The Handbook of Chinese Horoscopes (40th Anniversary Edition)

by Theodora Lau

  The Tiger, Sheep, Monkey, and Boar will be the next best partners for the Rooster. But put two Roosters together and you know what you get—a cockfight. The Rooster-born will come into conflict with people born under the sign of the Rat, for the Rooster lacks a sense of intimacy, but the Rat thrives on it. Neither will the Rooster find happiness with the Rabbit. Rabbits are sensitive and will seek to avoid squabbling or inciting their enemies. The Rooster, on the other hand, is an expert at provoking a fight and can rub people the wrong way by making uncomplimentary remarks. This trait will both scandalize and alienate the Rabbit, who cannot bear such glaring directness. The Dog’s relations with the Rooster will range from lukewarm to frosty, depending on how wide the gaps are between their differing points of view. They could work together if necessary but are not fated to be joined together in great harmony.

  The bright and optimistic Rooster will not have to look far and wide to find his or her destiny nor fly too high to reach his or her dreams. All they have to do is work on the ground beneath them and they will discover what they are looking for. Their legendary efficiency will serve them well as they establish themselves as excellent organizers and administrators.

  Rat

  There will be difficulties in communications. Both like to talk and argue, but these two signs seem to test each other’s patience. The Rooster likes to criticize, and the Rat can be just as picky and petty. In such a competitive and fault-finding atmosphere, nothing lasting or special can develop. Better for them to work through mutual friends to defuse potential clashes. There will be a better chance for success if they share a common ascendant or if one sign has the other as an ascendant.

  Ox

  Through their mutual respect for time and order, the Ox and the Rooster will make a lasting bond with one another. The Ox works hard and enjoys spending time with people who follow through on their promises. The Rooster shares a similar philosophy and is cut from the same cloth as the Ox. A perfectionist by nature, the Rooster takes the time to plan ahead and charts progress with great attention to detail. The Rooster and the Ox build trust with one another easily, building a good foundation for love, friendship, or business.

  Tiger

  The Rooster and the Tiger are alike in the sense that they are both attracted to controversy and will take on hot issues. They will either be the best of friends or find each other very irritating, depending on which day of the week it is. Both tend to blow hot and cold, are drawn to the limelight, and may compete for center stage or top billing. The Rooster is the dauntless perfectionist who cannot understand how the feisty Tiger can lead such a charmed life and be so popular. The Tiger, on the other hand, thinks the Rooster makes a mountain out of a molehill. Tigers will insist on viewing the whole picture, instead of picking at the details as the Rooster is so prone to do.

  Rabbit

  The Rooster and the Rabbit will need a common ascendant or a skilled go-between to come together without argument. The two animals’ communication styles are completely opposite. Roosters like to lay all their cards on the table and talk about them in great detail, while the Rabbit prefers more subtle methods. As a result, each animal interprets the other’s actions in a negative way. The Rooster feels the Rabbit slows progress by being too secretive, and the Rabbit finds the Rooster’s style garish.

  Dragon

  The Dragon is drawn to the Chicken’s expertise and competence, while the Rooster is in awe of the Dragon’s zeal and enthusiasm. They will strive to find prosperity, success, and happiness together. In order to achieve a mutual bond and a lasting relationship, both signs must approach a partnership with reduced expectations and muted egos. The Rooster can deal with the Dragon’s brashness, and the thick-skinned Dragon is not afraid of the Chicken’s undiluted criticism and need for accuracy. The Dragon can fight, while the Rooster will perch on its shoulder, plan their next move, and supervise. We should pity the opposition.

  Snake

  The Snake and the Rooster are both contemplative souls who find a good connection with one another. The Rooster is definitely the more outspoken of the two, always with an opinion to share. On the other hand, Snakes are more closemouthed about their thoughts and more selective about who they confide in. The Snake warms to the Rooster because he or she sees the Rooster’s dependability and helpful nature. Despite the difference in conversation style, the Rooster and the Snake understand each other and can develop a long-lasting friendship.

  Horse

  The Rooster and the Horse will have an amicable to cool relationship, depending on who’s the boss. When Roosters have the upper hand and are in control, they can be domineering commanders. If the Horse is at the controls, he or she may find the Rooster critical, eccentric, and a bit too argumentative. Both love adventure and activity but have different ways of handling challenges. The industrious Chicken plots and researches and requires all sorts of information before he or she acts, while Horses will wing it in a thoroughly unconventional way and confound the Rooster with their speed and progress.

  Sheep

  Sheep may shun Roosters because they are hard taskmasters and disciplinarians, and Sheep need to be courted and praised to bring out their best. The Rooster is easily exasperated by the wiles of the Sheep, and there will be many gaps to be bridged before a good rapport is established between these two. Ties will only be moderately good unless they happen to share a common ascendant. Roosters will try to be helpful but may alienate the Sheep when they try to run the Sheep’s life and impose so many rules. The Sheep cannot abide the Rooster’s criticism and regimentation. There will be much unhappiness if they cannot work with the same schedule.

