LAST EDITED ON 12-23-12 AT 00:05 AM (EST)

OVERVIEW

Each Chinese Lunar Sign has an associated Element that also goes in sequence. With 12 signs and 5 elements, the entire cycle is 60 years.

The Lunar Signs are
Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, Pig, Rat.

The Elements are:
Metal, Water, Wood, Fire, Earth.
(Note that both systems use Water, Fire, and Earth, but instead of our Air, they use Metal and Wood.)

John Cochran (January 17, 1989 – Capricorn Sun/Leo or Virgo Moon)
EARTH DRAGON

Corinne Kaplan (January 17, 1979 – Capricorn Sun/Virgo Moon)
EARTH HORSE

Andrea Boehlke (May 10, 1989 – Taurus Sun/Capricorn or Leo Moon)
EARTH SNAKE

Malcolm Freberg (May 7, 1986 – Taurus Sun/Aries or Taurus Moon)
FIRE TIGER

Dawn Meehan (June 29, 1970 – Cancer Sun/Taurus Moon)
METAL DOG

Phillip Sheppard (March 12, 1958 – Pisces Sun/Sagittarius Moon
EARTH DOG

Francesca Hogi (November 3, 1973 – Scorpio Sun/Aquarius Moon)
WATER OX

Brenda Lowe (November 3, 1982 – Scorpio Sun/Gemini Moon)
WATER DOG

Erik Reichenbach (November 27, 1985 – Sagittarius Sun/Gemini Moon)
WOOD OX

Brandon Hantz (October 15, 1991 – Libra Sun/Capricorn Moon)

METAL SHEEP or GOAT (same sign, different countries use different animal)

Sorted by Animal (see list of qualities below)

Sorted by Element:

EARTH - Cochran, Corinne, Andrea, Phillip

WATER - Brenda, Francesca

FIRE - Malcolm

WOOD - Erik

METAL - Dawn, Brandon

Interesting that there are two Ox's and 3 Dogs out of the 10.
It figures that Phillip would be a Dog, because Dogs are the watchdogs of our society, always barking up some tree about some conspiracy. Brenda and Dawn are also Dogs.

Erik and Francesca are both Ox. The Ox is a solid citizen.

It is funny that Brandon is a Goat. Goats like to be led. Religious, artistic, dreamer.

Corinne is a Horse. Horses are ornamental and spirited, but can be vain and egotistical, and don't like to be told what to do. Proud, social, kind (but Capricorn is not so kind.)

Cochran is a Dragon. Dragons are intelligent visionaries full of wonderful schemes they would like others to implement. Known to be bossy. Well if you can breathe fire, why not?

Andrea is a Snake. Wise, wily, secretive, intelligent, jealous.

Malcolm is a Tiger. A dynamic force, fierce, powerful, confident, competitive.

Here are some traditional Chinese interpretations for the signs of the 10 "Faves." Bear in mind that traditional Chinese values and downfalls may not apply to Westerners or the game of Survivor.

DOG- Phillip, Brenda, Dawn
Zodia Sign Compatibility - Best match: tiger, rabbit, horse; Avoid: ox, dragon, sheep, rooster
Compatible: Malcolm, Corinne. Avoid: Erik, Francesca, Cochran, Brandon.

Strengths
One born in the Year of Dog has a straightforward character. In their career and love, they are faithful, courageous, dexterous, smart and warm-hearted. They know how to keep secrets and inspire other people's confidence. Those people make good leaders. If they fall in love with someone, they would not change. They can be terribly stubborn with the right things.

Weakness
Most women under this sign are appealing but lack stability. They can be cold emotionally and sometimes distant at parties. They can find fault with many things and are noted for their sharp tongues. They are irritable and usually bothered by unwarranted anxiety. They sometimes try to flaunt and be brave. They are likely to be an armchair theorist deficient in practical experience.

Each of the three Dogs vary by element.

METAL DOG - DAWN

Metal Dog People are generally independent, ambitious and unwavering. They set high standards and expectations for themselves. They are loyal and dependable. They are clear of what they want to achieve in life. Metal Dog people possess natural instincts in them which they tend to trust and follow. They make judgements based on their instincts rather then listening to the views of others. Metal Dog people are rigid and uncompromising. They choose their associates and friends with care. Loyalty is important to Metal Dog people, therefore, once they have committed to any friendships or relationships, there is little to no turning back for them. Metal Dog people are easily nervous and stress. They feel irritated, tense and restless when things are not done according to plan.

WATER DOG - BRENDA

Water Dog people are skilful communicators and very persuasive. They are knowledgeable and possess great intuition. Water Dog people are flexible and are much less rigid than their Metal Dog counterparts. This quality allows them to appreciate and listen to the views of others, making them more liberal and well liked. They are free and easygoing. Water Dog people do not know how to control their finances very well and often result in overspending. They are generous and like to buy treats for friends. Water Dog people always have many friends and are usually the most popular among them.

