From the Rat to the Pig: How the Chinese Zodiac Shapes Your Destiny in 2025

As of December 8, 2024, we stand on the threshold of a new lunar cycle, with many looking ahead to the year 2025, curious to know which animal sign will guide the coming year. The Chinese Zodiac is composed of 12 animals arranged in a sequence from the Rat through to the Pig, each symbol holding cultural significance and influencing traditional beliefs. This order was determined thousands of years ago by a legendary race organized by the Jade Emperor of China.

According to the ancient tale, the Cat and the Rat were once friends who planned to help each other. They asked the early-rising Ox to wake them for the race. However, when dawn came, the Cat and the Rat did not stir. The kind-hearted Ox carried both on his back while crossing a river. Suddenly awakened, the Rat realized the Cat’s swiftness would guarantee the Cat’s victory. To ensure its own success, the Rat pushed the Cat into the river and leapt off the Ox’s back as it reached the bank, winning first place.

The Ox followed as a close second. After them came the Tiger (who cleverly crossed the river by leaping on other animals), the Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and lastly the Pig. The Cat, too late, never made it into the Zodiac. Even now, it’s said that cats chase rats and mice because of this ancient betrayal.

In Chinese astrology, each year in a 12-year cycle is named after one of these animals. Your birth year determines your lunar astrological sign. As we approach 2025, many may seek guidance or a deeper understanding of their sign’s traits and fortunes. The Lunar Zodiac remains an intriguing part of Chinese culture. If you are interested in discovering your sign’s predictions, we offer a personalized horoscope for $5—just provide your name, date of birth, and the class you are attending.

Below is the sequence of the twelve signs:

• The Year of the Rat
• The Year of the Ox
• The Year of the Tiger
• The Year of the Rabbit
• The Year of the Dragon
• The Year of the Snake
• The Year of the Horse
• The Year of the Goat
• The Year of the Monkey
• The Year of the Rooster
• The Year of the Dog
• The Year of the Pig

The Year of the Rat
For those born in 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, or 2020, the Rat year holds special significance. The Rat, the first sign of the Chinese Zodiac, is associated with charm, intelligence, and sociability. Rats thrive in lively environments and possess a keen understanding of human nature. Although they have many ideas, they may sometimes hesitate to promote them, affecting their recognition. Rats value action, though they become strict and disciplined if confined by too many rules. They are thrifty, saving for their closest loved ones. Throughout their lives, Rats form many friendships and often align best with those born under the Rat, Ox, Dragon, and Monkey signs. Famous Rat individuals include Antonio Banderas, Cameron Diaz, Alexander the Great, Claude Monet, and Mozart.

The Year of the Ox
People born in 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, or 2009 share the Ox’s qualities of equilibrium and persistence. The Ox is hardworking, methodical, and rarely deterred from its goals. While calm, it can display a formidable temper if provoked. Oxen prefer stability, resist change, and are cautious about innovation. Given freedom, they excel in their careers. Oxen get along well with those born under the signs of the Rat, Rabbit, Snake, and Rooster. Famous Ox people include Louis Armstrong, Napoleon Bonaparte, Jim Carrey, Kate Moss, and Johann Sebastian Bach.

The Year of the Tiger
For those born in 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, or 2010, the Tiger symbolizes courage. Tigers are strong-willed, passionate, and independent. They love challenges and despise restrictions. Although generous, they can be sensitive to criticism, indecisive at times, and may spend extravagantly. Famous Tigers include Ptolemy, Richard Branson, Ho Chi Minh, Tom Cruise, Miles Davis, and Mel Brooks.

The Year of the Rabbit
Those born in 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, or 2011 embody the Rabbit’s virtues of intelligence, manners, and a peaceful life. Rabbits are diligent, meticulous, and often excel in professions that require precision. While sometimes not the most faithful, they easily form friendships. Rabbits get along best with Goat, Snake, Pig, and Ox. They are less comfortable with Rat and Rooster. Famous Rabbits include Orson Welles, Albert Einstein, and Queen Victoria.

The Year of the Dragon
If born in 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, or 2012, you share the Dragon’s luck and confidence. Dragons are intelligent, outspoken, and often rise to prominence. They can be impulsive and impatient but have remarkable leadership qualities. Dragons are often drawn to professions that allow them to implement their own ideas. They pair well with Snake, Rat, Monkey, and Rooster. Famous Dragons include John Lennon, Mae West, and Walter Mondale.

 

The Year of the Snake
For those born in 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, or 2013, the Snake symbolizes wisdom and reflection. Snakes are deep thinkers, dislike failure, and can be ruthless if pushed. They take time to find fulfilling work and value financial security. Snakes align best with Ox, Rooster, and Dragon. Famous Snakes include Picasso, Mao Zedong, and Abraham Lincoln.

The Year of the Horse
Those born in 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, or looking ahead to those who will be born in 2026, share the Horse’s charm and sociability. Horses love variety and success, hate failure, and enjoy travel and excitement. They pair well with Tiger, Goat, Rooster, and Dog. Famous Horses include Ang Lee, Boris Yeltsin, Clint Eastwood, Franklin Roosevelt, and Nelson Mandela.

The Year of the Goat
For individuals born in 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, or 2015, the Goat is creative, sensitive, and values approval. They thrive in artistic fields, show compassion, yet may need reassurance. Goats are most compatible with Pigs and Rabbits. Famous Goats include Alain Prost, Bill Gates, Chow Yun Fat, George Harrison, and Mick Jagger.

The Year of the Monkey
Those born in 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, or 2016 share the Monkey’s cleverness and resourcefulness. Monkeys are imaginative, quick-witted, and eager to learn but can be crafty. They are best suited to Dragons and Rats, avoiding Tigers. Famous Monkeys include Bob Marley, George Lucas, Harry Truman, Leonardo da Vinci, and Rene Descartes.

The Year of the Rooster
People born in 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, or 2017 exemplify candour and meticulous planning. Roosters are organized, dignified, and socially active. They work well with Snakes and Oxen but not with Rabbits. Famous Roosters include Anna Kournikova, Joan Rivers, Richard Wagner, Eric Clapton, Nero, and Catherine the Great.

The Year of the Dog
For those born in 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, or 2018, the Dog stands for loyalty and sincerity. Dogs champion fairness, judge character well, and prefer intimate gatherings. They are compatible with Horses and Tigers. Famous Dogs include Andre Agassi, Claudia Schiffer, Donald Trump, Elvis Presley, Socrates, and Winston Churchill.

The Year of the Pig
Born in 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, or 2019, Pigs are honest, kind, and peace-loving. They value justice, dislike discord, and form strong social bonds. Pigs should avoid other Pigs and choose Rabbits or Goats. Famous Pigs include Woody Allen, Alfred Hitchcock, John McEnroe, Luciano Pavarotti, Prince Rainier of Monaco, and Salman Rushdie.

As we near the end of 2024 and look towards 2025, many will revisit the wisdom of these animals, seeking guidance and inspiration. The Lunar Zodiac remains an enduring aspect of Chinese culture, connecting past traditions to the present and future. If you wish to learn more or acquire a personal horoscope, just provide your details. Embrace these timeless symbols as you step into the coming year.