Chinese Horoscopes

Chinese astrology is derived from traditional astronomy and calendars.

Unlike other forms of astrology, Chinese astrology does not calculate or use the positions of the sun, moon and planets at the time of birth.Chinese astrology is recorded as being first used in the Han Dynasty (between 200 BC to 200 AD). Closely aligned with theory of the three harmonies (heaven, earth and water) which support Chinese philosophy, these have been merged with certain Western based teachings including the 10 Celestial stems, the lunar calendar (covering the moon and sun calendars) and the 12 Earthly Branches of Life.According to Chinese Astrology, the year of your birth bears no relation to your spirit age.

The year of birth indicates only a certain “phase” or aspect of a sixty-year cycle of time. There are a number of ways to classify Chinese age – the 10 Heavenly Stems, the Twelve Animals and Twelve Early Branches.

The precise history of the twelve animal system remains shaded in secret and theory. Some say that the then Jade King was tired having nothing to do in his Celestial Palace. He did not see what was happening down on Earth. The Jade King decided that he wanted to see some beautiful animals that inhabited the ground, so he sent a message to his friends to collect twelve animals. His chief counsel first sent an invitation to the Rat, telling him to also bring the Cat. The Rat being jealous prevented the Cat from actually receiving the invitation from the Jade King.

The Jade King sent further invitations to the Ox, the Rabbit, the Tiger, the Dragon, the Snake, the Horse, the Monkey, the Ram, the Rooster and the Dog, demanding they attend the palace the following day. When the 12 animals arrived in front of the king, he found that they numbered only eleven, instead of twelve as the King had demanded. The King sent his friend down to Earth to retrieve a twelfth animal. The friend met a man carrying a Pig, and he swiftly bought it and delivered it to the Jade King.

The 12 animals stood in front of the Jade King.

The Rat, being the smallest, jumped on the Ox’s back and started playing the flute. The Jade King was delighted by this display. The King gave the Rat first place.

The Ox was given second place for its good sportsmanship, and third was given to the courageous Tiger. Fourth place was awarded to The Rabbit, the fifth to the Dragon, the Snake sixth, the Horse seventh, the eighth position to the Ram, the Monkey ninth, the tenth position to the Rooster and the Dog was awarded the eleventh position.

Lastly, the Pig was awarded twelfth place. At the end of the ceremony, the Cat (who missed the King’s invitation) pleaded for him to reconsider. The Cat was told it was too late by the Jade King.”

Personality Traits

Zodiac Animal

Recent Years

Personality Traits

Rat
1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020
Quick-witted, resourceful, versatile, kind
Ox
1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021
Diligent, dependable, strong, determined
Tiger
1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022
Brave, confident, competitive
Rabbit
1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023  
Quiet, elegant, kind, responsible  
Dragon
1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024
Confident, intelligent, enthusiastic
Snake
1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025  
Enigmatic, intelligent, wise  
Horse
1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026
Animated, active, energetic  
Goat
1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027  
Calm, gentle, sympathetic  
Monkey
1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028
Sharp, smart, curiosity  
Rooster
1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029  
Observant, hardworking, courageous  
Dog
1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030
Lovely, honest, prudent  
Pig
1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031  
Calm, gentle, sympathetic  


How do zodiac animals affect people’s personalities and lives?

The date and time of one’s birth are the keys. This is the same in both western and Chinese horoscope. The difference lies in the ways of marking the time of birth. The Chinese lunar calendar is based on the combination of 10 Heavenly Stems (Tian Gan) and 12 Earthly Branches (Di Zhi), two basic groups of terms of ancient Chinese astronomy and astrology, which work together in a fixed order to mark years, months, days, and hours. Hereunder are some interesting technical terms.

1. 12 Earthly Branches: 12 terms in one-to-one correspondence with 12 zodiac animals – Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Shen, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig.

2. 10 Heavenly Stems: Jia, Yi, Bing, Ding, Wu, Ji, Geng, Xin, Ren, Gui.The 10 Heavenly Stems match the 12 Earthly Branches in a 60-pair cycle to mark years, months, and days, e.g. July 1st 2020 in Gregorian calendar is the Yi Si Day of Ren Wu Month in Gen Zi Year of the Rat.

3. Yin Yang: Yin means feminine and negative, while Yang means masculine and positive. They are profound terms in ancient Chinese philosophy. Their simple connection with zodiac animals are: Yang applies to Rat, Tiger, Dragon, Horse, Monkey, and Dog, while Yin goes to Ox, Rabbit, Snake, Sheep, Rooster, and Pig.

4. Five Elements: Ancient Chinese believed that all things in the world, including the zodiac animals, belonged to five categories – Metal (Monkey, Rooster), Wood (Tiger, Rabbit), Water (Rat, Pig), Fire (Snake, Horse), and Earth (Ox, Dragon, Sheep, Dog).

5. 12 Shi Chen: 12 two-hour periods form a day, with each called a Shi Chen and marked by one of the 12 Earthly Branches and its corresponding zodiac animal, e.g. 23:00 – 00:59 is called Zi Hour and represented by the Rat.

