The GOAT of the chinese zodiac

A red goat symbol
Element Earth
Ying Yang Yin
Lucky Colours Green, red, purple
Lucky Numbers 2, 7
Crystal Emerald
Flowers Carnation
Characteristics Gentle, comforting, warm, peaceful
The Legend of the Goat

The Goat occupies the eighth sign of the Chinese Zodiac and is known as the most peaceful and gentle of all the signs.

In the Chinese Zodiac Race legend, where twelve animals had to cross the finishing line to attain a spot in the Jade Emperor’s calendar, the Goat found himself stuck at the river halfway through, along with the Monkey and the Rooster.

The Rooster quickly found a raft resting on the shore and the three animals piled on it, paddling furiously across the river to reach the other side. However, during the journey, the Monkey and Rooster began snapping at one another, their frustration getting the better of them. It was the mild-mannered and gentle Goat that managed to soothe the tension and potential conflict, keeping things calm and friendly until they reached the other side.

When they finally reached land, the Monkey and Rooster allowed the Goat to go before them, and thus the Goat took eighth place. The truth was, the Goat had been so warm and comforting that they believed it was only fair to let him go first – if the gentle beast had not kept things friendly between them all, perhaps none of them would have reached the finish line at all.

Year of the Goat Personality Traits

The Goat of the Chinese Zodiac is compassionate, kind and affable. This is a strong Yin sign and everything very much operates from their internal world.

Everyone likes to have a Goat friend, and this is because they are wonderful at easing tensions, ill-feelings and negative energy between people. The Goat is the quintessential Good Samaritan who wishes only for harmony between people of all races, colors, and creeds. They dislike conflict, yet they are not afraid of it. Goats see themselves as mediators and diplomats who must go between one hostile party to the next, building bridges so everyone can get along.

The Goat is an emotional person, dreamy and artistic in equal measure. They love to fantasize and imagine, and they have a very special connection with nature. Gentle souls, they find it hard to comprehend why the world can be such a nasty place. There is so much beauty to life, and the Goat believes that life would be a lot better if we focused on the good.

However, because of the Goat’s sensitivity, they can be prone to depression and a tendency to withdraw. They are also very sensitive to criticism and harsh words affect them strongly. One of the worst ways of teaching a Goat is by subjecting them to strict discipline or harsh methods of control. A Goat will either shut down their emotions entirely or become a complete wreck, growing more emotionally unstable with each outburst of despair or anger. Goats need gentle nurturing from the time they are born, for the harsh realities of life tend to affect them more deeply than other Chinese Zodiac animals.

However, though the Goat may seem fragile on the outside, there is an inner strength that others must not underestimate – goats don’t have horns for nothing! When they feel they are under attack in some way, out they come. Goats can be surprisingly passionate and loud in these instances, and when you have upset one, be prepared for prolonged sulking with frequent glares.

Unlike more overbearing signs such as the Dragon or the Tiger, the Goat of the Chinese Zodiac will never attempt to get her way through forceful means. Instead, many pleas and much coaxing are often involved; the Goat can send people on guilt trips to the point that the person in question cannot possibly bend to the Goat’s wishes. Goats tend to mince their words a great deal, which can be frustrating for others when they refuse to get to the point, but instead beat around the bush in the hope that others will understand what they are communicating without actually having to say it. Something a bit like:

You: Is something wrong?

Goat: No…

You: Are you sure? You seem a little off…

Goat: No, no, everything’s fine...

You: OK then.

Goat: Well, actually…

You: Yes?

Goat: No, actually, never mind.

You: No, go on.

Goat: No, forget it…

You: OK.

Goat: Well, since you asked…

The Goat is a kind-hearted soul and would go to the ends of the Earth for another, but be careful not to take advantage of their kindness! If they feel as if they are being used or taken for granted in some way, be wary of their bigger, tougher friends. Goats always have many friends because of their kind, accommodating nature, but when thwarted, they have no problem running to the biggest and strongest of their inner circle to complain about you so someone else can deal with you instead!

