The Chinese zodiac consists of a 12-year cycle; each year is named after a different animal. The year that you were born links to one of these animals and Chinese people believe that people born in the same year embody the animal’s characteristics. Our Health Spa opened in 2010 – the Year of the Tiger.
There are many different stories as to how the Zodiac came to be and this is one of them:
A long, long time ago, the Cat and the Rat were the best of friends. They accompanied each other everywhere they went and they shared their food. One day, the Cat learnt that the Jade Emperor was going to elect twelve animals to represent the twelve calendar years, and invited all animals to a party. The Cat suggested to the Rat that both of them should make a presence.
When the day finally arrived, the Cat told the Rat, 'I am going to take a nap so that I will be on top form. Can you please wake me up when it's time to go to the party?' 'No problem.' the Rat replied, 'Just relax and rest. I will wake you up when the time comes.'
After the Cat fell asleep, the Rat thought to himself, 'I am among the smallest of all animals and I don't stand a chance in making one of the twelve if the Cat goes.' So when the time came, the Rat left on his own without waking up the Cat, and was elected as one of the twelve Zodiac Animals.
When the Cat found out what the Rat had done, he was furious. The two became worst enemies. This is the reason why cats are not one of the twelve animals and they love to chase after rats.
Tiger – 2010
Previous years: 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010
Tigers are colourful, powerful and passionate but can also be restless, selfish and impatient.
Tigers are compatible with the Dog and Horse and are incompatible with the Goat and Ox. Tigers will never bore their partners but instinctively try to dominate their relationships. Partners need to be active to keep up with the Tiger’s sense of adventure.
Tigers have a continual need to be challenged in their career but are smart and able to quickly master new subjects. The best jobs for Tigers are those that will lead them towards positions of leadership. Some suitable careers include: actor, artist and comedian.
Rabbit - 2011
Previous years: 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011
Rabbits are gracious, kind and lucky. Their downsides include moodiness and self-indulgence.
The Rabbit is most compatible with the Pig and Dog and incompatible with the Rooster and Rat. Rabbits are very sexual, but tend to give more of themselves than they should and need partners who won’t take advantage of their generous nature.
Rabbits are articulate and good communicators which is why Rabbits make excellent diplomats and politicians. Other good careers for Rabbits include: therapist, doctor and teacher.
Dragon - 2012
Previous years: 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000
Dragons are stately, strong, and noble. They can also be tactless, brash and demanding.
Dragons are compatible with the Monkey or Rat and incompatible with the Ox and Goat. Dragons won’t give up their independence, but they enjoy being around intriguing people, and when they find the right partner, they’ll usually commit to that person for life.
Dragons prefer leading to being led. Jobs that allow them to express their creativity are good choices. Some good careers include: inventor, lawyer, and sales person.
Snake - 2013
Previous years: 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001
Snakes are deep thinkers. They are wise, sensual and creative but also possessive, distrustful and sometimes cold.
The Snake is compatible with the Rooster and Ox and incompatible with the Pig and Monkey. Snakes are excellent seducers so they never have trouble attracting others. However once they’ve chosen a partner, a Snake’s insecure side will begin to show through and they may become jealous and possessive.
Snakes do work very hard, but they have a tendency to be job-hoppers as they become easily bored. They’re excellent problem-solvers and career choices include: scientist, analyst or investigator.
Horse - 2014
Previous years: 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002
Horses are mentally and physically agile, cheerful and magnetic. They can be arrogant, childish and stubborn.
Horses are compatible with the Dog or Tiger and incompatible with the Rat or Monkey. Horses, being spontaneous, have a tendency to fall fast and hard for others.
Horses enjoy jobs in which they can interact with others. They don’t like taking orders and they’ll escape from jobs they consider routine. Good career choices for Horses include: journalist, translator and performer.
Sheep - 2015
Previous years: 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003
Sheep are sincere, creative and gentle. They can sometimes be moody, pessimistic and over-sensitive.
