Horoscope 2024: Annual astrological prediction for each zodiac
Use The Chinese Zodiac: Find Out The Best Matches For Life And Love For The Dog Sign
Whether you were born during the Year of the Dog or have a special Dog in your life, you're probably here because you want to know what Dogs are like in relationships. (Reminder: Dogs are persons born in 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006 and 2018.) Who are Dog's best matches? Who are Dog's worst matches? Here's your guide to all things Dog compatibility.
About the AstrologerJaime Wright pens moon missives, an ever-evolving astrology writing project that began in 2016. First as an email zine (2016-17); then a quarterly astro journal (2017-18); occasionally an intermittent horoscope download (2018-21); and now a weekly astro-cultural newsletter (2021-present). She also writes a weekly and monthly horoscope column for PureWow, hosts the good fortune!Podcast, and is the house astrologer for Jovian, and Errands.
A Quick Refresher on the Chinese Zodiac Signs and Finding Your SignYou probably know that the Chinese zodiac is a 12-year continuous cycle based on the lunar calendar. This cycle renews at the Lunar New Year or Spring Festival every late January or early February, marking the transition from one animal sign to the next.
Chinese Zodiac Compatibility: The Best Love Matches for the 12 Animals
The Chinese Zodiac Signs: What's the Year of the Dog Personality?Dogs are man's best friend, and those born during the Year of the Dog live up to that reputation. Dogs are known for their affable, loyal and fun-loving personalities. You want a BFF? Find a Dog. Dogs will always be your biggest cheerleader, but they also need a lot of encouragement. Dogs prefer to work on a team rather than truly take the lead. But don't let that make you think Dogs don't have star power too! Some famous Dogs include Madonna, Queen Latifah and Justin Bieber. Dogs are reliable and protective, but also are quite frank and aren't afraid to speak their mind. Even tough love from a Dog feels supportive, and once you're in with a Dog, you're in for life.
What Are Dogs Like in Love?Dogs are as loyal and protective in love as they are in friendships. If they're into you, you'll know it. Dogs don't lie or play games. However, the Dog weaknesses include impatience and emotional turbulence. When Dogs aren't emotionally mature, they can act out or become listless in relationships. That all being said though, Dogs are usually quite careful when choosing prospective mates, preferring to start as friends or be introduced through their community. A Dog's slow approach helps them be luckier than most in love.
Who Is Most Compatible with a Dog?A cheat sheet for compatibility in the zodiac is something called "triangles of affinity." These are four groups of three signs who are most compatible with each other based on their temperament and other elemental qualities. Dogs are most compatible with their fellow "quick wits": Tigers, Horses, and other Dogs.
Beyond the animal sign, compatibility can also depend on the element year you were born in (find yours here). Though Dog and Ox might not be the most obvious match, Dogs born in 1994 and Oxen born in 1985 share a Wood element, and thus have more in common than these two signs normally would.
Here's a more detailed look at how the Dog interacts with each sign of the Chinese zodiac:
• Dog and Tiger - 10/10Dog and Tiger are a match made in heaven. Dog brings a noteworthy lack of ego to any relationship while Tiger brings a "protect them at all costs" energy. Both are extremely loyal partners, and while they're super supportive, they also both have a keen sense of right and wrong. Together, these two create their own utopia of kindness, a place where many would want to live.
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• Dog and Horse - 10/10Dog and Horse are both straight-forward and frank. (That's dog sign Queen Latifah with her longtime partner Eboni Nichols, born in the year of the horse.) There's no guessing game with these two. All feelings are immediately on the table, and communication just flows. Being extremely loyal, Dog can convince the more freedom-oriented Horse to settle down. Dog in turn is inspired by Horse's outgoing personality. Together, these two are charming and tender, and love a warm, cozy home.
• Dog and Rabbit - 9/10Dog and Rabbit are another awesome couple. The more introverted Dog is attracted to the Rabbit's playful charisma. Dogs take things seriously while Rabbits have a more whimsical view on life. Together, Dog and Rabbit build relationships based on honesty and mutual attraction. One thing that could get in their way is that the Dog, who is in awe of Rabbit's joie de vivre, may not realize how insecure Rabbit can be. Dog's steadfast loyalty is what lets Rabbit know this relationship is a safe space.
• Dog and Pig - 8/10Pigs are as honest as Dogs are loyal and together these two make a great match. Both are optimistic and genuine, always willing to cheer each other on. The only way these two might clash is being too alike. They say a little conflict keeps romance alive, but these two will rarely, if ever, fight.
• Dog and Monkey - 8/10Dog and Monkey are both extroverts who bring joy and excitement to life. These two aren't just a great romantic match, they also make wonderful friends and business partners. Life is a party when these two get together! The only issue that comes up between them is that the Monkey is sometimes a bit too friendly and can inspire jealousy in the steadfast Dog.
