How to Read Your Chinese Zodiac Birth Chart

The Chinese Zodiac consists of 12 animals, and your animal is determined by the year of your birth. Chinese astrology proposes that we share some of the same qualities as our zodiac animals, like being hard-working, loyal, or cunning. But did you know that it goes way deeper than that? Keep reading to better understand your Chinese zodiac sign, your ruling element, and much more, with expert insight from astrologer Tara Divina.

What is my Chinese Zodiac sign?

Rat: 1984, 1996, 2008
Ox: 1985, 1997, 2009
Tiger: 1974, 1986, 1998
Rabbit: 1975, 1987, 1999
Dragon : 1975, 1988, 2000
Snake : 1977, 1989, 2001
Horse: 1978, 1990, 2002
Goat : 1979, 1991, 2003
Monkey: 1980, 1992, 2004
Rooster: 1981, 1993, 2005
Dog: 1982, 1994, 2006
Pig: 1983, 1995, 2007

Section 1 of 6:

Chinese Zodiac Signs & Animals

Download Article

1
Your Chinese zodiac sign is based on your birth year. Chinese astrology determines your animal sign based on your birth year, which begins on or around February 4th annually according to the lunar calendar. If you're born before the Lunar New Year begins, you're technically born in the prior year. Consult the chart below to find the year of your birth and the corresponding animal: ^{[1]
X
Research source}
- 1900, 1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020 — RAT (鼠)
- 1901, 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021 — OX (牛)
- 1902, 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022 — TIGER (虎)
- 1903, 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023 — RABBIT (兔)
- 1904, 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024 — DRAGON (龙/龍)
- 1905, 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025 — SNAKE (蛇)
- 1906, 1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026 — HORSE (马/馬)
- 1907, 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027 — GOAT(羊)
- 1908, 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028 — MONKEY (猴)
- 1909, 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029 — ROOSTER (鸡/雞)
- 1910, 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030 — DOG (狗)
- 1911, 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031 — PIG (猪)
  - Some refer to the goat as the sheep or ram.
2
Your zodiac animal reflects unique traits, like wit and warmth. Just like in Western astrology, each sign is commonly associated with a number of traits. Here are a few details on what each sign is like. ^{[2]
X
Research source}
- Rat : This sign has spirit, wit, alertness, delicacy, flexibility, and vitality. People born in the year of the rat are bright, sociable, and ambitious, generally making them wealthy and successful. However, they can also be timid, lack concentration and stability, and don't fit most leadership positions.
- Ox : This sign is intelligent, self-confident, and a naturally-born leader. Those born in the year of the ox are honest, industrious, patient, and above all else, do things steadily. No matter what, they always maintain a strong devotion to their work. However, they may also be prudish, obstinate, and poor at communication.
- Tiger : These individuals are tolerant, valiant, considerate, intelligent, and respected. They like challenges and are quite good at expressing themselves. People born in the year of the tiger may also be short-tempered and not easily interested in much.
- Rabbit : This sign is gentle, sensitive, compassionate, amiable, and modest. They are humorous and add spice to life—mainly because they can't stand things being dull. However, they tend to manage money poorly,lack determination, and be stubborn.
- Dragon: This sign is bright, self-assured, and romantic. They are also lively, intellectual, energetic, and excitable. They make good leaders and always aim for perfection. However, those born in the sign of the dragon can be arrogant, impatient, and sometimes overconfident.
- Snake : This sign is charming and skilled at communicating effectively with few words. They are very moral and full of wisdom. For most, money isn't a problem. However, they can be jealous and suspicious and often tend to overdo things.
- Horse : This sign is cheerful, quick-witted, kind to others, and loves adventure. They are also perceptive and talented, making good entertainers. However, those born in this sign can be impatient, lack substance, and come across as superficial.
- Goat : Those born in the sign of the goat are tender, polite, clever, gentle, and kind-hearted. They appreciate art and beauty, and have a soft spot for quiet living. However, they can be shy, pessimistic, moody, and worry too much.
- Monkey : This sign is incredibly clever. They are lively, flexible, quick-witted, and are very talented problem solvers. And they're very generous to boot! Weaknesses? They can be rather jealous, conniving, and selfish.
- Rooster : Those born in the sign of the rooster are deep thinkers, often thought of as honest, bright, communicative, and warm-hearted. They have high self-worth and tend to be independent. However, they may also have difficulty relating to others and tend to assume they are always right.
- Dog : This sign is loyal, courageous, warm, responsible, smart, and realistic. They can easily inspire confidence in others. On the other hand, they lack stability, can have a biting tongue, and easily find fault in others.
- Pig : This sign is diligent, courageous, honest, and chivalrous. They are tolerant, calm, and optimistic. They hate conflict and don't enjoy lying. However, people born under the sign of the pig can be naive, impulsive, and have trouble knowing when to draw the line.
Advertisement
3
Your sign has a lucky number and a lucky color. Every person’s zodiac animal has a corresponding color and number, which are thought to be lucky, so use them to your advantage! ^{[3]
X
Research source}
- Rat :
  - Lucky numbers: 2, 3
  - Lucky colors: blue, gold, green
- Ox :
  - Lucky numbers: 9, 1
  - Lucky colors: blue, red, purple
- Tiger :
  - Lucky numbers: 1, 3, 4
  - Lucky colors: blue, grey, white, orange
- Rabbit :
  - Lucky numbers: 1, 4, 9
  - Lucky colors: red, pink, purple, blue
- Dragon :
  - Lucky numbers: 1, 7, 6
  - Lucky colors: gold, silver, grey
- Snake :
  - Lucky numbers: 2, 8, 9
  - Lucky colors: red, light yellow, black
- Horse :
  - Lucky numbers: 2, 3, 7
  - Lucky colors: brown, yellow, purple
- Goat :
  - Lucky numbers: 3, 9, 4
  - Lucky colors: green, red, purple
- Monkey :
  - Lucky numbers: 1, 8, 7
  - Lucky colors: white, gold, blue
- Rooster
  - Lucky numbers: 7, 5, 8
  - Lucky colors: gold, brown, brownish yellow, yellow
- Dog :
  - Lucky numbers: 3, 4, 9
  - Lucky colors: green, red, purple
- Pig :
  - Lucky numbers: 2, 5, 8
  - Lucky colors: yellow, grey, brown, gold
4
Each sign corresponds to yin or yang based on your birth year. Every zodiac animal is either yin or yang. This is the side of your personality that naturally has more power—though anything can change in alignment with the stars. Moreover, every year is also either yin or yang. Odd years are yang and even years are yin. Whatever the current year is, it's that side of the spectrum that tends to get emphasized.
- Yin is associated with passivity, coldness, femininity, submission, and dark energy.
- Yang represents activity, heat, masculinity, aggressiveness, and light energy.
- Remember: everyone contains both— it's just a cycle. You start with yin, say, until it blooms and turns into yang. Remember to also take into account whether the current year is yin or yang.
- Here is where each sign stands:
  - Rat : Yang
  - Ox : Yin
  - Tiger : Yang
  - Rabbit : Yin
  - Dragon : Yang
  - Snake : Yin
  - Horse : Yang
  - Goat : Yin
  - Monkey : Yang
  - Rooster: Yin
  - Dog : Yang
  - Pig : Yin

