Personality | Compatibility | Ascendants | Famous "Rams" Year Of The Ram is a smooth year following that of the energetic Horse. A year to relax and make peace with oneself as well as with others. Things progress slowly and we find ourselves more sentimental and emotional. The Ram's influence will draw us closer to home and our families. We find ourselves caring more about those close to us and being more liberal with our time and money. Patron of the arts, the Ram will bring out all the creativeness in our natures. We will be productive and imaginative in artistic and aesthetic ventures. The pessimistic vibrations cast by him will also make us oversensitive and fretful of little problems. In our undertakings, we may beocme easily discouraged or hypercritical when things are not to our liking. On the world scene, things will be tranquil and subdued. Take time off to cater to your whims and fancies. Make new friends and travel; invest in art and antiques. But keep a tight hand on your purse string, too, as there could be repercussions caused by overpsending. Hopefully, the Ram's love of harmony and keen ense for coexisting with his enemies will preserve this year from many upheavals. The moderates and doves will be heard and heeded. Wars, international conflicts and mutual animosities usually end in the year of the Ram. The serenity of the Ram's peaceful ways will slow things down a bit for the more intensely active signs, but after all, this is not a year for whirlwind activities--it is one for introspection.   Personality It is lucky that the Ram is ranked eighth in the series of Chinese zodiac animals, for the number "eight" in China is an auspicious one, symbolizing peace and prosperity. Generally speaking, people born in Year Of The Ram are generous, just and kind, and easily touched by other people's misfortunes. They are meek, and somewhat timid by nature. When everything goes extremely smoothly in their lives, they appear graceful, if they are artists, and are creative, if they are workers. If something goes especially wrong in their careers or other aspects of life, they will become very sentimental and pessimistic, even world weary. Behaving gracefully and kind-heartedly, they are always respected and admired by others. They are used to guiding their own conduct by liberal rules as well as treating others with leniency. Besides being good housekeepers, they are also fond of children and pets. Though mild in disposition, they never yield under pressure. It is impossible to force them to do something. When coerced, they will behave in an intransigent way; and when challenged in an argument, they will remain silently anger rather than repeat their opinions or show their displeasure. Pure and kind as they are, they are always ready to help others who are in need of care or money. Throughout their lives they never worry about the three necessities: food, housing and clothes. Wherever they go, they will make friends with other people, and they will treat their colleagues honestly. Those born in the Year of the Ram are destined to have good marriages. They will be loved not only by their spouses, but also by family relatives. It is said people born in the winter of the Year of the Ram will go on rough and rugged paths throughout life, for winter is a season without the green grass that sheep live on. Actually, whatever adversity they find themselves in, they needn't be too worried, for other people are always willing to help them. Even when they are in abject poverty they can survive on material donations from their parents or relatives, or through social protection and promotion from the rich and powerful. In all, people born in the Year of the Ram can easily get out of difficulties and failures with the help of others who love them. They like to do things that they are interested in, and realize their dreams in a natural way. When there's something they are unwilling to do, they always refuse with the greatest gentleness and patience. No one knows their true feelings on such occasions, unless they are in rage. As a matter of fact, they are good at settling disputes and creating a harmonious atmosphere around themselves. They seldom speak in a straightforward way, especially the less well-bred ones among them, which often annoys other people. Never count on them to pour out everything on their minds at once. People must get to know them little by little. In order to encourage them to say more, people should nod from time to time to show their agreement, and always leave some leeway out for them. It's best for people born in the Year of the Ram to cooperate with someone who has a strong character. Only under strict working rules and the leadership of hard-minded colleagues, can they make full use of their abilities and work efficiently. So it's best to help them get rid of their "dependent mentality." They like to live within their usual circle. They attach great importance to their families, favorite foods, birthdays and other festivals. They usually celebrate such special occasions in a showy way, and they are extremely serious about their own birthdays. They may feel heart-broken if they get no congratulations from others. It seems that people born in the Year of the Ram are melancholy and sentimental by nature. They always look upon the world passively. Besides, they are used to counting on others to cheer them up. it is easy for them to get lost and to be blue when frustrated, and to make improper choices when going shopping. Young women born in the Year of the Ram like to appear sharp. They have a special interest in clothes with ruffles and ornaments. Every day they spend much time in making themselves up. They always