NZ Woman's Weekly

Chinese Astrology for 2012

The year of the dragon:
The Chinese New Year is a time to celebrate and welcome longevity, wealth and prosperity. To bring in the fresh new energy of a new year, we must firstly eliminate all negative chi (energy) from the past year.

This year, the Year of the Dragon, can be summed up in one word – drama. Hang on for life-changing transformations and an action-packed, vibrant and forward-moving year! It will be marked by new beginnings, good fortune, excitement, unpredictability, exhilaration, intensity and self-improvement.

This Dragon year is a very good year to get married, have children and start your own family. For those with entrepreneurial qualities, this is a great year to start anew business.

In general, because the Dragon is a flamboyant creature, watch your finances this year. Keep a close eye on spending and an even closer eye on your savings.

The most auspicious colour for the Dragon year is gold. Incorporate this colour into your life to increase wealth and prosperity.

RAT
Those born a Rat will have to make a conscious effort to find balance in the Dragon year. There are many health-related issues this year, such as a lack of energy and vitality, with a tendency to feel tired and exhausted. Be careful with winter colds, flus and infections. If you take care of yourself, staying healthy, focused and strong, you will reap amazing rewards in the many opportunities that will present themselves to you. Try to keep up in this fast-paced year. You will receive great news and easy success.

Tip: Work smarter this year, not harder. Find time to relax and stay focused. Be aware of those around you in terms of betrayal and gossip, and watch your spending.
Best months overall are: January, February, September, October.

Social/Love months are: April, June, November, December.

OX/COW
This is a great year to trust your intuition for those born under the Ox sign. What you put in place last year needs the same commitment and drive this year. With your eyes wide open and seatbelt firmly fastened, you need to continue to build on these foundations, as the year of the fast-paced. Dragon will help the growth of your professional world turn up a notch. Your lucky streak is here. It would be wise to stay away from confrontations and conflict, working hard on communication. Be disciplined when delays occur – practising patience will help with the many successes coming your way.

Tip: Head down, bottoms up. Be aware of your health this year – your illness will be stress-related, so don’t neglect yourself.
Great months overall are: March, May, August, November.
Social/Love months are: April, May, July, September
.

TIGER
Those born under the Tiger sign will have a fantastic Dragon year filled with many money opportunities and unexpected windfalls. Your bank balance is in for a big boost. This is also a year of much better health for all Tigers, with a sense of feeling as though you are protected by magic. Your creativity is on fire this year, so go the extra mile and make the most of your talents. Believe in yourself, in your strengths and your unique style. Push forward with new possibilities.

Tip: Don’t get too emotionally involved with other people’s dramas or be too stubborn this year. Be aware of all those around you and keep your guard up.
Great months overall are: April, May, September, November.

Social/Love months are: April, June, November, December.

RABBIT
This Dragon year is your year, Rabbits. Auspicious opportunities are for the taking. Due to feeling energised, confident and full of a renewed way of life, you will enjoy many successes. You will experience a very busy year with many things falling into place. Pushing your boundaries and being ambitious will give you opportunities to grow through study and employment. There are exciting love opportunities for single Rabbits this year – love is all around you. You are well liked, friendships will grow and there is much socialising to be had. Relationships will blossom on every level.

Tip: Set yourself goals and enjoy the retreat of home.
Great months overall are: April, September, October, November.
Social/Love months are: March, July, August, December.

DRAGON
This is a highly auspicious year for the Dragon. Although you may experience obstacles or even loss, which will test your resilience and hope, you forge ahead with much energy and achieve a great deal – in wisdom and finances. Keep your eyes open to the many new and exciting business opportunities this year. Your skills will be heightened with extra learning and through being mentored. This is a year of determination to achieve. Take action, be bold and maximise enterprising opportunities. Try not to let stubbornness and moodiness get in the way of achieving your goals as this may hinder your plans and how others may view you.

Tip: Be strong, persevere and remain positive and focused, especially in your monetary goals. Remember to take time out to enjoy your loved ones and home life.
Great months overall are: March, May, September, October.
Social/Love months are: February, March, July, December.

