Yeah, what Time2 said. I'd like to point out here that the KEY to understanding the Trine groups is simply relating the Chinese Year sign to its correlating Western astrology sign's element. All the Signs with shared Western-sign elements are compatible to the highest degree. Example: Ram correlates with Cancer in astrology; Rabbit correlates with Pisces; and the Boar correlates with Scorpio. These are all Water signs. Therefore the Ram, Boar and Rabbit all beling to the "Water Harmony Trine," and all work well together. Snake (correlates with Taurus, an Earth Sign) and Rooster (correlates with Virgo, an Earth sign) both correlate with western EARTH signs, and so are tuned to Mercury and share very similar life philosophies and ways of experiencing. Both are calculating and desire financial security.
If you're interested, here are some typed up notes of mine from Susan Levitt's "Taoist Astrology:" Harmonies and conflicts in the Chinese Zodiac, and the Four triangles of Compatibility or —Harmony triads?? The twelve Taoist animal signs are grouped in four harmony triads to determine relationship compatibility. These triads indicate the most harmonious and desirable alliances between the animal signs. They are as follows: The Fire triangle of the DOERS — Rat, Dragon, and Monkey, correlates to the Western Fire signs Sagittarius, Aries, and Leo, respectively. Rat, Dragon and Monkey possess the extroverted personality traits associated with Western Fire signs. They are dynamic, active aggressive, passionate, vigorous, powerful, entertaining, and exhilarating people. But at times they can be selfish, egocentric, and too dominating. The Earth triangle of the THINKERS — Phoenix, Ox and Snake, correlates to the Western Earth signs Virgo, Capricorn and Taurus, respectively. Phoenix, Ox and serpent possess the practical personality traits associated with Western Earth signs. They are industrious, reliable, dedicated, hardworking, mature, money-conscious, and success-oriented people. But at times they can be stubborn and narrow-minded and may resist necessary change. The Air triangle of the GUARDIANS — Horse, Dog and Tiger, correlate with the Western Air signs Gemini, Libra and Aquarius respectively. Horse, Dog and Tiger possess the communicative personality traits associated with Western air signs. They are intelligent, rebellious, fair, fun-loving, popular, social, funny and li
The Air triangle of the GUARDIANS — Horse, Dog and Tiger, correlate with the Western Air signs Gemini, Libra and Aquarius respectively. Horse, Dog and Tiger possess the communicative personality traits associated with Western air signs. They are intelligent, rebellious, fair, fun-loving, popular, social, funny and lively. But at times they can be irresponsible and childish and can lack focus.
The Water triangle of the CATALYSTS — Rabbit, Ram and Boar, correlate with Pisces, Cancer and Scorpio, respectively. Hare, Sheep and Boar possess the sensitive personality traits associated with Western water signs. They are emotional, intuitive, empathetic, kind, compassionate, sentimental, nurturing, artistic, gentle and loving people. But at times they are also indulgent, theatrical and pessimistic.
An explanation of the astrological correlations is as follows: Aries = Dragon. The fiery, dynamic Aries parallels the magnificent Dragon. Taurus = Serpent. The sensuous, Earthy Taurus parallels the wisdom and beauty of the serpent. Gemini = Horse. The carefree attitude of Gemini parallels the lively Horse personality. Cancer = The Sheep or Ram. The nurturing qualities of Cancer shine in the gentleness of the Sheep. Leo = Monkey. The fire and drive of Leo parallel the winning ways of the monkey. Virgo = Phoenix or Rooster. The analytical mind of Virgo parallels the thoroughness of the Roster. Libra = Dog. The balance of Libran scales parallels the Dog??s sense of justice and fair play. Scorpio = Boar. The passionate nature of Scorpio parallels the Boar??s devotion and lust for life. Sagittarius = Rat. The adventuresome and philosophical Sagittarius parallels the curious and clever Rat. Capricorn = The mature characteristics of Capricorn parallel the hard-working and diligent Ox. Aquarius = Tiger. The unique, non-conformist Aquarius parallels the spirited, rebellious Tiger. Pisces = Hare. The intuitive and kind Pisces parallels the empathy and diplomacy of the Hare. The three animal signs that share a harmony triad are most compatible because they possess equal values, ideals and goals.
Sagittarius = Rat. The adventuresome and philosophical Sagittarius parallels the curious and clever Rat. Pisces = Hare. The intuitive and kind Pisces parallels the empathy and diplomacy of the Hare.