The Chinese zodiac is often confused with Western sun-sign astrology. They are completely different systems.
The 12 animals
Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, Pig. Each year is associated with one animal — your animal is the year of birth.
The five elements
Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water. Each animal pairs with an element across a 60-year cycle, giving 60 unique combinations.
The four pillars
Serious Chinese astrology uses not just the year but year, month, day and hour — the four pillars. It is a full birth chart, not just an animal.
How to use it
Sun-sign-style annual horoscopes by animal are entertainment, not the real system. For depth, learn the four pillars or BaZi.