behave in an elegant and orderly way. Besides, they like to decorate their rooms with fresh flowers, which adds to their beauty and vigor. The middle-aged women born in the Year of the Ram pay great attention to personal sanitation. They are always neatly and well dressed. Young women born in the Year of the Ram like to express their love for their sweethearts in a front way. They trust the men they love, and they want to stay with them every second. To those pursuers in whom they have no interest, they will pay no attention. When someone happens to hit their fancies, they will shake hands with them without any seductive behavior. When they talk, sometimes they will mean "no" by saying "yes," and "yes" by saying "no." People born in the Year of the Ram are good at covering up their own weakness with petty shrewdness, and in obtaining what they want by clever tricks and hints. They are also talented in the skill of pestering. Their sincere and composed manner and their pitiful looks always prove effective in persuading other people to do them favors. They never hurt the feelings of their friends. Sometimes they even give up taking part in social contacts in order to avoid disputes. They are sensitive, and often indulge themselves in sentimental illusions rather than jolly parties. They also like to attract others' attention and flattery regarding their talent. They would be wise to take up professions that enable them to use their strong points. Often doing some down-to-earth job is the best choice for them. If they're not born during hours dominated by zodiac animals such as dragon, snake or tiger (every two hours of a day is dominated by a different zodiac animal according to the traditional Chinese timing system), they will not be qualified for jobs requiring a strong sense of responsibility and quick decisions. They may do jobs allowing them to have their own way within the bounds of law.   Compatibility Most Compatible: Boar, Rabbits Least Compatible: Oxen   Ascendants Born During the Hours of the Rat - 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. An Opportunistic and crafty Ram. Both signs here are emotional and self-indulgent. But the Rat's presence could make him more dependable and less inclined to fall apart during a crisis. Born During the Hours of the Ox - 1 a.m. to 3 a.m. A Ram who radiates charm mixed with the Rabbit's rugged authority. Punctual, conservative and more set in his ways. Born During the Hours of the Tiger - 3 a.m. to 5 a.m. Feline impetuosity accentuated by the Ram's exquisite but whimsical ways. Creative, innovative and great on the stage, but his temperamental side makes him volatile and undependable. Born During the Hours of the Rabbit - 5 a.m. to 7 a.m. A clever but unobtrusive Ram who is not as charitable as he pretends to be. Cannot be counted on to commit himself readily to anything which involves a great deal of work or sacrifice. Shuns too much involvement. Born During the Hours of the Dragon - 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. A Ram with great determination. The Dragon in him imparts the much needed courage and conviction for him to carry out his ideas and plans. But the Ram here still has a strong need for adulation and appreciation. Born During the Hours of the Snake - 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. A Ram with great potential and a fine, uncluttered mind. The Snake makes him self-assured and competent. He can make up his own mind and keep his emotions to himself. Born During the Hours of the Horse - 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. A Ram who may really like to swing. Very expressive, expensive and fanciful. The popular Horse in him will be in hot pursuit of money while the dominant Ram side will certainly know how to dole it out. Born During the Hours of the Ram - 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Very ardent and responsive, but also somewhat of the clinging vine variety. Would prefer to rely on others to serve him or do his dirty work. May have many notable talents to offer, but basically he is a worrier, frets a lot and is indecisive. Born During the Hours of the Monkey - 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. The monkey may make the Ram more inclined to taking action and give him self-assurance in the bargain. He could also have the Monkey's delightful way of looking at the sunnier side of things. Born During the Hours of the Rooster - 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Fermenting with ideas that may never materialize. The Ram is too dependent and the Rooster in him contributes nonsensical solutions. No doubt, he will be brainy and have many positive qualities, but someone else will have to tap his resources and organize his life for him. Born During the Hours of the Dog - 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. A Ram that is more rational and sensible. The Dog gives him more strength of character and helps him to face reality. Will not be easily given to tears or self-pity. Born During the Hours of the Boar - 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. A Ram who will always lend you a shoulder to cry on. But you better have your shoulder ready as he expects the same privilege if you are to be his friend. Hopefully, the sturdy Roar will make him more able to bear his trials and endure hardships without cracking up.   Famous "Rams" Gene Hackman, Mikhail Gorbachev, Leonard Nimoy, Prunella Scales, John Major, George Harrison, Kirstie Alley, Bruce Willis, Bill Gates, Harry Connick Jr., Layne Staley, Kurt Cobain, Julia Roberts, Brandy (Norwood) Source: The Handbook of Chinese Horoscopes by Theodora Lau Published by Arrow Books Limited