The history of the Chinese Zodiac is very interesting ! It is said that Buddha invited all of the animals in the world to join him for the New Year celebrations, but only 12 animals bothered to turn up. As a great reward, Buddha named a year after each one of them and they actually run in the order that the animals arrived to celebrate with Buddha, starting with the rat and ending with the last guest, the pig.

It is believed that those born during a year of a particular animal would inherit some of the good and bad personality traits of that animal.

Also, each year is influenced by whatever animal it falls in. The Year of the Ox begins on January 26th 2009. Effort, commitment and duty will be the keywords for 2009. Creatively and artistically, the Year of the Ox could see influential and exciting new works and creations being announced. Environmental and green issues will also dominate the world stage with countries establishing tighter controls and regulations.

If you are interested in finding out your luck and fortune, please take a look at each animal, their major personality traits and what the prospects are for 2009.

I wish you good luck and a very Happy, Healthy and Prosperous Year of the Ox !

	Rat
	Rats are charming, elegant and clever. They can be a bit gossipy and prone to being distracted. They are also thrifty and very good with handling money. Family and close friends are exceptionally important to them. The Rat is charming beyond words and throughout his undoubtedly long life he will always be popular and will have many friends.   05 February 1924 to 23 January 1925   24 January 1936 to 10 February 1937   10 February 1948 to 28 January 1949   28 January 1960 to 14 February 1961   15 February 1972 to 02 February 1973   02 February 1984 to 19 February 1985   19 February 1996 to 06 February 1997   07 February 2008 to 25 January 2009 Forecast for 2009: 2009 will be an encouraging and positive year but the Rat will need to keep his eye on the world around him in order to avoid unnecessary pressures. Training and learning new skills in their careers will ensure financial security over the coming months and increased self-confidence. On the home front, this will be an excellent year for the Rat with at least one happy family occasion and if they can manage it, an enjoyable family holiday. Romantically, this is the year to make great progress whether to meet someone new or take things to a new level with a special partner. May to September will be very favorable for socializing with September to December being important career-wise. Rat Facts: Zodiac Stone: Garnet Special Flower: Narcissus Best Hours: 11 pm - 1 am Season: Winter Horoscope Colors: Black, White and Purple
	Ox
	Sturdy, earthy, no-nonsense, that's the Ox. Affectionate and easy-going, the Ox can show a fierce temper when agitated. He is neat, tidy, quiet and studious, with a great love of his home. Music can be a great love. Family life and a loving partner are high on the Ox's priorities. A wonderful loyal friend.   24 January 1925 to 12 February 1926   11 February 1937 to 30 January 1938   29 January 1949 to 16 February 1950   15 February 1961 to 04 February 1962   03 February 1973 to 22 January 1974   20 February 1985 to 08 February 1986   07 February 1997 to 27 January 1998   26 January 2009 to 13 February 2010 Forecast for 2009: The Ox sees overall improvements in his situation during his own year in 2009. The main area of enjoyment will be the interaction with others, either with friends and family or on a more romantic level. A key phrase to bear in mind this year is 'hold fast'. There may be setbacks and delays in the general run of life, but keep calm and persist and all will be well. There will be an opportunity to study and learn (in common with other signs this year) which should appeal to the Ox and there will be a huge sense of pride with what is achieved. Between May and July there are significant developments on the work front, in particular important talks with a boss or superior, while September to November sees very interesting and delightful romantic encounters! Ox Facts: Zodiac Stone: Aquamarine Special Flower: Carnation Best Hours: 1 am - 3 am Season: Winter Horoscope Colors: Green, Yellow, Black
	Tiger
