You've probably heard of Chinese horoscope and the Chinese zodiac signs. Alongside Western astrology (you know, star sign dates, rising signs and moon signs etc), there’s a whole other astrological system at play in the world (specifically China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand): the Chinese zodiac. And it’s been around even longer - for well over 2,000 years.
Both the Western and Chinese zodiac systems have 12 ‘signs’ (at least the majority of which are animals). Each sign provides personality attributes for the person born under it, and both systems also refer to the elements. However, that’s where the parallels end.
2024's Chinese zodiac sign
On 10th February 2024, we move into the year of the Wood Dragon. The Dragon is the fifth animal in the Chinese zodiac and represents good luck, strength, charisma, and ambition. So, 2024 babies are expected to possess these traits!
Upcoming years will bring the year of the Snake on 29th January 2025, and the year of the Horse on 17th February 2026.
How does the Chinese zodiac work?
The animals of the Chinese zodiac are not associated with constellations in the sky. Its 12-part cycle corresponds to years rather than months (mirroring Jupiter’s cosmic path around the Sun, which takes 12 years), and the elemental aspect is used differently.
The Chinese New Year begins on the second New Moon after the Winter Solstice (this changes each year, so if you’re a January or February baby make sure you check which year you fall into) and each year comes under the influence of a different animal (see more on those below).
Origins of the Chinese zodiac system
One legend says that the origins of these animals’ selection came about because long ago, the Jade Emperor wanted to appoint 12 animals to be his guards. He sent an immortal being to Earth to spread the message, and put it out there that the earlier an animal got through the Heavenly Gate, the better rank it would receive.
So, the Earth’s animal kingdom embarked on a ‘race to the gate’- the first 12 were the first ‘knighted’. Rat was the smartest/fastest, and got there first. The rest came in the below order, and their stories kind of dictate the characteristics each are said to possess.
Since the Chinese zodiac cycle repeats every 12 years, it’s easy to figure out if it’s your year— just check if your age is a multiple of 12!
Chinese zodiac animals and signs
Rat
The rat won the Emperor’s race by using guile and wit - riding on the back of the ox and jumping off at the finish line - so people with this sign are perceived as insightful, shrewd, charming, persuasive.
Years of the rat: 1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020
Ox
The ox almost won the race but was outwitted. However second place is still a prize so not too shabby. Oxens are generous and determined, kind and strong, always there to do what needs doing with good grace.
Years of the Ox: 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021
Tiger
Tiger people are considered lucky. Perhaps we’d all like to be a rare, beautiful tiger and they KNOW IT, so there's a tinge of cockiness for sure, well as a flair for drama.
Years of the tiger: 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022
Rabbit
Many consider the rabbit the luckiest of the animals. Some think rabbit folk are almost too kind and sensitive for this world, but their elegant, peaceful, clever and caring nature helps them get along great in life.
Years of the rabbit: 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023
Dragon
Apparently many people in China want a dragon baby, so birth rates rise in those years! Dragon people are vital, charismatic, brave, bold, and powerful. Chinese culture reveres dragons so this figures.
Years of the dragon: 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024
Snake
Far from being an undesirable ally, the snake is seen as graceful, smart, shrewd, and charming. Snake people are wise beyond their years and can charm anyone they meet which is a potent super power.
Years of the snake: 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025
Horse
Horses are powerful animals, much loved allies to humans, and people born with this sign adopt the best horse-y traits: wildness, high energy, independence, enthusiasm. Horse people are natural leaders.
Years of the horse: 1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026
Goat
Goats are cautious, kind, and like to lead a quiet, simple life, sticking to the basics, keeping things on an even keel and not rocking any boats. Always hardworking, always doing the right thing. People like to be around the goat folk.
Years of the goat: 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027
Monkey
Literally the cheeky monkey of the pack, in perpetual high spirits and good humour, cracking jokes and running around on-the-go. A live wire. A character. A good time person!
Years of the monkey: 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028
Rooster
Roosters are enviable characters with a lot of self respect, confidence, discipline and strength. They like to look good, literally rooster-strutting, but they can back it all up too with their big, charismatic personality
Years of the rooster: 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029
Dog
Happily adopting all of the best qualities of man’s BFF- patience, loyalty, lovability, honesty and kindness. Everyone loves people born under this sign and they love ya right back, with bells on.
Years of the dog: 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030
Pig
Turns out nice guys do finish last - the pig came last in the Emperor’s race - because the pig is said to be one the nicest and happiest signs. Marked out by honesty and directness, they say what’s on their mind, but they’re so lovable and positive that no one minds.
Years of the pig: 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031
But your Chinese zodiac animal is not the only thing you need to know. Your birth year also corresponds to one of the five elements (metal, water, wood, fire, earth). In Chinese philosophy, these five elements are seen as the foundation of everything in the universe and all natural phenomena. They have their own characteristics, and which one you fall under determines your personality as well as your animal.
Finding your Chinese horoscope element
Discover your element by matching the last numeral in your year of birth to the element below:
0 or 1: Metal
2 or 3: Water
4 or 5: Wood
6 or 7: Fire
8 or 9: Earth
So, for example if you were born in 1990, your element is metal; if you were born in 1982, your element is water. To put it all together and discover your in-depth personality analysis, click here (all you need to provide is your birth date).
For your own unique and personal tarot forecast, visit Kerry's TarotBella page.