Section 2 of 6:

Chinese Zodiac Compatibility

Download Article

Each sign is compatible (or not) with others based on their traits. It is believed that each sign romantically lines up — or really, really doesn't line up— with other signs. Here are some of the best and worst matches according to Chinese astrology:
- Rat : most compatible with dragon, monkey, and ox; least with sheep, horse, and rabbit
- Ox : most compatible with rat, snake, rooster; least with horse, dog, sheep
- Tiger : most compatible with horse, dog; least compatible with snake, monkey
- Rabbit : most compatible with sheep, pig, dog; least with rat, dragon
- Dragon : most compatible with rat, monkey, rooster; least with ox, rabbit, dog
- Snake : most compatible with ox, rooster; least with tiger, pig
- Horse : most compatible with tiger, sheep, dog; least with rat, ox, rabbit
- Goat : most compatible with rabbit, horse, pig; least with ox, dog
- Monkey : most compatible with rat, dragon, snake; least with tiger, pig
- Rooster : most compatible with ox, dragon, snake; least with rat, rabbit, dog
- Dog : most compatible with tiger, rabbit, horse; least compatible with ox, dragon, sheep, rooster
- Pig : most compatible with sheep, rabbit; least with snake, monkey, pig

Section 3 of 6:

Four Pillars of Destiny in Chinese Astrology

Download Article

1
Your birth month, day, and time reveal your four pillars of destiny. There is far, far more to Chinese astrology than just the 12 signs of the Zodiac. There are also the Four Pillars of Destiny, which represent the year, month, day, and hour you were born, in that order. It's similar to the birth chart used in Western astrology, but believed to be a lot more accurate, offering tons of insight into your personal life. ^{[4]
X
Research source}
- They are also combined with yin and yang and the 5 elements (metal, wood, water, fire, earth). Together, they determine your luck, affluence, longevity, happiness, and wealth year by year.
- Chinese astrology works in 60-year (or sexagesimal) cycles. This is a numeral system that originated in Mesopotamia, using the number 60 as the base. ^{[5]
  X
  Research source}
- Each of the 60 years in the cycle is named after the combination of one heavenly stem with one earthly branch . Every 60 years, the combination repeats.
2