	Magnetic, passionate and grand! When the Tiger does anything, it's noticed! Indecisiveness and stubbornness can mar the sparkle of the Tiger personality. On the one hand generous, on the other hand a little mean, it's sometimes hard to know where one stands with the Tiger. Flexible, honest and truly entertaining, one has a friend for life with a Tiger.   13 February 1926 to 01 February 1927   31 January 1938 to 18 February 1939   17 February 1950 to 05 February 1951   05 February 1962 to 24 January 1963   23 January 1974 to 10 February 1975   09 February 1986 to 28 January 1987   28 January 1998 to 15 February 1999 Forecast for 2009: 2009 will be a challenging year for the Tiger, but it definitely lays the foundation for 2010 which is his own year. Discipline, concentration and focus will be of paramount importance to the Tiger this year. Keeping their eye on the end goal and dreams will stand to them throughout the year. Financial issues must be addressed seriously and spending should be done wisely. Romantically February to July could be very exciting but discretion must be used! The end of the year, November and December, will present excellent career opportunities for those Tigers ready to move up the job ladder. Tiger Facts: Zodiac Stone: Sapphire Special Flower: Violet Best Hours: 3 am - 5 am Season: Winter Horoscope Colors: Green, Blue, Yellow
	Rabbit
	Cuddly, warm and affectionate are the attributes of the Rabbit. Mysterious and a great party-giver and host, the Rabbit enjoys being the centre of attention once in a while. The Rabbit is occasionally over cautious and can be a bit boring. He is also one of the luckiest signs in the Chinese Astrology chart.   02 February 1927 to 22 January 1928   19 February 1939 to 07 February 1940   06 February 1951 to 26 January 1952   25 January 1963 to 12 February 1964   11 February 1975 to 30 January 1976   29 January 1987 to 16 February 1988   16 February 1999 to 04 February 2000 Forecast for 2009: Slow and steady - this is how 2009 will progress for most Rabbits. Travel will also feature prominently in between a busy social life and an increased workload at their job. Friends and family mean the world to the Rabbit and their support and love this year will be especially important. Single Rabbits will likely meet a potential partner in a social situation and all will find that August and September sparkle romantically! Careerwise, November is the best month to put themselves forward for a well-earned promotion or payrise. Artistic Rabbits could be approached regarding an exciting new project. Rabbit Facts: Zodiac Stone: Pearl Special Flower: Jonquil Best Hours: 5 am - 7 am Season: Spring Horoscope Colors: Grey, White
	Dragon
	Assertive, energetic and talented are all words to describe the Dragon personality. On the other hand, the Dragon has a tendency to be condescending and tactless without realizing it. They generally enjoy robust health and tend to be very successful in anything they turn their hand to.   23 January 1928 to 09 February 1929   08 February 1940 to 26 January 1941   27 January 1952 to 13 February 1953   13 February 1964 to 01 February 1965   31 January 1976 to 17 February 1977   17 February 1988 to 05 February 1989   05 February 2000 to 23 January 2001 Forecast for 2009: Most Dragons will have an increase in income during 2009 which will be very welcome. They will be strong and focused in pursuing their objectives for the year. Dragons should take their time and appreciate any valuable advice they are given. Time should be made to enjoy hobbies and fun activities. Gossip could feature strongly during the year and all Dragons should take care not to indulge in idle chit chat lest in backfires on them ! Socially, May to August will be a fun time with many Dragons taking their romances more seriously. March and April will bring intriguing job offers for those seeking a change in direction. Dragon Facts: Zodiac Stone: Amethyst Special Flower: Sweet Pea Best Hours: 7 am - 9 am Season: Spring Horoscope Colors: Black, Gold
	Snake
