Chinese Zodiac: The Goat

The Goat (also known as the Sheep or Ram) is the eighth animal sign in the Chinese zodiac wheel. 

Goats are known for their gentle and kind-hearted nature. They have compassion and empathy, and a need for beautiful, calm environments. The Goat’s often the peacemaker, always seeking to maintain harmony in conversation and relationships.

Along with their gentle nature, Goats have a strong creative streak. They’ve a natural talent for the arts, which often allows them to see the world from a unique perspective. You know how goats balance on a rooftop, or stand on a cliff face? It’s the same thing! Goats can express themselves in unexpected and inspiring ways.

Goats crave security and stability. They value a peaceful environment and prefer to avoid conflict. They tend to resist change, because they find comfort in familiarity. This can make them a bit hesitant to take risks, or venture into the unknown.

Goats are highly intelligent, with a deep love for knowledge. They’re usually big readers, willing to broaden their horizons through imagination and learning. Their keen intellect means they can analyse situations pretty thoroughly, and make well-informed decisions. Goats are also known for their excellent memory, which helps them to retain information easily (it also means they hold grudges, because Goats tend to forgive before they forget…)

While Goats are generally laid-back, they can sometimes worry excessively. There’s a tendency to overthink things, or allow anxiety and stress to take over. It can lead to introversion or self-isolation, and hinders how they interact with the world. It’s always worth checking in on a Goat, to make sure they have what they need and give them the opportunity to share what they’re thinking.

Goats prefer the company of a few close friends rather than large social gatherings. That said, once they’re comfortable with you, they become incredibly loyal and devoted. Goats are excellent listeners, and have wise and thoughtful advice.

Those born under the Goat likely have a profound connection to nature and its beauty. They usually find solace in natural environments. They love to spend time outdoors, whether it’s hiking, swimming, or just sitting in the sun. This affinity for nature fuels their desire to be the caretaker of the environment, so Goats tend to get involved in climate action, community initiatives, or fundraising. 

Goats have a stubborn streak. Like, super stubborn. Super duper stubborn. Their determination to follow their own path means they struggle with authority, or people who try to steer them in another direction. But this stubbornness also means they can persevere through challenges, and they’re pretty good at getting what they want.

And what do Goats want above all else? Harmony, peace, beauty, and nature. 

Are you a Goat?

Years of the Goat: 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027

Tap into: connection to nature, gentleness, determination, harmony, stability and security, loyalty, devotion, creativity, intelligence, peace-making

Watch out for: stubbornness, resistance to change, lack of compromise, being overly shy, anxiousness or unnecessary worrying, isolating yourself, complaining

Famous Goats: Claire Danes, Nicole Kidman, Mindy Kaling, Zooey Deschanel, Pamela Anderson, Ed Sheeran, Mick Jagger, George Harrison, Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, Bruce Willis

Polly is a practicing witch who primarily works with Persephone, Brigid and the Cailleach. She's the High Priestess expert on seasonal Australian practice and archetypal symbolism, and is a teacher at Witch School.