SNAKE
Many Snakes will have a relatively good year in relationship and health sectors. You need to make the most of this year leading up to your personal year, 2013. There is an element of unexpected wealth opportunities this year if you trust yourself. It is important to maintain self-discipline and be very focused in all your dealings. Do not make any hasty decisions, especially when involving your finances. Think things through thoroughly as this year’s luck is not 100% on your side. This is a great year, however, for personal development through study, learning new skills or enjoying a hobby. Stay alert in all your dealings and with people around you. Be careful of deceit. Show your flexibility in being not only an individual, but also a great team member.

Tip: Remain calm and alert all year through as transformation is taking place.
Great months overall are: April, May, August, October.
Social/Love months are: November, December.

MONKEY
For the Monkey this Dragon year, finding a new job or career opportunities with a much better working life is yours for the taking. The confidence you have to succeed professionally is now working for you, so plan well, gather information and experience the good fortune that is promised this year. It’s time to turn your hopes and dreams into reality. Be very careful of your temper this year Monkey, especially if you are in a committed relationship – hold your tongue. Harsh words will cause much regret later and could even result in lawsuits at work. It is very important this year to go within and find the peace and calm that is needed to live a balanced life.

Tip: Be careful with negative emotions, depression and stress. Don’t be too stubborn.
Great months overall are: March, April, September, November.
Social/Love months are:
April, May, August, December.

ROOSTER
For the Rooster, this Dragon year is nothing short of wonderful. This is an extremely eventful year all about expansion, achievement and bright new opportunities. Whatever you set out to pursue will more than likely be successful. There is much prosperity and good fortune through hard work. Windfalls through luck and chance also surround you this year. The level of your achievements seem endless. There are many opportunities on the horizon waiting for you to grab with both hands. Love, romance, friendship and marriage are all good this year. When conflict with those closest to you arises, deal with it through positive energy and love.

Tip: Stay focused. Be careful with your temper – don’t go flapping your wings.
Great months overall are: February, March, April, June, November.
Social/Love months are: April, July, August, December.

HORSE
Slow and steady wins the race for the Horse this Dragon year.You will not have to think or worry too much about money, with bursts of exciting, high productivity. Honour, great triumphs and achievements will come to you in work and competitive situations. Networking is on the rise with many Horses strengthening their foundations to secure a successful future. In some relationships there will be instability, so simplify your life and show some flexibility.

Tip: Don’t get too ahead of yourself or take big financial risks. Be reasonable when discussing business and personal relationships.
Great months overall are: March, June, September, November.
Social/Love months are: March, April, June, August.

SHEEP/GOAT
This is a busy year for the Sheep. Building on the foundations of last year, this Dragon phase will bring growth and progress. Your career and finances are improving, with major developments bringing greater stability and recognition in the workforce. All your hard work is paying off and a promotion is on the cards for you. A demanding and at times pressured year will see a more meaningful period ahead. This will be highlighted in your career and in financial luck. Keep your temper in check as family arguments, sickness and accidents may occur due to your hot temper.

Tip: Listen to your head, not your heart, when making big decisions. Work hard and keep cool.
Great months overall are: March, May, September, October.
Social/Love months are: February, April, July, December.

DOG
This Dragon year, you will focus on your career and plans for the future. You will come out from the shadows and show your strengths in business. For those Dogs in committed relationships, moving ahead with marriage is highly likely. For those looking for love, this Dragon year predicts a lovely new romance. Keep your eyes wide open as several new opportunities will present themselves, but this is not the year to take risks. Timing is everything. Keep an eye on your health – get plenty of rest to keep energy levels high. Share your worries and keep yourself and your belongings safe and protected.

Tip: Make sure you read the small print on all documents this year. Keep to your budget and lay low. There is a lot of luck for you this year when the timing is right.
Great months overall are: March, August, September, October.

Social/Love months are:April, May, July, August.

PIG
Those born under the Pig in the Dragon year will be blessed with great success, luck, recognition and good fortune. This is a highly ambitious and very active year, with many business opportunities presenting themselves with great results. Keep your eye on the ball, be aware of the bigger picture, remain focused and alert, and persevere with your goals. Due to so much activity, it is essential you don’t overwork yourself. You must find balance, pacing yourself and feeling energised. Be careful with deceit and gossip this year. Keep safe, in control and confident.

