Zodiac, the name given to a belt of the heavens extending 8° on each side of the ecliptic, composed of twelve constellations called signs of the zodiac, which the sun traverses in the course of a year. These signs, of which six are on the N. of the ecliptic and six on the S., are, commencing with the former, named successively: Aries, the Ram; Taurus, the Bull; Gemini, the Twins; Cancer, the Crab; Leo, the Lion; Virgo, the Virgin; Libra, the Balance; Scorpio, the Scorpion; Sagittarius, the Archer; Capricornus, the Goat; Aquarius, the Water-bearer; and Pisces, the Fishes. The sun enters Aries at the spring equinox and Libra at the autumnal equinox, while the first point of Cancer marks the summer solstice, and that of Capricorn the winter. The name Zodiac is derived from the Greek zoon, an animal, and has been given to the belt because the majority of the signs are named after animals.

Zodiacal Light, a track of light of triangular figure with its base on the horizon, which in low latitudes is seen within the sun's equatorial plane before sunrise in the E. or after sunset in the W., and which is presumed to be due to a glow proceeding from some illuminated matter surrounding the sun.

Chinese Zodiac Rat
If you were born under the sign of the Rat in the Chinese Zodiac, chances are you are sentimental and sensitive. You may also be optimistic and cheerful and quite resourceful when it comes to finding a way to get the job done – especially if it directly affects you and those you love. Overall, those born under the Rat Chinese Zodiac are easy to get along with and will often have many friends. They have a genuine appreciate for people and those around them and will do almost anything to keep a friend.

If you have a boss born under the sign of the Rat Chinese Zodiac, he more than likely has an innate ability to make money. When it comes to employees, more than likely he will be willing to take care of them in ways to ensure they stay healthy and productive. He will not, however, give raises without very justifiable reasons. The Rat Chinese Zodiac is a master of bargains and getting money from him can prove to be quite difficult if there is any doubt that the money is to be used for an exceptionally good reason.

One interesting point about those born under the Rat Chinese Zodiac sign is that they are generally accepted as people who cannot keep secrets. While they enjoy finding secrets, they also have no problem using them to their own advantaged. Rat Chinese Zodiac individuals will be smart, enterprising, clever and quick-witted. The Rat Chinese Zodiac individual is able to accomplish whatever they put their mind to. On a positive side they tend to have very long memories and is able to develop very good relationships with people. On a negative side, they tend to be quick and harsh with their criticism. In addition, they tend to be prone to accumulating things – remember the term pack rat? – even things they really do not need. Women born under the Rat Chinese Zodiac side is thought to make a good housewife because she will dote on her husband and spoil her children. Children born under the sign of the Rat will be considerate, trusting and forgiving toward their parents and elders.

Rats are capable of making a great deal of money but must take care not to allow greed to blind their judgment. The best deals to be made by someone born under the Rat Chinese Zodiac will be negotiated during the winter months, and in particularly December. The rat is seen to be the most compatible for purposes of business and/or marriage with the Ox. Years included as the Rat Chinese Zodiac are: 1900, 1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984 and 1996.

Chinese Zodiac Ox 
Individuals born under the Ox Chinese Zodiac are often recognized for their ability to lead. Those people who are born under the sign of the Ox Chinese Zodiac are strict individuals who maintain discipline and get the job done. They will not, however, stop other people from living any way they choose to. Like the animal they are named after, individuals who are born under the sign of the Ox Chinese Zodiac may be seen as standoffish, arrogant, and even awkward. They are never tricky, not particularly quick-witted, and they do not tend to think of how their actions will affect others. Instead, they just kind of charge through life following a strong set of principles and values that include honesty and integrity.

Individuals born under the Ox Chinese Zodiac make excellent soldiers and construction team leaders. They are not prone to listening to excuses or accepting delays as a result of another individual’s weaknesses. This level of focus and commitment makes them excellent supervisors but makes them less than perfect in the areas of politics, foreign affairs or any type of public relation work. Those born under the Ox Chinese Zodiac do not have an easily seen sense of humor and instead must work very hard to develop a sense of humor in order to be seen as less uptight. In addition, those who are born under the sign of the Ox Chinese Zodiac may consider themselves to be the moral compass for those around them. They are self-reliant and do not necessarily ask for, nor want, any help in attaining their goals. They are cautious, and take little risks in their physical world or their financial investments.