Note:
So if you compare Brenda and Dawn here, I think this is very accurate and you can see how much more rigid a player Dawn was. How nervous and stressed, compared to Brenda who was almost too relaxed about it all. Of course a Cancer is more visibly emotional than the more poised and inward holding Scorpio.

PHILLIP - EARTH DOG

Earth Dog people are down-to-earth and pragmatic. They are usually very organized and systematic in doing their work and living their lives. Earth Dog people are reliable and disciplined. They are clever and truthful. Earth Dog people are rational and supportive, stable and unassuming. The Earth element gives Earth Dog people an element of security, for he is confident and inspiring. They are willing to listen to the views and opinions of others before making decisions. Earth Dog people make great leaders because they are such trustworthy, dependable, highly organized and diplomatic individuals.

Note: OK, if you are cracking up at that as a description of Phillip, so am I.
BUT Phillip is a Pisces, which is very very different, with a Sag moon ... both of which could make for someone who is less than adherent to stating the plain truth, to say the least. But somewhere inside flaky, delusional, irrational, argumentative, loony tunes Phillip that we saw on RI, this other reality must act to ground him, and explains how he has managed to achieve certain positions of responsibility in his life.

OX - Erik, Francesca

Zodiac Sign Compatibility - Best match: rat, snake, rooster; Avoid: horse, dog, sheep
Compatible: Andrea. Avoid: Brenda, Dawn, Phillip, Brandon

In life, people often used it to indicate something big in size or large in number. It is persistent, simple, honest, and straightforward. Fractious people are said to have an 'oxen temper'.

Strengths
People born in this year are probably honest, industrious, patient, and cautious, and do things steadily. They are talented leaders with strong will and faith, strong devotion to work and staying power. They are not easily affected by others or their surroundings but just follow their concept and ability. They are contemplative before taking actions and can make a clear distinction between right and wrong. Women are usually good wives who pay attention to their children's education. In short, people under the ox sign are tender-hearted, having amiable temper and an honesty nature. They are usually conservative. They hold respect to the tradition and value job and family highly.

Weaknesses
They are obstinate and poor at communication. Leaders in their career may not discover their abilities. They look prudish and distant, but not feminine, charming and lively enough. They usually do not get a great facility in speaking, being silent and persistent in their old ways.

WATER OX - FRANCESCA

Water Ox are hardworking and extremely articulate people. They are skilful orators and communicators. Water Ox people are the most flexible and intuitive among the other Elemental Ox. Because of their excellent skill in communication, Water Ox people have many friends and are able to positively influence people around them.

WOOD OX - ERIK

Wood Ox people are highly ethical and righteous. They are born leaders and exude great self-confidence. People around them will listen and heed their advices. Wood Ox display very good organizational skills and they make good managers. They are well-respected by people around them.

HORSE - Corinne
Zodiac Sign Compatibility - Best match: tiger, sheep, dog; Avoid: rat, ox, rabbit
Compatible w/: Malcolm, Brenda, Dawn, Phillip. Avoid: Francesca, Erik.

Strengths
People born in the year of the horse have ingenious communicating techniques and in their community they always want to be in the limelight. They are clever, kind to others, and like to join in a venture career. Although they sometimes talk too much, they are cheerful, perceptive, talented, earthy but stubborn. They like entertainment and large crowds. They are popular among friends, active at work and refuse to be reconciled to failure, although their endeavor cannot last indefinitely.

Weaknesses
They cannot bear too much constraint. However their interest may be only superficial and lacking real substance. They are usually impatient and hot blooded about everything other than their daily work. They are independent and rarely listen to advice. Failure may result in pessimism. They usually have strong endurance but with bad temper. Flamboyant by nature, they are wasteful since they are not good with matters of finance due to a lack of budgetary efficiency. Some of those who are born in the horse like to move in glamorous circles while pursuing high profile careers. They tend to interfere in many things and frequently fail to finish projects of their own.

EARTH HORSE - CORINNE

Earth Horse people are dependable and practical. They are very systematic, organized and disciplined. They have the ability to look at situations from all angles and corners. Earth Horse people are easygoing and down-to-earth. They prefer to weigh the pros and cons of a situation before making any final decision. Earth Horse people work assiduously to accomplish goals they have set. They would rather take a longer time to do an outstanding job than to take short cuts that would compromise on the quality of the work. They have good senses of humour and are extremely adaptable in various situations.

SHEEP (GOAT) - Brandon
Zodiac Sign Compatibility - Best match: rabbit, horse, pig; Avoid: ox, dog

Strengths
People under the sign of the sheep are tender, polite, filial, clever, and kind-hearted. They have special sensitivity to art and beauty, faith in a certain religion and a special fondness for quiet living. They are wise, gentle and compassionate and can cope with business cautiously and circumspectly. In their daily life, they try to be economical. Women born in this year are willing to take good care of others, but they should avoid pessimism and hesitation. They are kind in heart and commonly have symmetrical figures and features.

