The Chinese Zodiac, or Shengxiao, is an ancient calendar system in China and East Asia. It consists of twelve animals: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat (Sheep), Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. Each zodiac corresponds to one of the Earthly Branches.
Regarding the origin of the zodiac, the most widely circulated legends are 'The Yellow Emperor Selecting the Zodiac' and 'The Great Race'. Historical records show that the zodiac system took shape in the pre-Qin period and was fully established in the Han Dynasty. It is not just a simple way of recording years, but deeply integrated into Chinese philosophy, folklore, art, and numerology.
In modern times, the Chinese Zodiac remains a vital part of daily life. People check their daily horoscope and fortune cookie horoscope to guide their decisions. Whether you are interested in Chinese zodiac compatibility, such as Rat and Tiger compatibility or Ox and Tiger compatibility, or want to know your animal birthday signs and month birth animals, the zodiac offers profound insights. As we approach the Year of the Horse 2026, understanding these ancient symbols becomes even more relevant for predicting your annual fortune.
The Chinese calendar uses a 60-year cycle, known as the Sexagenary Cycle. It is formed by combining the 10 Heavenly Stems and 12 Earthly Branches. Each year corresponds to a specific Stem-Branch pair and a Zodiac animal.
| Rat | Ox | Tiger | Rabbit | Dragon | Snake | Horse | Goat | Monkey | Rooster | Dog | Pig |
|---|
| Jia-Zi | Yi-Chou | Bing-Yin | Ding-Mao | Wu-Chen | Ji-Si | Geng-Wu | Xin-Wei | Ren-Shen | Gui-You | Jia-Xu | Yi-Hai |
| Bing-Zi | Ding-Chou | Wu-Yin | Ji-Mao | Geng-Chen | Xin-Si | Ren-Wu | Gui-Wei | Jia-Shen | Yi-You | Bing-Xu | Ding-Hai |
| Wu-Zi | Ji-Chou | Geng-Yin | Xin-Mao | Ren-Chen | Gui-Si | Jia-Wu | Yi-Wei | Bing-Shen | Ding-You | Wu-Xu | Ji-Hai |
| Geng-Zi | Xin-Chou | Ren-Yin | Gui-Mao | Jia-Chen | Yi-Si | Bing-Wu | Ding-Wei | Wu-Shen | Ji-You | Geng-Xu | Xin-Hai |
| Ren-Zi | Gui-Chou | Jia-Yin | Yi-Mao | Bing-Chen | Ding-Si | Wu-Wu | Ji-Wei | Geng-Shen | Xin-You | Ren-Xu | Gui-Hai |
Each zodiac animal carries profound symbolic meaning and ancient wisdom. For example:
1. Rat: Wisdom and vitality.
2. Ox: Diligence and grounding.
3. Tiger: Power and courage.
4. Rabbit: Wit and peace.
5. Dragon: Nobility and success.
6. Snake: Mystery and wisdom.
7. Horse: Unrestrained and enterprising.
8. Goat: Purity and gentleness.
9. Monkey: Change and skill.
10. Rooster: Diligence and trustworthiness.
11. Dog: Responsibility and trust.
12. Pig: Easygoing and fortune.
What is my Zodiac Animal?
Your zodiac animal is determined by your birth year. The cycle repeats every 12 years: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat (Sheep), Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. Use our calculator to find your exact animal birthday sign and month birth animals.
Zodiac Compatibility
Chinese and zodiac compatibility is based on the interaction of elements and animals. For example, Rat and Tiger compatibility or Ox and Tiger compatibility varies based on their elemental nature. We analyze Triple Harmony and Six Harmony to find your perfect match.
2025 & 2026 Horoscope
Get ready for the future with our forecasts. Whether you are looking for horoscopes February 14 2025 or preparing for the Year of the Horse 2026, our daily, monthly, and annual predictions cover it all.
Elements & Fortune
Beyond the animals, the Chinese Zodiac elements calculator considers Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. Understanding your element (e.g., Wood Dog Chinese Zodiac) helps calculate your part of fortune and daily luck.