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Get Your Reading Now12 Signs of the Chinese Zodiac Explained
The Chinese Zodiac, also known as Shu Xiang or Sheng Xiao, is an ancient system of astrology with deep roots in Chinese culture, mythology, and folklore. According to Chinese astrology, the Zodiac works on a 12-year cycle, with each year in the cycle having an assigned animal sign. These are, in order, Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, Pig. Your Chinese Zodiac sign is the sign that corresponds with the year you were born. The Chinese Zodiac dates back more than 2000 years. Its exact origins are mysterious – no one knows for sure how the animals were chosen and why their order is as it is. However, legend has it that the first emperor, Huangdi or the Yellow Emperor, established the Chinese astrology system. The Chinese Zodiac is as relevant today as it was in ancient times. Your birth sign is believed to have a strong bearing on your luck in the year ahead, helping you govern everything from fortune to health and wellness.
The resourceful rat
Years: 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020
Those born under the sign of the Rat are very charming, with strong ambitions and a resourceful nature. The Rat is known to handle challenges well, tackling all that life throws their way with sharp wits and intelligence. The Rat is often very popular and the life of the party, making friends with ease. They have a strong will and ambitious nature, helping them succeed at just about everything they put their mind to. In relationships, the Rat seeks someone who will act as a true partner and their best friend. The Rat tends to be most compatible with the Ox, Dragon, or Monkey and least well-matched with the Horse.
The obstinate ox
Years: 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021
If you were born in the year of the Ox, you are likely to be a great friend and colleague – reliable and patient, with a strong work ethic and diligent approach. The Ox is generally calm and measured, but can be tough and uncompromising when they need to, with a fierce temper when they feel let down. They stand up for what they believe in, to the point of obstinacy. The Ox takes a practical approach to life, but don't let that fool you – they are also deep thinkers who are loving and soulful with those they care for. The Ox will find they are most compatible with the Rat, Rooster, Snake, and Rabbits and are likely to be least compatible with Goats.
The tenacious tiger
Years: 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022
Tigers are natural leaders, exuding courage, confidence, and charisma, with a taste for adventure. They are strong-willed and determined, with closely held beliefs and opinions they're not afraid to fight for. With their magnetic personality, the Tiger rarely has to do the chasing when it comes to relationships! They prize independence, so it can be a challenge to persuade them to settle down – showing deep respect and compassionate understanding is the way to tame the Tiger. The Tiger's best matches in love are the Dragon, Horse and Pig, and they are least compatible with the Monkey.
The respectful rabbit
Years: 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023
Gentle Rabbits are known for kindness and sensitivity. They tend to be polite and patient, seeking to create harmony and calm any conflict using their well-tuned diplomatic skills. Rabbits are often homebodies, preferring a quiet and peaceful life. However, this does not mean they are always shy. At events, the Rabbit is warm, sociable, and easy-going – just don't be surprised if they are the first to call it a night! At work, the Rabbit is conscientious, methodical, and articulate and tends to do well, whatever their chosen profession. Due to their sensitivity and observant nature to the world around them, many have an artistic streak. In love, the Rabbit is a very nurturing partner, bringing out the best in their mate and working hard to build a stable home and family. Rabbits are well-matched with Sheep, Monkeys, Dogs, and Pigs, while the assertive Rooster tends to make a poor match.
The dazzling dragon
Years: 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024
There are few so self-confident as the proud and outspoken Dragon. The Dragon abounds with energy and passion, with the charisma and confidence of a born leader. Including the Dragon on your guest list will immediately elevate the status of any event, as they bring interesting – and often controversial – opinions and anecdotes to even the most perfunctory conversation. With this immense pizzazz and a strong sense of ambition and drive, the Dragon is likely to reach the top of their chosen career and achieve renown throughout their community. The Dragon tends to have a great many admirers, but with an even deeper independent streak than the Tiger, they may prefer a single life to what they consider ‘being tied down'. When the Dragon does enter into a relationship, feeling admired and supported is essential for them. Their best match is likely to be the Rooster, Rat, or Monkey, while the Dog is their least compatible sign.