Weaknesses
Sheep year people are often worriers who are shy, pessimistic, moody, indecisive, over-sensitive, week-willed and puzzled about life. They are easily inclined to be deeply religious. They are timid in nature and like to be looked after by others. They like flattery, compliment and suggestions from friends. They do not dare to express their love openly and usually have interests in strange theories.

METAL SHEEP - BRANDON

Metal Sheep people are the most ambitious and determined among the other Elemental Sheep. They are more rigid and inflexible when performing their tasks. Metal sheep people tend to be less compromising and want things done their ways with their own ideas. Ideas are generated through their own instincts and observations. They seldom want to listen to the views of others. Metal Sheep people usually display a tough front to protect the fragility they are known for.

(Note: fits Brandon very well)

SNAKE - Andrea

Zodiac Sign Compatibility - Best match: ox, rooster; Avoid: tiger, pig
Compatible w/ Erik and Francesca. Avoid: Malcolm

Strengths
They often have a good temper and a skill at communicating but say little. They possess gracious morality and great wisdom. They are usually financially secure and do not have to worry about money. They have tremendous sympathy for others and would like to take actions to help ther fellow human beings. They are determined to accomplished their goals hate to fail. Although they look calm on the surface, they are intense and passionate. They have a rich source of inspiration and understand themselves well. They are people of great perception. Women under the sign of the snake do well in housework but are irritable.

Weaknesses
They are likely to be jealous and suspicious. They should be cautious about what they discuss with others, as it might cause them to lose friendship and opportunities. They tend to overdo things. They prefer to rely on themselves and have doubts about other people's judgment. They are courteous with polite manners, but they can be headstrong. They are fickle and usually have problems in relationships or marriage problems.

EARTH SNAKE - ANDREA

Earth Snake people are more practical and down-to-earth. They are systematic, disciplined and very organized. Earth Snakes are the most relaxed of the other Elemental Snakes. This make them seem more friendly and warm-hearted, as you will not feel the need to ponder what they got up their sleeve. Earth Snake people believe that their good sense, honesty and work ethics will pay off and bring them much prosperity and material satisfaction.

TIGER - Malcolm
Zodiac Sign Compatibility - Best match: horse, dog; Avoid: snake, monkey
Compatible: Corinne, Brenda, Dawn, Phillip. Avoid: Andrea

Strengths

They are tolerant, staunch, valiant, and respected. They like challenges and speed and they are active and good at expressing themselves. They have strong sense of errantry, be frank and easy to win others' trust. In their middle age, their fate may be uneven, but afterwards will enjoy a bright prospect. Most women under the tiger sign are intelligent, faithful and virtuous.

Weaknesses
Their shortcoming is to project themselves before others. They are given to deep thinking and capable of great sympathy, however, they can be short-tempered without interest with long-term endeavor. Sometimes, they come into conflict easily with the seniors and people in authority. Their hasty mind and decision may cause poor results. They are over confident and traitorous, which may result in unsuccessful communication and cooperation with others.

FIRE TIGER - MALCOLM

Fire Tiger people are intelligent and rational. They are capable of making quick and good decision when the situation called for. Fire Tiger people are very creative and are known to be good problem-solvers. They are outgoing, eloquent and very positive in attitude. Fire Tiger people never like to stay still in a place for too long, they prefer moving around, trying out and experiencing different things in life.

DRAGON - Cochran

Strengths
People under the sign of the dragon are lively, intellectual, energetic and excitable. They often can be leaders and try to go for perfection. When they meet with difficulties, they are not discouraged. They are magnanimous, romantic and sensitive about their reputation. They usually have great ambition and an ingenuous personality. They hate hypocrisy, gossip and slander. They are not afraid of difficulties but hate to be used or controlled by others.

Weaknesses
They are a little arrogant and impatient, while dragon women can be over- confident. Sometimes, 'dragons' are unable to control their moods very well due to being eccentric, tactless, fiery, intolerant and unrealistic. They may feel blank about the future. There is no lack of romance in their life over all, but they seldom give true love. Therefore, they do not usually show disappointment in love. They may criticize others for their inefficiency at work. They have a nature ardent to excess and couldn't withstand setbacks which make them flee away. If they overcome these defects, they can have a brighter future.

EARTH DRAGON - COCHRAN

Earth Dragon people are extremely practical and systematic. They are disciplined and dependable. Earth Dragon people make good managers because they are level-headed and well organized. They still have the need to dictate and be praised, but they are pleasant, congenial, friendly and supportive. Compared to other Elemental Dragons, Earth Dragon people are less likely to lose their self-control and are generally calmer. They will work untiringly to achieve their goals in life. Earth Dragon people take their life and relationship responsibilities seriously.
-----

Note: Dragon is a difficult sign to understand, perhaps because it's the one mythical beast in the roster. There are a lot of negative descriptions unless you find one written by a Dragon, lol.