Real Talk!

The Chinese year 4705 begins on Feb. 18, 2007. The Chinese calendar is based strictly on astronomical observations, the Chinese New Year is the second New Moon after the winter solstice.

This year is the Year of the Pig. Pig years are when family matters should take highest precedence. As an extension, concerns for society should also be stressed. Governments will be more concerned with internal affairs. Unfinished tasks should be completed rather than starting new endeavors.

Known, as a 12-year cycle, Chinese New Year Zodiac Signs represent a cyclical concept of time that is based on the cycle of the moon. Chinese New Year Zodiac Signs serve a useful function of knowing someone's age, as it's just because of it one has no need to ask the age, one can directly ask a person's animal sign and get to know his age. Fabian is a ram. I am a dog. My daughter is a monkey and her father was/is a pig. (giggle).

The story goes that the Jade Emperor or Buddha asked all animals to come and meet him on the Chinese New Year and only twelve came. In some versions, they held a race… in most versions, Buddha named a year after each animal and announced that a person born in the particular animal's year will inherit some of the qualities of that animal.

A Basic Interpretation of the Chinese New Year Zodiac Signs:
Rat (1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984 and 1996)
Ox (1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985 and 1997)
Tiger (1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986 and 1998)
Rabbit (1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987 and 1999)
Dragon (1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988 and 2000)
Snake (1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989 and 2001)
Horse (1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990 and 2002)
Ram (1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991 and 2003)
Monkey (1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992 and 2004)
Rooster (1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993 and 2005)
Dog (1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994 and 2006)
Pig (1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995 and 2007)

Rat
Corresponding Western sign is Sagittarius.
Rats are noted for their charm. Attractive to the opposite sex, they are very social and have many friends. Rat people are hardworking and consequently often financially wealthy. Frequently perfectionists, Rat people have quick tempers and big ambitions. Generally successful, the Rat is generous to others. The family is important; a Rat is loyal to his family and will fight for it if needed. Rats have a tendency to listen to gossip.

Ox
Corresponding Western sign is Capricorn.
The quiet Ox seldom speaks but when he does, he is very eloquent. Extremely alert, both mentally and physically, Ox people are very patient. They are hardworking and inspire great confidence in others. Watch out for the bad temper of the Ox. These people have an eccentric bent and may be bigoted.

Tiger
Corresponding Western sign is Aquarius
Tigers are considered sensitive, strong and courageous. They are given to deep thinking and capable of great sympathy. While most other people have great respect for tigers, there can be conflict with older people or those in authority. Poor decision makers, tigers sometimes make poor, hasty decisions or sound decisions, arrived at too late. They are suspicious of others.

Rabbit
Corresponding Western sign is Pisces.
People born in the Year of the Rabbit are homebodies. They are peaceful, sociable and have great taste. Rabbit people are admired, trusted, and are often financially lucky. Tactful and generally kind, Rabbit people seldom lose their temper. Clever in business and being conscientious, they never back out of a contract. They are sociable, peaceable, articulate and somewhat reserved. Although generally wise, a Rabbit may have trouble keeping a secret.

Dragon
Corresponding Western sign is Aries.
Dragons do not care for routine, love their freedom, have strong personality, they are short- tempered, excitable, energetic and healthy. Known to be honest, Dragons are brave, sensitive and don't borrow money. Dragon people are the most eccentric of any in the eastern zodiac. They don’t make flowery speeches and do not care to be right in the spotlight. Dragons tend to be softhearted which sometimes gives others an advantage over them

Snake
Corresponding Western sign is Taurus.
Snake people have great sensitivity, they possess great wisdom have tremendous sense of sympathy for others. They never have to worry about money; they are financially very lucky. Snake people tend to overdo, since they have doubts about other people's judgment they prefer to rely on themselves. They are determined in whatever they do and hate to fail. Although calm on the surface, they are intense and passionate but also, vain, selfish and stingy. Snake people may have difficult marriages.

Horse
Corresponding Western sign is Gemini.
Admirable, ambitious, perceptive, cheerful, skilful with money, the horse is wise but may have a weakness for members of the opposite sex. Horses are talented people, usually good with their hands. These people will enjoy large crowds and entertainment. They are also very impatient and sometimes talk too much. Horses are considered hot-blooded about everything except their daily work.

Ram
Corresponding Western sign is Cancer.
Gentle, caring, kind, shy and usually deeply religious, passionate about what they do and what they believe in. They never have to worry about having the best in life- their abilities make money for them, and they are able to enjoy the creature comforts that they like. Sheep are elegant and highly accomplished in the arts. They seem to be, at first glance, better off than those born in the zodiac's other years- but Sheep people are often shy and say the wrong thing. They tend to be timid, pessimistic, and puzzled about life.

Monkey
Corresponding Western sign is Leo.
Clever, skillful, and flexible, Monkey people are charmers. These people are fun loving, cheeky and remarkably inventive. Having common sense, Monkey people have a deep desire for knowledge and have excellent memories. A Monkey can solve even the most difficult problems with ease. There are few fields in which Monkey people wouldn't be successful. Horribly impatient, Monkey people want to do things now and if they cannot get started immediately, they become discouraged and sometimes leave their projects. Although good decision makers, they tend to look down on others. Monkey people are strong willed but their anger cools quickly- in fact, they have a disconcerting habit of being too agreeable.

Rooster
Corresponding Western sign is Virgo.
Deep thinkers, capable, and talented a Rooster likes to be busy. People born in the Rooster Year are often a bit eccentric but they are always interesting and can be extremely brave. Roosters often have difficult relationships with others. They always think they are right. They frequently are loners and although they give the outward impression of being adventurous, they are timid. Rooster people's emotions like their fortunes, swing very high to very low. They can be selfish and too outspoken. Roosters are devoted beyond their own capabilities and are deeply disappointed if they fail.

Dog
Corresponding Western sign is Libra.
Dog people possess the best traits of human nature. They have a deep sense of loyalty, are honest, and inspire other people's confidence because they know how to keep secrets. Dog people make good leaders. They possess a strong sense of caring and a fearless streak. Very eccentric, Dogs care little for wealth, yet somehow always seem to have money. The Dog can be cold emotionally and sometimes distant at parties. They can find fault with many things and are noted for their sharp tongues. The young Dog, especially, can be selfish and terribly stubborn.

Pig
Western sign is Scorpio.
Chivalrous and gallant, whatever a Boar does- it does with all his strength. They have tremendous fortitude and great honesty. They are kind to their loved ones. They don't make many friends but they make them for life, and anyone having a Boar Year friend is fortunate for they are extremely loyal. No matter how bad a problem, Pig people will try to work them out, fairly. They don't talk much but have a great thirst for knowledge. Pigs generally study a great deal and are well informed. Boar people are quick tempered even though they hate arguments and quarreling. Sometimes the Pig is a bit too impulsive and may be secretive, even sneaky.

Happy New Year.