  Monkey

  Monkeys know how to handle Roosters, but only to a certain degree. They can be immune to Rooster criticism if they want something badly enough, and they are not above flattering the Rooster to put him or her in a good mood. However, even the Monkey’s patience could wear thin if the Rooster insists on examining all the details over and over. Monkeys are easily bored and do not have the long attention spans of Roosters. They could have different approaches to a common problem; the Monkey will opt for the shortcut or invent one if possible, whereas the Rooster will take the long and winding path and make simple things difficult through overanalysis.

  Rooster

  Roosters get along with people of their sign only if they belong to the opposite sex. Male Roosters are very selfish about sharing the limelight, and it is difficult to have two Cocks as kings of the Chicken coop. They will constantly try to upstage each other and cause a lot of problems for the poor folks who may come between them. Female Chickens may also tend to harp and criticize each other with their sharp tongues, although they may eventually get a lot done. Still, all the discussion could wear out an ordinary person. It’s best not to get caught in the Chicken-vs.-Chicken crossfire, although it’s doubtful they will notice anyone once they are busy trading shots back and forth.

  Dog

  The Rooster may worry the poor Dog with his or her high-flying acts of daring and preposterous claims to fame. The Dog would like to be a loyal friend and supporter of the Rooster’s high ideals, but the Dog finds it difficult to understand the Chicken’s propensity for being controversial. However, Dogs can be patient and understanding if Roosters prove that their motives are aboveboard and they have everyone’s interests at heart. Once the Dog is convinced the Rooster’s intentions are honorable, the Dog will be protective and accepting of the Rooster’s eccentric ways.

  Boar

  The Rooster gets along with the Boar because the Pig is such a good sport and also perhaps because the Boar is too thick-skinned to be bothered by the Rooster’s criticism. Boars do not take Roosters seriously, which is just as well. Otherwise, they would just make their own lives miserable. Boars hear what they want to hear and then make their own choices. The Rooster can give advice all day long, but thankfully the Boar is a cordial soul who responds to the Rooster’s goodwill with typical kindness and generosity. Both signs
are outgoing, but in different ways. Boar and Rooster do not deal with conflict in the same manner. Boars are not petty and will readily share what they have without much complaint, while Roosters only calm down once they are able to vent their opinions.

  The Rooster and Its Ascendant Relationships

  We all have a shadow that follows us throughout life. Sometimes it grows bigger than life, and at other times it shrinks until it disappears into the soles of our feet. Sometimes it walks tall before us, and on other occasions it lags behind like a sulking friend. In Chinese horoscopes, this constant partner, manifest or not, is our ascendant, the animal sign that rules the hour of our birth and becomes a comrade in our journey through life. We may view it as friend or foe, or even a little of both. It surfaces when we least expect and shows a better or worse side of our nature. We can often be confounded by the way we listen to our “other self,” and we can feel resentful of the significant influence it can exert on us. Actually, a personality has many rings around the center of the “self,” and each ring can have a different size, texture, and aura. When all these factors combine, they bring forth the unique individual that the person truly is.

  Hence, a Dragon with an incompatible ascendant, like the Dog, has perhaps a more difficult inner struggle than a Snake born during the hours of the Snake. The double intensity of the Snake person will be easily understood by horoscope readers, while the more intricate Dragon/Dog may exhibit the contrary Dog and Dragon traits to varying degrees. There are many voices within each person, but in the end, only the individual determines which course he or she will follow, which choices he or she will make.

  Following are the time periods governing the twelve ascendants, with descriptions of each ascendant’s effect on the Rooster born during that period. The time of birth used to determine the ascendant is always the local time in the place of birth.

  11 p.m. to 1 a.m. = Hours of the Rat

  You possess an endearing mixture of piquant charm and curiosity. The Chicken is more convivial and accepting with the Rat on board. You still argue, but in a more pleasant manner. A hard worker and dedicated soul, you are always ready to help others. However, sometimes you stress details too much and can be critical if others disagree with you or disregard your excellent advice.

  1 a.m. to 3 a.m. = Hours of the Ox

  The Ox stands with hooves firmly planted and could well bring the high-strutting Rooster down to earth. Both signs may crave authority and can be harsh to those who step out of line. Steadfast and sure of yourself, you are dependable, thrifty, and patient. The Ox’s influence gives you endurance and purpose, although at times you tend to resist change, and you do not take advice readily. Remember that you do not have to carry the world on your shoulders; allow others to assist you, or learn to share your feelings with them. You could be much the richer for it.

  3 a.m. to 5 a.m. = Hours of the Tiger

  This unconventional combination makes you magnetic but a bit incoherent about what you truly want. You can blow hot and cold in the same breath. The Rooster’s analytical qualities may be swamped by the Tiger’s passionate ways. The result could be great self-confidence and idealism. At your best, you inspire confidence by your courage and eloquence. At your worst, you can be domineering, aggressive, and insensitive.