Sheep are compatible with the Rabbit and Pig and incompatible with the Rat and Ox. Sheep tend to be private, so it can take effort to get to know one. As a result, most Sheep have few “close” friends, yet they’ll work hard for those they love.
Sheep at work prefer being part of a flock. Power and status aren’t important. Good career choices for Sheep include: paediatrician, actor, hair stylist and musician.
Monkey - 2016
Previous years: 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004
Monkeys are quick-witted, inquisitive, and sociable; but also egotistical, reckless, snobbish, and cunning.
Monkeys are compatible with the Rat or Dragon and incompatible with the Horse or Snake. When it comes to relationships, Monkeys aren’t quick to settle down and can be promiscuous. Monkeys will end this type of behaviour once they pair up with the perfect partner.
When it comes to work, Monkeys can do just about anything. They adapt well to changing environments and they’re very intelligent. Good career fields for Monkeys are accounting and banking.
Rooster - 2017
Previous years: 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005
Roosters are organized, self-assured and alert. They can be over zealous, critical and prone to empty bravado.
Roosters are most compatible with the Ox or Snake and most incompatible with the Goat and Rabbit. The Rooster’s bossiness and honest “tell it like it is” approach doesn’t work well with sensitive individuals. Roosters need to partner with those who are tough-skinned.
Roosters are highly motivated and hard-working; traits that enable most Roosters to have successful careers. Roosters make good actors, musicians and dancers but they also do well in the armed forces.
Dog - 2018
Previous years: 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006
Dogs are honest, intelligent and loyal but can be cynical, lazy and quarrelsome.
The Dog is most compatible with the Horse or Tiger and incompatible with the Rooster and Dragon. Although Dogs are trustworthy, they have trouble trusting others and it can take a long time before a Dog feels at ease with another person. When it comes to romance Dogs often have a tough time as others are often scared off by the Dog’s insecure nature.
Co-workers can always count on Dogs to help out, especially if it means the Dog will learn something new or alleviate the workload of others. Dogs are seen as valuable employees. Good career choices for Dogs include: police officer, politician and nurse.
Pig - 2019
Previous years: 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007
Pigs are chivalrous, gallant and meticulous but can be prone to extreme self indulgence.
Pigs are most compatible with the Rabbit or Goat and incompatible with the Monkey and Snake. Supportive and giving, Pigs make great partners. They’re affectionate and sexual and prefer staying home to going out. Once they find the right partner, they’re typically committed for the long-term.
Pigs enjoy helping at work and can always be counted on. They are detail-oriented, a trait admired by management, and aren’t afraid to take on responsibility. Some good career choices for Pigs include: caterer, veterinarian and interior decorator. They also do well in retail and hospitality.
Rat - 2020
Previous years: 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008
Rats are tenacious, charming, eloquent and sociable. They can be manipulative, self-destructive and over ambitious.
Rats are compatible with the Dragon and Monkey and incompatible with the Horse and Rabbit. Rats are very charming. They enjoy social activities and because they’re out a lot, they’re always meeting new people. Anyone hoping to partner with a Rat must be able to keep up with the Rat’s active nature.
Extremely perceptive and wise, Rats can focus on the big picture. That ability along with their good judgment enables Rats to solve problems before they arise. Rats make excellent bosses. Good career choices include: director, entrepreneur or broadcaster.
Ox - 2021
Previous years: 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1991, 2009
Oxen are dependable, calm and logical. They can be narrow-minded, rigid and materialistic.
Oxen are compatible with the Rat and Rooster and incompatible with the Tiger and Horse. Oxen aren’t very sociable and rarely participate in group activities. They will search long and hard for the perfect partner as change makes them uncomfortable. Due to an Oxen’s tendency to be overbearing relationships are not always successful.
Oxen prefer work that is routine. They take a methodological approach to their tasks and excel in jobs that are specialized; they also possess an admirable work ethic. Good career choices for Oxen include: carpenter, archaeologist, mechanic or banker.