Introduction to Chinese Astrology – What Their 12 Signs Mean

04 May Introduction to Chinese Astrology – What Their 12 Signs Mean

We all love tropical astrology (the zodiac system typically obeyed in the west), but the Chinese astrology can tell us just as much (or even more) about ourselves.

This astrological system follows the lunar calendar, which means that its signs are determined the years, unlike our system whose signs are determined by the months. In addition to that, in Chinese astrology, the moon repeats its cycles every 12 years, which means there are 12 signs as well (just like in tropical astrology.)

With that in mind, today we’ll take a closer look at all the 12 signs that make up Chinese astrology. But before we get to that section of the post, you need to understand something.

The lunar new year that determines the Chinese Zodiac does not have a fixed date like our New Year in the Gregorian Calendar (1^st of January). It may come as early as the second week of January or sometimes as late as the beginning of March. And yeah, these changes will affect the sign you’re supposed to identify with.

For instance, the sign for a group of people born in 1993 would be the Rooster – unless they were born earlier than 22^nd of January, which was the lunar New Year in 1993. In this case, then these people’s sign would be the Monkey, just like people born in 1992.

With that thorough introduction in mind, let us skip to the main section of the post.

The 12 Signs in Chinese Astrology

1. The rat (1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020)

Just like Aries, the 1^st sun sign of tropical astrology, Rats are natural leaders. One can easily read their self-assuredness as arrogance, but do not let it fool you. At the root of Rats’ core, they are intelligent and generous individuals who are just not afraid to let their ambitions show.

2. The Ox (1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021)

Just like their namesakes, Oxes are dependable, hardworking individuals. For that same reason, however, they can be extremely stubborn individuals.

3. The Tiger (1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022)

Tigers are primarily known for their bravery, even though they’re also known as one of the flashier signs in Chinese Astrology. What’s more? Tigers are charismatic individuals, which is why you’re likely to find them in leadership positions.

4. The Rabbit (1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023)

As one would expect, Rabbits are sharp-witted individuals. But do not expect them to misuse their smartness by starting a conflict. In fact, they hate conflict.

5. The Dragon (1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024)

Just as their mythic symbol suggests, Dragons are enigmatic people. But that does not mean that they’re completely impossible to interpret. It’s just that their tastes tend to change dramatically and quickly.

6. The Snake (1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025)

Their wisdom, overall sophistication, and perceptive nature add to Snakes’ strong personality, but they can also make fantastic friends as well. This can be attributed to their ability to look at situations objectively.

7. The Horse (1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026)

Horses are naturally sincere and charming, which makes them the most popular sign in Chinese astrology. That said, Horses are not social butterflies 100 percent of the time. Sometimes they love balancing their lives with some ample alone time.

8. The Goat (1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027)

Also known as the sheep, individuals born under this Chinese zodiac sign are renowned for their refinement and style. They’re also rarely stubborn and like moving through life with the utmost serenity.

9. The Monkey (1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028)

To put it simply, Monkeys are tireless – but in a good way. They also have an insatiable thirst for success, adventure, and knowledge.

10. The Rooster (1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029)

Roosters are straight shooters and they tend to expect the same practicality from the people around them. They’re also extremely trustworthy in their friendships and efficient in the workplace.

11. The Dog (1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030)

In Chinese astrology, dogs are as friendly as one would expect. They are true collaborators with a just and generous attitude. In addition to that, they’re loyal to a fault and boast a strong moral compass that they can never ignore.

12. The Pig (1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031)

Also known as Boar, the noble pig is not the most humble sign in Chinese astrology. But it’s quite generous, and most of the time even philanthropic. This makes it arguably the most respected sign in the Chinese Zodiac.