Leo (The Lion)

(July 23 - August 23)

Leo is the sign of the lion. Like the king of the jungle, Leos like to 
be the center of attention and are likely to draw attention to themselves. 
Leos are forceful, demanding, and yes, even bossy sometimes. Despite this 
they also have a generous nature that shows itself when you least expect it. 
Leos have much respect for family life and children and admire others who 
have the same values. Leos believe in authority, and are famous for dealing 
with integrity and fairness in all situations.

Element: Fire
Ruling Planet: Sun
Positive Quality: Authority
Negative Quality: Autocratic

Famous Leos:

Ben Affleck
Sandra Bullock
Kate Bush
Bill Clinton
Coolio
Peggy Fleming Dustin Hoffman
Whitney Houston
Iman
Mick Jagger
Magic Johnson
Lisa Kudrow
Matt LeBlanc
Madonna
Arnold Schwarzenegger
Wesley Snipes
Sarah Yates

You were born in the Sheep year!
------The Gentle Sheep

Starting Dates    Ending Dates     Element

February 13, 1907          February 1, 1908            Fire

February 1, 1919            February 19, 1920          Earth

February 17, 1931          February 5, 1932            Metal

February 5, 1943            January 24, 1944            Water

January 24, 1955            February 11, 1956          Wood

February 9, 1967            January 29, 1968            fire

January 28, 1979            February 15, 1980          Earth

February 15, 1991          February 3, 1992            Metal

February 1, 2003            January 21, 2004            Water

 

Hours ruled by the Sheep : 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Direction of its sign : South-Southwest
Season and principle month : Summer - July
Corresponds to the Western sign : Cancer
Fixed element : Fire
Stem : Negative

Year of the Sheep/Goat

This is a smooth year following that of the energetic Horse. A year to 
relax and make peace with oneself as well as with others. Things progress
slowly and we find ourselves more sentimental and emotional. The Sheep's
influence will draw us closer to home an dour families. We find ourselves
caring more about those close to us and being more liberal with our time 
and money.

Patron of the arts, the Sheep will bring out all the creativeness in our natures.
We will be productive and imaginative in artistic and aesthetic ventures.
The pessimistic vibrations cast by him will also make us oversensitive and 
fretful of little problems. In our undertakings, we may beocme easily
discouraged or hypercritical when things are not to our liking.

On the world scene, things will be tranquil and subdued. Take time off 
to cater to your whims and fancies. Make new friends and travel; invest
in art and antiques. But keep a tight hand on your purse string, too, 
as there could be repercussions caused by overpsending.

Hopefully, the Sheep's love of harmony and keen ense for coexisting 
with his enemies will preserve this year from many upheavals. 
The moderates and doves will be heard and heeded. Wars, international 
conflicts and mutual animosities usually end in the year of the Sheep.

The serenity of the Sheep's peaceful ways will slow things down a bit
for the more intensely active signs, but after all, this is not a year
for whirlwind activities--it is one for introspection.

The Sheep/Goat Personality

It is lucky that the sheep is ranked eighth in the series of Chinese 
zodiac animals, for the number "eight" in China is an auspicious one, 
symbolizing peace and prosperity.

Generally speaking, people born in the year of sheep are generous, 
just and kind, and easily touched by other people's misfortunes. 
They are meek, and somewhat timid by nature. When everything goes 
extremely smoothly in their lives, they appear graceful, if they 
are artists, and are creative, if they are workers. If something 
goes especially wrong in their careers or other aspects of life,
they will become very sentimental and pessimistic, even world weary.

Behaving gracefully and kind-heartedly, they are always respected and 
admired by others. They are used to guiding their own conduct by liberal 
rules as well as treating others with leniency. Besides being good housekeepers, 
they are also fond of children and pets. Though mild in disposition, 
they never yield under pressure. It is impossible to force them to do something.
When coerced, they will behave in an intransigent way; and when challenged 
in an argument, they will remain silently anger rather than repeat their
opinions or show their displeasure.

Pure and kind as they are, they are always ready to help others who are 
in need of care or money. Throughout their lives they never worry about 
the three necessities: food, housing and clothes. Wherever they go, they 
will make friends with other people, and they will treat their colleagues honestly. 
Those born in the year of sheep are destined to have good marriages. 
They will be loved not only by their spouses, but also by family relatives.

It is said people born in the winter of the year of sheep will go on rough 
and rugged paths throughout life, for winter is a season without the green 
grass that sheep to live on. Actually, whatever adversity they find themselves in,
they needn't be too worried, for other people are always willing to help them. 
Even when they are in abject poverty they can survive on material donations 
from their parents or relatives, or through social protection and promotion 
from the rich and powerful. In all, people born in the year of the sheep can
easily get out of difficulties and failures with the help of others who love them.

