The Handbook of Chinese Horoscopes (40th Anniversary Edition)

by Theodora Lau

  Metal

  Neil Armstrong

  Sean Connery

  Clint Eastwood

  Jennifer Lawrence

  Vladimir Lenin

  Margot Robbie

  Kristen Stewart

  Emma Watson

  Water

  Aretha Franklin

  Ulysses S. Grant

  Sir Paul McCartney

  Franklin D. Roosevelt

  Barbra Streisand

  Wood

  Jackie Chan

  Ang Lee

  Condoleezza Rice

  Rene Russo

  Jerry Seinfeld

  John Travolta

  Denzel Washington

  Fire

  Halle Berry

  Leonid Brezhnev

  Thomas Edison

  Janet Jackson

  Otto Preminger

  Rembrandt van Rijn

  Adam Sandler

  Mike Tyson

  Earth

  Leonard Bernstein

  James Franco

  Billy Graham

  Ashton Kutcher

  John Legend

  Nelson Mandela

  Theodore Roosevelt

  Anwar Sadat

  Andy Samberg

  Usher

  8

  The Eighth Sign of the Lunar Cycle

  The Sheep

  I am nature’s special child.

  I trust and am rewarded by trust.

  Fortune smiles upon my countenance.

  All things blossom

  in the gentleness of my love.

  I strive to find beauty in all I behold.

  I am fair of face

  and full of grace.

  I AM THE SHEEP.

  Lunar Years of the Sheep in the Western Calendar Elements

  February 17, 1931, to February 5, 1932 Metal

  February 5, 1943, to January 24, 1944 Water

  January 24, 1955, to February 11, 1956 Wood

  February 9, 1967, to January 29, 1968 Fire

  January 28, 1979, to February 15, 1980 Earth

  February 15, 1991, to February 3, 1992 Metal

  February 1, 2003, to January 21, 2004 Water

  February 19, 2015, to February 7, 2016 Wood

  February 6, 2027, to January 25, Fire

  January 24, 2039, to February 11, 2040 Earth

  If you were born on the day before the start of the lunar year of the Sheep, e.g., February 14, 1991, your sign is the one before the Sheep: the Horse, the seventh lunar sign.

  If you were born on the day after the last day of the lunar year of the Sheep, e.g., February 4, 1992, then your sign is the one after the Sheep: the Monkey, the ninth lunar sign.

  The sign of the Sheep rules the two-hour segment of the day from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. People born during this two-hour segment are said to have the Sheep as their ascendant; they will display many of the traits common to this sign and will have great affinity for persons born under this sign.

  The direction appointed to the Sheep is south-southwest. Its season is summer and its principal month is July. The Sheep corresponds to the Western astrological sign of Cancer, which rules summer from June 22 to July 21. Fire is the Sheep’s fixed element, and it has a negative or yin stem.

  The Sheep Personality

  The Sheep is the gentlest sign of the Chinese zodiac. A native of this year is called the Good Samaritan of the cycle. Righteous, sincere, and easily taken in by sob stories, they are likely to be mild-mannered, even shy. At their best, they are artistic, fashionable, and creative workers. At their worst, they are easily overcome by emotions and can become depressed and withdrawn.

  Sheep are known for their kind and compassionate ways. They can forgive easily and be understanding of others’ faults. They dislike strict schedules and cannot tolerate too much discipline or criticism. Fond of children and animals, the Sheep is close to nature and is something of a homebody. Sheep are apt to mother or even smother the objects of their affection. They become possessed by varying moods, and they find it impossible to work under pressure. They also find it difficult to be objective. Their outlook is usually subjective and self-centered.

  However, the subdued outer appearance of the Sheep belies an inner determination. When threatened, they can respond passionately and decisively, even though they detest fighting. Caught in an argument, they would rather sulk than come right out and tell you what they are upset about. Their stony silence and pouting will probably achieve more than angry words, and they will eventually get their way. Sheep children will often be spoiled by one or both parents.