• Dog and Goat - 7/10Dog and Goat is a lovely match of two honest and trustworthy individuals. Both Dog and Goat have a reputation for being everyone's friend, and so even if they don't end up making it romantically, they'll probably remain in each other's lives. These two only lose points for lacking an initial spark as both are so easygoing, their attraction often fizzles before it starts.
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• Dog and Rat - 7/10Dog and Rat (for instance, the dog-and-rat combo of Justin and Hailey Bieber) are an unlikely but interesting pair. Rats are scrappy and used to hustling to get what they want in life. It's disarming for them to meet a loyal Dog who loves easily and openly. Rats aren't used to having a cheerleader! If these two can learn to relax and trust each other, they make a great match.
• Dog and Snake - 6/10The sneaky Snake and eager Dog aren't the most obvious couple, but definitely have a lot to offer each other. While the Dog can be loud and extroverted, the more introverted Snake catches Dog's eye with their wit and intelligence. These two run into trouble when it comes to the Snake's jealousy. The Dog is a friend to everyone and the Snake really doesn't like to share.
• Dog and Ox - 3/10The fun-loving Dog and workhorse Ox aren't a great match. Though they initially come together in an opposites-attract kind of way, it's very hard for these two to get past their differences. The Dog can't believe that the Ox really thinks it's necessary to work that much, and the Ox wishes the Dog would take life more seriously.
Stephane Cardinale - Corbis / Getty Images
• Dog and Rooster - 3/10Roosters are as critical as Dogs are loyal which is why these two make a difficult and unlikely match. (Celeb alert: Madonna is a dog sign, and she's had her reported boyfriend, footballer/boxer Josh Popper, on stage in her recent world tour. Born in 1993, he's a rooster in Chinese astrology.) Both partners can be quite feisty so when arguments come up, neither backs down. Of course, there are exceptions to the rule, but it takes a special kind of understanding for a Dog and Rooster to make it as a couple.
• Dog and Dragon - 2/10Dragon and Dog aren't an ideal match. Dogs are known for being loyal and popular, and their humble attitude doesn't usually flag the attention of bombastic Dragons. The Dragon thinks the Dog is dull, and the Dog finds the Dragon condescending. Overall, these two don't have a lot in common and mute each other's otherwise warm personalities.
2024 Is the Year of the Dragon: Here's What That Means
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What Is Your Chinese Zodiac Element? Find Out The Meaning Behind The Five Different Elements And What They Reveal
The Chinese zodiac has fascinated people for millennia with what your birth year says about your personality and path. But there's a deeper layer embedded within the zodiac that provides even richer insight—your Chinese element.
As Chinese Astrology expert and author of The Chinese Five Elements Oracle: A 60-Card Deck and Guidebook, Vicki Iskandar explains, "Everything in life is a manifestation of one of these five elements—whether it's the time of year, a mood, a taste, a thing, an emotion or an action. The five elements are the foundation of not only Chinese metaphysics, which includes astrology and feng shui but also traditional Chinese medicine."
Discovering your element opens up deeper self-knowledge and even health implications.
Related: 6 Chinese New Year Traditions for the Year of the Dragon
What's the Origin of the Chinese Zodiac Elements?The five elements of Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water originated conceptually in Chinese philosophy and cosmology long before the 12 zodiac animals emerged. According to Maria Hayes, founder of Trusted Astrology, "Identified as fire, water, earth, wood and metal, these five elements represent the balance and interconnectedness of the universe. Deeply rooted in Taoism, the concept of harmony is hinged on these five elements."
They symbolize fundamental phases and forces of change in the physical and human realms.
Related: When Is Chinese New Year 2024? The History of Chinese New Year, Chinese New Year Traditions
What Do the Chinese Zodiac Elements Mean?Beyond seasonal and symbolic associations, your element shapes reputation and expectations:
FireThe Fire element erupts with symbolic themes of heat, light and kinetic energy. As Hayes puts it, "Like the burning flames, it symbolizes change, passion and pure energy."
Yet it also radiates "love and warmth," she says, "just like how a fireplace can provide comfort on a chilly night."
Iskandar adds to this fiery profile by connecting Fire to "the sun, the heart, the color red" and the vibrancy of summer. For her, "Fire energy radiates outward, like sunlight" and epitomizes "joy, the key to a higher vibration."
Together, these insights cast those of the Fire element as dynamic sources of illumination who must mind the fine line between transforming and combusting.
WaterThe Water element flows with symbolic undertones of winter's introspection and fluid wisdom. As Iskandar characterizes it, Water is "the element of winter, the most Yin time of the year" where receptive energy prevails. She links it to "darkness, the color black and the planet Mercury," describing Water as granting inward access to "wisdom" when balanced.
