
The black dragon dwells in the depths of the mystic waters
During a time when humans did not have any way to distinguish one year from another, they pleaded to the Jade Emperor for help. In answering their cries for help, the Jade Emperor decided to create a Zodiac. He decided to invite all the animals of Earth to compete in the race. The top 12 animals to finish the race would represent one of 12 places on the Chinese Zodiac. The rat is one of the worst swimmers among all animals but while lacking in physical strength it was also one of the smartest animals. The rat and the cat which were actually best friends at the time were able to convince the generous ox to help them cross the river. The two of them stayed on the ox’s back. But as the ox slowly approached the shore, the rat realized that once they get onto dry land the cat can easily beat him to the finish line so he decided to push the cat into the water. (The cat never finished the race and this is why all cats hate rats and water). Once the ox crossed the river the rat jumped down from its back and finished the race as the first place. The third place finisher was the tiger, although not the best swimmer among animals it was by far the strongest. (There is no lion in Chinese legend, the tiger is known as the king of all animals.) It was able to power through the strong currents and finish third place. The rabbit finished the race seconds after the tiger had crossed the finish line. The Jade Emperor was curious as to how such a small animal could finish so early in the race. The rabbit told the emperor that it was hopping across the river using stones but during the halfway it slipped and almost drowned. Luckily it was able to grab onto a log and it washed him to the shore. The dragon was the fifth animal that crossed the finish line. The Jade Emperor was surprised that the dragon did not come in first. The dragon explained that during the race it flew across a village in need of water. It stayed there for a bit to make rain for the people of the village. Then as it was about to cross the finish line it saw the helpless rabbit flowing in the middle of the river and decided to send a little wind to help the rabbit cross the finish line. As the dragon was finishing the race, the horse was running towards the finish line. But right before it was able to cross the finish line the snake who has been hidden on the horse’s hoof the whole time suddenly jumped up and scared the horse. It finished sixth and the horse finished seventh. The emperor added the snake as the sixth zodiac and the horse the seventh. Then the goat, the monkey and the rooster came to the shore. The three helped each other out through the race and were added as the 8th, 9th and 10th zodiacs. The 11th finisher was the dog. Although known as the best swimmer among all animals it was tempted by the clean water in the river and decided to take a bath before finishing the race. Finally, the pig crossed the finish line a few hours after the dog finished the race. He had gotten tired and had taken a nap. (This is why the pig is considered lazy).
Use the chart to determine which zodiac animal you are


Be proactive not fussy, avoid the impulsive nature rats are known for. Increased peace this year will test you and take you out of your comfort zone. Fate will be kind in matters of love if you can set aside your personal issues and focus on the new special someone. Things will be quiet enough in summer for vacation to regenerate for a fall with some obstacles. This year rat might put energy into work rather than relationships, your impulsive nature can cause some trials in this area if you are not careful. New love can be found after mid July. Any relationship difficulties will be due to actions the rat takes not betrayal by a partner, so think things out and avoid over-reacting.
Lucky months march July October – Lucky colors red, white, black
Most compatible in work and love are: monkey, dragon ox and rabbit

Mated bulls will see harmony in 2012 if they are not too busy with work, be mindful of your changing moods, lack of restraint and ambition. Single bulls may meet a potential partner in the spring, watch for quarrels over summer be calm and restrained, things improve by fall which is an important time for business and relationship decisions as well. Relationships and business will fare much better if you read the fine print and carefully ponder all angles.
Lucky months January, March December – lucky colours are yellow and blue
Most compatible in work and love are: snake, rooster, rat, dog and rabbit

Early 2012 is a good time to develop relationships, pay attention to your partner, if there are disputes solve them early, delays will be costly. Single tigers should seek their partners in spring and fall; summer work schedule will be too busy for new romance. April and May are about love so be ready.
Lucky months February, March and April – lucky colours are yellow and green
Most compatible in work and love are: snake, pig, sheep, rat, ox and tiger

Relationships suffer early in 2012 employment and rapid gains can cause friction with a partner, do not take them for granted, be patient and kind or there will be trouble this is not a time to forget that rabbit works hard for his family not the adoration of others. Single rabbits might be indulgent in their romantic flirtations throughout the year as there may be an important twist of fate to pair you up in the fall. Believe in your powers of attraction, be confident.
Lucky months are March and early April – lucky colours are pink and green
Most compatible in work and love are: pig, sheep, rat, ox and tiger

Married dragons will focus on improving his/her home. They are happy to buy gifts and necessities for the family, helping friends and relatives. In spring, relationship with a partner may be strained because of Dragon's busy schedule, but this time can be used to calm frayed nerves. In early 2012, a single Dragon may meet his/her love, and successfully develop and strengthen the relationship throughout the year.
Lucky months are April and may – lucky colours are black and gold
Most compatible in work and love are: pig, rat, monkey, snake and tiger

Your social and personal life will be turbulent because of work commitments, try to find some balance, quiet comes in the fall, a good time to strengthen relationships, good news from family, friends might need help and snake is able to do so. Single snakes are charming, seductive and charismatic and will easily find a mate in 2012.
Lucky month is May – lucky colours are green and red
Most compatible in work and love are: ox, rooster, rat, monkey, and dragon