Ox Chinese Zodiac individuals will get along great with roosters, rats, and snakes the best. There will be some real conflict if an individual born under the Ox Chinese Zodiac tries to settle down with someone born under the Tiger Chinese Zodiac. They are absolutely the least compatible. Relationships between Ox and Sheep or Ox and Horse are only marginably better than the Ox and Tiger and should probably be avoided for the best results. The Ox Chinese Zodiac is said to be the sign of those individuals born in 1901, 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985 and 1997.

Chinese Zodiac Tiger 
Individuals born under the sign of the Tiger Chinese Zodiac may be at one extreme or he other. Tigers may be gentle, sentimental, and full of sympathy. Others may be controlling, hot-tempered and extremely self-serving. Those who are interacting with an individual born under the Tiger Chinese Zodiac may have a bit of difficulty in determining which of these two personalities they may be dealing with. Regardless of the basic differences between the two types of Tiger Chinese Zodiac personalities, one constant is always applicable. Individuals born under the Tiger Chinese Zodiac is selfish by nature. He is often in a state of self-contradiction between acting rashly without thinking things through and hesitation. It is this state of rashness and hesitation that lessens the individual born under the Tiger Chinese Zodiac from being an effective leader. Instead, the tiger is best suited to working solo or with numbers and figures rather than other individuals. Tigers maintain a level of suspicion that is never entirely erased from their personalities. The tend to show off and like to be seen as being in powerful positions or control. They can be, and often are, extremely jealous. The Tiger Chinese Zodiac is extremely good at taking dreams and self-goals and making them into realities. They do not show fear in the face of diversity, and are persistent, almost tenacious, in achieving goals. Like the cat, they have what seems an endless amount of lives and will recreate themselves until they finally reach the level of success that they feel they are entitled to.

The Tiger Chinese Zodiac individual is most productive in the Spring and is best suited to make big changes in their life during the month of February. The Tiger is most compatible with those individuals born under the signs of the Boar or the Dog Chinese Zodiac. They should never try to carry on a relationship with an individual born under the sign of the Snake as there will be too much arrogance and suspicion for the relationship to withstand. The Tiger and Horse make the most successful business partners as both have a strong personality that works until the goals are met. The Tiger Chinese Zodiac is said to be the sign of those individuals born in 1902, 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986 and 1998.

Chinese Zodiac Rabbit 
You have undoubtedly heard of a lucky rabbit’s foot and according to the Chinese Zodiac individuals born under the sign of the Rabbit Chinese Zodiac are among the luckiest born. The Rabbit Chinese Zodiac represents people who are kind, quiet, loving individuals who speak gently and have a strong sense of justice and a high appreciation of artistic beauty. Those born under the sign of the Rabbit Chinese Zodiac are refined, cultivated, and often well-educated. Those born of the sign of the Rabbit rarely speak rudely , and in fact are often civil even to those that are considered to be an enemy. The Rabbit Chinese Zodiac is characterized by deliberate actions, a level of seriousness, and the ability to look at situations from many sides with a clear-headed approach. The Rabbit Chinese Zodiac individual will not rush to make a decision, instead they will spend time to gather more information and assess situations carefully from many different perspectives before deciding. Like the animal that acts as their mascot, individuals born under the Rabbit Chinese Zodiac are flexible, clever, and good at finding ways of self-preservation.

Individuals born in the Rabbit Chinese Zodiac understand what life really means. They get excited about the good and the bad in their own life and accept the same from others. They are excellent negotiators for themselves and for their organizations. They can be flexible, but never lose their self-confidence or their ability to think on their feet. Individuals born under the sign of the Rabbit Chinese Zodiac know more than they will ever let on, and they have excellent memories. They give credit where it is due and remembers all the good things that people do in addition to the misteps they may take.

The Rabbit Chinese Zodiac is the most compatible on a relationship level with the sheep. Professionally the strongest unions with the Rabbit are other Rabbits, Sheep, Rat, and Dog. The Rabbit Chinese Zodiac is said to be the sign of those individuals born in 1903, 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987 and 1999.

Chinese Zodiac Dragon
When one considers that the symbol of the dragon is used to represent the Emperor and power, it is easy to think about what the characteristics of someone born under the sign of the Dragon Chinese Zodiac may possess. People born in the years marked as being Dragon Chinese Zodiac are full of energy, strength and charisma that makes them seem like they are born leaders. They start their ability to become dreamers at a young age and take those lofty ideals with them into adulthood where they make them into realities.

