The Chinese astrological tradition has existed for thousands of years and influenced the world in so many ways. However, some of its Zodiacs notably have a power unlike any other. The question is, who (or what) is the most powerful Chinese Zodiac sign? And how can someone utilize their powers to the fullest extent? Read on to find out!
So, What is the most powerful Chinese Zodiac sign?
The concept of a powerful Chinese Zodiac sign has its roots firmly placed in the annals of tradition and history. To know what is the most powerful Chinese Zodiac sign, it is important to understand the Legend of the Great Race.
This legend tells of the story of how the Chinese Zodiac came to be. But it is important that it is not just the order of the animals appearing that factors in. How they ended up in that position is also important to consider. After all, it influences not just their power, but also the respective Zodiac’s abilities, and their level of respectability as well.
The Legend of the Great Race
via Wikimedia Commons
For his birthday, the Jade Emperor declared that he will be creating a Zodiac based on the order of the animals’ appearance to his palace. The many animals of China then got to gearing up for the great race.
There was a great river between the Emperor’s palace, and the place where the animals live. And so, the race began. The Cat and Rat asked the Ox to carry them on its back since they do not know how to swim. The kind Ox agreed, but as they came close to the palace, the Rat pushed the Cat off the river, jumped on land, and ran off. This made the Rat the first animal of the Chinese Zodiac, and the Ox the second.
The Tiger came next after having to endure the river currents. Then came the Rabbit who jumped on stones and a log on the water just to come over. The fifth one was the Dragon who was held up on the way when it provided rain to a village. Before arriving, it also blew gentle winds so that the Rabbit’s log would bring the poor animal to shore.
The Horse was about to arrive when it noticed that a Snake clung on its hoof to survive the river currents. The poor Horse was overcome with shock that it ended up falling over! This gave the crafty Snake an irresistible opportunity who then went on to claim the sixth spot when it slithered into the palace. Luckily, the Horse recovered and became the seventh Zodiac.
The Goat, Monkey, and Rooster came into the palace together. They apparently used teamwork to pull a raft through the river. Their ingenuity impressed the Jade Emperor immensely, and showed their determination to honor his decree. He then rewarded them by becoming the eighth, ninth, and tenth Chinese Zodiacs respectively.
The playful Dog became eleventh as it became too busy playing in the river and almost forgot about the race. And lastly, the Pig became the twelfth animal. It apparently became hungry halfway through its journey, so it ate some food and fell asleep. Once the Pig woke up, it immediately rushed to the palace.
And the Cat? It barely managed to survive the river currents and developed a debilitating fear of water. What’s more, it swore to exact revenge on the betrayal that the Rat committed against it.
How do I know the Chinese Zodiac most powerful sign?
It is important to note that there is not just one most powerful Chinese Zodiac sign. Every single one has their strengths that they imbue to their Zodiac natives. But based on the story above, there already are indicators on who the powerful ones are. Again, it is not just their placement. If this was the case, the most powerful Chinese Zodiac sign would be the Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, and Dragon in that order. However, this is not the reality. Five of the most powerful Chinese Zodiac sign are actually the Dragon, Tiger, Horse, Ox, and Rabbit. But now another question arises. What makes these five Zodiacs the most powerful among the twelve? And why in this specific order?
What does it mean to be “powerful Chinese Zodiac signs”?
To know this, we must have the most powerful Chinese Zodiac signs ranked and explained.
- Dragon
Years: 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024
It is almost a no-brainer why the Dragon is at the top of the most powerful Chinese Zodiac. For centuries, it symbolized the greatness of China, and the emperors themselves. Although mythical, the Dragon has auspicious characteristics. Because of this, the Dragon became the Zodiac of leadership and of power itself. The fantastical might of the Dragon also means that it is the Zodiac of everything that is grand and luxurious. It makes sense, especially that in Ancient China, the emperor’s throne is the mighty Dragon Throne. If anything, the Dragon is the ultimate Zodiac. Those born under its Zodiac get these traits and more, as you will know lat on..
The Dragon’s natives are generally considered to be the luckiest, as well as the most successful. Just as the Dragon used its innate intelligence to help the Rabbit, its natives are also brilliant and are more than capable in the things they choose to do. But despite their successes, they do not forget the fact that they are still part of something bigger than themselves. Although not all of those who sat in the Dragon Throne were responsible, the Dragon nonetheless is the symbol of personal responsibility and willingness to serve.