They like to do things that they are interested in, and realize their 
dreams in a natural way. When there's something they are unwilling to do,
they always refuse with the greatest gentleness and patience. No one knows 
their true feelings on such occasions, unless they are in rage. As a matter of 
fact, they are good at settling disputes and creating a harmonious atmosphere 
around themselves.

They seldom speak in a straightforward way, especially the less well-bred
ones among them, which often annoys other people. Never count on them to
pour out everything on their minds at once. People must get to know them 
little by little. In order to encourage them to say more, people should 
nod from time to time to show their agreement, and always leave some 
leeway out for them.

It's best for people born in the year of sheep to cooperate with someone 
who has a strong character. Only under strict working rules and the 
leadership of hard-minded colleagues, can they make full use of their 
abilities and work efficiently. So it's best to help them get rid of 
their "dependent mentality."

They like to live within their usual circle. They attach great importance 
to their families, favorite foods, birthdays and other festivals. They 
usually celebrate such special occasions in a showy way, and they are 
extremely serious about their own birthdays. They may feel heart-broken 
if they get no congratulations from others.

It seems that people born in the year of sheep are melancholy and 
sentimental by nature. They always look upon the world passively. 
Besides, they are used to counting on others to cheer them up. it 
is easy for them to get lost and to be blue when frustrated, and to 
make improper choices when going shopping.

Young women born in the year of sheep like to appear sharp. They 
have a special interest in clothes with ruffles and ornaments. 
Every day they spend much time in making themselves up. They always 
behave in an elegant and orderly way. Besides, they like to decorate 
their rooms with fresh flowers, which adds to their beauty and vigor.
The middle-aged women born in the year of the sheep pay great attention 
to personal sanitation. They are always neatly and well dressed.

Young women born in the year of sheep like to express their love for 
their sweethearts in a front way. They trust the men they love, and 
they want to stay with them every second. To those pursuers in whom 
they have no interest, they will pay no attention. When someone happens 
to hit their fancies, they will shake hands with them without any seductive
behavior. When they talk, sometimes they will 
mean "no" by saying "yes," and "yes" by saying "no."

People born in the year of sheep are good at covering up their own 
weakness with petty shrewdness, and in obtaining what they want by 
clever tricks and hints. They are also talented in the skill of pestering.
Their sincere and composed manner and their pitiful looks always prove 
effective in persuading other people to do them favors.

They never hurt the feelings of their friends. Sometimes they even give up 
taking part in social contacts in order to avoid disputes. 
They are sensitive, and often indulge themselves in sentimental 
illusions rather than jolly parties. They also like to attract others'
attention and flattery regarding their talent. They would be wise to 
take up professions that enable them to use their strong points. 
Often doing some down-to-earth job is the best choice for them.

If they're not born during hours dominated by zodiac animals such as dragon, 
snake or tiger (every two hours of a day is dominated by a different 
zodiac animal according to the traditional Chinese timing system), 
they will not be qualified for jobs requiring a strong sense of 
responsibility and quick decisions. They may do jobs allowing them to 
have their own way within the bounds of law.

Chinese Zodiac Compatibility - Sheep/Goat

Sheep and RAT:
Will not relate too well to each other. 
Small animosities and misunderstandings. 
Have little in common, 
but no major conflicts.

Sheep and OX:
Certain degree of indifference. 
Will just tolerate each other at best. 
Cannot cooperate or work well together.

Sheep and TIGER:
No deep or lasting relations. 
No outright or severe confrontations. 
Workable only to a small degree. 
Lack of understanding.

Sheep and RABBIT:
Very strong affinity. 
One of the best unions for love and business ties. 
Have very much in common. 
Successful and prosperous together.

Sheep and DRAGON:
Can relate to each other and work together to a certain extent. 
Have some common areas of interest. 
Moderate relationships.

Sheep and SNAKE:
Moderate or congenial ties. 
Compatible to a reasonable degree.
Will combine efforts and work together when feasible.
No strong conflicts.

Sheep and Horse:
Strong attraction for each other.
Happy and beneficial ties in marriage and business. 
Highly compatible and successful union.

Sheep and SHEEP:
No rivalry. 
Could work together as a team. 
Have areas of similar interests and common goals. 
Favorable ties in love and business.

Sheep and MONKEY:
No deep understanding or special need for each other.
Have little in common. 
Will have no attraction for each other.

Sheep and ROOSTER:
Communication gaps and mutual reservations. 
Moderate ties. 
Will tolerate each other to a certain degree only.

Sheep and DOG:
Have few things in common. 
Cannot relate to one another. 
Will have no strong attraction in their relations. 
Not compatible.

Sheep and BOAR:
Happy and compatible match. 
Have good comprehension of each other. 
Will work well together and rely on each other for support.

