The system of 12 animal signs in a recurring 12-year cycle is called the Sheng Xiao and it’s been in use for over 4,000 years in China. The animals in order are Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Chicken, Dog, Boar. (Sometimes the Sheep is called a Ram, and sometimes the Boar is called a Pig)
The Dragon is the only one of the group that is a mythical creature, and it is the most powerful and dynamic of the twelve animal signs. Unlike the evil, fire-breathing creatures of Western stories, the ancient Chinese dragon is wise and intelligent, the symbol of strength, honor and benevolent power. It is the divine bringer of good fortune.
Dragon years are considered auspicious for marriages and new business ventures. The Chinese believe that success follows children born in a Dragon year, because heaven and earth are forever in balance in their lives. Dragon years are associated with wealth, often bringing an increase in personal income and boosting world markets.
Dragon years are considered auspicious for marriages and new business ventures. The Chinese believe that success follows children born in a Dragon year, because heaven and earth are forever in balance in their lives. Dragon years are associated with wealth, often bringing an increase in personal income and boosting world markets.
Because this sign tends to magnify both achievement and disaster, it’s no surprise that the last time we had a Dragon year, we were terrified of Y2K and the end of the world as we knew it. And in this year, some have interpreted the Mayan calendar to mean the end of the world, period!
There’s good news, however. Each year’s animal symbol is modified by one of five elements – wood, fire, earth, metal and water. A Fire Dragon year is the most volatile, but the year 2012 is a Water Dragon year.
There’s good news, however. Each year’s animal symbol is modified by one of five elements – wood, fire, earth, metal and water. A Fire Dragon year is the most volatile, but the year 2012 is a Water Dragon year.
A Water Dragon has a more peaceful disposition than other dragons, with water calming the dragon’s fire. The Water Dragon is known for its calm, visionary intelligence and a balance of right brain creativity with left brain logic.
Of all the dragon years, the Water Dragon is most likely to bestow the Five Blessings – Harmony, Virtue, Riches, Fulfillment and Longevity. Because of this, some have said that 2012 may be more about breakthroughs than disasters. After the upheaval of the past few years, this would certainly be welcome!
Of all the dragon years, the Water Dragon is most likely to bestow the Five Blessings – Harmony, Virtue, Riches, Fulfillment and Longevity. Because of this, some have said that 2012 may be more about breakthroughs than disasters. After the upheaval of the past few years, this would certainly be welcome!
Dani Harper
www.daniharper.com
PS - This post was originally associated with the Dreaming of Books Giveaway Hop. That event is now CLOSED.
my sign is the very unglamourous OX.. i never knew about the water or fire ones though.. how does one find that out?
ReplyDeletealainala AT hotmail DOT ca
im dyin to get this book!!!
My sign is the Horse which makes sense because they are my favorite animal. I hope this Year of the Water Dragon brings good things to all.
ReplyDeletepatty5419@hotmail.com
my sign is the rooster
ReplyDeletecatherine0807 at hotmail dot com
I'm a PIG. I hope this does not hold true for this the year of the dragon.
ReplyDeletemarypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
If this is a giveaway open to international please enter me
ReplyDeletemy chinese sign is dog
all the best
isabelle(dot)frisch(at)gmail(dot)com
According to a zodiac calculator I am a Metal Dog. Easy to look up with google, unlike in the past when I had to wait until I visited a Chinese restaurant to look at the placemat.
ReplyDeletelinze_e at hotmail.com
I am the year of the dog.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great giveaway.
miztik_rose@Yahoo.com
I am the year of the snake. Hmmm.
ReplyDeletecrim101@aol.com
I am a Sheep, no..really!!! isn't that funny...not only that I am a Fire Sheep! woot!
ReplyDeleteHi! I am a rat! LOL :P I would love to be a dragon .... Anyway, I love my little rat sign! Thanks for this giveaway! Hope I win :D
ReplyDeleteproserpinecravedfor(at)hotmail(dot)com
I was born in September 1976 which makes me a Dragon :) A Fire Dragon actually!!
ReplyDeleteSaph
saphsbookblog at gmail dot com
I'm a horse!
ReplyDeleteccfioriole at gmail dot com
My sign is the Dragon :) Rawr!
ReplyDeleteJennifer
kittysneeze_88(at)hotmail(dot)com
I'm a dog!
ReplyDeletekelli at pfrog dot net
Mary Fyffe I'm a Tiger in the Chinese Zodiac and a Lion in the Western one... I hope this year brings happiness, health and wealth to all who are in need, so no more will lose their homes,have to go without Dr's care or have to skimp on food...
ReplyDeletemary.fyffe@gmail.com
My sign is the monkey. I love it!
ReplyDeletevadeluna07@yahoo.com
I am a Horse, fire sign, South element in the Chinese Zodiac.