Tip: Try walking, meditation or yoga to relax. Keep your emotions under control.
Great months overall are: April, May, June, November.
Social/Love months are: March, May, July, December.

In Chinese astrology, the animal sign represents a person’s birth year. Check the chart to find your Chinese sign. Eg if you were born on March 26, 1977, you would be a Snake.

Horse: 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014
Sheep: 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015
Monkey:1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004
Rooster: 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005
Dog: 1934, 1946, 1958, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005
Pig: 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007
Rat: 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008
Ox: 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009
Tiger: 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010
Rabbit: 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011
Dragon: 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012
Snake: 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001

Chinese horoscope changeover dates:
If you were born before the date shown, you will fall under the previous animal sign.

1930 January 30 – Horse
1931 February 17 – Sheep
1932 February 6 – Monkey
1933 January 26 – Rooster
1934 February 14 – Dog
1935 February 4 – Pig
1936 January 24 – Rat
1937 February 11 – Ox/Cow
1938 January 31 – Tiger
1939 February 19 – Rabbit
1940 February 8 – Dragon
1941 January 27 – Snake
1942 February 15 – Horse
1943 February 5 – Sheep
1944 January 25 – Monkey
1945 February 13 – Rooster
1946 February 2 – Dog
1947 January 22 – Pig
1948 February 10 – Rat
1949 January 29 – Ox/Cow
1950 February 17 – Tiger
1951 February 6 – Rabbit
1952 January 27 – Dragon
1953 February 14 – Snake
1954 February 3 – Horse
1955 January, 24 – Sheep
1956 February12 – Monkey
1957 January 31 – Rooster
1958 February 18 – Dog
1959 February 8 – Pig
1960 January 28 – Rat
1961 February 15 – Ox/Cow
1962 February 5 – Tiger
1963 January 25 – Rabbit
1964 February 13 – Dragon
1965 February 2 – Snake
1966 January 21  - Horse
1967 February 9 – Sheep
1968 January 30 – Monkey
1969 February 17 – Rooster
1970 February 6 – Dog
1971 January 27 – Pig
1972 February 15 – Rat
1973 February 3 – Ox/Cow
1974 January 23 – Tiger
1975 February 11 – Rabbit
1976 January 31 – Dragon
1977 February 18 – Snake
1978 February 7 – Horse
1979 January 28 – Sheep
1980 February 16 – Monkey
1981 February 5 – Rooster
1982 January 25 – Dog
1983 February 13 – Pig
1984 February 2 – Rat
1985 February 20 – Ox/Cow
1986 February 9 – Tiger
1987 January, 29 – Rabbit
1988 February 17 – Dragon
1989 February 6 – Snake
1990 January 27 – Horse
1991 February 15 – Sheep
1992 February 4  - Monkey
1993 January 23 – Rooster
1994 February 10 – Dog
1995 January 31 – Pig
1996 February 19 – Rat
1997 February 7 – Ox/Cow
1998 January 28 – Tiger
1999 February 16 – Rabbit
2000 February 5 – Dragon
2001 January 24 – Snake
2002 February 12 – Horse
2003 February 1 – Sheep
2004 January 22 – Monkey
2005 February 9 – Rooster
2006 January 29 – Dog
2007 February 18 – Pig
2008 February 7 – Rat
2009 January 26 – Ox/Cow
2010 February 14 – Tiger
2011 February 3 – Rabbit
2012 January 23 – Dragon

Latest Issue

Subscribe to the magazine

Angela and Michael: The kiss no-one saw!

Happy Birthday Shortland Street! Don't miss this week's official Shortland Street birthday issue.

New Zealand Woman's Weekly is the country's most read woman's magazine, bringing a wide variety of news, stories, recipes and helpful hints to the home every week.

Subscribe now

Subscribe to our newsletters

Receive the latest celebrity news, recipes and beauty tips, delivered right to your inbox.

Subscribe