When you think of astrology, you most likely think of the zodiac signs: Aries, Pisces, Libra, Sagittarius… but that’s not the only astrology that exists, did you know? That’s why today we’re presenting a beginner’s guide to Chinese astrology.
Chinese Astrology: What is it?
The signs we are used to dealing with are the Sun signs. Western astrology is based on this calendar. On the other hand, Chinese astrology is based on the lunar calendar – in fact, this is why the Chinese New Year takes place on a different date than January 1st, as it follows a different dating system.
But there is a similarity between the two astrologies: the one of Chinese origin also has twelve signs, each representing a different animal. Here, the turn of the year happens between the end of January and the beginning of February, and a new sign begins to govern and dictate the energy of the following months.
Legend says that the order of the Chinese astrology zodiac signs is related to the legend of Buddha’s departure. According to the story, when they heard the news that Buddha had left Earth, the animals rushed to say goodbye. First in line was the Rat, then the Ox, the Tiger, the Rabbit, the Dragon, the Snake, the Horse, the Monkey, the Sheep, the Rooster, the Dog, and finally, the Pig. As a thank you for their kindness, Buddha gave each of the animals a year in the lunar calendar.
The year, day, and time of your birth are connected to one of these signs and their related characteristics. This combination is what defines your Chinese astrological chart.
Chinese Astrological Ascendant
Do you know your birth time ? Now is the time to look at your birth certificate to find out which astrology zodiac sign corresponds to the time you were born:
- 11 pm to 1 am — hours controlled by the Rat
- 1 am to 3 am — hours controlled by the Ox
- 3 am to 5 am — hours controlled by the Tiger
- 5 am to 7 am — hours controlled by the Rabbit
- 7 am to 9 am — hours ruled by the Dragon
- 9 am to 11 am — hours controlled by Cobra
- 11 am to 1 pm — hours ruled by the Horse
- 1 pm to 3 pm — hours controlled by the Sheep
- 3 pm to 5 pm — hours controlled by the Monkey
- 5 pm to 7 pm — hours controlled by Rooster
- 7 pm to 9 pm — hours controlled by the Dog
- 9 pm to 11 pm — hours commanded by the Pig
Lunar and Solar Signs
The lunar and solar signs relate to the day of the month you were born.
- 1st – Rat: Sagittarius, November 22 – December 21
- 2nd – Ox: Capricorn, December 22 – January 20
- 3rd – Tiger: Aquarius, January 21 – February 19
- 4th – Rabbit: Pisces, February 20 – March 20
- 5th – Dragon: Aries, March 21 – April 19
- 6th – Snake: Taurus, April 20 – May 20
- 7th – Horse: Gemini, May 21 – June 21
- 8th – Sheep: Cancer, June 22 – July 21
- 9th – Monkey: Lion, July 22 – August 21
- 10th – Rooster: Virgo, August 22 – September 22
- 11th – Dog: Libra, September 23 – October 22
- 12th – Pig: Scorpion, October 23 – November 21
Annual Chinese Astrology Zodiac Signs and Their Characteristics:
Rat: 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020
The Rat is known for its charm and creativity. Honest and always very curious, those born in the Year of the Rat have a habit of constantly learning and staying well-informed. They do this through hard work and networking – which happens almost effortlessly. Planners, they love to help those close to them, but need to be constantly reminded to take care of their own needs and desires.
Ox: 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021
The Ox symbolizes honesty and good character. Hardworking and always very focused, the Ox likes order and takes pleasure in building a good routine. Despite having a very good sense of justice, it is difficult to change its mind once its opinion is made up. The Ox is someone who avoids drama as much as possible, but ironically is the perfect animal to bring peace to discussions between friends.
Tiger: 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022
Charismatic and deeply passionate, the Tiger is famous for attracting attention. This is a sign that is fully committed to love, friendships, and social causes. For better or for worse, the Tiger lets its intuition guide it, embarking on spontaneous adventures without a second thought. This sign is not the type to dwell on the past or torment itself over mistakes, whether big or small – on the contrary, they inspire others to be bolder.
Rabbit: 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023
The Rabbit is the type of person who loves art, beautiful things, and taking time to reflect. Furthermore, it’s the sign that likes to remind others how to enjoy life. Classically an introverted animal, the Rabbit seeks beautiful and quiet places to reflect and recharge. A natural diplomat, it’s difficult to read the polished and graceful actions of people born under the Rabbit sign unless you’ve known them for a long time.
Dragon: 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024
The Dragon is legendary and famous for its energy and courage. With a strong will and strong opinions, this animal is a magnet for its friends and admirers. Purpose is the driving force of the Dragon person, and once they have a plan, they cannot change course until they accomplish it.
Snake: 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025
A master of intuition and strategy, the Snake has an almost magical way of figuring things out when it’s switched on. It’s usually difficult for an outsider to understand them, and Snake individuals love to project this air of mystery onto others. The Snake loves being different and often surprises people with quite surprising fashion choices and controversial opinions.