	Intelligent and highly intuitive are two of the Snake's many fine qualities. He makes an amusing and romantic friend with a definite flirtatious streak. When challenged or criticized he can be a sore loser. The Snake is very lucky with money and is fond of the odd bet or two. He is quick-witted and enjoys reading, music and occasionally the paranormal side of life.   10 February 1929 to 29 January 1930   27 January 1941 to 14 February 1942   14 February 1953 to 02 February 1954   02 February 1965 to 20 January 1966   18 February 1977 to 06 February 1978   06 February 1989 to 26 January 1990   24 January 2001 to 11 February 2002 Forecast for 2009: For the Snake, 2009 will be quite fast-paced and demanding and they will need to remain flexible and positive to enjoy it. Romance features strongly and for the single Snake, this could be the year to start a serious relationship. Financially, impulse buys should be kept under control and risks should be minimized. 2009 will be an excellent year for self-discovery and reviewing recreational interests and hobbies. April to June will present great social opportunities and new friendships. October and November will shine on the work front. Snake Facts: Zodiac Stone: Opal Special Flower: Passionflower Best Hours: 9 am - 11 am Season: Spring Horoscope Colors: Brown Gold, Green
	Horse
	Fun, charming and attractive sums up the Horse's traits perfectly. They love parties and crowds and being the centre of attention. They can also be egotistical, hotheaded and impatient. The Horse is a considerate and protective friend and partner and when in his company, there will always be excitement around the next corner.   30 January 1930 to 16 February 1931   15 February 1942 to 04 February 1943   03 February 1954 to 23 January 1955   21 January 1966 to 08 February 1967   07 February 1978 to 27 January 1979   27 January 1990 to 14 February 1991   12 February 2002 to 31 January 2003 Forecast for 2009: 2009 will see the Horse making excellent progress in whatever area of his life he chooses. Finances will feature in a positive way as well with a possible increase in income. They should take care, however, to manage their money wisely and make plans. Balance needs to be maintained between work time and leisurely pursuits in order to stay healthy and centered. The Horse will have a tendency to overdo things this year. January to March will be fortuitous for changing jobs while April and December will favor romantic pursuits - for those attached, these months could bring news of an engagement! Horse Facts: Zodiac Stone: Golden Topaz Special Flower: Rose Best Hours: 11 am - 1 pm Season: Summer Horoscope Colors: Orange, White, Yellow
	Goat
	Graceful and optimistic, kind and easy going, would describe a Goat personality. They can also be petulant and discontented, likely to throw the towel in at the beginning of a problem. They can be charming without revealing their true feelings. The Goat is very talented and imaginative and can turn his hand to most creative pursuits.   01 February 1919 to 19 February 1920   05 February 1943 to 24 January 1944   24 January 1955 to 11 February 1956   09 February 1967 to 29 January 1968   28 January 1979 to 15 February 1980   15 February 1991 to 03 February 1992   01 February 2003 to 21 January 2004 Forecast for 2009: The Goat need not feel on his own in 2009 as there will be much support and friendship to help him in this busy year. With so much going on in all areas of his life, the Goat would do well to plan ahead and take his time in making decisions. Money-wise, the Goat needs to curb his enthusiasm for spending and exercise some self-discipline or problems may arise later! July to September will present many social events and possibilities for love and romance. Short trips and travel are well aspected in August and October for all Goats. Goat Facts: Zodiac Stone: Emerald Special Flower: Larkspur Best Hours: 1 pm - 3 pm Season: Summer Horoscope Colors: Green, Blue
	Monkey
	The Monkey is playful, lively, fun and a quick thinker. They get bored very easily and find it hard to settle down to doing any one thing. The Monkey can also be vain and offhand. They are ambitious and usually very good with investing money. With their quick wit and wonderful sense of humor, they are a great party guest. The Monkey's life will never be dull and predictable !   20 February 1920 to 07 February 1921   06 February 1932 to 25 January 1933   25 January 1944 to 12 February 1945   12 February 1956 to 30 January 1957   30 January 1968 to 16 February 1969   16 February 1980 to 04 February 1981   04 February 1992 to 22 January 1993   22 January 2004 to 08 February 2005 Forecast for 2009: The Monkey's fine creative streak can be put to excellent use in 2009 if he concentrates on one task at a time rather than attempting many projects at once. With keeping so busy, the Monkey needs to watch his own health and allow adequate time for work, rest and fun. On the home front, there may be celebrations and happy family gatherings throughout the year. The Monkey's love life will shine also with many getting engaged or meeting someone very special. March to July will be particularly busy socially. November will be an excellent time for work-related promotions or recognition. Monkey Facts: Zodiac Stone: Peridot Special Flower: Gladiola Best Hours: 3 pm - 5 pm Season: Summer Horoscope Colors: White, Violet, Green
