co-workers. Be careful not to get too ego-boosted by this. Remember that we are all useful, but none of us is irreplaceable. Regardless of the increase in income, be careful with your money and avoid risky investments. Stick to the old adage: Savings is big income. Note: this is not a saying in English – not sure what you want to say!

DOG (born 1910, 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030).

People born under this sign are loyal, attentive, patient, reliable and protective. These are the qualities that make a dog an animal.??? They are good colleagues, employees and partners. In emotional relationships, they are affectionate and loyal. They were created to be leaders – colleagues respect them. They get along well with the Tiger and the Horse, unlike with the Rabbit, the Dragon and the Snake.

For people born under this sign, this year will be very challenging. The reason for this lies in the fact that the Dog is in direct conflict with the Dragon, who is the ruler this year. Therefore, you need to make peace, accept things, situations and problems as they come, and deal with them as best you know how at the given moment. In all areas of life, you should make peace, save your strength, do not enter into new projects, do not spend money and do not enter into any financial challenges. Otherwise the Dragon energy will work against you. Whenever the energy of the year is against your sign, it’s a good time to travel and relocate. Relax as much as you can, try not to stress about everything because after all, this is just one year, not a lifetime.

PIG (born 1911, 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019; 2031).

People born under this sign are stable and balanced. They are diligent, focused on achieving their own goals, towards which they go without looking left or right (like a wild boar running through the forest). But when they need a vacation, they allow it and do not regret spending money on personal pleasures. They are not wasteful, tend to accumulate material goods and are very good with money. They are good friends, cultured, intelligent. They do not follow trends, follow their own path and are individualists.

They get along well with the Rabbit and the Goat, unlike with the Snake, the Dragon and the Horse.

People born under this sign, even though they are the last sign in the horoscope, will be in first place in terms of success this year. A final relief after a demanding and tiring last year. Normally, you are diligent and achieve success at work, and this year you will excel in everything. Don’t let it get you to the point of neglecting your health, which you tend to do when it comes to work and career. Enjoy life, your moment has come. Devote yourself to work, but also to everything that you had to give up last year, which was very demanding for you. The sun will shine in both emotional and friendly relationships.

Happy Chinese New Year and may health and happiness accompany you throughout the year!