Characteristics of People Born in the Chinese Year of the Goat

People born in the Chinese Year of the Goat sometimes get a raw deal. Goats (or should that be sheep? or maybe rams?) are often seen as followers, but never leaders.

Those born in the eighth sign of the 12 of the Chinese zodiac are often seen as artistic, sensitive and charming. Sometimes shy, they are honest and sympathetic people. On the negative side, goats can sometimes be insecure.

• 13 February 1907 - 1 February 1908: Fire Goat
• 1 February 1919 - 19 February 1920: Earth Goat
• 17 February 1931 - 5 February 1932: Metal Goat
• 5 February 1943 - 24 January 1944: Water Goat
• 24 January 1955 - 11 February 1956: Wood Goat
• 9 February 1967 - 22 January 1968: Fire Goat
• 28 January 1979 - 15 February 1980: Earth Goat
• 15 February 1991 - 3 February 1992: Metal Goat
• 1 February 2003 - 21 January 2004: Water Goat
• 19 February 2015 - 7 February 2016: Wood Goat
• 6 February 2027 - 25 January 2028: Fire Goat

The Chinese character Yang (羊) can be translated into sheep, goat or ram. In some places, the distinction is clear. In Vietnam, it is definitely the Year of the Goat. In Japan, however, people celebrate the Year of the Sheep. Most Chinese people think that the zodiac animal is the goat, not the sheep or ram.

Some people would rather not have their children born in the Year of the Goat. They don't want their offspring to end up with the characteristics of goats: docile and destined to be followers, rather than leaders. In China, there hasn't been a nationwide drop in the birth rate during goat years. However, in some areas, there is a perception that being born in the year of the goat can bring bad luck. In northern China, this seems to be the case. The unpopularity of having goat children has been such a concern that state media have run reports attempting to end the belief that it's all bad being a goat.

• The Fire Goat - frank and honest
• The Wood Goat - gentle and compassionate
• The Earth Goat - honest and straightforward
• The Metal Goat - ambitious, kind-hearted, stubborn
• The Water Goat - always ready to help

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Because they tend not to be overly ambitious, you probably might not find many goats in high-up positions in business. They can be a little disorganised in business. When they find a job which matches their talent though, they are very passionate about they do. Goats make good artists, actors, designers, teachers, musicians and editors. They also have a love of nature and often opt for outdoor work.

Goats tend to be private people who keep themselves to themselves. Getting to know them can take time. They don't have a lot of friends, but when they do eventually develop a friendship with someone, they have a lot to offer. Similarly, in matters of love, romance with goats can take a good, long while. When they are in love though, they work hard for their partner. Goats are compatible with rabbits, pigs and horses.