Top 5 Traits of Children Born in the Year of the Horse

January 31, 2014 begins the Year of the Horse in the Chinese calendar, which dates back to Buddha’s death around the 5^th century BCE.

According to legend, the Buddha sent an invitation to all the animals — stories differ on whether he invited them to a dinner or a final goodbye before his death.

Either way, the first 12 animals to show up were chosen to “protect the year.” To determine the order of the zodiac, they participated in a race (with my sign, the sneaky Rat, winning).

Similar to shamanism, the Chinese believe that the characteristics of your birth animal have a powerful influence on you. Learning about your zodiac sign can help you harness and understand the energy of that animal in your life.

So if you’re giving birth this year (or if you know a Horse person in your life), here are five traits common to those born under the sign of the Horse.

Photo: Flickr/Moyan Brenn

1. Vitality
   

   Horse people are strong and healthy, often exhibiting natural athletic abilities and a love of nature. They move forward energetically and maintain a positive outlook on life. Their downfall is a tendency to overdo things instead of taking time to relax and recharge.

2. Leadership
   

   Intelligent, outgoing and dynamic, Horse people love to be part of a crowd and often rise to positions of leadership. Their multi-tasking and quick-thinking skills allow them to respond to others with flexibility, grace and charm. Their self-confidence acts as a powerful charisma and easily earns the respect of others.

3. Playfulness
   

   Especially as children, Horse people are carefree with good humor, few fears and a love of all things fantastical. Very likable and easy to befriend, they are resourceful and creative in their solutions.

4. Love of Travel
   

   Adventurous and free spirited, Horse people often leave home early. They have a need to roam free and explore new territories… and feeling trapped in any aspect of their lives can lead to illness.

5. Impatient and Impulsive
   

   A sense of restlessness causes Horse people to follow their whims. They do not have much patience for those who can’t keep up; this impatient streak makes them less sensitive to the needs of others.

Some famous people born in the Year of the Horse include: Halle Berry, James Dean, Harrison Ford, Aretha Franklin, Princess Margaret, Teddy Roosevelt, Barbra Streisand and Joanne Woodward.

Which animal are you?

Look up your year on this Chinese Zodiac Calendar.

This post is featured on Thank Goodness It’s Monday.