Free guide
Meet your Chinese zodiac animal
The Chinese zodiac is a 12-year cycle of animals, each with its own nature. Yours comes from the year you were born. This guide helps you find your animal, meet the other eleven, and see how the five elements shape them.
Stop fighting your own nature
A Tiger doesn't try to be a Rabbit. A Snake doesn't try to be a Horse. For centuries, the Chinese zodiac (Sheng Xiao) has been a way to talk about your strengths, your soft spots and your timing.
When you work with your nature instead of against it, life can feel a little lighter.
The circle of twelve
- RatClever and quick
- OxReliable and strong
- TigerBrave and confident
- RabbitQuiet and elegant
- DragonBold and ambitious
- SnakeWise and intuitive
- HorseFree and energetic
- GoatGentle and creative
- MonkeyPlayful and inventive
- RoosterHonest and observant
- DogLoyal and fair
- PigWarm and generous
Your element matters too
Are you a Fire Dragon or a Water Dragon? Your element comes from the last digit of your birth year (if you were born in January or early February, check the date of Chinese New Year first).
- Metalends in 0 or 1strength
- Waterends in 2 or 3wisdom
- Woodends in 4 or 5growth
- Fireends in 6 or 7passion
- Earthends in 8 or 9stability
Questions you might have
What are the 12 Chinese zodiac animals?
The 12 Chinese zodiac animals in order are: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat (Sheep), Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. Each animal rules one year in a 12-year cycle.
How do I find my Chinese zodiac sign?
Your Chinese zodiac is determined by your birth year. The cycle repeats every 12 years. Note: Chinese New Year falls between January 21 and February 20, so if born in January/February, check if you fall before or after that year's Chinese New Year.
What are the five elements in Chinese astrology?
The five elements are Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. Each element cycles through the zodiac every 60 years (12 animals × 5 elements). Your element adds qualities to your animal sign: Wood=growth, Fire=passion, Earth=stability, Metal=strength, Water=wisdom.
Your animal is the start. Your year is next.
Knowing your sign is a lovely first step. If you'd like something more personal, Your Year Ahead walks you through the next 12 months, month by month, with the days likely to feel good for you and the ones to take slowly.