Yet, she cautions, "An imbalance of Water can bring excessive fear."
Hayes conveys consistency in noting Water also signifies "adaptability and intuitiveness" with the pooling presence of "a flowing river."
Water element holders themselves reciprocate as "perceptive, resourceful, and diplomatic," she says. But they risk a reliance on reflection over action. Together, these insights warn those aligned with the Water element to temper their depths with some serious decisiveness.
WoodThe Wood element conjures images of sky-high trees and grounded roots, encapsulating the themes of seasonal renewal and steadfast strength. As Hayes describes, "Like an immovable trunk, it symbolizes rootedness, growth and strength. It also incorporates a sense of flexibility and warmth, just like how branches can resist winds and provide shades."
This enduring yet adaptive nature means those with the Wood element are seen as "grounded, compassionate, and humble, yet driven and hungry for growth," she adds.
Iskandar echoes Wood's alignment with "new beginnings, creativity and a higher vision," associated as it is with the burgeoning spring season. But she cautions that its "upward energy" also connects it to the emotion of anger when out of balance.
Together, these experts paint a picture of the Wood element (and those who bear it astrologically) as blending visionary growth with principled tenacity. Yet without proper care, anger may take root instead of new life. Discovering your elemental alignment will help you grow into the person you're meant to be.
EarthContrasting understandings of the Earth element nonetheless cohere around themes of stability and support. Hayes focuses on Earth's practical aspects, as "represented by the ground, it symbolizes stability and nourishment" with an orientation toward "practicality, patience, dependability." Accordingly, those bearing this element tend to be "responsible, realistic and loyal," in her words.
Iskandar also roots Earth in transitional "grounding" energy that keeps "centering" at the "center" between seasons and extremes. For her, Earth constitutes an element of "peace" for "helping us transition from one season to another."
Both views recognize nurturing, conscientious realism in the Earth element.
MetalDiverging takes on the Metal element meet on its symbolic resonance with purpose and resolve. "Metal is the element of fall," links Iskandar, where its energy crystallizes into precious form. She calls Metal energy deeply "misunderstood," harboring hidden capacity for "self-reflection that connects us to the spirit within."
But when imbalanced, Metal also connects to the emotion "grief," she says.
Hayes focuses more externally on Metal's sheer "determination and unbreakable will" that can seem rigidly stubborn. To her, disciplined Metal types uphold their "duty" with "very disciplined" commitment which nevertheless risks isolating effects without flexibility.
Both interpretations signal steely persistence pounds or polishes depending on balance—illuminating why those aligned with unyielding Metal energy sometimes struggle with adaptation.
Related: Chinese New Year Wishes and Greetings
How Do I Find My Chinese Zodiac Element?Discovering your Chinese zodiac element is easy. Just match the last digit of your birth year to the corresponding element:
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 1982, your element would be Water. If you were born in 1991, your element would be Metal.
However, if you were born in January or February, you'll need to check a lunar calendar for the accurate year translation, since the Lunar New Year falls around that time and you might have a different year in that case.
So, 2024 is not just the Year of the Dragon—it's the Year of the Wood Dragon.
Related: You've Heard of Zodiac Signs and Angel Numbers, but What's a 'Life Path Number'? Here's Everything You Need To Know
What Zodiac Elements Go Together?Beyond individual traits, the five elements interact with each other in cycles of creation and destruction. Each one either empowers, overpowers or mutually balances another.
Fire fuels Wood, so they have an empowering relationship
Fire burns Earth into ash and nurtures it, so they balance each other
Earth is the source of Metal, so they have a creative relationship
When Metal condenses, it produces Water, so they gather and enhance each other
Water in turn nourishes Wood, so they encourage each other
But the elements can also check, control and conflict:
Wood's roots penetrate Earth, so tension arises
Earth shapes Water, so domination crops up
Water extinguishes Fire, so one overshadows the other
Fire melts Metal, so they profoundly influence each other
Metal chops Wood, so they often clash
Certain zodiac pairings have natural affinity while others represent growth opportunities. Either way, whether you vibe or provide a counterbalance, your Chinese zodiac alignment offers timeless wisdom and perspective about yourself and relationships.
Next: Here's Exactly What Your Month's Birthstone Says About Your Personality
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Chinese Zodiac 101: The Year Of The Dragon
Aside from the food and red envelopes, the Lunar New Year also marks a new beginning for another zodiac and shuffles expectations for 2024
The Chinese zodiac is a part of Chinese astrology, much like Western horoscopes. It involves the time of your birth and the alignment of stars and elements, including metal, wood, water, fire and earth. In addition, a person's birth year, "Ben Ming Nian," and "Tai Sui," the Guardian of the Year, can favor or hinder a zodiac sign. With that, the Chinese zodiac has evolved into a fairly complex system.