  The Chinese believe that good fortune smiles on Sheep because of their peaceful nature and kind heart. They are generous with their time and money. When you have nowhere to go and no money, you can be sure the Sheep will not turn you away. The Sheep will always have the three most important things in life: food, shelter, and clothing. Wherever Sheep go, they are bound to meet people who can and will assist them. A person of this sign will make it a point to find an excellent romantic partner to complete his or her life. Sheep are cherished not only by their loves but by their family and friends as well. Even in the roughest circumstances, Sheep will still possess the three basic necessities, and people will care deeply for them. Theirs is the eighth sign, and to the Chinese the number eight symbolizes prosperity and comfort.

  Sheep have fantastic luck. People often leave them money in their wills, and even the poorest of these natives will inherit something of value from parents or relations. Admirers give Sheep expensive presents, and rich and powerful patrons take them under their wing. Powerful personalities adopt Sheep and take them on as protégés. Somehow the fortunate Sheep will always have things made easier for them. Their every fall will be cushioned by those looking out for their interests.

  Yes, Sheep can be ingratiating when it comes to currying favors. Consequently, like the Rabbit, Sheep will obtain their desires without force or violence. They will have great passive endurance and will wear you down with pleas and entreaties. You will never know their mettle until you try to break them, when you find out they aren’t that warm and woolly after all. Basically a survivor, the Sheep will know how to placate or evade enemies. Failing that, they’ll run home crying and get a larger friend to intimidate you later on their behalf. Sheep will always have many powerful allies in their network. Try to remember that before you think about taking advantage of their kind nature.

  The Sheep’s oblique approach can be infuriating to natives of more direct lunar signs. Admittedly, their roundabout ways can grow quite tiresome, but that is the way they are. The more dramatic type of Sheep can at times be so theatrical they may drive you up the wall. But don’t expect them to come right out and say exactly what is troubling them. You will receive random messages at odd hours or hear secondhand that something is bothering them. What is going on? Why all the mystery? Well, there is no fun for them in being blunt and brazen. You must be prepared to pry it from them bit by bit. Entice them with rewards. Promise that you won’t be angry. Humor them. Give them a wide margin and lots of sympathetic nods. Sheep have little sense of time, so you will probably have to rearrange your other appointments. Finally, if all else fails, go ahead and bully them, bang the table (they will be impressed), stomp around the room, act like an ogre, but never stop showing that you love and care about them. Then they will open up about the secret struggles they have been nursing for weeks, and you will be able to clear the air.

  At times, it may be advantageous for the kindly Sheep to have bossy, strong associates—managers who will both discipline them and put their talents to use, tough assistants, and tougher teammates who will turn down those unreasonable demands made on the Sheep’s good nature. In short, Sheep need people to insulate them from hassle and the human parasites who want to prey upon them.

  Most likely, the Sheep grew up with strong advocates helping sort out much of life’s struggles. So naturally, the Sheep never really cuts the umbilical cord. They will always come home where t
hey feel most comfortable and are undoubtedly spoiled. Sheep relish feeling special, so they never forget the birthdays, anniversaries, or other special occasions for those they love. Sheep will make it a point to celebrate these days ostentatiously (especially when they are not footing the bill). And of course, Sheep are equally sensitive about their own special dates, too. Woe unto you if you forget a Sheep’s birthday or neglect to pay a visit or send a get-well card (at the very least) when they’re in the hospital. As far as the Sheep is concerned, you practically broke their poor heart in two, and they will probably be scarred for life.

  The Sheep is basically a worrier. They tend to be pessimistic about events and are prone to predict the worst. Of course, they expect you to vehemently dispel their dark thoughts, and they always make sure someone is around to cheer them up. They know it’s useless to cry alone. They’d rather have an audience, please. Misfortunes touch them deeply, and they do not get over hardships easily. Lest others forget, they will take to recounting their miseries ad infinitum. Another one of the Sheep’s shortcomings is that they have difficulty denying themselves anything. Sheep always overspend and should avoid handling their own finances. An extreme type of Sheep may spread cash around as if he or she were personally obliged to circulate the currency for the Treasury Department. It’s easy to be generous when you’re not thinking about tomorrow.

