Your Chinese zodiac sign is mainly determined by your year of birth, but there is a crucial detail that many people overlook. The Chinese zodiac year does not start on the 1st of January. It shifts with the Lunar New Year, which usually falls between late January and mid-February.This means a person born in January may actually be of the animal sign of the previous year.The Chinese zodiac follows a 12-year cycle of animals: the Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig. Traditionally, each animal is associated with certain personality traits, strengths and life patterns.Here’s an easy way to find yours.
Rat: 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020.
People born in the Year of the Rat are traditionally said to be clever, observant and resourceful. They tend to spot opportunities before others and are quick to change when the circumstances change.Rat personalities may also be prudent about money and personal security. They want to have options, not to be stuck in one fixed situation.
Ox: 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021
The Ox stands for patience, discipline and dependability.Ox people may not be the first to jump into decisions, but when they do, they usually stick with it. They choose slow but steady progress over risky shortcuts.They may struggle by being too fixed in their views or by sticking to an old plan longer than is needed.
Tiger: 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022
The Tiger year is associated with courage, independence and a strong personal drive.Usually, tiger types don’t like to be too controlled. They may be willing to take risks that others would avoid.They can be good leaders because they are confident, but impatience or sometimes doing things too quickly can cause unnecessary problems.
Rabbit 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023
Rabbit people are traditionally associated with diplomacy, sensitivity, and social awareness.They may prefer peace and are often sensitive to subtle changes in mood around them.Rather than confronting every problem head-on, they may use timing, tact and careful communication.
Dragon 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024
The Dragon is one of the most popular signs in Chinese astrology.People born in the years of the Dragon are usually ambitious, confident, charismatic and have big goals.They’re naturally bigger thinkers, but expectations can run high. Sometimes it’s just as important to know when to back off as when to go for it.
Snake: 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025
Snake personalities are often described as strategic, secretive and intuitive.They might want to see what’s going on before they show their true motives. It is natural to research, plan and understand the hidden details.When they are concentrating hard, they can look cool on the outside.
Horse: 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026
Horse years are linked with freedom, movement and independence.Horse people are happiest when life is varied, and they can make their own choices. They don’t like to feel constrained.They can go a long way with their enthusiasm, but when the fun starts to fade, consistency may become crucial.
Goat: 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027
The Goat is traditionally associated with creativity, compassion and emotional sensibility.Those born under this sign may be attracted to comfort, beauty and supportive relationships.They tend to work best in places where cooperation is prized above competition.
Monkey: 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028
Monkey people are thought to be intelligent, curious and flexible.They may have weird ways of solving problems and get bored with repetitive routines.Good communication and smart thinking can be big strengths though they may have to avoid constantly changing direction.
Rooster: 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029
Roosters are traditionally known for being organised, confident and detail-oriented.They may have high standards for themselves and others.When this energy is in balance, it can create powerful discipline. Taken too far it can become needless criticism or perfectionism.
Dog: 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030
The Dog is the symbol of loyalty, honesty and responsibility.Fairness and trust are things dog people may care a lot about. Once they see someone as being important, they can be very protective.If loyalty is not reciprocated in the same way they may be in trouble.
Pig: 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031
Pig years are associated with generosity, sincerity and enjoying life.This is a sign that may value good relationships, comfort and emotional warmth.They can be trusting, so learning where to set boundaries may become important.
The importance of your exact birth date
If you were born in January or early February, don’t rely by the calendar year alone. First, find the Lunar New Year date for the year you were born.Chinese astrology also contains the five elements – Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water. This means that two people with the same animal sign can still express themselves in different ways.Your animal provides the broad pattern. The finer points are the exact birth year and the element.