Chinese Zodiac Sheep & Year of the Sheep 1280x960

Year of the Sheep:
Chinese Zodiac Sheep Traits, Personality & Characteristics

In Chinese symbols, Sheep are symbolic of ultimate peace, altruism and purity of heart.

Those born in The Year of the Sheep are such gentle creatures that they are almost ethereal in their thoughts, words and deeds.

As the eighth sign of the Chinese zodiac, Sheep (like the number eight) are the symbolic meaning of prosperity and eternity.

Chinese Zodiac Sheep Table of Contents

Traits, Personality & Characteristics

< Compassionate, empathetic and extremely generous with both time and money, those born in the Year of the Sheep are a bit of a conundrum in that they should never be underestimated because a tremendous but very quiet strength and resolve lives inside their hearts and souls. Yet, the Chinese Sheep needs the proverbial protective shepherd to watch over them because they are too docile, unassuming and naive to keep themselves out of harm’s way. On the rare occasion a Sheep does recognize danger, they are excellent at evading or appeasing their enemy and/or gathering others to do battle in their stead. Good fortune always seems to land at the feet of this Chinese zodiac animal. Gifts, inheritances, support of all kinds simply ‘appear’ throughout the Sheep’s life.

This Chinese zodiac sign is a social creature but does not like to be the center of attention. Sheep prefer to watch from the distant sidelines.

Again, a conundrum because the Chinese Sheep crave attention and absolutely blossom when their considerable creative and artistic endeavors are noticed and praised.

Yet another conundrum exists inside the angelic Chinese Sheep; they are can be consummate pessimists. No matter that abundance and love is showered upon them simply because they were born in the Year of the Sheep, this Chinese animal can focus on the worst case scenario like no other.

Because the Chinese Zodiac Sheep have naturally sophisticated and discriminating tastes, it is easy for them to overspend and live far beyond their means.

Finally, the peace-seeking, peace-loving and peace-keeping Sheep will do anything (even if it means out and out lying) to avoid conflict.

Chinese Zodiac Sheep & The Five Elements

Just as in Western Astrology, no person is defined solely by their primary Zodiac or Sun Sign. In Chinese Astrology, each of the New Year’s animals’ personality traits and characteristics are colored by 2 of the 5 elements.

Each of the 12 Chinese Zodiac Animals has an ascribed fixed element which affects their basic personality. In addition, the element belonging to one’s birth year is a secondary influence on who they are, can and will be, life’s purpose, career path, etc.

Scroll down to find your birth year. This will tell you which “type” of Chinese Sheep you are and help you to learn more about how the combined energies of the fixed and secondary element impact your life.

Water Sheep

  • Feb. 5, 1943-Jan. 24, 1944
  • Feb. 1, 2003-Jan. 21, 2004

The Water Sheep is engaging and delightful to be around. Warm and witty, they have a knack for being able to get people to do things for them. However, when they don’t get their own way they will pout for hours.

The element of water in this Chinese Sheep’s chart makes them a bit wishy-washy. Because of this, those born in The Year of the Water Sheep will rarely take a stand against a majority rule, even if they strongly oppose an issue.

Learn all about the symbolism and meaning of the water element.

Fire Sheep

  • Feb. 13,-1907-Feb. 1, 1908
  • Feb. 9, 1967-Jan. 29, 1968

The Fire Sheep is more courageous than are the other elemental types of Chinese Sheep. They can and will make a stand when provoked.

These Sheep make terrific storytellers and salesmen because of their innate ability to aggrandize even the most mundane and they have a habit of deliberately leaving out or glossing over any negativity.

A word of caution, those born in The Year of the Fire Sheep must be care not to live in their own fantastic tales but realize that their here and now has real value.

Learn all about the symbolism and meaning of the fire element.

Metal Sheep

  • Feb. 17, 1931-Feb. 5, 1932
  • Feb. 15, 1991-Feb. 3, 1992

The element of metal in the Chinese Sheep’s chart gives them an internal buffer of sorts which helps protect them from their own lack of confidence, extreme shyness and incredible sensitivity. The Metal Sheep is, then, of course, better able to contend with the outside world as well. These Sheep can and do experience jealousy and anger.

Those born in The Year of the Metal Sheep are most moved by any person, idea or event that brings about enlightenment. Soul growth is the number on objective in their current life.

Additionally, they are the biggest supporter and lover of the arts of all the Chinese zodiac animals.

Wood Sheep

  • Jan. 24, 1955-Feb. 11, 1956
  • Feb. 19, 2015-Feb. 7, 2016

If a person needs help they should ask a Wood Sheep because they can never say no. Compassionate and empathetic, this Chinese zodiac sign can become engulfed in other people’s misfortunes. They will empty their bank account to help a stranger so it’s a good thing money just always seems to pour in from seemingly nowhere.

Loyal to the core, those born in The Year of the Wood Sheep trusts with all their being and have a terrific sense of humor.

Earth Sheep

  • Feb. 1, 1919-Feb. 19, 1920
  • Jan. 28, 1979-Feb. 15,1980

Because the element of Earth is in this Chinese Sheep’s astrology chart, they are more grounded and, so, can be more independent than the other elemental types. However, being criticized sends them into orbit.

Being more centered, the Earth Sheep are the most conservative of the elemental types when it comes to money. Those born in The Year of the Earth Sheep have the same extravagant tastes as the other elemental types of Sheep but will work within and stick to a budget, even being spartan if necessary.

Learn all about the symbolism and meaning of the earth element.

Chinese Zodiac Sheep Compatibility

These Chinese animals need a strong partner who can help them to feel safe, accepted and who can help the self-deprecating Sheep develop their self-confidence.

Though they can be a bit needy and clingy, the Chinese Sheep’s artistic and creative personality allows them to be great romantics who will find enchanting ways of letting their partner know they are loved and appreciated.

For best zodiac compatibility, The Sheep’s best options are The Chinese Rabbit and The Chinese Pig.

Chinese Sheep Facts & Metaphysical Associations

Fixed Element: Fire

Direction: South

Color: Green

Flower: Narcissus

Tree: Dogwood

Number: Numerology: 12

Birthstone: Sapphire

Western Zodiac Twin: Cancer

Best Love Compatibility: Chinese Rabbit, Chinese Pig

Celebrity Sheep: Pamela Anderson, Jane Austen, Robert De Niro, Mel Gibson, Bruce Willis, Sir Lawrence Olivier, John Wayne, Julio Englesias, Muhammad Ali, Michelangelo, Andy Warhol

Chinese Zodiac for Kids: The Sheep Child

The sensitivity of a child is intensely amplified in Sheep children. Criticism and teasing cuts like a razor in their hearts and souls; so much so that they can become recluses who create an imaginary world where they can live safe from harm. In fact, their their hurts and fears can grow to be so malignant they can, literally, take on a life of their own and manifest as real health problems.

The Chinese Sheep child loves giving gifts and will immediately come to the rescue of any person or animal that is sad, injured or hurting in any way.



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