Using the Chinese Animal Zodiac Signs in Money Magic

“We are born at a given moment, in a given place and, like vintage years of wine, we have the qualities of the year and of the season of which we are born. Astrology does not lay claim to anything more.”
– Carl Jung

Chinese Astrology has its basis in a lunar calendar with some elements of the solar calendar. The belief, as in Western Astrology, is that the positions of the stars and planets at the time of your birth determine destiny. There are two key differences between the West and the East concerning birth signs. The first is that the Chinese signs are all animals, and quite different than the creatures represented in the Western Zodiac. The other difference is that the Chinese signs come in 12-year cycles.

Chinese Animal Signs by Birth Year

To know your personal Eastern Zodiac sign (or that for someone else) your birth year is required. The chart below gives you the basics. Let’s look at the Year of the Rat for starters. People born in 2008 are governed by the Rat, as will be individuals born in 2020 (12 years later).

There are other factors in Chinese Astrology that include the day of the week and hour of the day in which you were born. These configurations then influence your chart and anticipated personality traits accordingly just as the Western Astrologer looks at what planetary positions are in your Zodiac chart and its various houses. So, what we have here is a simplified approach to identifying personality traits, attributes, and potential challenges in one’s life ahead.

Chinese Animal Signs and Handling Finances

Similar to Western astrology, each of the animal signs has personality traits that can help you better understand how you handle money matters and use that for self-monitoring.

Rat

Rats value financial security highly, making them akin to Virgos. People born in the Year of the Rat always want to know where every dime and nickel goes (with footnotes!). Although this detail is frustrating to people around the Rat, Rat finds it very beneficial because it nearly always keeps him or her in the black! Rats are great financial handlers and always know a good money-making deal when they see one. Professionally, Rats make amazing accountants or marketers and also excel in anything requiring detail, including writing.

The Ox does nothing quickly when it comes to money. For this person, the method of reaching one’s goal is everything. In fact, the method becomes important to the point where it becomes an almost unobtainable “ideal” rather than something that’s getting done. This is why Ox rarely fares well with short-term investments. To profit at work, an Ox should look to jobs that do not require on-going change and adaptation. Constancy is a keyword for this sign.

Tiger

Tigers are not the best people to trust with money. Like Geminis, they tend to be very reckless with it, wanting to jump into un-investigated and risky opportunities. They also can be overly generous, especially if there’s a good cause under paw! To succeed at business, Tigers should be in a semi-authoritarian role, with someone else more subdued and even-handed at the helm.

Rabbit

Those born under the sign of the rabbit are naturals at money management. Rabbits themselves are a symbol of plenty and abundance. The energies of the rabbit bestow the individual with quick thinking and an equally quick wit. They are shrewd just as much as they are clever. Their natural enthusiasm for life cares over into their careers and everything they put their passions into during their lifetime. Even better, rabbits know how to find balance between the plenty money brings and the abundance love of friends and family bestows.

Dragon

Dragons are smart, but not overly frugal. They want the best in life (what Dragon wouldn’t?), which means living like a king even when the budget is one suited to a peasant! When discussing financial matters, don’t expect a Dragon to be the least bit tactful. Whatever his or her idea is on the subject, it will be demanding and idealistic. As for jobs, Dragons reap the most rewards from working solo, much like Rabbits.

Snake

For the most part, Snakes will be very lucky and wise with money. The only time this fortune and sagacity slips is when it comes to the way others perceive them. Snakes have a strong need to appeal to people. If it means spending a little extra to achieve that goal, it’s spent! As for earning money, Snakes excel at any job that requires decision-making.

Horse

Horses have financial aptitude of a very domestic nature. Even so, they hesitate to listen to even the best financial advice when it’s offered. Additionally, god help Horse’s budget, when he or she has a “mission;” all else fades when focused on a goal. With this in mind, a Horse can find prosperity in jobs that require a lot of drive and headstrong fortitude.

Goat

Goats avoid looking at their bank statements and budgets, which are probably stacked in a dusty corner somewhere. The only time these are pulled out is when Goat wants to gather money for something that purportedly improves life’s quality. Sadly, the Goat’s perception of improvement isn’t always a good one. Professionally, Goats should avoid work that requires stringent deadlines. Instead, they need something that allows them to work at their own pace, if possible with the public.

