Year of Goat. Photo: KnowInsiders
Year of Goat. Photo: KnowInsiders

In Chinese culture, the Goat is the symbol of filial piety, as well as purity and kindness. Xiè Zhì (獬豸) is a mythological one-horned goat. It was the assistant of Gāo Yáo (皋陶), god of Justice.

Paired with the Celestial Stems (天干 / Tiān gān), there is a 60-year calendrical cycle. Although wèi is associated with earth, the years also cycle through the five elements of nature (五行 / wǔ xíng).

When is the year of Goat?

There are 12 Chinese zodiac signs, and each sign lasts for a year. The cycle of zodiac signs renews once every twelve years. The Goat or Sheep zodiac sign is the eighth sign. Recent Sheep Zodiac years are 1907, 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027. There are five Chinese elements that are used in the zodiac. There is a fixed element per sign and a cycle of one element per Goat year.

The Chinese zodiac Goat’s fixed element is earth, so that a Sheep will have a fixed element and a sign for their particular year. Chinese compass directions also apply to each sign. The lucky direction for the Goat sign is North. There are even lucky flowers (Carnation and Narcissus), numbers (2 & 7), and colors (Purple, Brown, and Green).

Is It the Year of the Sheep, Goat, or Ram?

Chinese people are actually also not quite sure about this. In Chinese the word 羊 (yáng) is a generic term, and can refer to a sheep (绵羊), goat (山羊), ram/buck (公羊 male sheep or goat), antelope (羚羊), etc. There is a lack of clear definition on the zodiac Goat in Chinese history.

However, most Chinese people and experts on folklore believe that the Chinese zodiac animal is the Goat, not the Sheep, and they have some evidence to support their idea.

Firstly, the Chinese zodiac is an invention of the Han nationality, and goats were widely raised by the Han people (unlike sheep), so the zodiac animal is more likely to refer to a goat.

Secondly, a goat image often appears on Chinese zodiac stamps, New Year paper cuttings, and New Year paintings (rather than a sheep).

Thirdly, the Goat was one of the 12 bronze statues of the Chinese zodiac at the Old Summer Palace. Although its head was lost, its present reproduction according to historical records is in the image of a goat.

Year of the Goat: Personality Horoscope

The magic of his magnetism is an asset that allows the Goat to feel comfortable in society, and can even bring him to meet influential people for his career. His good heart and generous soul always pushes the Goat to provide assistance to the poorest, even when he himself is in a precarious situation. His enemies, jealous of his talents, often resort to deceitful methods to discredit him. In spite of this, the Goat is able to keep his faith in the world and his empathy and benevolence for those around him.

The Goat falls easily in love, to the point of being able to sincerely love several people at once. Under certain conditions, whether in friendship or in love, he is ready to endure unpleasant situations without saying a word. However, when the Goat feels that his love is not reciprocal, he scolds quickly and then jumps gracefully and with agility towards more lush pastures. In his daily life, the Goat is easily satisfied with what nature brings him, as long as the grass at his disposal remains green and fat.

The Goat also has an excellent memory. His ability to forgive easily doesn't mean that the native of the Year of the Goat remains blind to the actions of those around him. In business, if one can't say that the Goat is a born negotiator, he is however, just like the Monkey, very good at evaluating a complex situation.

When the Goat chooses an artistic or political career, he can achieve excellence and success in these two areas. In truth, the Goat can perform miracles, provided that he doesn't let himself be stunned by the idleness of an overly favorable environment and that he manages to question himself on the meaning of his life and his deep aspirations.

Indeed, the Goat, so concerned with his freedom, must remember wisely that true freedom passes through independence and that to gain access to it he must build his projects in the long term, with perseverance, and avoid any temptation to unnecessary expense.

Men born in the Goat year are true gentlemen. They are family-oriented and have a heartfelt personality. No matter where they go, they can be seen interacting with people and making new friends. They listen to people genuinely and are mature. When others are having trouble, they’ll do their best to help.

They don’t like giving themselves too much pressure, and don’t criticize others either. During an argument, they’re often the peacemaker. At the right times, they offer advice and tips.

But they are often pessimistic. It’s hard for them to see the positive sides of things and this makes them anxious. These men try to use enthusiasm to hide their darkness. They crave for attention and support.

Women born in the Goat year are reliable and attentive. Not even the smallest details can escape their eyes. They are social as well and sensitive to others’ needs.

They are very motivated and can be depended on to perform tasks well. But they’re not the best at solving problem. They often don’t listen to warnings and end up doing things the hard way.

These women aim for high standards and live an organized life. However, they can be worrywarts and often feel insecure. Despite their kindness towards others, they are hard on themselves and never feel satisfied.