Your birth year determines your first pillar. Your zodiac animal (determined by your birth year) explains the traits you’ll have and your fortune until about age 16. Your first pillar represents the fate of your childhood and the influence of your parents and grandparents. ^{[6]
X
Research source}
3
Your birth month determines your second pillar and “inner” animal. Your second pillar is also believed to reveal information about your family, career, and home life. It represents your fate from age 17 to 32. ^{[7]
X
Research source} Here's how it correlates to the Western calendar:
- February 4th - March 5th: Tiger
- March 6th - April 4th: Rabbit
- April 5th - May 4th: Dragon
- May 5th - June 5th: Snake
- June 6th - July 6th: Horse
- July 7th - August 6th: Goat
- August 7th - September 7th: Monkey
- September 8th - October 7th: Rooster
- October 8th - November 6th: Dog
- November 7th - December 6th: Pig
- December 7th - January 5th: Rat
- January 6th - February 3rd: Ox
4
The day of your birth determines your third pillar. This third pillar is believed to divulge information about your adult life on a day-to-day basis—a pretty important one! It represents your fate from age 33 to 48. ^{[8]
X
Research source} Again, it is a sexagesimal cycle that starts when the sun reaches the celestial longitude of 315° and ends when it reaches the longitude of 330°. Therefore, each year is just a teeny bit different.
- If all this math seems a bit complicated, that’s because it is! So, it may be a good idea to allow an online calculator to do the work for you.
5
Your birth hour determines your fourth pillar and your “secret” animal. This is thought to be the truest representation of yourself. It is also used to represent information about your kids or your senior years, past the age of 48. Your later years are believed to depend on the combination of your heavenly stem and earthly branch. If either presents a conflict, it could lead to turbulence in the latter half of your life, also affecting your children. Here's how it lines up: ^{[9]
X
Research source}
- 1:00 - 03:00 AM: Ox
- 3:00 - 5:00 AM: Tiger
- 5:00 - 7:00 AM: Rabbit
- 7:00 - 9:00 AM: Dragon
- 9:00 - 11:00 AM: Snake
- 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Horse
- 1:00 - 3:00 PM: Ram
- 3:00 - 5:00 PM: Monkey
- 5:00 - 7:00 PM: Rooster
- 7:00 - 9:00 PM: Dog
- 9:00 - 11:00 PM: Pig
- 11:00 PM - 1:00 AM: Rat

Section 4 of 6:

Ten Heavenly Stems and Twelve Earthly Branches

Download Article

The 10 Heavenly Stems represent the elements, while the 12 Earthly Branches represent the animal signs. You have your own complicated sign, but the years have more detail to them too; each one has a stem paired with a branch. One Earthly Branch corresponds to your animal sign, while one Heavenly Stem is assigned to your element. The in-depth science of this aspect of Chinese astrology is highly nuanced and complex, but here is a brief overview. ^{[10]
X
Research source}
- To identify your Heavenly Stem, use the last digit of your birth year: ^{[11]
  X
  Research source}
  - Metal = 0 or 1
  - Water = 2 or 3
  - Wood = 4 or 5
  - Fire = 6 or 7
  - Earth = 8 or 9
  - For example, if you were born in 1986, you’re a Fire Tiger.
- Since this is all part of a repeating, 60-year cycle, there will always be movement and change. The element you were born under will be naturally emphasized, but consider how it will work in tandem with the element of the current year.
  - For example, if you’re a Fire Tiger, how might that factor into 2025, a wood year? Some years will work with your element, while others will work against it , creating harmony and disharmony.
- There are believed to be two cycles: the creative cycle and the destructive cycle.
  - For example, water destroys fire but produces wood, and so forth. Each element affects others in different ways, creating a perfect balance.

