Chinese Astrology Animals

An ancient sage wanted to select 12 animals to form the zodiac. He wanted to be fair and he sent a message out to all the animals to gather as a certain spot on a certain date. The first 12 animals to arrive will be selected and the zodiac arranged in their order of arrival.

The rat and the cat made an agreement to wake each other up early the next day to start the journey. The cunning rat however did not do that but started out on the journey much early hoping to be included in the zodiac. The ox realized that he is slower than many of the other animals. decided to start the journey the night before and walk all night to reach the destination.

On the designated day the animals started arriving. Ox was the first to reach the vicinity and thought he would be the first animal on the zodiac. However unknown to the ox. the rat was actually riding on the ox? back the entire journey. And just before the ox reached the designated spot the rat jumped over the ox and took the first spot. And this is why the rat is in first place ahead of the ox followed by the other animals.

This is also the reason why the Rat is described as intelligent and cunning while the Ox is hardworking and persistent. The Cat never forgave the Rat. became mortal enemies and is after it ever since! And this is the story of the 12 Animal Zodiac.