Chinese Zodiac Goat & The Five Elements

Photo: The New Age Parents
Photo: The New Age Parents

Below, in accordance with the Chinese horoscope, you will find a detailed description of the personality and specificities of the 5 existing types of Goat, which associate the terrestrial branch of the Goat with the 5 Yin celestial trunks of WuXing and Feng Shui (Yin Wood, Yin Fire, Yin Earth, Yin Metal, Yin Water). Indeed, the Goat being a Chinese astrological sign with Yin polarity, the elements of Nature to which he can be connected are always in their Yin form. Likewise, for each Goat associated with his celestial trunk (Wood Goat, Fire Goat, Earth Goat, Metal Goat, Water Goat), discover the pillar of destiny he is associated with and its meaning, in relation to its imaged destiny.

Wood Goat

Characteristics: You’re a Wood Goat-Sheep if you’re born in 1955 or in 2015. In 2021, you’re 66 or 6 years old. Your lucky number is 32.

Personality: Joyful, confident and generous, the native of the Year of the Wood Goat is clearly not a fighting Goat. He will always prefer to opt for diplomacy and compromise rather than direct confrontation. The Wood Goat, sentimental and affectionate, gives body and soul to his loved ones and to the strangers he meets and who are in need. The altruistic generosity of the Wood Goat protects him effectively when he is himself in need, for his entourage then spontaneously helps him.

Wood Goat's Pillar of Destiny

Meaning of the Wood Goat's birth pillar: Wisdom and nobility, taste for knowledge and faculties of introspection, glory and fortune attainable in a harmonious configuration, difficulty in projecting oneself into action.

Fire Goat

Characteristics: You’re a Fire Goat-Sheep if you’re born in 1967 or 2027 (on Chinese New Year 2027, the next generation of Fire Goats will be born). In 2021, you’re 54 years old. Your lucky number is 44.

Personality: The person born in the Year of the Fire Goat is the least timid, but also the most melancholic of his fellows. His projects are as grandiose as his propensity for spending. Dynamic and creative, the Fire Goat is also capable of uncontrollable anger when he feels unfairly criticized.

Fire Goat's Pillar of Destiny

Meaning of the Fire Goat's birth pillar: Talent for the world of art and politics, slowness in decision-making, need to develop a rigorous discipline of life to achieve success.

Earth Goat

Characteristics: You’re an Earth Goat-Sheep if you’re born in 1979. In 2021, you’re 42 years old. Your lucky number is 56.

Personality: Unlike the other Goats, the native of the Year of the Earth Goat is capable of a measured independence. Generous, kind, always available to others, the Earth Goat is suspicious of those who ask him too many questions. Delicate and touchy, not supporting any remarks from anyone, the Earth Goat is a dreamer, capable of deploying great talents in all the artistic fields that require rigor and perseverance, such as music, painting, theater, poetry, dance and cinema.

Earth Goat's Pillar of Destiny

Meaning of the Earth Goat's birth pillar: Lively intelligence and pronounced taste for art, pronounced taste for the pleasures of life, tendency to repeat and risk of instability, risks of frustration if the reverie takes precedence over the need to be at the heart of the action to succeed.

Metal Goat

Characteristics: You’re a Metal Goat-Sheep if you’re born in 1931 or 1991. In 2021, you’re 90 or 30 years old. Your lucky number is 8.

Personality: Proud, aesthete, very concerned about his appearance, the person born in the Year of the Metal Goat is also secretly emotional and fragile. Jealous and possessive, in love as in friendship, the Metal Goat grants his trust only to a limited number of people, whom he chooses exclusively out of love or opportunism. His confidence, his sure taste and his multiple creative talents open to him the door to successful ventures in the Arts and Entertainment industries. The Metal Goat has an innate gift for knowing how to sell his services at a golden price; if he chooses an artistic career, he can become the richest of his fellows, and all by himself!

Metal Goat's Pillar of Destiny

Meaning of the Metal Goat's birth pillar: Valorization of learning and knowledge, relative slowness before taking action, beneficial to intellectual professions, potential lack of openness to contradictory or new ideas.

Water Goat

Characteristics: You’re a Water Goat-Sheep if you’re born in 1943 or in 2003. In 2021, you’re 78 or 18 years old. Your lucky number is 20.

Personality: The native of the Year of the Water Goat enjoys a great popularity with his friends and family, as he is greatly appreciated for his humility and fidelity. Superficial, impressionable and opportunistic, the Water Goat has a tendency to choose first what reassures him and asks the least possible effort from him. Any disagreement with his vision is synonymous with rejection in his eyes, which does not make him resentful anyway.