Horse: 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026
The Horse is the most adventurous sign of the Chinese astrology zodiac. With a wild heart and boundless energy, the Horse feels at peace in nature or exploring new territories. The Horse loves to take risks and is very confident, keeping friends and admirers always wondering what their next steps will be. This is a sign that learns by doing and doesn’t accept unsolicited opinions – or any opinion, for that matter.
Goat: 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027
The Goat sign is famous for its generous spirit. They are the type of friend or relative who is very empathetic, so much so that they need to be careful not to come across as too trustworthy or too easily committed. Creative, emotional, and known for their unwavering support of those around them, Sheep are blessed with a large circle of friends or family to lean on. Although they don’t seek confrontation or disputes, they are incredible fighters when challenged.
Monkey: 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028
The Monkey’s creative mind and entrepreneurial spirit are unique, often winning over or intimidating their opponents. A lover of challenges and fun, the Monkey has no problem finding the resources needed to do what they need or to entertain themselves. The Monkey’s ambitious spirit and audacious nature make it difficult for them to think long-term, as well as to hold their tongue and not speak more than necessary.
Rooster: 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029
The Rooster is direct – and has no problem admitting it. Whether conservative or liberal, introverted or extroverted, a person born under the Rooster sign commands everyone’s attention when they speak, precisely because of their self-awareness.
Dog: 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030
People born in the Year of the Dog are honest and clever, and have a strong and admirable character. The Dog is a connector of people, often serving as the glue that holds a group of people together. Their sense of justice and spirituality are incredible, and their priority is to surround themselves with people who meet their high expectations.
Pig: 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031
Last but not least, the Pig is a vibrant force that easily connects people from the most varied backgrounds. Naturally, this is a sign whose welcoming sense of humor and generous spirit attract new friendships, romance, and adventure. The Pig will do its best to remain moderate in the face of so many temptations and interesting opportunities at its disposal.
Jing
12/10/2025 at 10:16 PM
My grandma was super into Chinese astrology and got me hooked years ago—she swore by it more than Western signs. I’m a Dragon (born 1988), and she always said it explained my big personality and why I chase ambitious projects but sometimes crash hard. Last year during my Tiger year, everything felt chaotic with career shifts, just like she predicted Dragons thrive in challenge years. Now that I’m in my Rabbit year, things have calmed down—better relationships, more stability. It’s not scientific, but tracking the cycles with her old almanac has become this comforting family tradition that actually helps me reflect on life’s ups and downs.
Alex
12/10/2025 at 10:33 PM
My mom introduced me to Chinese astrology when I was a kid, and being a Monkey (1992) totally tracks with my playful, clever side—she’d laugh about how Monkeys are “quick-witted troublemakers.” During my recent Rooster year, I felt that sharp focus kick in at work, landing a promotion after hustling through some tough projects. But yeah, the warnings about overthinking hit home too—I had to remind myself not to second-guess every decision. It’s become my go-to for yearly check-ins, way more nuanced than just sun signs, and honestly helps me prep mentally for what the stars (or zodiac animals) have in store.
Amber Valdez
12/10/2025 at 10:52 PM
Just got into Chinese Astrology as a total beginner after my cousin dragged me to a zodiac reading party, and wow—it’s way deeper than I expected. I’m a Rat (born 1984), and the guide explained how Rats are resourceful survivors but can be anxious overthinkers, which nailed my personality perfectly. Started with the basics like the 12 animals, five elements, and lucky colors, and now I’m using it to plan my year—apparently 2025 (Snake year) is great for career moves for Rats if I stay patient. It’s fun and surprisingly practical for self-reflection, especially compared to quick Western horoscopes. Highly recommend starting with a simple animal/year chart!
Ashlee Armstrong
12/11/2025 at 1:17 AM
My aunt is obsessed with Chinese astrology, and she got me reading my chart last family gathering—turns out I’m an Ox (born 1997), which explains my patient, hardworking vibe but also why I hate sudden changes. During my last Pig year, relationships flowed easily just like she said Oxes thrive in those cycles, but now in Snake year, I’m focusing on inner growth and career strategy. It’s not fortune-telling for me, more like a cultural lens for timing life moves—super grounding compared to daily Western horoscopes.
Triston Sampson
12/11/2025 at 1:47 AM
Just started dipping my toes into Chinese astrology as a complete newbie after finding an old family calendar from my parents’ hometown—I’m a Horse (born 1990), and it blew my mind how it described my restless energy and love for freedom. The beginner guides made it simple: 12 animals, elements like wood or fire, and how years cycle with compatibility. Last year was my Sheep cycle, and sure enough, I felt more chill and creative than usual. It’s clicking for me as a fun way to reflect without overcomplicating things—definitely easier entry than full natal charts!
Julia
12/11/2025 at 3:40 AM
My uncle swears by Chinese astrology—he’s a Rooster (born 1969) and uses it to time everything from business deals to family weddings. Last Dragon year, he warned me (a Rabbit) it might bring shake-ups, and sure enough, I switched careers right on cue. It’s become our thing now; we compare yearly forecasts over dim sum, and while I don’t live by it, the animal traits and element cycles give spot-on insights into why people act certain ways. Feels more like ancient wisdom than horoscopes—practical for navigating relationships and timing big moves.