YEAR OF THE FIRE ROOSTER – It is a particularly special year as it has one month more (13 months in total) than the rest of the years. This month (闰月, rùnyuè) was added to the Chinese calendar to balance the lunar months with the annual solar calendar.

The rooster ranks tenth of all the animals in the Chinese zodiac. The rooster is a clever animal who is frequently compared to a smart person. Image is all important to the Fire Rooster; he spends a lot of time making himself look good, making him appear vain. He is flaunty and dramatic, yet he is a brilliant social organizer who loves to plan parties and gatherings.

Fire Roosters tend to be bossy and this, combined with their bluntness, can cause hurt feelings and bruised egos amongst colleagues. Still, these Roosters make great leaders, who are creative, diligent and motivated.

Likely Vocations for Rooster people: Roosters are more motivated than any other animal in the Chinese Zodiac. They are multi-talented. Good career choices are: trouble-shooter, detective, doctor, surgeon, psychiatrist, actor, dancer, musician, restaurateur, publicist, travel writer, journalist, soldier, athlete, teacher, police officer, book keeper, accountant.

The Rooster’s blunt manner and direct approach to life makes them poor diplomats. Rooster women are devoted to duty and seldom boast. They have exceptional vitality and patience and do well in jobs requiring carefulness and flexibility, like social work and teaching.

Rooster’s likes and aversions:

Colours: gold, brown, yellow, peach. Avoid: white, green.
Numbers: 5, 7, 8. Avoid: 3, 9, 1.
Flowers: gladioli, cockscomb, impatiens.
Gems: diamond, ruby, topaz.

Compatible with: Ox, Dragon, Snake. Avoid: Rabbit, Rat, and Dog. Hobbies: fishing, gardening, climbing, swimming, hiking.