  The Sheep is inclined to like delicate things, as well as all the frills and trimmings that come with them. If a Sheep is inclined to collect, he or she will amass an impressive collection, enjoying the process of learning the details, hunting down items, and finally coming up with a beautiful display that befits these treasures. Whether sports memorabilia or vintage handbags, Sheep will delight in the thrill of the hunt and quietly lock themselves in a room to admire and play with their toys (whether they like to admit it or not). Sheep can sometimes run a bit vain and may spend hours on their appearance. Sheep rarely skimp on personal care. They will guard their health and peace of mind, and we can all learn a thing or two from the Sheep’s commitment to self-care. It is easy for the Sheep to daydream and become distracted, so they rarely arrive on time for anything. The Sheep has little concept of punctuality, which will frustrate the more time-conscious signs. Sheep move like a cloud and don’t like to hurry. In fact, it will astonish bosses and coworkers alike that a Sheep will arrive late with a fresh pastry in hand, oblivious to the terrible optics.

  Sheep focus on cleanliness. They are very concerned with personal hygiene and appearance, even though the house may be a mess and they don’t know where anything is. The more aloof types will be preoccupied by sanitary standards. Pets will be groomed to an impressive degree. The Sheep’s children will be scrubbed clean with smart haircuts and will always look presentable. After all, the Sheep has flawless taste in choosing clothes and exquisite accessories.

  The Sheep has a natural skill for design-related professions. They will be good at fashion, interior design, or event planning. While they may appear disorganized and scatterbrained, everything will fall perfectly into place at the last minute, totally confounding all their critics. Such is the mind of an artist. The vision is always clear, but watching the process is a lot like watching sausage get made! The Sheep is a clannish animal and likes to form social cliques. They will openly show favoritism and will consort day in and day out with those deemed to be in the Sheep’s inner circle. If a Sheep doesn’t love you, well, don’t complain. At least they will just ignore you without trying to reform you or coming after you with a cudgel like a Dragon or an Ox. The Sheep’s voice is one of gentle persuasion. They’ll twist your arm, but in the most engaging manner. For the Sheep, half the fun will be the process of getting there—the hunt, the flirting, and maybe a bit of harmless stalking.

  All Sheep people, from ages nine to ninety, are die-hard romantics. Soft music, moonlight, and intimate candlelit dinners never fail to work their magic on Sheep. If you have your heart set on a Sheep, don’t be afraid of corny displays of affection. All attention is appreciated.

  A person born under this sign will have the beguiling knack of turning their every weakness into a strength. They know how to get what they want by insinuation and subtle hints. Sheep are masters of the soft-sell technique, so don’t ever underestimate them, or you will be caught off guard. Their sedate, earnest, and sometimes whimpering ways will prove effective in wearing down the strongest defenses. With unfeigned emotion, they can plead their case so convincingly that they often don’t even need many words.

  The Sheep will come to you with preposterous requests, bordering on blackmail or even highway robbery. Perhaps a campaign to fund their culinary education in Paris, or a sponsoring of the Sheep’s lifelong dream to travel to all seven continents. You’ll think they’ve lost their mind. And just when you are about to smack them down with a loud, resounding “no,” you notice that chaste and innocent look on their face, that tear hanging from the corner of one eye, the slight quivering of their lips, and suddenly you feel like some horrible monster taking a lamb to the slaughter. You’ll reluctantly give your consent to the Sheep’s ludicrous demands, still not understanding how such a harmless-looking, vulnerable creature could do you in. Case closed.

  Certainly not one to make decisions, the Sheep would rather follow and then complain when things do not turn out right. Yet people sincerely love Sheep because they are so good-natured and kind enough to share whatever they have. Sheep will be very close to their family and will tend to overindulge them.

  Because Sheep never like to displease those they love, they may float about doing nothing in order to avoid conflict and will eventually be criticized for failing to take a firm stand on issues. Sheep are difficult to deal with, as they are hypersensitive and are given to excessive self-pity and emotional ups and downs.