Horse will in a romantic mood, flirting and meeting new people, a single horse can find love just at the brink of 2012, a single horse will be ready for a landmark meeting with his/her destiny, be careful not to come on too strong they could bolt. There may be a lot of changes in the home front. Horses will get along well until summer when complications might arise adding tension and irritation, so keep jealousy and possessiveness in check. In autumn, Horse will be more flexible, wanting home comfort and stability rather than social connections. Spouses can afford a romantic vacation.
Lucky month is June – lucky colour is green
Most compatible in work and love are: tiger, dog, sheep and pig

In relationships, avoid being impulsive and taking on too much, goats can be selfish and passionate; avoid complicating your life, education in the social sciences, to learn how to interact rather than to dominate would be wise. Single goats can be successful in finding partners in spring and fall if they are willing to invest in romance, love is in the cards. There might be a friendship that takes a new turn to romance.
Lucky month is July – lucky colours are green and yellow
Most compatible in work and love are: rabbit, pig, horse, monkey and dog

Monkey, will have a productive year, work will be fast paced and somewhat intense, just how they like it; monkeys like problems so they can show their skills to their best advantage. They are generally optimistic seldom discouraged and more courageous than many other signs and this year will be a year for learning, time to specialize, or start a new line of work, change is something monkey does well. Avoid being impulsive and remember doing many things at once increases the likelihood of errors. Monkey needs to be involved in charity, it will help his communication, and connect him to others, as monkeys seldom do solitary things but often do things only for their own gain. In early 2012 seek a raise or higher position then be mindful not to provoke conflict with the new team, be patient, it is a time for learning and securing your future. Take a break from the hectic work schedule in June to relieve the pressure and find balance. July to November is a good time to change jobs if you wish. It will be intense, you will need to negotiate but show your best side and by fall new projects will be available that will be more interesting and pay off in the long run.
Married monkeys will try to keep relationship harmonious, if monkey does not provoke his partner things will flow smoothly and peacefully in the early part of 2012. The latter part of the year will see misunderstanding and irritation as monkey will be busy with work projects. Single monkey will not be into romance but flings and affairs will suit him for the first half of 2012 with thoughts of permanence in the latter part of the year and potential partners possible august to October.
Lucky months are august and September – lucky colours are red and black
Most compatible in work and love are: rat, dragon, snake and rooster

Relationships will begin turbulent, be less prideful, accept and correct knowing the second half of 2012 will bring calmer waters. Single roosters would do well to begin new relationships after the heat of July, this is the year you decide it is time for stability and long term relationship.
Lucky month is June and august – lucky colours are green and blue
Most compatible in work and love are: ox, snake, monkey and pigDog has a relaxed beginning of the year, the planets and black dragon both favour dog in 2012. Social and economic situations will be smooth and challenges will serve to launch dog forward. Decisions must be made quickly, decisively and accurately this is not a time to waver, nor is it time to be too trusting. Dog’s loyalty, effective communication, organization skills and likeable personality make him a welcome team member in work and social situations. It is said that dog is born old and gets younger with time so it is not true that old dogs can’t learn new tricks. It is a strong year in many aspects and might seem a bit intense in the beginning, remain calm be optimistic and see things through, planning will keep dog from doing too much at once and past issues with colleagues are settling. The challenges and difficulties from past years are waning and clarity is returning now is the time to establish strong alliances. Dogs in creative fields like the arts, design, architecture and entertainment will see a rise in demand for their services. In summer feed your soul, meditation and spiritual practices will help balance career, because the fall will move quickly with lots of projects and there will be little time for rest. The work will pay off with significant monetary rewards, and a potential new offer near the end of 2012.
Single dogs will seek a faithful and reliable partner and will succeed May through august, when they are willing to be the same, in the meanwhile enjoy the company of friends rather than quickly beginning and just as quickly ending multiple romantic trysts which will leave dogs tired and lonely. Your summer will be too self absorbed for romance fall is a better time for finding a mate. Married dogs will start the year easily enough but summer might bring some tension be mindful of the feelings of others and it will be smooth again by fall.
Lucky months may & august for love October & December for career – lucky colour is yellow
Most compatible in work and love are: tiger, horse, sheep and pig

The Pig is an open, cheerful and good-natured character and his love of helping his fellows will endear him to them; there will be lots of visitors. 2012 is a terrific year if pig does not get carried away with all the enjoyable offers, he must balance work and play. If you are bored at work stay the course it is not time to move on, gather your resources because a better time for change is coming. Investments might be too risky for you at present postpone any quick decisions, there might be additional financial pressure plan ahead. Get involved in charities and projects to help with boredom, and get exercise to prevent depression. Be social friends and partners will help with difficulties; rather than running from old sticky situations take a new tact at resolving them a moment of weakness can be your downfall ask for help and take as well as give support. Keep your friends close, because you trust too easily you could be scammed watch for the too good a deal from a new associate. Autumn brings expansion in business bringing in new money for self employed pigs. Pigs who are employees might take this time to begin their own business. November and December are most auspicious for ambitious undertakings, maybe even a new career. Be mindful of weight and health issues in winter.
Pig's personal life will not be quiet, but it will certainly be a happy one, if you bring your partner along to all the varied activities, and when they decline spend a quiet night and build your relationship. If your relationship has been turbulent and both parties deem it necessary to part, do so early in 2012 because spring may bring a promising new romance. Summer bodes well for pig relationships, so single pigs that are not so picky and pedantic that they frighten potential mates, will be ready to begin a long term romance.
Lucky month November – lucky colour is dark blue
Most compatible in work and love are: rabbit, sheep, tiger, dragon, horse, and dog