Read the text and study the chart below.

Most people are aware of their astrological signs, and know the characteristics associated with the twelve signs of the zodiac. Astrology is based upon your month of birth. Traditional Chinese astrology is different. It's based on your year of birth. There are twelve signs, too, but they are named after animals. The Chinese New Year falls on a different date each year but it begins somewhere between mid-January and mid-February. The twelve-year cycle begins with the year of the Rat. The legend is that the order was decided thousands of years ago by Buddha, who called all the animals to a New Year meeting. Only twelve came, and the years were named after the twelve animals in the order in which they arrived. First was the aggressive Rat, second was the hard-working Ox. Then came the smiling Tiger, followed by the cautious Rabbit. The showy Dragon came next, then wise Snake. The gifted Horse was next, followed by the gentle Goat, then the merry Monkey and the proud Rooster. Last were the faithful Dog and the honest Pig.

People born in specific years are supposed to have characteristics of the year's animal. This should not be taken too seriously. The animals arc symbols, and the Chinese idea of each animal’s character is often different from a traditional Western view. The interesting thing about the cycle of Chinese years is that they relate to the cycles of change in the Sun which is known to affect the Earth's weather, and may also relate to earthquakes and electrical changes in the atmosphere.

It's up to you how seriously you take them. Anyway, it makes a change when someone comes up to you and says, “'I can always tell people’s birth signs – you’re a Virgo”. You can always reply by saying, “And I can always tell people’s Chinese signs. You’re a Pig!”

EXERCISES

1. Look at the chart of characteristics for each sign. Work out your sign, and the signs of three people you know very well. Go through the list, putting a tick (v) by characteristics you think are right, a cross (x) against ones you think are wrong, or a zero (0) if you don't know. Be honest - especially the Monkeys - and open-minded - especially the Oxen!