  Appreciation of a Sheep’s talents will make them blossom spectacularly. Sheep crave love, attention, and approval, in that order. Sheep should be careful to not grow addicted to oversharing their lives online for fear that the world will not give the appropriate amount of attention. There will likely never be enough, and if the Sheep does become a sensation, the stress can be overwhelming for such an innocent soul. Sheep are highly willing to document and share their many opinions and projects with anyone who is interested, but they can easily be disappointed when others do not fawn over their pictures and comments as much as their inner circle does. Sheep should work in a creative field in which they can excel and where they can be given a free hand to do what pleases them most. Where aesthetics are concerned, don’t worry—the Sheep will not disappoint you. They have very discriminating taste, and they make discerning choices. Then again, it is only fair to warn you that they also tend to spend a lot and may not be very practical.

  Unless a Sheep was born at the time of day governed by a strong sign such as a Dragon, Snake, or Tiger, he or she should not take on jobs with too much responsibility or decision making. Being passive by nature, they shun confrontation and law enforcement.

  On the whole, it can be said that the Sheep will not have to work hard for a living. Good things come to them naturally, which is perfect, as they love luxury and ease. Like their best friend, the Rabbit, the Sheep has the soul of a connoisseur. Anything ugly or lowly depresses them. Sheep are so sensitive to beauty and balance that their moods are largely governed by their surroundings. Their appreciation of the finer things is so well known that friends and family will give them antiques and heirlooms because they know the thoughtful Sheep will care for them well. When a Sheep is particularly down, it’s a good idea to properly purge their home of clutter. Sheep function best in bright, airy, tastefully appointed rooms. An untidy home can weigh on a Sheep’s emotions like an unpaid debt. To further improve a Sheep’s spirits, nothing perks them up more than rearranging furniture or giving their apartment a new look. The design refresh may be all the therapy they need!

  Sheep will need strong, loyal people to lean on. The outgoing and optimistic characteristics of
the Horse, Boar, and Tiger will complement the Sheep’s personality. Sheep will also find perfect harmony with the Rabbit. The Monkey, Dragon, Rooster, Snake, or another Sheep will do very nicely, too.

  The Rat will dislike the Sheep’s spendthrift ways and lack of self-denial. The Sheep will not find sympathy or happiness with the stern people of the Ox year or the practical Dog people, who will not have patience enough to listen to the Sheep’s petty woes.

  The Sheep Child

  The gentle Sheep child will be a treasure to his or her parents. Sheep children love being cuddled, fussed over, petted, and thoroughly spoiled. A sensitive artist and lover of beauty, the Sheep child will appreciate music, poetry, sweet-smelling soap for the bath, and all sorts of delicate trimmings that stimulate their fine senses. These ultra-dependent children won’t like doing anything for themselves—if they can help it. Warm, soft, vulnerable, and submissive, they like being catered to.

  Like little Linus in Peanuts, the Sheep is most likely to cling to an old childhood blanket or worn-out rag lovey. Sheep children hate being teased, and if they are strongly criticized or embarrassed in school, they may not want to return for many days. A Sheep child will seek out more dominant youngsters to take him or her under their wing. When Sheep are feeling down, they will need loads and loads of sympathy to cheer them up. Their fertile imagination and morbid fears can actually make them ill. They can be easily influenced, especially in an adverse way, and will positively drown you with their sorrows when in a melancholy mood.

  When ridiculed or rejected, Sheep can withdraw into a magical world of their own, and it will be difficult to lure them out. Nor will Sheep be in any hurry to leave home if they are loved and well cared for. Food and comfort represent love and security to them. When they do decide to set up housekeeping on their own, you can be sure they will do it with exquisite taste. They love getting dressed up and have a flair for arranging things. Fickle, inconsistent, and sometimes petty, Sheep redeem themselves by being extremely creative, modest, and patient. They have great compassion for the sorrows of others. When Sheep are fond of someone, their love and generosity know no bounds. It will be rewarding to care for them, as they will repay your affections a hundredfold. It will be impossible to remain angry with them for long. They may have their flaws, but a Sheep is still a jewel of the highest quality.