Let's just nip this zodiac discussion in the bud.
>Charizard
Sorta passes. Its a Western dragon, not a long, the cultural significance of both couldn't be more different, the former is a monster that represents the devil, while the latter is an intelligent, deified being. However, "dragon" in Chinese is used for any big reptile, and a lot of modern zodiacs will show a western styled dragon.
>Typhlosion
Does not pass. No member of this line represents a mouse or rat. "Species type" in the Pokedex doesn't mean shit.
>Blaziken
Gets a pass. Its specifically based on these weird-ass chickens bred to be tall and skinny.
>Infernape.
Gets a pass. It's based on Son Wukong, a character from the Chinese story "Journey to the West"
>Emboar
Gets a pass. Like Infernape, is based on a JttW character, Zhu Bajie. It's also why they both share similar design elements.
>Delphox
Does not pass. Argue that foxes and dogs are both canids as much as you want, Foxes and Dogs are complete opposites in east Asian culture, you know, what the ZODIAC IS A PART OF. Dogs are guardian animals representing valor and positive attributes, Foxes are tricksters, fiends, and ill omens. Like literally all other Fox Pokemon, Delphox is based on the Kitsune, shapeshifting magical fox spirits.
>Incineroar
Gets a pass, but an interesting case. As Litten it's clearly based on a Domestic Cat, an animal that was explicitly excluded from the Zodiac, iirc the Rat stole it's spot. However, it evolves into a Tiger, which is clearly on the Zodiac.
My personal conclusion is that while many Fire starters are part of the zodiac, that's not simply because of the zodiac.
Red is a color of good fortune in China, especially when combined with gold. Now, what Pokemon type is usually represented with Red and yellow? It's my belief that Fire-type starters are all important and popular animals in Asia, and coincidentally, many of these fit the zodiac.