  5 a.m. to 7 a.m. = Hours of the Rabbit

  With the Rabbit’s ascendant you could be a quiet, efficient bird who always manages to get the worm. The result will be a Rooster less likely to cause trouble; you are able to refrain from giving your caustically frank opinion and thus to keep the peace. The Rabbit makes you less combative and gives you a modest amount of humility and decorum; on the other hand, you could also be an expert bluffer. You would do well to heed your Rabbit’s intuition before you put on a show of your Rooster bravado.

  7 a.m. to 9 a.m. = Hours of the Dragon

  You could be a Rooster who will not let anyone usurp one iota of your power. The Dragon within makes you highly assertive, fastidious, and fearless. You could mow down the opposition with the finesse of a bulldozer. Straightforward and dynamic, there is not a lazy or deceptive bone in your body. When you are in a position of leadership, you could be awe-inspiring, and people will fight to be on your team. The trouble is that you tend to expect too much of others and may push too hard. Life would be much more pleasant if you could tone down your overzealous nature and accept people for who they are.

  9 a.m. to 11 a.m. = Hours of the Snake

  The Snake ascendant makes you wise and wily, but also aloof and secretive at times. You may resent any interference or people who pry. You never give interviews. Studious, intellectual, and reserved, you could be a real philosopher. The Snake gives you a decisive and even religious nature. Contemplative and persevering, your endurance is of mythical proportions.

  11 a.m. to 1 p.m. = Hours of the Horse

  If you were born during the Horse’s time, you could be a practical Rooster with fast, sharp reflexes. Both signs here have colorful and flamboyant taste. The Horse can teach the Rooster not to waste time on unfeasible ventures; as a result, your endeavors could bring you higher dividends. You may also have a very engaging personality because the independent Horse will lend you passion and athletic prowess. However, the Horse makes you impatient and temperamental, too. Better watch that tongue of yours.

  1 p.m. to 3 p.m. = Hours of the Sheep

  The soft-hearted Sheep as your ascendant makes you an amiable, less assertive, and even bashful Rooster. The Sheep’s coyness could mellow the Rooster’s brash ways, which could be a good thing after all. You will be popular and helpful to your friends. Still, your Rooster side could be critical and melodramatic when challenged and downright unreasonable when you are not given your way. Hopefully the Sheep in you will make you more compassionate and less outspoken. You are a more team-oriented Rooster who is obliging when joint efforts are needed.

  3 p.m. to 5 p.m. = Hours of the Monkey

  With the Monkey as your ascendant, you might be a crafty but congenial Rooster, more purposeful and adept at making conciliatory deals than most Roosters. You are a creative, happy, successful, plucky Chicken who never takes “no” for an answer. The world is your oyster, and you have the answers to all the problems in the universe. However, there could still be a struggle between your outrageous Monkey self and your controlling Rooster ego. One thing’s for sure: you will be resourceful, intelligent, and a definite overachiever.

  5 p.m. to 7 p.m. = Hours of the Rooster

  Gifted with the same ascendant as your birth sign, you may possess a double dose of meticulous efficiency and a bent for criticism that others may find intimidating. You are likely to be notable, highly eccentric, and particular in your tastes. You will be in a class of your own. Didactic, proud, and industrious, your intentions are always honest and sincere, and others will admire your tenacity and industry. But when you are negative, you are one tough Rooster.

  7 p.m. to 9 p.m. = Hours of the Dog

  With the Dog guarding your ascendant, you could be a calculating, erratic, but fair-minded Rooster. The likable Dog makes you less cocky and opinionated. Still, one must expect great color from this combination of two equally idealistic minds and sharp tongues. You are loyal and courageous, but once you make up your mind to do something you are difficult to argue with or oppose. Respectable, faithful, and dutiful, you can be militant in your views and aspirations, but thankfully you have that noble, altruistic Dog conscience.

  9 p.m. to 11 p.m. = Hours of the Boar

  With the generous Boar as your other self, you could be a complacent Rooster who will insist on helping others—whether they like it or not! Your brilliance and fortitude may place you in great demand, but unfortunately your outgoing nature could turn you into a social butterfly. Unselfish and quite scrupulous, you can also be sensuous and exacting at the same time. The earthy and indulgent Boar characteristics sometimes conflict with the Rooster’s love of discipline and order.

  When Moon Signs Meet Sun Sign
s

  In our interpretation of Chinese horoscopes, the first lunar sign, the Rat, is not linked with the first Western astrological sun sign, Aries. Instead, we pair the Rat with its Western counterpart based on the month and season of the Rat, which are December and winter. This makes the most sense, as the lunar month of December (also called the Twelfth Moon or the Twelfth Earth Branch) is supposed to parallel the sun sign Sagittarius, the Archer. We envision the Eastern and Western horoscope cycles as two large wheels, each with twelve spokes. To correctly juxtapose these cycles, we must find the matching notch that will join them together. Once the Rat and Sagittarius are paired as the first signs, the other eleven signs of both systems fall into place.

  Following are the twelve Western solar signs, with descriptions of each sign’s effect on the Rooster born under that sign.

  Sagittarius: November 22 to December 21

  Sagittarius Rooster = Fire + Negative Metal