Chinese astrology
Chinese zodiac 12 animals, five elements and what your birth year says about you
The Chinese zodiac gives every year an animal and an element. Together they describe your character, the people you get on with and how each new year is likely to treat you. Find your animal to begin.
- Now: Fire Horse
- 12 animals
- 5 elements
- 60 signs
The Chinese zodiac: an introduction and short history
The Chinese zodiac (生肖, shēngxiào) gives each year one of twelve animals in a cycle that repeats every twelve years: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig. Combined with the five elements, it forms a 60-year cycle that has been used to count time in China for thousands of years.
Its roots lie in the twelve Earthly Branches (地支). Together with the ten Heavenly Stems, they were already used to count days on Shang dynasty oracle bones more than 3,000 years ago. The animals came later: bamboo texts from the 3rd century BCE pair the branches with animals, and by the 1st century CE the scholar Wang Chong listed the twelve animals much as we know them today.
Folk tradition explains their order with the legend of the Great Race, in which the Jade Emperor ranked the animals by the order they crossed a river. From China the zodiac spread across East and South-East Asia, with local twists such as the Cat in place of the Rabbit in Vietnam, and today it is celebrated around the world every Lunar New Year.
Timeline
- c. 1250 BCEShang dynasty oracle bones record days with the 60-day cycle of stems and branches.
- 3rd century BCEQin dynasty bamboo slips from Shuihudi link the twelve branches with animals.
- 1st century CEWang Chong's Lunheng (论衡) lists the twelve animals in their modern form.
- 618–907Tang dynasty tombs are guarded by sets of twelve zodiac animal figures.
- TodayThe zodiac is used across Asia, with local variations, and celebrated worldwide at Lunar New Year.
Find your Chinese zodiac animal
Choose your birth year. Each guide covers personality, the five element types, compatibility, career and lucky numbers.
Born in January or February? The Chinese zodiac year starts at Lunar New Year, not on 1 January, so check the exact dates above. If your birthday falls before Lunar New Year you belong to the previous year's sign. The Birth Destiny calculator works it out for you.
The five elements
Every year carries an element as well as an animal: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal or Water. Each rules two years in a row, so there are five types of every animal and 60 signs in all. A Fire Horse and a Water Horse share the same animal but have noticeably different characters.
This year and next
2025: Wood Snake
29 Jan 2025 – 16 Feb 2026
Last year. Generous, cooperative and growth-minded.
2026: Fire Horse
17 Feb 2026 – 5 Feb 2027
The current year. Passionate, bold and charismatic.
2027: Fire Goat
6 Feb 2027 – 25 Jan 2028
Coming next. Passionate, bold and charismatic.
Compatibility at a glance
Signs four years apart form four triangles of affinity. If your sign and someone else's are in the same group, you are natural allies.
Rat, Dragon, Monkey
Ambitious, energetic and quick to act. These three share drive and a love of big plans.
Tiger, Horse, Dog
Idealistic, independent and loyal. These three share courage and a need for freedom.
Rabbit, Goat, Pig
Gentle, artistic and kind. These three share empathy and a love of harmony.
How the Chinese zodiac works
The 12-year cycle
Each lunar year belongs to one of 12 animals, always in the same order, from the Rat to the Pig. Your animal is said to shape your temperament.
The 60-year cycle
Combine 12 animals with five elements in Yang and Yin pairs and you get 60 unique years. Turning 60 means completing a full cycle.
Lunar New Year
The zodiac year begins at Lunar New Year, between 21 January and 20 February, so early-year birthdays can belong to the previous sign.
Chinese zodiac questions, answered
What is the Chinese zodiac?
The Chinese zodiac, or shēngxiào, is a 12-year cycle in which each year is represented by an animal: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig. Each year also carries one of five elements.
What Chinese zodiac year is it now?
It is the Year of the Fire Horse, which runs from 17 Feb 2026 to 5 Feb 2027. It is followed by the Year of the Fire Goat.
How do I find my Chinese zodiac sign?
Your sign comes from your birth year in the lunar calendar. Find your year in the list of animals, and if you were born in January or February check whether your birthday falls before Lunar New Year.
What are the five elements?
Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water. Each rules two years in a row, so every animal has five types and the full cycle of 60 signs takes 60 years.
Find your sign in seconds
Enter your date of birth to see your Chinese zodiac animal and element, your star sign and your life path number.