The Sheep/Goat Child

The gentle Sheep child will be a treasure to his parents. 
He will love being cuddled, fussed over, petted and thoroughly spoiled.
A sensitive artist and lover of beauty, he will appreciate music, 
poetry, sweet-smelling soap for his bath and all sorts of delicate 
trimmings that stimulate his fine senses. Ultradependent, 
he won't like to do anything for himself-- if he can help it. 
Warm, soft, vulnerable and submissive, he likes being catered to.

Like little Linus in the Peanuts comic strip, 
he is most likely to cling to his old woolen blanket or, in case of a girl, 
her worn-out rag doll. He hates being teased and if strongly 
criticized or embarrassed in school, he may not want to return for many days. 
He will seek out more dominant youngsters to take him under their wings.
When he is feeling down, he will need loads and loads of sympathy to pep him up. 
His fertile imagination and morbid fears can actually make him ill. 
He can be easily influenced or adversely affected and will positively 
drown you with his sorrows when he is in a melancholy mood.

When ridiculed or rejected, he can withdraw into a magical world of 
his own and it will be difficult to lure him out. Food and comfort 
represent love and security to him. The Sheep will be in no hurry to
leave home if he is loved and well cared for. When he does decide to
set up housekeeping on his own, you can be sure he will do it with
exquisite taste. He loves getting dressed up and has a flair for
arranging things. Fickle-minded, inconsistent and trivial at times, 
he makes up for it by being extremely creative, modest and patient.
He is very compassionate about the sorrows of others; when he is
fond of someone, his love and generosity know no bounds. It will
be rewarding to care for him as he will repay your affections a 
hundredfold. It will be impossible to be cross with him for long.
He may have his flaws, but he is still a jewel of the highest quality.

Don't be afraid of leading him by the hand or helping him make decisions. 
He will never get enough reassurance and, as a master of fact, he may seek 
his parents' advice or approval on everything he does.

Don't try to wipe the fairy dust off his eyes; or change him, 
mend him or rearrange him into sterner stuff. It will be useless,
as the Sheep will always see life and the world through rose-colored glasses.

The Five Types of Sheep

METAL SHEEP - 1871, 1931, 1991
The Metal Sheep will have great faith in himself and know the 
value of his talents. He can camouflage his high degree of 
sensitivity by putting up a brave front, although actually 
he has a very vulnerable ego and is easily offended by offhand remarks.

Metal reinforces his flowing artistic tastes and he will be 
inspired to search continuously for beauty in all forms. 
His home could be a master piece of interior decoration, 
as he is most concerned about harmony and balance in his 
daily life. Leaving a familiar environment can be traumatic 
for him; he will find it hard to adjust to change.

This type of Sheep will also aspire to security in both his 
domestic and financial life. His services won't come cheap, 
although he is not averse to handing out free meal tickets now and then.

His social activities will be limited to those people he cherishes 
or those who could be of use to his career. The uninitiated will 
have to wait for him to warm up to their advances. Beneath his calm 
and helpful exterior, the Metal Sheep has unstable emotions that he 
finds hard to control. As a result, he can be possessive, jealous and
overprotective of his loved ones. He should allow people about him more freedom. 
Expecting everyone to be at his beck and call will only cause resentment, as well
as resistance to the invaluable contributions he could make.

WATER SHEEP - 1883, 1943, 2003
This type of Sheep will be extremely appealing to others. 
There may be dozens of people around who will want to mother him, 
and if he is in need of help - he can summon and army. 
Popular but not really knowledgeable, meek but innately opportunistic, 
the Water Sheep will seek out people he can rely on. 
When Water is joined with his basic sign, it encourages him to travel 
the route of the least resistance. He is impressionable and will always
go along with the wishes of the majority or those who have strong
influence on him. But while he may readily absorb the ideas of others,
he will still cling to what he is accustomed to. He fears changes in
his life style and will not be too crazy about exploring the unknown.
Although he has a diversified personality and can mix well with almost 
anyone, he also has a martyrdom complex and will feel rejected and 
persecuted whenever he is not allowed to have his way.

WOOD SHEEP - 1895, 1955, 2015
A thoughtful, good-humored Sheep, with leisurely ways, but mindful
of other people's wishes. He is sentimental and strives to please;
with Wood as his element he will be prevented from being too flippant.
His nature will be steadier and more generous and he will have high 
moral principles.

This loving Sheep will have complete trust in those he believes in. 
He will put his life in their hands with the faith of a child. Even 
while he knows his intrinsic worth, this Sheep allows others to take 
advantage of him. He capitulates too readily when harassed and makes 
unwise sacrifices for the sake of keeping the peace.

The Wood Sheep has the tendency to mother others and can be most 
devoted to those he cares about. He will be overwhelmed by the circumstances 
of those less fortunate than himself and may have a collection of
human as well as animal strays to feed.