Monkey

The Monkey will always be creative with money, and frequently a little mischievous with it! If there’s a new toy on the market, the Monkey will want to buy it right away rather than waiting for the price to go down. Nonetheless, Monkeys excel in seeing opportunity when it avails itself, and therefore usually succeed. They do well at careers that let them play, such as comedy, theater or television.

Rooster

Those born under the sign of the Rooster should not handle money that’s aimed at long-term goals. They know nothing of groundwork and will opt for fancy over functionality just so they can crow about something new. For a job, Roosters need to watch for openings that allow them to brag and swagger as loud and long as they wish; in other words, avoid being a diplomat!

Dog

Dogs will worry and fuss over money no matter how good things may be. They are also very single-minded about how one should spend money and how to keep track of it. About the only time they waiver from this is when someone or something to whom they’re loyal needs monetary help, and then the Dog is right at the heel of the situation. To succeed in business, Dogs do well in humanitarian jobs such as nursing, where their loyalty and sacrifice of personal time will shine. The only caution for Dog is to “not give so much” to the point of burn out.

Pig

If there is an animal sign with the word sucker labeled on it, Boar would be at the top of the list. Boars are so sincere and dutiful that people take advantage of them on every level, including financially. Consequently, but for day-to-day affairs, Boar should let someone more shrewd handle substantial investments. For employment, the Boar makes an excellent researcher or scientist, sometimes to the point of genius, because he will not be easily dissuaded until he accomplishes a goal.

As with the moon signs discussed previously, each of the Chinese Years has an influence on what’s happening in a person’s life and the overall energies of the universe. You can use your knowledge of this, combined with moon signs, to determine the best way to apply funds, or what type of spell and rituals to hold. Following is a brief overview to get you started.

Animal Year Influences on Money Magic

Now that you know a little bit about your Animal Sign’s money habits, you can look at the calendar currently and consider the best type of financial magic on which to focus going forward. Your focus depends on the Animal sign for your birth year. For example, if you were born in the year of the Rabbit, and it’s currently the Year of the Rat, this zodiac system portends minor financial reversals. With this in mind, you may want to make a charm or weave a spell that protects your assets.

Or say it is the Year of the Boar. Based on the predictions, Rats might perform spells for security, and Rabbits could make good luck charms to support the even keel they’ve discovered. Dragons might want to bless and energize stock certificates; Rooster might enact a ritual to find a secure job. In this manner, each person is spiritually applying the energies behind the year in an effective way to help day-to-day living.

Year of the Rat

Oxen can save money this year; Tigers will reach an equilibrium (money comes in, then it goes right back out again). Rabbits will likely have a minor setback, Dragons should invest any extra they have, Snakes need to take care not to overextend their resources, and Horses should avoid any new business deals. Goats may experience serious monetary losses now, but Monkeys prosper no matter what they do! Roosters see opportunity, but should be wary; this isn’t what it seems. Dogs will experience a financially dull year while Boars experience tremendous success.

Year of the Ox

Rats need to be frugal now, and Ox continues to have a solid flow of income (all of which results from hard work). Tigers should avoid risky investments, Rabbits begin to recover from the year before, and Dragons may have a falling-out with their boss. Snake will have to work very hard this year to maintain any forward movement. Horses can anticipate good business, and Goats and Dogs will want to forget this year ever happened. Monkey and Rooster do well financially. Boars will have to be ready to make fast changes to keep prosperity flowing.

Year of the Tiger

Year of the Tiger Rats and Oxen have a somewhat iffy year financially and should take care to not spend without good cause. Tiger’s life improves. Rabbits have to cope with a lot of transformations to keep money coming in; Dragons are successfully accomplishing goals. Snake learns a lot but doesn’t necessarily earn a lot. Horse receives some new opportunities with real financial possibilities attached, Goat maintains (barely), and Monkey is having fun! Rooster has a lousy year, and Dog and Boar seem to keep finances in a tenuous state of balance.

Year of the Rabbit

Rats need to watch their proverbial tails this year, lest any financial nets are completely cut off. Oxen find their hooves are back on more solid ground. Tiger continues to thrive, while the Rabbit takes the greatest care in the realm of finances when within their own year. The Dragon’s riches improve now, especially around the lair, as does the Dragon’s cousin, the Snake, but in a smaller way. Horse has a great year in business, and even the Goat gets some long-overdue advancement. Monkey, again, has a bang-up year in his or her career. Roosters and Dogs maintain uniform budgets. Finally, the Boar needs to be wary of legal matters that could tap finances.