Section 5 of 6:

How to Use Your Chinese Zodiac Birth Chart

Download Article

1
Work with your cycles. Remember that this is a blueprint or map. It cannot be changed. That is nothing to fret about! The Chinese believe that this is knowledge to make you powerful—you will be better able to overcome obstacles and grasp opportunities when need be. In other words, you can always do the right thing at the right time.
- Remember that good luck and all positive things don't just happen. This chart is telling you that at certain times, they have potential . You have to go out and get it! By knowing your chart, you'll know when those times are and when you should make your move in alignment with the stars.
- Divina discusses some of the benefits that come as a result of learning more about your entire zodiac chart. She says, “There's a peace that comes along with knowing that there's an inevitability to certain things.”
- She shares an anecdote: “It's funny, clients can be relieved to hear bad news. You can tell them, ‘You're gonna have a really hard year, and it's going to continue for another 2 years—and then it's going to get easy.’ And it's relieving to hear that because then they can just relax.”
  - She goes on to explain that it allows those who know and understand their own path to focus on the things that they can actually change, with the amount of free will they do have, instead of trying to wrestle with something that's not right before a period of huge transformation.
2
Talk to an astrologist or Feng Shui master. To know what seasons (parts of the cycle) or years will be for better or worse, talk to a master of Chinese astrology. They'll be able to pinpoint when you're lucky and, quite frankly, when you're not. Certain seasons (days, even) will be better than others (especially to take action) and they can outline that cycle for you.
- Carry a lucky symbol with you. Let's say you're a goat and it's a bad year for you, but it's a great year for the Ox. Carry a little trinket of an Ox around you to circumvent the negative airs around you.
- Use an online calculator if you'd like to figure out your sign the easy way. Remember to account for the timezone of your birth, which is important.
  - Finally, don't forget that year of your birth refers to the lunar year, typically beginning on or before February 4th.

Section 6 of 6:

Origins of the Chinese Zodiac

Download Article

The Chinese Zodiac may have roots in the Qin dynasty. The Qin dynasty took place from 221–207 BCE, and some sources claim that this is where the Chinese Zodiac first began. Other records point to later periods, like the Han dynasty, from 206 BCE–220 CE, or the Warring States period, lasting from 475–221 BCE. Although its origins are up for debate, most scholars agree that the creation of the Chinese Zodiac was inspired by a famous folk legend about a race between animals. ^{[12]
X
Research source}
- In the legend, some accounts tell of the Jade Emperor calling for the race, while others believe that Buddha is responsible for orchestrating it.
- The reason behind the race was to form the zodiac itself, and the animals were asked to participate for an opportunity to be represented in the zodiac.
- The first 12 animals to cross the finish line are the ones who earned a place, in the order in which they finished the race, resulting in the order we still use today.

Community Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

What is the yin yang sign?

Community Answer

The yin yang sign is a symbol of balance. It symbolizes that contrary forces are actually interconnected and dependent on each other in the world. The rise of one affects the other.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 27 Helpful 49
Question

If I was born in 2008 and I am an earth rat, will this year be lucky for me?

Community Answer

Yes, this should be a lucky year for you!

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 37 Helpful 39
Question

If I was born at 9:00 AM, how do I know whether I am a snake or a dragon?

Community Answer

It is measured by hour. Since the dragon ends at 9:00 AM when the snake takes over, you would be a snake.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 19 Helpful 45

See more answers

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Video

Tips

There are daily Chinese horoscopes available online, but they won't be nearly as accurate as outlining your entire birth chart which should include your birth time. ^{[13]
X
Research source}

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Always compare your birth date to the Chinese lunar calendar that indicates the Chinese start of spring. This date is about 6 weeks before the Vernal Equinox (mid-March) and can range from the end of January through the first week of February.

Thanks
Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
For example, 1985 is the year of the ox, and the start of spring in 1985 was February 4. So if you were born on February 3, 1985, your zodiac animal would be the rat, which is the animal for the lunar year beginning in spring of 1984.

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.

The hours listed are following China's time zone, which means you’d have to convert yours to theirs (+08:00).

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Name

Please provide your name and last initial

Submit

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

[1]

[2]

[3]

[4]

[5]

[6]

[7]

[8]

[9]

[10]

[11]

[12]

[13]

Log in

How to Read Your Chinese Zodiac Birth Chart

What is my Chinese Zodiac sign?

Steps

Chinese Zodiac Signs & Animals

Chinese Zodiac Compatibility

Four Pillars of Destiny in Chinese Astrology

Ten Heavenly Stems and Twelve Earthly Branches

How to Use Your Chinese Zodiac Birth Chart

Origins of the Chinese Zodiac

Community Q&A

Video

Tips

Tips from our Readers

You Might Also Like

References

About This Article

Reader Success Stories

Did this article help you?

Quizzes

You Might Also Like

Featured Articles

Trending Articles

Featured Articles

Featured Articles

Watch Articles

Trending Articles

Quizzes

Explore Categories