The temper of an individual born under the Dragon Chinese Zodiac is volatile and can be full of wrath. The individual of the Dragon can be seen as stubborn and if often one who will not apologize, not because they want to be difficult but more because they simply don’t remember that they caused any problems.

Individuals born under in the year of the Dragon Chinese Zodiac are strong and decisive. They do well in jobs that allow them to be successful on their own strengths. They are honest and do not deal well with conspiracy or untruths. They are also very proud and often unwilling to ask for help. For this reason, the individual who is influenced by the Dragon Chinese Zodiac is often a successful entrepreneur.

Chinese tradition notes that the weather that was present on the day a child was born under the Dragon Chinese Zodiac will have a strong influence on the life of the child as an adult – especially in the terms of temperament. A stormy day will indicate a life of risks, hardships and dangers, while a gently breezy day will be calm and protected.

Dragons are the most compatible with those individuals born in under the sign of the Monkey Chinese Zodiac and even with a Snake Chinese Zodiac. They may also prove to be successful business partners with someone born of under the Rat Chinese Zodiac. The Dragon Chinese Zodiac is said to be the sign of those individuals born in 1904, 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988 and 2000.

Chinese Zodiac Snake 
People born in the year of the snake are thought of as being charismatic, cunning, and always charming. They often take leadership roles in society as adults including politicians, clergy, professors, and other community leaders because they follow their own thoughts and instincts and rarely follow the views or actions of others.

On a negative side of things, individuals born under the sign of the Snake Chinese Zodiac are often controlling and strict. They make no allowance for breaking trust, meaning if someone breaks their trust there is no ability to regain it. On a positive note, however, Individuals born under the Snake Chinese Zodiac appreciate good music, good food, the arts, and of course, good company. They are able to make do with just about any amount of income with little worry or thought to those things they “wish they had.”

Individuals born of the Snake Chinese Zodiac sign generally also have a good sense of humor and will maintain a positive environment, especially in an otherwise stressful work environment. They are deep thinkers, careful planners, and they tend to speak only after carefully thinking first. Snakes can be possessive, they like to control, and at times they go from being very talkative and persuasive to almost mute. They like to plan their next move and often plan their life early on and stick to the plan.

As with their namesakes, people born of the Snake Chinese Zodiac sign will face life fearlessly and elude those that would harm or capture them. Snakes are the most compatible with those individuals born in under the sign of the Rooster Chinese Zodiac when considering love and interpersonal relationships. Snakes can form strong business and professional ties with both the Ox and the Dragon and the Rat to a lesser extent. The Snake Chinese Zodiac is the sign for individuals who were born in 1905, 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989 and 2001.

Chinese Zodiac Horse 
If you or someone you know where born under the sign of the Horse Chinese Zodiac, you may recognize some of the following traits. For example, individuals of the Horse Chinese Zodiac often are intelligent, sharp, fashionable, and excellent talkers – they can charm just about anyone. What they cannot do, however, is avoid the trap falls associated with love. Individuals born of the Horse Chinese Zodiac live footloose and fancy free, literally, as they seem to live for the feelings of freedom that come from falling in and out of love. Often they leave home early, as they feel a certain level of drive toward establishing their own boundaries and lifestyles. They have to be involved – whether it is is in an intellectual discussion or a game of flag football, you will not find those born under the Horse Chinese Zodiac sitting quietly on the sidelines. They have to be involved.

Individuals born under the Horse Chinese Zodiac are graceful, eager, impetuous, and often act without fully thinking things through. Because of these traits, they must also be quick thinking and able to react in a flexible manner. They are fiery - both in living styles and their temper, and they don’t realize when they are weak, or worse yet, wrong. Instead, they will plow through the tasks at hand with little thought toward anything other than their own ability to succeed. They are no generally selfish about material matters but will not necessarily realize where others stand – and they will not wait. Individuals born under the Horse Zodiac Signs require jobs that let them create and work in a stimulating and fresh environment. Regulations and regulatory agencies are not fulfilling to a Horse Chinese Zodiac as they are too restrictive.

Horses are the most compatible in love and business with those individuals born in under the signs of the Tiger Chinese Zodiac or the Sheep and Dog Chinese Zodiacs. The Horse Chinese Zodiac is the sign for individuals who were born in 1906, 1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990 and 2002.