The sphinx-like snake
Years: 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025
With their complex emotional landscape and superior intellect, the deep-thinking Snake is mysterious and fascinating to many. Snakes are known to hold great allure, and tend to be graceful and have an attractive sense of style that well matches their sharp wit. The Snake's mind is constantly active, and they are always looking for ways to exercise their intelligence and talents. The Snake seeks a deep, meaningful connection when it comes to romance, and once they fall in love, they are exceptionally devoted and faithful. Snakes get on particularly well with Oxen, Dragons, and Roosters and tend to struggle to build a connection with the Tiger.
The hilarious horse
Years: 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026
The Horse charges at life head-on, exuding energy, enthusiasm, and effervescence. They are great comedians and tend to be popular in the workplace thanks to the lively positivity they bring to every occasion. The Horse is highly adventurous and independent, valuing their freedom above all else and chafing at any restrictions. The Horse will do best in a career that lets them express this intrepid nature, such as entrepreneurship, tour guide, or even extreme sports. With a fierce independent streak, it can take time for the Horse to settle down. When they do choose a relationship, the Horse will prize personal space and understanding. Horses pair well with charismatic Tigers or easy-going Rabbits and Goats. They rarely match well with the Rat, whose values are just too different.
The good-natured goat
Years: 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027
It's easy to love Goats, as they are full of empathy and kindness. They always think before they act and do their best to never offend anyone or hurt their feelings. The Goat is the most artistic sign in the Chinese Zodiac, and they tend to have excellent style and fashion sense. The Goat will do best in a job that allows them to express their creativity or makes the most of their peacemaking skills. The gentle Goat needs strong support from a partner, who may need to speak up on their behalf. Their ideal match will be a Rabbit, Horse, or Pig, but the Goat will do well to avoid partnership with the Ox.
The masterful monkey
Years: 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028
The Monkey is incredibly agile in both body and mind, always on the go and ready with a witty comeback. With their innovative thinking and adaptability to almost any situation, the Monkey is an asset to any workplace. Their smart banter, charm, and humor make them very popular with friends and colleagues alike. The Monkey should choose a fast-paced career with plenty of variety and challenge or risk growing impatient and bored. The Monkey needs intellectual stimulation in a relationship, and it's important that the relationship stays fresh and full of variety if it is to keep their interest. For this reason, the Monkey will match well with a fiery Dragon or witty and ambitious Rat. While they may find themselves attracted to the alluring Tiger, they will find that this relationship often leads to conflicts as both partners vie to take the lead.
The rambunctious rooster
Years: 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029
The optimistic Rooster is fun and exciting to be around, with unmatched confidence and a strong personality. Their assertive nature can sometimes come across as argumentative, but with their charitable personality and strong sense of humor, the Rooster means no unkindness and rarely holds a grudge. The Rooster is highly ambitious, with a focused drive on self-improvement. They are eloquent and love to lead, making them highly suited to roles that involve public speaking. When it comes to relationships, the Rooster thrives on respect and admiration. The Rooster will find an excellent match with an Ox or Snake, both of whom will make them feel valued and will be willing to compromise first to resolve conflicts. The Rooster is likely to be least compatible with the Rabbit.
The devoted dog
Years: 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030
Just like their animal symbol, the Dog is incredibly loyal and protective. A wonderful friend, the Dog will fight for you and stand by your side till the end. The Dog shows great honesty and trustworthiness, and they have a strong sense of justice. These traits mean they are usually very well regarded in their community and make them excellent teachers and doctors. The Dog can be rather cautious and may take time to fully trust a partner, but once they are sure of where they stand, they will become a hugely protective and loyal partner. In turn, they need a strong sense of security and to feel loved and understood. Dogs tend to match best with Horses, Tigers, and, particularly, Rabbits and are least compatible with Dragons.
The peaceful pig
Years: 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031
Unpretentious Pigs are known for their caring, generosity, and intelligence. They hate conflict or discord and always work hard to solve differences of opinion and create peace and harmony. The Pig is an excellent conversation partner, showing patience, listening closely, and speaking the truth without being tactless. However, their knack for patience can dissipate as soon as they sense hypocrisy or feel they are being lied to. The Pig approaches life with great generosity, and they tend to make an excellent partner. They can be naïve though, assuming that everyone is as honest as they are, making it easy to take advantage of their trust. They may also be fearful and need a partner who will be clear and sincere with their emotions. The Pig matches best with the Tiger, Rabbit or Goat. They are least compatible with the Snake.