2008 - The Year of the Rat: Juunishi, the Twelve Branches

ne

rat

People born in "The Year of the Rat" are honest, frugal, and good at saving money; but easily fall into bad relationships. While appearing to be soft on the outside, they can be angered easily, and will sometimes act in ways which are the opposite of normal human behavior. In time they completely forget past grudges, and will form positive associations with those with whom they once had disagreements. Though "Rats" are susceptible to folly during their middle-age years, if they overcome their weaknesses they can ultimately live a life which brings peace and stability to their grandchildren.

ushi

ox

"Year of the Ox" people are impatient and often get angry over even trivial things, hampering relationships with others. They never really form strong bonds with family members, and experience various trials during their childhood years. Though they may not appear to progress very well in their work, "Ox Year" people have great endurance and stick with a task once their mind is made up to do so. However mundane their vocation may appear, working at it faithfully affords a life of ease and comfort in later years.

tora

tiger

"Tigers" possess a good sense of judgment, are strong during times of trouble, and have an enterprising nature which brings success in many endeavors. Their stubbornness often brings them into arguments, even with superiors, which neutralizes their good luck; but a strong moral sense wins them the praise of their peers. Though failures are experienced in money matters, good judgment and a competitive spirit are eventually rewarded with security later on.

u

rabbit

People born in "The Year of the Rabbit" are peaceful, caring, and good with relationships, but have a tendency to talk too much, which often gets them into trouble. Likes and dislikes are many, and a fickle nature sometimes gets in the way of success. Concentrating on one thing is also difficult. After overcoming their weaknesses, "Rabbits" often settle down into comfortable lifestyles which are envied by others.

tatsu

dragon

"Dragon Year" people are born with a winning spirit that helps them get through times of tribulation, but this same spirit sometimes causes them to attack others before considering the complete situation. Their fate is very changeable, bringing them unbelievable good fortune one day, then loss on the next. By using their inherent charitable qualities and controlling the negative ones, "Dragons" can be a great strength to others and ultimately lead very fulfilling lives.

mi

snake

Though they may appear to be soft and yielding, people born in "The Year of the Snake" have a strong element in their character which enables them to see big projects through to a successful conclusion. A methodical approach to things allows them rapid progression, but relationships often sour because they are slow to trust others. "Snakes" tend to have weak family ties and marriage problems. Thinking over matters too deeply often clouds judgment and causes hesitation, resulting in missed opportunities. Learning from experience helps to balance out their personality, which leads to good fortune in later years.

uma

horse

"Horse Year" people enjoy helping others, and are admired for doing so; but their tendency to say what they feel often creates enemies, even among those who have received their help. Finding it difficult to concentrate on any single task, "Horses" have few successes to show for all the work they do. In spite of this, a cheerful nature keeps them from brooding over misfortune, and eventually brings them unexpected success. Good fortune comes to these people during the opening years of old age.

hitsuji

sheep

Those born in "The Year of the Sheep" are kind, honest, and have a charitable nature. Though religious, they seem to have more than their fair share of hardships. Being timid makes them wary of others, and sometimes the cares of the world seem overwhelming to them. If they work at overcoming their weaknesses, they will receive help from their elders which brings success. Trials up to the age of 50 will be many, but after that "Sheep" can look forward to a long, pleasant life of peace and happiness.

saru

monkey

People born in "The Year of the Monkey" are inquisitive, clever, and quick-witted. Their enterprising nature brings them remarkable success early in life. The fact that they enjoy helping others wins them friends, but the bad habit of talking too much often makes enemies. Trusting others too quickly occasionally brings disappointment. If sufficient effort is made to correct the tendency to act blindly, "Monkeys" will be able to preserve what good fortune brings them during their middle-age years, affording them peace of mind in old age.

tori

chicken

Thinking things through carefully helps those born in "The Year of the Chicken" quickly learn the ways of society, bringing success at a relatively early age. This, however, leads to pride and the desire for luxuries, which, combined with a fickle nature, often leads to repeated failures later on. Never really forming close bonds with parents, "Chickens" are apt to leave home early. Good luck will come their way 2 or 3 times during their middle-age years, but it will be more important for them to secure the good fortune which will come at the onset of old age.

inu

dog

Being honest and possessing a strong sense of duty, people born in "The Year of the Dog" have a high level of self-esteem and are quite opinionated and uncompromising, making them appear to be obstinate. Though stiff in manner, they often amaze the world by producing a masterpiece. Those born in this year have the good fortune of receiving help and advice from their elders and superiors. If they follow their advice they will reap much success during their middle-age years, but if they ignore them they will have many regrets in their old age.

i

boar

People born in "The Year of the Boar" are patient and very ambitious, characteristics which bring many of them early successes; but stubbornness and inflexibility cause problems that make it difficult to hold on to successes won. A lack of generosity often becomes a lifelong stumbling block. "Boars" face many trials in regards to work and residence during their middle-age years, and usually end up living far from their hometowns. These people are advised to correct their faults and listen to the wisdom of others. If they do so they will be able to make the most of the good fortune that comes into their lives during old age.