One of the Goat’s drawbacks is their tendency to worry too much. Goats can worry themselves to death over the smallest thing! Pessimism is an innate part of the Goat’s nature and they will always imagine the worst-case scenario. The best thing you can do for your dear Goat friend is swiftly dispel these terrible thoughts. Be the light to their dark moments and you will have a friend for life.

Goats are family people. They have a love of the home and love to entertain guests with scrumptious meals, apple pies, tea, coffee, cake and all sorts of goodies. There is nothing the Goat of the Chinese Zodiac loves more than to see everyone they love having a lovely, pleasant time together. This is indicative of their caring nature.

The Year of the Goat & Love

Goats are incredibly romantic people. The females love to be whisked away into the sunset and they dream of lovers appearing at their window, rose in mouth, banjo in hand; they cry while reading or watching Romeo and Juliet and they spend much time sighing, thinking of their handsome prince or princess to whisk them away.

The Goat male is much the same. He will write poetry for the object of his affections, shout from the rooftops his undying love and cross fields and mountains to bring his beloved a rare flower to express the arduous passion of his love. Both female and male Goats are the ultimate romantics, and being in love with one is quite something.

It’s only when the romance fades away and when reality hits that Goats realize love is not all Sun and daffodils. At this point, they will do one of two things:

  1. Bolt and search for a new romantic passion,or
  2. Swallow it up, retreat into their heads and dream of ways to bring romance back into the relationship.

Sometimes this does work and the Goat will enjoy a fruitful, passionate relationship along with the less romantic aspects of it.

Goat Love Compatibility

Occupying the fourth and final Trine of the Chinese Zodiac, the Goat is best matched with the other animals of this Trine, the Rabbit and Pig. These are the most gentle signs of the Zodiac and a match between any of them is almost always a guarantee of peace and harmony, something they all crave.

The Goat will admire the Rabbit’s wonderful refined ways and grace, while the Rabbit will be in awe of the Goat’s artistic talents. Similarly, the Goat will adore the Pig for his good nature and generous streak, while the Pig will find the Goat to be an entirely pleasant companion who enjoys good conversation and good food.

One Chinese Zodiac sign the Goat should not pair up with is the Ox. These two are so opposite it is almost comical to see them together. The Goat’s season is summer and the Ox rules winter; Goats are dreamy, highly emotional and very sensitive; Oxen tend to be none of these things, being far more practical and down to earth. Ox people will be both baffled and appalled by the Goat’s extreme displays of emotion, while Goat people will be scandalized by the Ox’s apparent coldness towards their emotional exhibits. A match is ill-advised.

The Year of the Goat & Career

As Goats are so wonderfully artistic and creative, they are best suited to jobs and careers where they can put their talents to good use. Roles such as interior designing, writing, painting, comic book sketching, art collecting, sculpting, graphic designing and photography are all jobs that would suit the Chinese Zodiac’s Goat very nicely.

Because they are such caring and compassionate individuals, they very much suit roles in service to others. This can include nursing, veterinarian, nannying, housekeeping, working in hospitals and receptionist work where they are taking care of the whole company. A Goat is happiest when they are able to put their own talents and gifts to good use, particularly when they know they are helping people, animals or the world at large.

The Year of the Goat & Money

Chinese Zodiac Goats usually do not have to work hard for a living as they are very lucky individuals and money tends to find its way to them one way or another. The Goat of the Chinese Zodiac has a strong love of beauty and aesthetics, so it is important for them to be in environments which emulate this. These are usually the things that Goats like to spend money on, ensuring their surroundings are fit for purpose.

Goats who do have money tend to be extremely generous. If you are ever in trouble or out of pocket, the Goat will be more than willing to give you whatever they have. They tend not to pester people for repayment, instead bestowing them with a breezy, "Pay me back whenever you can." It is the Goat’s generous nature that partly makes him such a desirable companion, as many are in awe of this unconditional attribute they possess.