	Rooster
	The Rooster is always popular, extravagant and creative. They can be brutally honest and generally like being showered with attention. They are wonderfully loyal friends and also give advice freely - whether they are asked for it or not! Family means the world to the Rooster and they are fiercely loyal to those they care about.   08 February 1921 to 27 January 1922   26 January 1933 to 13 February 1934   13 February 1945 to 01 February 1946   31 January 1957 to 17 February 1958   17 February 1969 to 05 February 1970   05 February 1981 to 24 January 1982   23 January 1993 to 09 February 1994   09 February 2005 to 28 January 2006 Forecast for 2009: 2009 will run along the themes of enthusiasm, planning and determination, all of which suit the Rooster perfectly! At home and with family, life will run much smoother and will be a source of happiness and security for all Roosters. Money matters are well starred also this year with either a pay rise, a surprise bonus or both! Hobbies and traveling look prominent as well, with pleasant pursuits greatly enjoyed during the year. July to September will favor career moves and travel is highlighted towards October. Rooster Facts: Zodiac Stone: Citrine Special Flower: Aster Best Hours: 5 pm - 7 pm Season: Autumn Horoscope Colors: Orange, Green
	Dog
	The Dog is wonderfully hard worker, a perfectionist and someone who loves the small details. He is also a bit anti-social, pessimistic and stubborn. They are one of the most honest and loyal signs of the Chinese zodiac and will always go to bat for a worthy cause. The Dog is a fantastic listener and his advice is usually very intuitive.   28 January 1922 to 15 February 1923   14 February 1934 to 03 February 1935   02 February 1946 to 21 January 1947   18 February 1958 to 07 February 1959   06 February 1970 to 26 January 1971   25 January 1982 to 12 February 1983   10 February 1994 to 30 January 1995   29 January 2006 to 17 February 2007 Forecast for 2009: The Dog will find a busier social life and more friends during 2009. This will be a challenging year on the work front, but Dogs should take a deep breath, be patient and remain steadfast. Solid foundations are being built for the very favorable Year of the Tiger in 2010. Travel will be particularly enjoyable and home life will be very special in 2009. October to December will be very interesting regarding new job opportunities. May and November will see romance beautifully highlighted with many happy social get-togethers. Dog Facts: Zodiac Stone: Diamond Special Flower: Marigold Best Hours: 7 pm - 9 pm Season: Autumn Horoscope Colors: Silver and Red
	Pig
	The Pig is an innocent, sweet and lovable personality. They can also be quite melancholy and over-sensitive. The Pig loves the company of others, and adores parties, gossip and chit chats. They are highly intelligent, but prefer to keep this side of their nature under wraps. The Pig does not care that much for money, but is one of the zodiac signs that is very lucky.   16 February 1923 to 4 February 1924   22 January 1947 to 9 February 1948   08 February 1959 to 27 January 1960   27 January 1971 to 14 February 1972   13 February 1983 to 01 February 1984   31 January 1995 to 18 February 1996   18 February 2007 to 06 February 2008 Forecast for 2009: 2009 should prove to be a lucky and encouraging year for all Pigs. Interesting offers and chance meetings can occur at any time of the year and the Pig needs to be alert and aware for any lucky breaks. With such a hectic year, it's important for the Pig to make time for fun and relaxation and travel may be one way to do this. It's also an excellent year to review his diet and fitness regime, as he needs to be in top form for such an active schedule. April to July will bring happy times for love and relationships, while August and September bring interesting offers on the work front, particularly in relation to publishing and writing. Pig Facts: Zodiac Stone: Ruby Special Flower: Chrysanthemum Best Hours: 9 pm - 11 pm Season: Autumn Horoscope Colors: Purple, Red, White