Happy Chinese New Year: Learn All About the Year of the Dog
Happy New Year – Chinese New Year, that is. And according to the Chinese zodiac, 2018 is the Year of the Dog. Read on to learn more about Chinese Astrology and the Dog Sign!
How the Chinese Zodiac Works
The Chinese Zodiac is a little different than the Western Zodiac. If you live in the United States you might be more familiar with the Western Zodiac that assigns each month a constellation, such as Libra or Scorpio. The Chinese zodiac operates on a 12-year cycle. And in place of a constellation, each year is assigned an animal: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey Rooster, Dog or Pig. So while 2018 is the Year of the Dog, 2006, 1994 and 1982 were also the Year of the Dog.
It’s said that people that share a zodiac animal also share similar personality traits. A common misconception is that Chinese astrology only follows a 12-year cycle. However, there are also animal signs determined by the month, day and hour.
Monthly signs are called inner animals. True animals are based on the day and secret animals are assigned by the hour. Basically this means that whatever animal you’re assigned by your birth year is simply who you “appear” to be. Whereas who you are internally, truly and secretively might be completely different!
The Year of the Dog and What That Means
People born under the Dog Sign are said to exhibit many of the traits that also make canines such wonderful pets! These folks are intelligent and have a rich inner life. They get lost in thought and really enjoy puzzles and brain teasers. Dog people rarely get bored and can entertain themselves for hours.
Dogs “get the job done” but don’t necessarily go above and beyond expectations. This tendency isn’t a reflection of average intelligence or motivation, but simply that Dogs don’t worry about impressing others. They work for their own freedom and happiness and not for money or admiration.
If you are born under the Sign of the Dog, you are likely more serious and careful than others. You “stick to your guns” and demonstrate consistency over flexibility. This characteristic has its benefits: Dogs are dependable and won’t deviate from their morals.
Dog folks do well in relationships where there is a lot of give and take. Since Dogs are creatures of habit, they need a partner who is willing to compromise. And since these people are quite cerebral, they’ll thrive with a partner who enjoys deep conversation. Dogs don’t like small talk and quickly grow bored with trivial conversation.
Dog people match best with other Dog signs, as well as Tigers and Horses. They do fine with Pigs, Rabbits, Goats, Snakes, Roosters, Oxes, Monkeys and Rats. Dogs might, however, run into conflict when interacting with folks born under the Dragon Sign.