Goats are incredibly romantic people. The females love to be whisked away into the sunset and they dream of lovers appearing at their window, rose in mouth, banjo in hand; they cry while reading or watching Romeo and Juliet and they spend much time sighing thinking of their handsome prince or princess to whisk them away.

The Goat Through the Elements

A grey goat symbol
Metal Goat
1931, 1991

The Metal Goat of the Chinese Zodiac is one who puts on a brave face most of the time, but underneath is a soft, vulnerable individual who requires delicate handling. This Goat also has a very great love of beautiful interior homes – therefore, much energy and effort will be put into designing the perfect home, one where they can sit in peace and meditate, shutting out the horrors of the outside world.

Security is highly important to the Metal Goat and they will ensure to do everything they can to feel safe and secure. They are very generous and will go to the ends of the earth for people they care for. However, this Goat can have trouble controlling their emotions at times. They can be jealous and possessive. One lesson for the Metal Goat is to try not to be too overprotective of those they love.

A blue goat symbol
Water Goat
1943, 2003

The Water Goat of the Chinese Zodiac is the type of person who always has a flock of friends and admirers surrounding them. People just gravitate naturally to this Goat, who has a vulnerable air about them which makes others want to protect and nurture them. Almost instinctively, the Water Goat will seek out those who can help them in some way – not so much for selfish reasons, but more for a sense of security which is very important to them.

When a Water Goat has been hurt in some way, it is not uncommon for them to act as a martyr, which can be very frustrating for more blunt or unemotional signs who were merely ‘being themselves,’ so to speak. The delicate sensitivity of the Water Goat can result in misunderstandings, so it is important for their contemporaries to clear any up when they arise.

A brown goat symbol
Wood Goat
1955, 2015

This is a very sentimental Goat who likes to please others. Consequently, Wood Goats do have problems saying no at times. The effect of Wood on this Goat means that they are less dreamy than other goats and will usually have extremely high principles. Trust can be an issue for this Goat; it can take years for them to trust someone, particularly if they have been hurt or taken advantage of in the past. Wounds run deep with the Wood Goat and it can take a very long time for them to heal.

There is very much a ‘mothering hen’ aspect to this Goat. This is not just with their immediate friends, family and spouses, but with the world at large. Because of the unconditional love they have for everyone and everything, there is a strongly karmic aspect to this Chinese Zodiac sign. Their good deeds do not go unrewarded and good things come to them because of the goodness and kindness they show to others.

A orange goat symbol
Fire Goat
1907, 1967

A confident and brave Goat, the Fire Goat of the Chinese Zodiac possesses powerful instincts and tends to tread on more dangerous waters than other Goats. The addition of Fire makes this Goat aggressive at times and they are not averse to ramming their horns into crowds when the situation calls for it, creating a stir and generally getting everyone into a fluster!

Though a graceful person, the Fire Goat can become rude and outspoken if their feelings have been hurt. They have a love of luxury and will do everything to attain a luxurious lifestyle. This is one Goat that absolutely loves to entertain and guests can frequently be found at their homes, enjoying the exquisite décor and delicious meals they conjure!

A green goat symbol
Earth Goat
1919, 1979

Earth brings a steady sense of reliability to the otherwise flippant Goat. The Earth Goat of the Chinese Zodiac is very self-reliant and they believe strongly in their own independence. Like all Goats, they have strong attachments to home and family life but it is important for them to be their own person.

The Earth Goat is hard-working and more careful with their money than others. This is a responsible individual who will combine their natural caring tendencies with a determination to take care of those around them in the material sense. Because of this, Earth Goats tend to make excellent partners and providers, ensuring those they love never want for anything.

Famous People Born in the Year of the Goat

  • Desmond Tutu
  • Bill Gates
  • Whoopi Goldberg
  • Steve Jobs
  • Nicole Kidman
  • Sir Laurence Olivier
  • Julia Roberts
  • Robert De Niro
  • Mick Jagger
  • Kurt Cobain
  • Boris Becker
  • Bruce Willis
  • Mel Gibson
  • Ed Sheeran
  • Pink
  • Kate Hudson
  • Joni Mitchell

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