The 12 animals connect to people’s birth dates and time, with interactions from the above five perspectives, affecting people’s personalities, compatibilities, and fortune in the future.


Chinese Zodiac Compatibility: Who’s Your Mr./Ms. Right?

The compatibilities of the zodiac animals are mainly based on the Five Elements they belong to – Metal (Monkey, Rooster), Wood (Tiger, Rabbit), Water (Rat, Pig), Fire (Snake, Horse), and Earth (Ox, Dragon, Sheep, Dog).

The traditional Chinese astrology indicates that the Five Elements are in a balanced generating cycle: Fire burns things to ash and Earth; Earth bears Metal inside; Metal turns into liquid (Water) in high temperature; Water nourishes Wood; Wood feeds Fire. Therefore some zodiac animals with agreeable elements can perfectly support and promote each other when they stay together, while some would stay in peace and tacit agreement; however some restrict or even harm each other when they meet.

See the illustrations below, or use our testing tool to check the compatibility for you and your partner!

Zodiac Animal

Best Match

Worst Match

Rat
Ox, Dragon, Monkey
Horse, Rooster
Ox
Rat, Snake, Rooster
Tiger, Dragon, Horse, Sheep
Tiger
Dragon, Horse, Pig
Ox, Tiger, Snake, Monkey
Rabbit
Sheep, Monkey, Dog, Pig
Snake, Rooster
Dragon
Rooster, Rat, Monkey
Ox, Sheep, Dog
Snake
Dragon, Rooster
Tiger, Rabbit, Snake, Sheep, Pig
Horse
Tiger, Sheep, Rabbit
Rat, Ox, Rooster, Horse
Goat
Horse, Rabbit, Pig
Ox, Tiger, Dog
Monkey
Ox, Rabbit
Tiger, Pig
Rooster
Ox, Snake
Rat, Rabbit, Horse, Rooster, Dog
Dog
Rabbit
Dragon, Sheep, Rooster
Pig
Tiger, Rabbit, Sheep
Snake, Monkey  


Sexy Tips From The Chinese Zodiac

Each sign of the Chinese zodiac has a distinct style when things heat up. Use these sexy tips to better understand a partner, date, or even yourself!

Rat
The Rat is a curious, experimental, intense creature in the bedroom - or any other room, for that matter. It loves to take the lead, but also wants an assertive partner who doesn't hold back. Doing the same old thing won't cut - the Rat prefers to mix it up and get busy.

Ox
If you've got an Ox on your hands, you might need a gym membership to keep the pace! This is a well-built, strong and sturdy lover. He or she may be slow to respond at first, but once the ball is rolling, you'll learn what stamina really is. Things can also get repetitive, but the Ox can definitely be coaxed out of its comfort zone.

Tiger

There's a reason why `Tiger` is often used to describe someone who's good in bed. Agile, quick and graceful, this sign knows what it wants and isn't afraid to go for it. What's more, it loves to keep going until the sun comes up. Tigers also tend to be vocal, and love it when you are too.

Rabbit

Playful, lighthearted, and insatiable, the Rabbit is always up for more. Don't jump in too quickly, though - foreplay is key. Be playful and tender, and your Rabbit will respond in ways you can't imagine.

Dragon

A graceful and mysterious lover, the Dragon things of sex as psychic connection as much as a physical one. Good with its hands and eager to experiment, the Dragon doesn't like doing the same thing over and over. It wants to be completely satisfied when all is said and done.

Snake

With an inherently high level of sexual energy, plus amazing moves, Snakes often have their partners clutching the sheets. These mysterious creatures are turned on by subtleties and body language, and they are surprisingly romantic.

Horse

If you're going to bed with a Horse, expect a good workout! Horses bring an amazing supply of energy to the bedroom, and can out-last almost anyone. Expect a sensitive, spontaneous and freedom-loving experience.

Sheep

Don't be fooled by the name - the Sheep is a intelligent lover. If sensitive and responsive are your cup of tea, the Sheep is where it's at. People born under this sign may be a bit shy at first, but once they're comfortable, things can get intensely erotic.

Monkey

Cerebral and kinky, agile and intense, the monkey is a veritable mind-reader in the sack. This sign loves to tease, flirt and play games between the sheets - so check your seriousness at the door and get ready to have some fun!

Rooster

Forget about dark rooms and hiding under the sheets - the proud Rooster loves to see and be seen. This sign has a sensitive, romantic style, but it also craves attention. Feed a Rooster plenty of compliments in the bedroom, and he or she will do anything to please.

Dog

The Dog is eager to lap up attention and kiss you everywhere. It loves to please, but also has a selfish streak. Keep the reassurances coming, and let your Dog know how much you like it. Good eye contact is a must! This sign is also highly responsive to aphrodisiacs.

Pig

The sex won't be half as good if you dive right in. For a Pig, anticipation is half the fun. Take your time to get this sensual sign running on all cylinders. Once you do, the rewards will be hot. Intimacy is more important to Pigs than trying new things, so if you want to mix it up, you'll have to take the lead.