However, the Dragon’s negative traits . Because people expect so much from this Zodiac, it has also come to expect nothing short of 100% from everyone and everything. It is also an idealistic Zodiac. Just as the Dragon is a creature of myth, it has a desire to turn everything into something that it wants to become. And yet all these traits combined turn them into people who have the capability to change the world such as politicians, military leaders, and business moguls.
- Tiger
Years: 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022
Ferocious, intelligent, and able to see through things, the Tiger is capable of doing great things. This animal is notable for being diligent, and being unstoppable when focused and eager to complete what they want. This makes sense when considering that the Tiger used to symbolize the high ranking civil servants of China. Those men of old earned the reputation of being brilliant strategists, often leading the mighty empire to success.
It is therefore understandable that this Zodiac is often considered to be the epitome of leadership. Since leadership entails leading people while also being able to listen, it is only fitting that the Tiger symbolizes these people. After all, Tigers often operate in packs. While these animals initiate big activities such as prey stalking and hunting, they also work together and do not do stuff when unsure. Sure, there are those that do things alone, but they are rare, but when they become part of a group, they cooperate well. This can then lead into great things being achieved by this highly intelligent animal. And like good public servants, Tiger natives are competent in the things that they do. They also let their strong sense of justice guide them, paving the way for them to do what is right for the greater good.
However, the Tiger can be quite treacherous too. History has repeatedly shown that many of China’s civil servants are more than willing to betray the emperor. Thus, this Zodiac has come to symbolize the manipulative tendencies of its natives. It isn’t a surprise when these people use their intelligence for their advantage. And when they strike, they strike at where it hurts the most.
- Horse
Years: 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026
Across human cultures the Horse is an animal that was used not just for leisure, but also for war. It was a symbol of not just wealth and power, but also of strength and glory. For most of China’s history, only the wealthiest people can afford horses as they are versatile in purpose, and mighty in form. They influenced the course of battles and livelihoods. For this, the Horse Zodiac sign is influential and energetic.
Those born under this Zodiac sign are known to not just be talented, but also eager and motivated. When they have a goal set to be completed, they will think up all sorts of ways to get things done with a flair! No matter how hard people try to bring them down, these people will always come back up better than ever. What’s more, they will exceed all expectations. Even better is the fact that they do this without having to resort to questionable ways. This ensures that they can keep their integrity and honor intact.
However, Horse natives are stubborn. Their decision to stick on their plans and nothing else often lead to their downfall. It will be quite difficult to convince them to take a different route other than the one they thought. This can then lead them to less than ideal situations that they could’ve avoided. It will not be a good journey for them, and unless they open their mind to other options, failure will loom over them for a long time.
- Ox
Years: 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021
The Ox is a common agricultural animal in China, even until the present day. They are characteristically persistent, determined, and hardworking. Despite their large, bulky bodies, they get the work done. Regardless if things are looking up or not, they will keep going. Their methodology may be slow and steady, but it is reliable and will ensure that everything will be okay soon enough.
For Ox natives, persistence, determination, and stability is their thing. Additionally, these people are known to be honest and optimistic. Despite the difficulties that they encounter, they move methodically and gradually to ensure that they will be able to fulfill their tasks. Even though there is no assurance that everything is going to magically fall into place, they still do what they have to. It also helps a lot that they are very grounded and practical.
Unfortunately, those born under the Ox are notably bad communicators. They find it hard to say what needs to be said, and sometimes flat out refuse to interact with someone. Their anger is also quite explosive. It can be quite tough to calm these people down. Like the massive walls of muscle that Oxen are, these individuals keep on charging, even when there’s no good reason to.
- Rabbit
Years: 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023
The Rabbit is quite a ubiquitous animal. Wherever one may be, there is almost always a guarantee that the hoppy animal will be there somewhere. It is quite an intelligent creature, and an energetic one too. Whenever they encounter problems, they think of creative, brilliant ways to get out of their problem. They think outside of the box, and when that is not possible, they are pretty good at negotiating their way out.
These traits and more are part of Rabbit natives’ DNA. They are also among the kindest Zodiacs out there, and are easy to work with. These people are also great communicators, and are more than able to persuade anyone to do what they want. And they are also big believers of mind over matter! The people of this Zodiac have confidence in themselves and their abilities. This gives them the strength to keep on going, even when they seem to be the underdog.
Unfortunately, confronting their problems is not the Rabbit’s strongest suit. They would much rather burrow somewhere and hatch up some plan rather than face whatever it is that is giving them difficulties. These people are also notorious for being pushovers during conflicts. They accommodate whatever it is that other people want just to ensure things are “peaceful”. This contradicts their otherwise confident and self-assured normal self. If anything, it prompts them to shrink back during times that they should be stepping up.
