Chinese Astrology: Zodiac Animal Signs and Their Meanings

What Is a Chinese Astrology Chart?

The Chinese zodiac (known as Sheng Xiao or Shu Xiang) is a medium through which astrologers prepare a chart and use it to interpret an individual's personality and destiny. The system, based on a 12-year cycle, assigns an animal to each year in the cycle. An astrologer reading an individual's chart can determine many things about that person, including their outward personality, inner characteristics, compatibility with others—and their destiny.

While most people are familiar with the animal attached to their birth year, few know the more complex nature of this form of astrology. Identifying which animal corresponds to your year, month, and hour of birth will help you figure out why certain traits are exhibited outwardly while others are more internally manifested.

This article covers:

• Traits and characteristics usually linked to each Chinese calendar animal
• The meaning of your month, day, and hour animals
• How to interpret the placement of each of these animals on your zodiac chart

Chinese Zodiac Animals by Year

To be able to comprehend the entire system, it is imperative you first know the basic qualities and characteristics of each Chinese zodiac animal. Each of the 12 animals of the zodiac has unique characteristics setting it apart from the others. No one animal is superior to the others as they all have their own innate strengths and weaknesses.

To determine the animal that represents your birth year, check this chart of Chinese zodiac animals and associated years.

1. Rat

People born under a Rat sign display a quick wit when cornered. They are resourceful and easy to get along with. Their most endearing quality is their overt honesty. Yet, they are also opportunists, quickly taking advantage of an event or person in order to achieve their goal. This drive, combined with a strong sense of self-preservation, makes rats survivors. Rats are best friends and lovers with a Monkey and a Dragon but anathema to a Goat, Horse or Snake.

2. Ox

Those affiliated with the Ox are conscientious, diligent, strong and steadfast in both their work and personal lives. They are calm but stubborn. They tend to become great leaders because of their solid work ethic and industrious approach to life in general. As traditionalists, they gain support and respect. However, their ability to be close-minded on several topics can result in alienation from many people. Oxen are compatible with the Rooster and Snake but should avoid entanglements of any kind with the Horse, the Goat or the Monkey.

3. Tiger

People born under the sign of the Tiger are generally daring and adventurous—willing to take risks and put themselves out there. With this confident, overt nature, Tigers are often socially engaging and popular at parties. On the flip side, however, their confidence can sometimes get out of hand, leading them to make impulsive, sometimes faulty, decisions. Those with a sign of the Tiger will need to watch their tendencies to act too quickly or to be too reactive in emotionally charged situations. When able to channel their confidence and magnetism into positive pursuits, Tigers can create a very meaningful life for themselves. They are best suited as partners with the Horse and the Dog but need to avoid relationships of any type with the Goat, the Monkey and the Rooster.

4. Rabbit

Following the bold and brash Tiger is the Rabbit—opposite in many ways. Those born under the sign of the Rabbit are much quieter and good-natured than their predecessor in the zodiac. Rabbits have a reputation for being gentle, calm, quiet and discreet. They hate arguments and avoid conflict, sometimes to their own detriment. They display style and finesse but are often too quiet and appear aloof. When Rabbits connect successfully with others, it is usually with the Goat and the Pig and almost never with the Monkey, the Rooster and the Dog.

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5. Dragon

People born with the sign of the Dragon are strong and fearless personalities. They are colourful, vibrant and assertive. Dragons are active. Couple this with a high degree of intelligence, and you have one of the most powerful animals in the Chinese zodiac. They are excellent leaders provided they can keep their pride and ego in check. They are most compatible with the Rat and the Monkey but pair poorly with the Rooster, the Dog and the Pig.

6. Snake

The Snake is one of the more mysterious animal signs of the Chinese zodiac. People who fall under this sign are intuitive and intelligent yet calm and quiet. Their reticence can make them hard to get to know, especially since their reserved demeanour often masks a mind going a mile a minute. Because they are smart and deep thinking, they are good in a crisis and are able to step back and consider workable solutions. As determined and smart individuals, Snakes are almost always successful in the work they undertake. Their best choices for mates and close friends are the Rooster and the Ox. They need to steer clear of the Dog, the Pig and the Rat.

7. Horse

People born under this sign are lively and vibrant personalities. As a result, they tend to be popular with co-workers, friends and acquaintances. Horses are also energetic, optimistic and practical. They are both capable and inquisitive. Their ideal mates and friends are those who are Dogs or Tigers. They need to avoid those born as a Pig, a Rat or an Ox.

8. Goat

Following the Horse in the Chinese zodiac is its energetic opposite—the Goat. Goats are known for being quiet, reserved and unemotional. An ambitious and determined individual, the Goat is realistic in their goals. Goats are also patient and practical, making them capable of reaching their goals in their own time. Within this sign, common sense prevails. Goats tend to do best with the Rabbit and the Pig. They are not suitable for long-term relationships with the Rat, the Ox and the Tiger.

9. Monkey

People born under the sign of the Monkey are lively yet mercenary. They are opportunistic but companionable. Monkeys are usually successful in their ventures. This is the result of a combination of confidence (which can overreach itself) and the ability to utilize deviousness when necessary. Since Monkeys tend to be fickle, self-centred and insincere, they do not make the most reliable or faithful companions. They do best with the Dragon and the Rat but cause distress when with the Ox, the Tiger and the Rabbit.

10. Rooster

The Rooster is very talkative but moody. Roosters are vain, extravagant and outgoing. Unless they work with others, they rarely achieve success in their endeavours. Handsome and dignified, Roosters find happiness and success with the Snake and the Ox, but are unable to be successful or happy with the Tiger, the Rabbit and the Dragon.

11. Dog

In the Chinese zodiac, the Dog is perceived similarly to how it is perceived in Western culture, with loyalty being this animal's primary trait. People born under a Dog sign are patient, caring, reliable and protective. They make excellent friends, co-workers, employees, and partners because they are earnest and committed in all of their relationships. As sincere and intelligent individuals, they make worthy leaders. While compatible with the Horse and the Tiger, Dogs need to not become serious about anyone who is a Rabbit, a Dragon or a Snake.

12. Pig

The pig is the last sign in the Chinese zodiac, and it is a well-balanced sign. Those influenced by the Pig are often hard-working and goal-driven, but they are also able to kick back and relax or indulge their needs. Sometimes materialistic in their needs, and they are fortunate in their ability to handle money. They are lucky in finances and friendships. Cultured and intelligent, Pigs find their best matches with the Goat and the Rabbit but not the Dragon, the Snake and the Horse.

Meanings of Month, Day, and Hour Animals

These animals comprise the basis for the Chinese zodiac system. In the Ba Zi or the Four Pillars of Destiny method, the 12 animals are not only representatives of the year of one's birth, but they also correspond to the exact month, day and hour.

Animals by Month

The chart above shows the signs attached to each month of the year. There are twelve animals. The animal associated with each month represents internal characteristics that you may not show as openly to the world. Therefore, it is unsurprising that month animals are called “Inner Animals” since they represent one's innermost self.

Carefully consider the month of your animal. During this time, s/he becomes the most active. As such, it is a favourable month for you, and the characteristics associated with your animal sign will become more obvious to others.