Zodiac Animals | Interesting Facts about Zodiac Animals

Zodiac animals refer to the animals assigned to each year in the Chinese zodiac, which follows the lunar calendar. After every 12-year cycle, the zodiac recommences with the initial animal. Consequently, individuals born with a twelve-year gap might share the same zodiac animal.

Zodiac Animals

What are Zodiac Animals?

As previously mentioned, zodiac animals are designated to each year in a recurring 12-year pattern of the lunar calendar. Each individual has a zodiac animal linked to the year of their birth. The twelve zodiac animals are the Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig, in that specific sequence. Following a 12-year cycle, the zodiac renews with the Year of the Rat.

According to the legend, the origins of the zodiac animals stem from a race proposed by a Chinese Emperor, in which the first twelve animals to cross a river would be honored with a year named after them. The tale narrates how the Year of the Rat came to precede the Year of the Ox, as the rat cunningly persuaded the ox to carry it across the river before dashing to the bank ahead of it.

These zodiac animals also play a role in determining compatibility. For example, individuals born in the Year of the Tiger are deemed well-matched with those born in the Year of the Dog or the Year of the Horse. This is because people born under different signs are believed to possess distinct personality traits that may complement certain signs but not others.

The zodiac animals are categorized into four Trines in astrology, with each trine representing natural and inherent aspects related to how the planets align at the time of a person’s birth.

Zodiac Animals Trine

The First Trine

1. Rat

2. Dragon

3. Monkey

These signs are intense, powerful, confident, eloquent and charming, amongst other things. They can also be vengeful, aggressive, jealous and deceitful.

The Second Trine

1. Ox

2. Snake

3. Rooster

These signs are loyal, modest, meticulous, hard-working and moral, amongst other things. They can also be vain, petty, egotistical and judgemental.

The Third Trine

1. Tiger

2. Horse

3. Dog

These signs are humanitarian, productive, idealistic, enthusiastic and independent, amongst other things. They can also be anxious, stubborn, rebellious and argumentative.

The Fourth Trine

1. Rabbit

2. Goat

3. Pig

These signs are compassionate, obliging, sensible, creative and tactful, amongst other things. They can also be pedantic, indecisive, insecure and pessimistic.

Zodiac Animals and Their Characteristics

Although they can be categorized into trines based on their traits, each zodiac animal possesses its own distinct set of characteristics believed to be inherent to individuals born under that sign. While some zodiac animals share similarities in traits, each sign is also entirely unique.

Here is a compilation of the zodiac animals and their corresponding attributes:

The Rat – creative, quick-witted, humorous, inquisitive, intelligent. The Ox – determined, stubborn, introspective, unwavering, earnest. The Tiger – authoritative, brave, passionate, charming, ambitious. The Rabbit – sociable, sincere, conflict-averse, empathetic, homely. The Dragon – dynamic, charismatic, leadership qualities, egotistical, driven. The Snake – generous, analytical, intelligent, cunning, hardworking. The Horse – independent, restless, impatient, adventurous, sharp-minded. The Goat – anxious, thoughtful, reserved, friendly, gentle. The Monkey – playful, lively, energetic, honest, problem-solving. The Rooster – pragmatic, trusting, resourceful, perfectionistic, tidy. The Dog – loyal, moody, sensitive, cautious, kind-hearted. The Pig – well-mannered, helpful, intelligent, exclusive, optimistic.