Chinese Zodiac Goat 
The Goat Chinese Zodiac (also known as the Sheep Chinese Zodiac) are seen as being lucky, peaceful and prosperous. In addition they are considered to be generous and kind-hearted. They may seem timid but this is more because of their artistic and mild-natured temperaments than any actual shyness. Individuals born under the sign of the Goat Chinese Zodiac are open-minded in both their own lives and how they view the life of others. Because of this, they are often admired and always respected. They can be very stubborn and often dig their heels in when someone attempts to force them to do something. They will not be forced or coerced but instead will take the bad and turn it into a positive springboard for making things better.

Individuals born under the sign of the Goat Chinese Zodiac are difficult to get to know, as they tend to keep to themselves and rarely let anyone know what their true feelings are. Goat/Sheep people tend to like things to look good and will spend hours in front of the mirror making sure they look just right. They are loving but also give in way too often to their emotions. This shows through their melancholy moods, frustration and even periods of improper decision making linked directly to their emotions. Goat Chinese Zodiac individuals will avoid people and isolate themselves before they hurt the feelings of another. Those born under the Goat Chinese Zodiac may not be best suited for occupations that require a strong sense of responsibility or ones that demand quick decisions. They are better suited to positions that allow them to work within their own devices and maintain responsibility for themselves and their product.

People born under the sign of the Goat Chinese Zodiac, do best when allowed to excel in things that they are interested in – they can not be round pegs forced into square holes. Those born of the Goat/Sheep are the most compatible in love and business with those individuals born in under the signs of the Rabbit, Horse, other Sheep and Boar Chinese Zodiacs. The Goat Chinese Zodiac is the sign for individuals who were born in 1907, 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991 and 2003.

Chinese Zodiac Monkey 
Individuals born under the sign of the Monkey Chinese Zodiac are ambitious and capable of achieving their goals. Monkey Chinese Zodiac personalities are always striving to keep up with their neighbors and co-workers, especially when it comes to acquiring nice things. This sense of jealousy, superiority, and ego make dealing with a Monkey Chinese Zodiac personality a bit tricky for other signs. Individuals born under the Monkey Chinese Zodiac are great at planning and extremely competitive. They often put on the appearance of being shy, yet they are really very strong performers and have a good sense of humor and a fearless streak that allows them to take the risks that help them succeed in life and business.

Individuals born under the Monkey Chinese Zodiac tend to be the trailblazers in what they do. They are individuals who think outside the box, finding new and innovative ways to reach new business heights. Monkeys are good at sales or positions that require dealing with numbers and money. They are meticulous in record keeping and driven to do continuously better.

Monkeys are energetic and generally cheerful in nature. They keep their secrets close to their chest and use their love of competition to keep themselves stimulated in their occupations. People born under the sign of the Monkey Chinese Zodiac, do best when allowed to excel in things that showcase their strategic planning or money skills. Financial planning, accounting, stock broker, or banking positions are excellent opportunities for the individual born under the sign of the Monkey Chinese Zodiac. Monkey Chinese Zodiac is most compatible with the Rat and Dragon Chinese Zodiac. Either of these signs will make strong unions either in companionship/love or in business. The Boar Chinese Zodiac is also fairly good if there are specific areas of common interest. Individuals born under the Monkey Chinese Zodiac should, however, avoid any type of long term relationship with those born under the sign of the Tiger Chinese Zodiac as there is little, if any, common areas of interest. The Monkey Chinese Zodiac is the sign for individuals who were born in 1908, 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992 and 2004.

Chinese Zodiac Rooster 
Individuals born under the sign of the Rooster Chinese Zodiac are often seen as difficult individuals to get along with. Roosters want to be the center of attention. They have their own ideas, and they are not really interested in any ideas anyone else might want to share. They are kind on the inside, if you can get close enough to see past their puffed up over-confidence that makes them appear contentious, obstinate, and just plain stuck-up. The strange thing about the Rooster is that he is totally unaware of just how full of himself he really is. He is optimistic about life yet completely blind to his own faults. This can prove extremely frustrating to anyone who has to deal with him for long periods of time, until they get to know him better. That seemingly bossy persona is not necessarily what it first seems to be. More times than not it is a way to get attention where the Rooster wants it – on himself.