Year of the Dragon

Rat, Tigers, Snakes, and even Rabbits, who are forever wanting more, seem content with money this year. Ox has to establish some secure foundations before finances can improve. Dragons, of course, are having a fantastic year, and Goats and Monkeys aren’t far behind. Rooster turns his or her attention away from money toward nurturing relationships, and Boars have a hard time focusing on a few set goals.

Year of the Snake

Rats should avoid business this year if possible, especially something new. Ox needs to watch how money is being spent at home. Tiger wants to invest the money from better years in some travel or another type of adventure, and Rabbits and Dragons continue to fare quite nicely. If you’re a Snake, try the impossible; it may just manifest. Horse spends a lot of time and money on a matter of the heart, but this may be for naught. Goats will have an engaging financial year, and Monkey finds a new opportunity with which to play. How that opportunity fleshes out, though, isn’t wholly certain. Roosters may discover a lot of little repair bills cropping up at home, Dogs get a chance to find a new focus for their efforts, and Boars have a generally healthy business year.

Year of the Horse

The Rat will discover more debts than even his or her clever mind can handle this year. The best bet, by far, is to cut one’s losses. Meanwhile, the Ox excels in his or her career. Tigers start something new to advance themselves, Rabbits continue to have a reasonably good year, and Dragons (seeming to have all the luck) follow suit. The Snake may hold its ground with money matters but finds other parts of life unsatisfying at best; the poor Horse is wondering why this year was named after it! Goats and Monkeys often find better jobs, and Roosters see raises or promotions. Boars need to stay organized and “on task” to keep from experiencing losses.

Year of the Ram (Goat)

The Rat begins to get a handle on debts now, but the Oxen find themselves in the Rat’s shoes from last year. Tigers should be wary; there’s trouble on the horizon. Rabbits have a few setbacks, as do Dragons, though nothing devastating. Snake can hold his own but not expect a lot of advancement. Horse and Goat have a steadily improving year. Monkey plans for a good year, but that’s about all that happens: plans. Rooster gets himself or herself in a jam that might require reconstruction, and Dog isn’t doing much better. Boars, however, see the light at the end of the tunnel and enjoy some forward movement.

Year of the Monkey

Ah, glorious relief for the Rat, who finds the bottom line balancing out and growing. The poor Ox is no better off than before. Tigers can experience gains from good ideas; Rabbits should carefully pace finances. Dragons are best off if they stay out of the limelight this year, and Snakes aren’t doing much better; they need how to learn to cope with less. Horses would do well financially in a political atmosphere, but Goats retreat to the quiet life, not earning tons but not spending a lot either. For the Monkey, this year is party city, and Roosters join in with plenty of pomp and pampering to crow about. Dogs should be careful not to get into sticky monetary situations, and the Boar has a very solid and enjoyable year.

Year of the Rooster

Rats are happily back on the track to success. Ox finally gets a reprieve, but Tiger does not and is none too happy. Rabbits likewise meow with displeasure at the turn in personal investments, and even the Dragon has to be cautious this year. The Horse and Boar will both thrive in business. Goat can take some fruits from previous years and go on vacation! Monkey is no longer playful, being faced with growing monetary restrictions, Dogs are still licking their wounds from unsound decisions of the previous year, and the Rooster blusters with impressive success.

Year of the Dog

Rats can have a good year if they keep their minds focused on business. Oxen and Goats won’t enjoy this year much and will feel the weight of unexpected and often unusually high expenses. Tigers spend money on good causes, and Rabbits are very cautious and hesitant to invest (with good reason). Dragons will take over financially again, Snakes do okay but aren’t working very hard on making improvements, and the dependable Horse works for both sound income and personal fulfillment. Poor Monkey is still not playing, because he or she has to use all that energy just to keep afloat. Finally, Dogs do very well now, being rewarded for steadfastness, and Boars achieve a steady income.

Year of the Pig (Boar)

Rats should plan money carefully and begin saving for the future. The Ox gets a welcome reprieve, and Tigers have more good luck than they know what to do with. Rabbit is quite content and secure now. Dragon gets a financial boon from investments, and Snake simply sits in the grass waiting for the year to end. Horses have money and finally can spend some of it on themselves. Goats, Boars, and Monkeys will all be seeing unexpected profits. Roosters have to keep their beaks to the grindstone to keep the bills paid, and the Dog returns to a quieter existence, being careful to guard the resources on hand.