His good deeds and compassion will not go unrewarded. Because 
he won't mind supporting others, money will always come to him
when he is in need. He will receive financial help or inherit 
money from unlikely sources.

FIRE SHEEP - 1907, 1967, 2027
The Fire Sheep is sure-footed; he is more courageous about following 
his intuitions and he will take the initiative in his work.

His creativity lies in his ability to dramatize rather than invent. 
He can highlight strong points and play down weaknesses. Even experimenting
with vivid colors, he can still produce restful and pleasant compositions.

He would like to own a stately home if possible, because he is indulgent
where his personal comforts are concerned and he likes to entertain lavishly. 
Consequently, he is likely to overextend himself financially and mismanage his 
own affairs.

Fire makes him very energetic and aggressive. He is outspoken when offended.
He will exhibit an enticing personal grace but his emotionalism could, 
at times, defy logic.

When the Fire Sheep is negative, he is given to wistful thinking without
realizing the benefits of his present situation. He reaches for the 
proverbial pie in the sky and will be sullen and spiteful when discouraged 
by reality.

EARTH SHEEP - 1859, 1919, 1979
This is type of Sheep is optimistic and more self-reliant. 
In spite of his strong attachments to the domestic scene and 
devoted loyalty to family members, he will still try to maintain 
a certain degree of independence.

Earth as his element makes him conservative and careful. He won't 
like to waste money but he won't be counting the pennies either. 
But being a Sheep, he will still find it difficult to deny himself. 
What may appear as luxuries to other people will be bare necessities to him.

However, just as he plays hard, the Earth Sheep will work hard. 
He can take his responsibilities seriously and will go out of his 
way to help his friends. It is unlikely that he will ever turn his 
back on someone in trouble.

Although he may be more adept at concealing his emotions, 
this particular Sheep is also prone to being neurotic and 
ultradefensive when criticized.

The Sheep and his Ascendants 

Born During the Hours of the mouse - 11 p.m. to 1 a.m.
An Opportunistic and crafty Sheep. Both signs here are emotional and 
self-indulgent. But the mouse's presence could make him more dependable
and less inclined to fall apart during a crisis.

Born During the Hours of the Ox - 1 a.m. to 3 a.m.
A Sheep who radiates charm mixed with the Rabbit's rugged authority. 
Punctual, conservative and more set in his ways.

Born during the Hours of the Tiger - 3 a.m. to 5 a.m.
Feline impetuosity accentuated by the Sheep's exquisite but whimsical
ways. Creative, innovative and great on the stage, but his temperamental 
side makes him volatile and undependable.

Born During the Hours of the Rabbit - 5 a.m. to 7 a.m.
A clever but unobtrusive Sheep who is not as charitable as he pretends to be. 
Cannot be counted on to commit himself readily to anything which involves 
a great deal of work or sacrifice. Shuns too much involvement.

Born During the Hours of the Dragon - 7 a.m. to 9 a.m.
A Sheep with great determination. The Dragon in him imparts the much 
needed courage and conviction for him to carry out his ideas and plans. 
But the Sheep here still has a strong need for adulation and appreciation.

Born During the Hours of the Snake - 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
A Sheep with great potential and a fine, uncluttered mind. 
The Snake makes him self-assured and competent. He can make up his own 
mind and keep his emotions to himself.

Born During the Hours of the Horse - 11 a.m. to 1 p.m
A Sheep who may really like to swing. Very expressive, expensive and fanciful. 
The popular Horse in him will be in hot pursuit of money while the dominant 
Sheep side will certainly know how to dole it out.

Born During the Hours of the Sheep - 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Very ardent and responsive, but also somewhat of the clinging vine variety. 
Would prefer to rely on others to serve him or do his dirty work. 
May have many notable talents to offer, but basically he is a worrier, 
frets a lot and is indecisive.

Born During the Hours of Monkey - 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
The monkey may make the Sheep more inclined to taking action and give 
him self-assurance in the bargain. He could also have the Monkey's 
delightful way of looking at the sunnier side of things.

Born During the Hours of Rooster - 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Fermenting with ideas that may never materialize. 
The Sheep is too dependent and the Rooster in him contributes 
nonsensical solutions. No doubt, he will be brainy and have many 
positive qualities, but someone else will have to tap his resources 
and organize his life for him.

Born During the Hours of the Dog - 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
A Sheep that is more rational and sensible. The Dog gives him more strength 
of character and helps him to face reality. Will not be easily 
given to tears or self-pity.

Born During the Hours of the Pig - 9 p.m. to 11 p.m.
A Sheep who will always lend you a shoulder to cry on. 
But you better have your shoulder ready as he expects the same privilege
if you are to be his friend. Hopefully, the sturdy Pig will make him 
more able to bear his trials and endure hardships without cracking up