ReplyDeleteI'm a crab, water sign, cardinal element in the Wester Zodiac.
One of them has to be wrong or I'm a crabby horse with lots of steam :P
I hope this year brings good health and peacefulness to me and my household.
I find it interesting that the Chinese and Western zodiacs seldom seem to agree. I'm a fire monkey, which possibly explains my ADD. And a Taurus, an earth sign. Whatever this odd combination means, I definitely should stay away from breakables!
ReplyDeleteI was born in the year of the snake...and I'm a Libra, and an air element... not sure how those co-exist.
ReplyDelete- cssndrmks@gmail.com
My Chinese Animal sign is the dragon! :D how awesome is that?! :)
ReplyDeletemeghangale@rogers.com
I am a tiger and quite happy about that :)
ReplyDeletecigam9(at)gmail(dot)com
It appears that my sign is the horse. I am looking forward to the year of the water dragon and hope some of those five virtues rub off a bit on me. Thank you for the fun and interesting post, as well as for the awesome giveaway opportunity:)
ReplyDeletedz59001[at]gmail[dot]com
My sign is the pig. Thanks for the giveaway.
ReplyDeletebn100candg(at)hotmail(dot)com
I've given little attention to the Chinese
ReplyDeleteZodiac in the past. I did a bit of reading
today and my sign is the rat and the 1936
element was fire. My hope is that the Water
Dragon will be kind to us in 2012! We do so
need much kindness after the year we have
all experienced!!
I am a Wood Horse and a Libra. Hope that means I'm well balanced! :o) Thanks for the wonderful giveaway.
ReplyDeletetamsyn5@yahoo.com
I am a Boar.
ReplyDeleteskovach717@gmail.com
I'm the Tiger...but hubby is the Dragon! Hope this can be 'his year'!
ReplyDeleteWe have this really cool velvet scroll hangin in our room of the Dragon and Tiger together. We thought it was pretty cool when we found it.
Thanks for the chance.......
Sebrina_Cassity at yahoo dot com
I'm a wooden rabbit. Kinda know that this year is gonna be full of important choices for me.
ReplyDeletedrakenfyre75@msn.com
I'm the Sheep and the hubby is the Snake. This is a unique way of entering and fun to read what everyone's animal is.
ReplyDeleteThanks for being part of the hop and for the chance to win such a great prize! <^_^>
reneebennett35 at yahoo dot com
Thanks for the give away! My sign is the dog.
ReplyDeleteroniwalker7(st)gmail(dot)com
I'm a water dog, and a libra. conflicting characteristic too.
ReplyDeletesmile_1773@yahoo.com
I'm an Earth Snake...guess thats why I'm not scared of them LOL
ReplyDeleteI was born under the sign of the Rat.
ReplyDeleteThanks for participating in the hop and for the giveaway opportunity.
sophiarose1816@gmail.com
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteWell I'm a dragon, never would have thought it.I don't breathe fire, I'm not very tall or overpowering!
ReplyDeletedsadler53 at yahoo dot ca
I am a snake... :-)
ReplyDeleteramblingsandadventures(at)gmail(dot)com
I'm a rat......and I hope that this year brings brings resolutions to those struggling and should God have anything left over perhaps He could send some blessings my way as well and heal my heart........
ReplyDeleteraaven@att.net
I'm the water dog, and I'm hoping 2012 brings prosperity and health to my family.
ReplyDeletehopester777 at gmail dot com
I was born under the sign of the OX. I'm hoping the Dragon will bring us all a peaceful year.
ReplyDeleteJFWisherd(at)aol(dot)com
My Chinese zodiac sign is the Ox. I'm hoping this Dragon year is going to be a great one for all.
ReplyDeleteJWIsley at aol dot com
I'm an Earth Dog :D
ReplyDeleteMy daughter was born an Earth Dragon so this year is likely to be a good one for her :D
felinewyvern at googlemail dot com
I am a Rooster!
ReplyDeletekayla.s.graham at gmail dot com
Thanks for the giveaway!
I am an Ox! My husband is a Snake (lol)
ReplyDeletemegnate at telus dot net
I'm a rabbit!
ReplyDeleteelizabeth @ bookattict . com
I'm a bunny!
ReplyDeletelesaneace@msn.com
I'm a rabbit. But my 2 water dragons, Shui & Shwai bring me joy. This is their year :) should be good.
ReplyDeleteovalleba@charter.net
I think mine is a Rooster.
ReplyDeletelilcrickit at gmail dot com
I am a Monkey!
ReplyDeleteGFC - rickimc
rickimc[at]aol[dot]com
I'm a Dragon.
ReplyDeleteMegblod at yahoo dot com
Mine's a dog. Huh. Had no idea. I apparently should have been a secret agent. Blast! Had I only know :)
ReplyDeleteacade29 @gmail.com
My sign is a rabbit. Hope everyone gets what they want for this year. Thanks for the giveaway.
