Legend tells that the Buddha summoned all the animals to come to him before he departed from earth. Only twelve came to bid him farewell and as a reward he named a year after each one in the order they arrived. Tradition says that the animal ruling the year in which a person is born has a profound influence on personality - the Animal that Hides in your Heart.

In order the animals are Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, Boar. Which animal hides in your heart?

Rat Rats are charming, humourous, honest and meticulous although sometimes power hungry, petty or greedy. Bright, sociable and highly ambitious, the rat is an opportunist who likes to gamble and spend lavishly. Remarkably easy to get along with, hard working and thrifty, the rat is never short of admirers.

Ox Intelligent and self-confident, patient and methodical, helpful and hardworking, the ox appears rigid and slow but a kind and active mind is beneath. A hard worker, the Ox is responsible for family and believes in authority but is sometimes a little stubborn and traditional.

The Ox or the Buffalo sign symbolises prosperity through fortitude and hard work. A person born during this year will be dependable, calm and methodical. A patient and tireless worker, he sticks to routine and conventions. Although he is generally fair-minded and a good listener, it’s difficult to make him change his views as he is stubborn and often has strong prejudices. The Ox person can be entrusted with positions of authority and responsibility.

Tiger Courageous, active, and self-assured, a natural leader, passionate and independent, rebellious and dynamic, quick tempered but considerate, affectionate but careless. In the East, the Tiger symbolises power, passion and daring. A rebellious, colourful and unpredictable character, the tiger commands awe and respect.

The impulsiveness and vivacity of the Tiger person are contagious. His vigour and love of life are stimulating and tigers arouse every emotion in people except indifference.

Rabbit Peace loving, with impeccable manners in the pursuit of a good life, the rabbit is intelligent in business with a creative mind but sometimes moody and indifferent. A person born in the year of the Rabbit possesses one of the most fortunate of the twelve animal signs. The Rabbit, or Hare, is the emblem of longevity and derives his essence from the Moon.

The rabbit symbolises graciousness, good manners, sound counsel, kindness and sensitivity to beauty. His soft speech and graceful nimble ways embody all the desirable traits of a successful diplomat or seasoned politician. A person born under this sign will lead a tranquil life, enjoying peace, quiet and congenial environment. Thoroughness makes the rabbit a good scholar, with the ability to shine in law, politics and government.

Dragon Magical, shrewd, intuitive, artistic and very lucky but also stubborn, irritable and impulsive. Full of vitality,self assured, bright, successful, proud and quick-tempered, the Dragon personality is always attractive. The mighty and magnificent Dragon of mythical folklore never ceases to enchant and a Dragon person is full of vitality and strength who is never without admirers. Proud, aristocratic and very direct, the Dragon demands high standards and perfection. He tends to intimidate those who dare challenge him.

Snake Philosophical, wise, calm and understanding, though often fickle or self-indulgent, charming in personality and elegant in dress, the snake is a deep thinker and likes to judge by intuition. Fortunate in wealth, a philosopher, theologian, political wizard, wily financier - the Snake person is the deepest thinker and enigma of the Chinese cycle. A mystic in his own right, he loves good books, food, music, the theatre - he will gravitate toward all the finer things in life. The most beautiful women and powerful men tend to be born under this sign.

Horse Cheerful, quick-witted and popular with a happy outlook, independent, subjective and self-centred, the horse is good at handling wealth. A person born in this year is cheerful, popular with raw sex appeal rather than straight good looks. Earthy and warmly appealing, the horse is very perceptive and talkative.

An adventurer at heart, the horse person is self-reliant, vivacious, energetic, impetuous and even brash. The horse loves exercise both physical and mental. His mind works at remarkable speed and he is open-minded and flexible.

Sheep Intelligent with a mind for business with an artistic inclination, good natured and generous but sometimes undisciplined and irresponsible, the Sheep is also indecisive and passive yet has fantastic luck in her life.

This is the most feminine sign of the zodiac. A person of the Sheep year is called the Good Samaritan of the cycle. Righteous, sincere, mild-mannered, and often shy the sheep is artistic, fashionable and a creative worker. At his worst, he tends to be easily overcome by his emotions, pessimistic and withdrawn.

The Sheep is known for gentle and compassionate ways. He can forgive easily and be understanding about others faults. Fond of children and animals, close to nature and a general homebody the Sheep is apt to mother or even smother the objects of her affections.

Monkey Lively, witty, inventive and intelligent, a fast learner with good memory, selfish and egotistic, the monkey is the zodiac leader in talent and wealth. The Monkey is the sign of the inventor, the improvisor and the motivator in the Chinese zodiac. Clever, flexible and innovative, the monkey can solve intricate problems with ease and is very fast learner with the aptitude for being a good linguist. A person born in this year will be successful at whatever they choose to do. No challenge will be too great.

Rooster Dramatic, hardworking, resourceful, talented and confident, vivacious and popular socially, outspoken and attention-seeking, roosters take good care of their family and can handle money well.

The Rooster is the most misunderstood and eccentric of all the signs. Outwardly the epitome of self-assurance and aggression, at heart the rooster is conservative and old-fashioned. The Rooster-born, especially the men, will be attractive, even dashingly handsome.

There are two distinct type of Roosters. The rapid-firing, extremely talkative ones and the deadly solemn observers. The Rooster has many outstanding qualities to crow about. Sharp, neat, precise, organised, decisive, upright, alert, and most direct, the rooster loves to argue and debate and excels at any career in the public eye.

Dog Honest , faithful and possessing deep loyalty and responsibility, magnanimous and prosperous, guarded and defensive, the dog is never really relaxed despite outer calm. With a glib tongue, practical and realistic, the Dog is trustworthy and generous with a deep sense of justice. A person born in the year of the Dog is honest, intelligent and straightforward, animated, attractive with loads of sex appeal.

Boar - Pig Diligent, courageous, sensitive, indulgent and cultured with a streak of earthy wit, the Pig is a perfect friend. Intelligent, forever studying, playing and probing in their quest for greater knowledge, the Pig is still content to enjoy total relaxation.