However, the story of the origins of the zodiac animals is far less complicated, and the attributes of each animal remain relatively the same.
The origin of the Chinese Zodiac animals
The myth starts with the Jade Emperor summoning all animals to compete in a race. The first 12 that cross the finish line will feature in the 12-year cycle in the order it finished the race.
At the race, the cat and the rat reached the river but they were both bad swimmers. So they asked the ox to carry them across. Being kind, the ox agreed.
While crossing the river, however, the rat pushed the cat into the water because it wanted to win so badly. The cat never finished the race to make it on the zodiac and cats and rats became eternal enemies.
Then when the rat and the ox reached the finish line, the rat jumped in front of the ox to claim first place and the ox finished a close second.
The tiger came in third because it had to swim against the river's current, which slowed it down.
The rabbit then came in delayed fourth as it hopped between rocks but slipped, then it caught onto a log to float across the river to make it to the finish line, followed by the dragon.
The Jade Emperor was surprised that the flying dragon came fifth and asked why. The dragon explained that it stopped when it saw some villagers needing help and decided to aid them, then it saw a rabbit floating on the log and gave it a puff of air to cross the river, hence the delay.
Then the horse appeared, but before it crossed the finish line, the snake jumped out from hiding behind the horse's hoof and startled the horse, which allowed the snake to finish sixth and the horse seventh.
The goat, the monkey and the rooster decided to work together to cross the river, with the rooster finding the raft, then the monkey and goat pushing the raft forward, the three arriving together. The Jade Emperor awarded the goat eighth, the monkey ninth and the rooster 10th.
Shortly after, the dog reached the finish line and explained the reason for its late arrival was that it needed a bath and the river was too good to pass up. So, it placed 11th.
Lastly, the pig made its way to the finish line, it got hungry halfway through the race and had to eat before finishing the race. It was the 12th and completed the zodiac cycle.
The Zodiacs
Rat: 1972, 1984, 1996
While you're quick-witted and opportunistic, you may also be timid and lacking persistence. You should trust your instincts more and unleash your creative side. Trying something different and listening to others' opinions might lead you to a surprising adventure — so it's time to get out of your comfort zone.
Ox: 1973, 1985, 1997
Although reliable and honest, being stubborn is your nature. That stubbornness, however, can get you into trouble. Your zodiac sign is not aligning with the Year's Guardian "Tai Sui" this year, so things can be challenging. But don't worry, as long as you think twice and be cautious, you can grind through.
Tiger: 1974, 1986, 1998
You are confident and brave, which are attractive attributes, but you might also be considered possessive and clingy, which can be overwhelming for some people. It is not a bad idea to let go and take a step back to evolve those relationships.
Rabbit: 1975, 1987, 1999
Last year was your birth year, also known as "Ben Ming Nian," which meant it was filled with obstacles, but you survived. So, this year should be better than last. You are kind and considerate and as always, will guide you through. Stay true and everything will work out.
Dragon: 1976, 1988, 2000
Be careful, dragons, this is your birth year, "Ben Ming Nian," and challenges await. But don't worry too much, you are intelligent and energetic, so you will figure things out and get through. Head outside more and surround yourself with positive vibes!
Snake: 1977, 1989, 2001
Next year will be your birth year, "Ben Ming Nian," so it is time to prepare yourself for it as "Ben Ming Nian" tends to be challenging. But you are cautious and wise, so you will know which is the right move when problems approach.
Horse: 1987, 1990, 2002
Ambitious and active, there is nothing you cannot accomplish unless your forgetfulness gets in the way. Write down notes and ideas, maintain a schedule and put reminders on your calendar, especially important deadlines will help get through the year.
Goat: 1979, 1991, 2003
You are born with a gentle and empathetic soul, but sometimes you are an overthinker. You get worried about things that might or might not happen in the future and miss out on what's going on in the present. So take a breather and relax because you are capable of tackling any obstacle.
Monkey: 1980, 1992, 2004
Both charming and smart, you know how to be the center of attention and enjoy the stage. However, you are trying to do too many things at once. It would be wiser to focus and finish one task at a time.
Rooster: 1981,1993, 2005
You are logical and organized, you like things to be done in a certain way. Having boundaries is good but you should also be flexible because everyone has a different point of view. Remember, compromise is not always a bad thing.
Dog: 1982, 1994, 2006
You are not friends with the Year's Guardian "Tai Sui" this year, so things might get difficult. But given your loyal and honest nature, your friends have your back. Let go of your stubbornness, open your eyes and listen. Don't get blindsided by what is ahead but look further beyond.
Pig: 1983, 1995, 2007
You are known to be patient and generous most of the time. Although you might slack off occasionally, no real harm is done. However, those little mishaps might add up to cause bigger issues. So, it is always good to pay closer attention to the details than to let it slip.
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