ReplyDeletedivavixenqueen(at)gmail(dot)com
A rat. Yes, lovely when your a kid with an obnoxious brother.
ReplyDeleteacm05atjuno.com
A dragon. Thanks for the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteDonna
ljldml@gmail.com
I think that I am a rooster. I'm hoping for a year of peace and prosperity.
ReplyDeletelisaisabookworm at gmail dot com
My animal is the monkey.
ReplyDeletemythic021@gmail.com
I'm the tiger (I think). I hope for health, peace, and lots of love!!
ReplyDeletekatieamanda1(at)yahoo(dot)com
Thanks!
My sign is the dragon. Roar. It's the best one, because it can eat all the others. :) Gotta love the placemats at chinese restaurants for teaching me this. lol
ReplyDeleteThanks!
oneagainst at hotmail
I am a Sheep which has always bothered me because sheep are like my nemesis. Seriously I have always HATED sheep! lol
ReplyDeletepixiesprinkles@hotmail.com
Thanks! =)
I am a sheep
ReplyDeletehelldog3 at aol.com
CONGRATS HELEN - Your name was pulled out of the big red mixing bowl as the winner of my giveaway! I'll be emailing you for your address tonight. :)
DeleteMy sign is the Rabbit. Nice, quiet and fast!
ReplyDeletePhoenixCarvelli AT gmail DOT com
My sign is the Tiger. Pretty cool really considering some of the choices, lol.
ReplyDeleteJune
manning_j2004 at yahoo dot com
Im a Dragon. Pretty cool.
ReplyDeletebacchus76 at myself dot com
I'm the sign of the Rabbit.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the chance to win your giveaway.
cindymacbeth at gmail dot com
I am an ox :) Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeletesonyacullen at gmail dot com
I seem to be a dragon, I like that. I'm a Leo in the western zodiac. Thank you for the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteGFC as seriousreader
seriousreader at live dot com
TY!!! diannaandpaul@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteThe Dog!!! Thanks for your giveaway, very interesting post.
ReplyDeleteJudy
magnolias_1[at]msn[dot]com
I'm a tiger, Meow!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway. ;^)
Heidi
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI get teased every time we go out to eat at a chinese restaurant, because I am a rat! lol
ReplyDeleteunabridgedbookshelf at gmail dot com
I was born in the year of the rooster, which led to all sorts of dirty jokes in middle school...
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway!
jennblogs (at) gmail (dot) com
I'm a rat. Lovely.
ReplyDeleteniahflame at gmail dot com
I am a tiger. grrrrr! brendem7@comcast.net
ReplyDeleteAroooo~ I'm the rooster :D I shall wake you up everyday :D
ReplyDeleteEmail: puieread@yahoo.com
Thank you for the chance to win! I am a tiger edysicecreamlover18@gmailDOTcom
ReplyDeletemine is a rat
ReplyDeletetruwinner@gmail.com
My birth sign is the dragon actually. I always thought it rather cool. :) Thanks for the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteLadyVampire2u AT gmail DOT com
If I remember correctly it is the Monkey. Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteMary
mary_reiss @ hotmail.com
My chinese Zodiac sign is the horse! I wish for a tiger but I'm happy with a horse hehe!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great giveaway!!
red_tigergirl2(at)hotmail(dot)com
I'm a Rat...yuck! I LOVE this series! I've already read Changeling Moon and Changeling Dream...I just NEED Changeling Dawn! ;) Thanks for this opportunity to win!
ReplyDeletebarbbattaglia@yahoo.com
My chinese Zodiac sign is the sheep.
ReplyDeleteI've read the first two books in this series and must have Changeling Dawn!
alterlisa AT yahoo DOT com
http://lisaslovesbooksofcourse.blogspot.com/
Thanks for the giveaway. I'm a monkey.
ReplyDeleteTpulliam@crimson.ua.edu
I was born in the year of the pig :)
ReplyDeletemeghan_L_P at hotmail dot com
thanks for a great giveaway, now I must go eat chinese because now I'm craving it!
I am the rat
ReplyDeleterobinblankenship@gmail.com
I was born in the year of the Dragon.
ReplyDeleteTOPSAIL246(at)aol(dot)com
I'm a sheep
ReplyDeletewingedpersephone at gmail dot com
I'm a cock, and I know this because we just went out and had chinese food last weekend and my youngest son was reading what he was and I came back from the bathroom when he shouted out "mom, I'm a cock like you" I turned red because I had no idea what he was talking about till I made it back to the table and he showed me the paper. I had a second of OMG, did that just come out of my son's mouth before I realized what was going on lol
ReplyDeletejune111(at)att(dot)net