Water Goat's Pillar of Destiny

Meaning of the Water Goat's birth pillar: Insolent luck, frail appearance masking an incomparable strength and flexibility, predisposition for artistic and sporting professions, tendency to let oneself be guided by instinct or passion at the expense of reason.

Chinese Zodiac: Goat Love Compatibility

Photo: Adafruit Blog - Adafruit Industries
Photo: Adafruit Blog - Adafruit Industries

Best Match

The Chinese zodiac sign Goats are best matches with Pigs, Rabbits, and Horses. Chinese Pigs make the best partners by far (in fact, they are almost a perfect match!) because they are so similar in temperament and in what they want in a relationship. Both want to nurture each other (especially the gallant boar), and both need to be coddled in turn (especially the tender Goat). It isn’t that the sheep and Pig are weak or pathetic; it’s just that they are both incredibly sensitive and easily hurt by the world. Home is a safe and preferable place to be for both sides. Surprisingly, having that support at home makes both of them stronger and more ready to face society.

Good Match

There is a tie for the next two matches. Chinese Rabbit sign wants structure and accord as well as the direction in life, and the Goat is more than willing to provide this. The Ram will find the Rabbit’s loving nature just what is needed to make a comfortable, happy home life. Both will be happy with their compatible qualities. The only possible downside is that both signs tend to worry too much and take on the moods of each other, in part because of their empathic natures. This may lead the Sheep Rabbit couple to make mountains out of molehills. As long as they are aware of this tendency, they should be able to work through it.

Sound Match

The next sound match is with the Chinese Horse. While they share a love of beauty and beautiful things, the Goat is an introvert, while the Horse is an extrovert. One would think this is a recipe for disaster, but it works in their favor, as long as the Goat learns to be less possessive and allow the Horse some freedom.

Not Compatible

The absolutely worst match for the Goat is the Chinese Tiger. The Tiger is high-powered, outgoing, and volatile, while the Goat is low-key, introverted, and peace-loving. These two could not be more opposite, and it doesn’t work in their favor.

Dating a Goat Man/Woman

The sheep zodiac sign is old-fashioned romantics. They love the idea of love. Traditional Sheep dates are lengthy discussions over wine, coffee, or even just water suit them just fine. A Goat will want to get to know you before getting serious. It’s all a part of being careful with their gentle hearts. When it comes to the sheep in the bedroom, they are very sensual and love to snuggle. If you want variety in sex, introduce it slowly to your Goat lover. Just be careful not to scare them away, as they are a bit on the conservative side. Goats may not be the most exciting lovers of the zodiac, but they will make sure you are happy, they will be faithful, and they will strive to be your best friend.

Careers Fit for Goats

Goats love helping and taking care of others. Therefore, careers in the service industry would be a good fit. They are suitable as nurses, caretakers and other related jobs. They will take care of every small detail and put their entire heart into it.

Because they are intelligent and sensitive, Goats are also fit for the arts. They never lack creative inspiration. It also provides a more stable environment, which Goats need. In it, they can feel safe and secure.

Other routine and steady careers include typists and teachers. There aren’t many outside influences to worry over. This allows Goats to concentrate on performing the tasks well.

Because of this, Goats shouldn’t try competitive careers such as investment and media. The high intensity will throw them into confusion and anxiety. Goats should also remember to interact with everyone in the team, rather than just a select few.

Health and Lifestyle

Goats are not the healthiest of zodiac animals. They are weaker and their health is influenced by the changes of the seasons.

However, their mindset is the biggest influence. They are often frustrated and stressed. Because of their detailed characteristic, the smallest problems catch their attention too. This makes them constantly high-strung and worried. It will inevitably lead to illnesses.

Goats often suffer from colds. Sore throats, headaches and a runny nose are common symptoms. They are also at high risk of heart problems.

During cold weathers, Goats must make sure to dress warmly. In the summer, they’re prone to catching contagious diseases. Eating cold food then is not recommended. Regular exercise is never a bad idea either.

Western Signs Born in the Year of the Goat

Aries: When the Chinese Goat meets the Western Zodiac alternative Ram, it makes individuals with a strong personality. As they are too honest and straightforward, maintaining diplomacy could be a challenging task for them.

Taurus: Taurus Goats are calm and collected. They try to strike a balance between their personal and work life.

Gemini: The creative skills of the Sheep work in favor of Gemini, making them extremely talented and versatile. Practical and organized, they can sometimes be a bit bossy.

Cancer: Cancer Goats are amiable and kind individuals having a high level of understanding. They do what gives them contentment and happiness.

