Chinese Astrology
Chinese Astrology Explained

What is Chinese Astrology?

Chinese astrology is an ancient system based on astronomy, dating back to around the 2nd century BC. It describes a person's character and fate through 12 animal signs, five elements and the balance of Yin and Yang.

An Ancient System Rooted in Astronomy

Although Chinese astrology is quite different from Indian Vedic astrology or Western astrology, all three traditions share some common roots. Chinese astrology divides people into 12 animal signs, known as Chinese Lunar Signs. This is similar to the zodiac used in Western astrology or the sun sign used in Indian astrology. (The word “zodiac” comes from the Greek word “zodiakos”, meaning “circle of animals”.)

Jupiter takes about 12 years to complete one orbit around the Sun. Chinese astrology divides a person's fate among 12 animal signs, also called Lunar Signs. Jupiter moves into a new animal sign each year, completing a full circle in 12 years. The animal sign that Jupiter is in during a given year gives that year its Chinese zodiac name.

The Twelve Chinese Lunar Signs

RatPeople born under the Rat sign are clever, energetic and talented.
OxPeople born under the Ox sign are calm, natural leaders, and trustworthy. They can be depended upon.
TigerPeople born under the Tiger sign can be unpredictable. They put strong energy into everything they do and are brave, passionate and honest.
RabbitPeople born under the Rabbit sign are soft-spoken and always ready with a smile. They are intelligent, hardworking, energetic, adaptable and always on the lookout for new opportunities.
DragonPeople born under the Dragon sign are gentle but excel in certain qualities. They are trustworthy, brave and strong.
SnakePeople born under the Snake sign are slow and steady, well-educated, knowledgeable and friendly, with refined tastes. However, they tend to be prone to worry.
HorsePeople born under the Horse sign are fun-loving, easygoing and likeable. They adapt easily to any environment, and they are energetic and loyal.
SheepPeople born under the Sheep sign are not the strongest communicators, but they are honest, gentle and calm. They prefer to avoid conflict and quarrels.
MonkeyPeople born under the Monkey sign are hardworking and energetic. They are smart, creative thinkers who often excel in exams and competitions. At times they can be self-centred, which may make it harder for them to keep close friendships.
RoosterPeople born under the Rooster sign often do well as artists, mathematicians or engineers, and can be trusted with long-term responsibilities. They are typically down-to-earth and friendly.
DogPeople born under the Dog sign are generally wise, talented, trustworthy, friendly and calm, though they can be argumentative over small matters.
PigPeople born under the Pig sign may not always seem the sharpest, but they are sociable, trustworthy, peaceful, hardworking and fun-loving.

Find the years, lucky numbers, colours and best matches for each sign on the Chinese Lunar Signs page.

The Five Elements

In Chinese astrology, five planets each correspond to one of the 5 Universal Elements:

WoodJupiter
FireMars
EarthSaturn
MetalVenus
WaterMercury

A person's Chinese zodiac animal is worked out from their year of birth. Each animal sign also has one of the 5 elements attached to it, and this animal-element combination repeats on a 60-year cycle (12 animals x 5 elements). For example, someone born in 1984 is a Wood Rat, and someone born in 1974 is a Wood Tiger. Together, the animal sign and element are the two main factors that shape a person's fate in Chinese astrology.

CycleHow it worksMeaning
Generating (Sheng)Wood feeds Fire → Fire makes Earth → Earth bears Metal → Metal carries Water → Water nourishes WoodElements that support and strengthen each other
Controlling (Ke)Wood parts Earth → Earth dams Water → Water puts out Fire → Fire melts Metal → Metal cuts WoodElements that restrain each other and keep balance

These two cycles explain why some people, partners or years feel naturally supportive while others bring tension. Read more about your universal element.

Yin and Yang

Chinese astrology uses the balance theory of Yin-Yang and the 5 Elements to understand a person's life and destiny. Yin and Yang are two opposite but complementary forces found throughout nature, and Chinese astrology reveals insights into a person's character, lifestyle and emotional makeup based on this balance.

YangActive, outgoing and bright: the sun, day, summer, fire. Years ending in an even number.
YinCalm, receptive and inward: the moon, night, winter, water. Years ending in an odd number.

The Four Pillars of Destiny

Popular Chinese astrology uses only the birth year. A full reading, called the Four Pillars of Destiny (Ba Zi, “eight characters”), looks at four parts of your birth, each with its own animal and element:

Year pillarYour ancestry, family background and how others see you.
Month pillarYour parents, upbringing and career path.
Day pillarYour true self and your marriage. Its element is your “Day Master”.
Hour pillarYour children, hopes and later life.

Chinese, Vedic and Western Astrology Compared

ChineseVedic (Indian)Western
BasisLunisolar calendarSidereal zodiac (fixed stars)Tropical zodiac (seasons)
Main signAnimal of the birth yearMoon sign (Rashi) and AscendantSun sign
Cycle12 years, 60 with elements12 signs, 27 nakshatras, dashas12 signs each year
Key ideasFive elements, Yin-YangPlanets, houses, yogas, dashasPlanets, houses, aspects

Curious how your Vedic chart compares? Get your free Vedic horoscope.

Frequently Asked Questions

How old is Chinese astrology?

Chinese astrology is an ancient system based on astronomy, dating back to around the 2nd century BC, and the zodiac cycle is traditionally traced to 2637 BC and the Emperor Huang Ti.

Is Chinese astrology based on the year only?

Popular Chinese astrology uses the birth year to find your animal sign and element. Full readings, called the Four Pillars of Destiny, also use the month, day and hour of birth.

What is the difference between Chinese and Vedic astrology?

Vedic astrology reads the positions of the planets in your birth chart in detail, while Chinese astrology centres on the animal sign, element and Yin-Yang of your birth year (and, in depth, month, day and hour).

Discover your own Chinese signYour free Chinese Astrology Complete Report: animal sign, element, lunar age and magic numbers.
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