The 12 zodiac animals in Chinese astrology is one of many systems used to determine a person’s character and personality traits based on the year of birth. Under this system, each animal sign has its own strengths and weaknesses, compass directions, elemental association, color, and season.

The rat is associated with the compass direction of north 2, the element of metal, the color black, and the middle of winter. The rat is active, intelligent, and quick to spot an opportunity, but can be petty, nosy, and overly critical.

Ox is associated with the northeast 1 compass direction, the earth element, the color yellow, and the end of winter. The Ox is calm and stable, logical and persevering, but can be stubborn and hotheaded.

The tiger is associated with the northeast 3 compass direction, the element of wood, the color green, and the beginning of spring. The tiger is enthusiastic, positive-minded and likes new challenges, but can be overly aggressive and self-centered.

The rabbit is associated with the compass direction of east 2, the element of wood, the color green, and the middle of spring. The Rabbit is peaceful, sensitive, and detail-oriented, but can be overly conservative and risk-averse.

The dragon is associated with the compass direction of southeast 1, the element of earth, the color yellow, and the end of spring. The Dragon is charismatic, lively, and confident, but can be arrogant, overly blunt, and easily frustrated.

The snake is associated with the compass direction of southeast 3, the element of fire, the color red, and the beginning of summer. The Snake is active, decisive and judicious, but can be easily provoked and does not like to be proven wrong.

The horse is associated with the compass direction of south 2, the element of fire, the color red, and the middle of summer. The horse is independent, sociable and eloquent, but can be insecure, impulsive and unable to keep a secret.

The goat is associated with the compass direction of southwest 1, the earth element, the color yellow, and the end of summer. The Goat is considerate, gentle and trustworthy, but can be too sensitive, dreamy and slow to make decisions.

The monkey is associated with the compass direction of southwest 3, the element of metal, the color white, and the beginning of autumn. The monkey is intelligent, observant, and adaptable, but can be cunning and manipulative.

Rooster is associated with the compass direction of west 2, the element of metal, the color white, and the middle of autumn. The Rooster is charming, well-groomed, and compassionate, but can be vain, blunt, and blunt.

The dog is associated with the compass direction of northwest 1, the earth element, the color yellow, and the end of autumn. The dog is honest, brave and loyal, but can be pessimistic, anxious and overly critical.

The pig is associated with the compass direction of northwest 3, the element of water, the color black, and the beginning of winter. The Pig is affectionate, honest and tolerant, but can be naive and easily aroused into acting inappropriately.

For a more accurate and in-depth reading of your character and personality traits, a fortune teller will need to analyze your natal chart based on your date of birth and gender. In Chinese or Ba Zi astrology, your natal chart is represented by four pillars that correlate to your hour, day, month, and year of birth. These pillars are similar to a person’s genetic codes and hold the key to a person’s destiny. For a free reading on your destiny, you can visit http://www.proactive-qi.com/Destiny.html.