Leo: Leos born in the Chinese Year of the Ram are less aggressive and mature beyond their years. They are conscious of their feelings and act sensibly whenever the need arises.

Virgo: Virgo Goats tend to be more finicky and organized. A sense of insecurity may arise in their mind if they are not made to feel useful.

Libra: Librans with Ram as their Chinese counterpart are keen, intelligent, and alert. Since they value privacy, living in a peaceful and quiet environment is their first preference.

Scorpio: Scorpion Goats have real sentiments and feelings for their close ones. They are capable of adjusting to a new social group and making new friends.

Sagittarius: Resourceful and adaptable, Sagittarians under the impact of the Chinese Sheep develop good coping skills. They prefer a routine life, undisturbed by any circumstances.

Capricorn: Capricorn Goats are not overly emotional or sentimental, but respect everyone’s feelings. When given the role of a decision-maker, they can bring revolutionary changes.

Aquarius: Aquarians born in the Year of the Goat are lovers of solitude. Choosing a caring profession will give them mental satisfaction.

Pisces: Piscean Goats like to settle at one place without moving from here to there. Their sharp memory enables them to remember every minute detail. They are not followers of stringent rules.

Things that will bring Goats luck

* Lucky numbers: 2, 7, or numbers containing 2 and 7 (like 27 and 72)

* Lucky days: the 7th and 30th of any month according to the Chinese lunar calendar

* Lucky colors: brown, red, and purple

* Lucky flowers: carnations and primroses

* Lucky direction: north

Things that Goats should avoid:

* Unlucky colors: blue and black

* Unlucky numbers: 4 and 9

* Unlucky direction: southwest

* Worst lunar months: third, sixth, and tenth. Avoid these months if you have some important business to do or want to plan an event.

How to Build Relationships with Goats

Photo: Home & Decor Singapore
Photo: Home & Decor Singapore

Generally speaking, Goats are private. Therefore, it may take time and effort to get to know those who are born in a year of the Goat. Goats seldom share their personal lives. This is the reason why most Goats have few intimate friends. Once they become friends, their friendship is peaceful and fulfilling. They work hard for those they love.

Goat's Fate by Birth Time

The birth time of people plays a very important role in terms of whether the destiny is auspicious or not. People under the Sheep sign born in different time periods will have different characters and fate. Those who were born and will be born between 01:00-03:00, 05:00-07:00 and 11:00-13:00 are the most auspicious.

Goat's Fate by Birth Date

The Goat people born in the 4th, 7th, 12th, 13th, 14th, 28th, 29th or the 30th day in Chinese lunar calendar are usually blessed with good luck and fortune during the whole life.

Goat's Fate by Birth Month

Best Birth Months: The Sheep people born in March, May, June or July could enjoy a good fortune and luck in various aspects.

March: The Sheep people born in March are remarkable intelligent. They are lucky in finance, good in health and almost everything is auspicious for them. They could get both fame and gain in life.

May: The Sheep born during the Chinese lunar month of May usually enjoy a good wealth and have a strong power. They are down to earth kind of person and mostly strong willed. For every affairs they promise to do for others, they will try best to achieve. Thus, they are respected by others and have the ability to command a large of people. Almost everything turns out as they wish.

June: Enthusiastic, loyal and honest, the Sheep born in June usually have a prosperous and flourishing family. In life, they are faithful in their word and could cherish the same ideals and follow the same path with the coworkers. Especially during the later life, they could enjoy a happy life.

July: The Sheep born in July are examples of bravery and wisdom. They have a sharp will and good luck. Everything is as their wishes. They usually could keep feet on the ground and can accomplish big undertaking.

Note: The dates and months here is based on the Chinese lunar calendar. Please use the Gregorian-Chinese Calendar Converter tool on Chinese calendar page to find your lunar birth date and month.

Celebrities born in the Year of the Goat

Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, David Getta, Caravaggio, Frida Khalo, Michelangelo, Charlotte of Cambridge, Nicolas Sarkozy, Jane Austen, Arthur Conan Doyle, Honoré de Balzac, Charles Dickens, Marcel Proust, Mark Twain, Tomas Tranströmer, Mo Yan, Isabelle Adjani, Pamela Anderson, Catherine Deneuve, Bruce Willis, Mick Jagger, Pink, Chris Patt, Heath Ledger, Aaliyah, Kate Hudson, Mya, Kourtney Kardashian, Ed Sheeran, Joe Dugg, Dylan O'Brien, Tyler Posey, Toddy Smith, Amanda Cerny, Roi Fabito, Young Thug, Vangelis, Antoine Griezmann, N'Golo Kanté, Jair Bolsonaro

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