Roosters are extravagant spenders but only when it benefits them. Otherwise, they are extremely frugal and excellent at developing plans and budgets to enable savings to grow and money to be spent in responsible and reasonable ways. Roosters will get the job done, but they won’t be creating any new ideas in the process. They are patient, reasonable, and generally speaking will play by the rules. Individuals born under the sign of the Rooster Chinese Zodiac are perfectionists and are willing to help others learn to do things correctly, thus ensuring success for both parties. This makes the Rooster Chinese Zodiac individual and excellent employee. Roosters will often stay and work in the same positions over long periods of time, as they prefer to live in a simple and comfortable way. Roosters will be more than aware of their worth and will remind you of that worth every chance they get.

The Rooster Chinese Zodiac, in seeking compatibility in love or business, the Rooster should be paired with the Dragon, Snake or Ox Chinese Zodiac Signs. The Rooster Chinese Zodiac is the sign for individuals who were born in 1909, 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993 and 2005.

Chinese Zodiac Dog 
Individuals born under the sign of the Dog Chinese Zodiac are often seen as being honest, generous, candid, kind-hearted, and soft spoken. Individuals born under the Dog Chinese Zodiac are often sought out by people of the opposite sex because they are good listeners and problem solvers for individuals who seek a way to deal with their problems. Individuals born under the sign of the Dog Chinese Zodiac are protective and committed to their friends. Often they will sacrifice their own well-being for the happiness or safety of another. Dog Chinese Zodiac characteristics also include a solid conscientious work ethic and a lack of jealousy. While individuals may lose their temper when they feel abused, it will be a temporary burst of anger, and then will be gone. There will be no lingering effects of the anger, and no grudges will be held on to. The individual born under the Dog Chinese Zodiac are the perfect superheroes. The Dog Chinese Zodiac individual does not stand for a lack of integrity or any level of misbehavior. In addition, because they will listen without judging, they are often sought out by others for their advice.

Money is not a big motivator to those born under the Dog Chinese Zodiac. Perhaps this is because the individual represented by the sign of the Dog is a bit of a pessimist, always worrying more than they should and thinking that the sky may very well be following at any moment. Still, the Dog Chinese Zodiac will totally immerse himself in his work and perform his duties to the best of their abilities.

Individuals born under the sign of the Dog Chinese Zodiac can form productive business relationships with individuals born in the year of the Horse, Snake, Monkey, or Boar. When looking for love, the individual under the sign of the Dog should look for a partner who has been born under the sign of the Rabbit. The Dog Chinese Zodiac is the sign for individuals who were born in 1910, 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994 and 2006.

Chinese Zodiac Pig 
Individuals born under the Pig Chinese Zodiac, also called the Boar Chinese Zodiac, are often seen as being honest, warm-hearted and even somewhat simpleminded. They are lenient, generous, and have a huge amount of patience which makes them perfect for tasks that require teaching. People born under the Pig Chinese Zodiac are opinionated but they often keep those opinions to themselves. Instead, they trudge forward getting the job at hand completed in the same level of perfection that they expect from those around them. They are faithful to spouses and friends and tolerate no level of backstabbing from others around them. They are peacemakers. They are competent and diligent employees, excellent hosts, and amazing friends to those that are fortunate enough to be considered a true friend.

Individuals born under the sign of the Pig Chinese Zodiac are near-sighted, and generally don’t dwell on long-term planning. Instead, they look only at the present. They are overcautious and indecisive in financial decisions that require a look at the future, and as such, are not great in occupations that may include financial planning or real estate speculation. Pig Chinese Zodiac individuals will achieve their levels of success by working hard, they will not see a need to lie, cheat, or steal to get what they feel they need.

The Pig Chinese Zodiac is a peaceful and sensible individual who has a strong level of devotion to both work and family. The individual born under the Pig Chinese Zodiac will not be a good leader because he will push himself to maximize his own limits but will not be able to push others. Individuals born under the Pig Chinese Zodiac will look for ways to avoid conflict and trouble and instead will look for domestic harmony and a sense of tranquility in their life.

Individuals born under the sign of the Pig Chinese Zodiac form the closest relationships with people born in the year of the Rabbit or the Goat/Sheep. There may be productive business relationships formed with individuals born in the year of the Rat, the Ox or the Dragon. The Pig Chinese Zodiac is the sign for individuals who were born in 1911, 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995 and 2007.