Weekly Chinese Horoscope from May 6-12, 2024: Check what's in store for you
The 12 Chinese Zodiac Signs And Five Elements, Explained
If you're a casual astrology fan, you may not realize that Western astrology is just one system of many. China has had its own system called Sheng Xiao (生肖), dating back to the Qin dynasty more than 2,000 years ago, according to The Beijing Center. The Chinese zodiac has been used ever since the Han Dynasty (ca. 150 CE), when the "idea that there are greater forces at work in the mapping of individual destiny" became popularized, per author Gerry Maguire Thompson and consultant Shuen-Lian Hsaio of The Guide to Chinese Horoscopes.
In Chinese astrology, every year is ruled by a Chinese zodiac sign, which cycles every 12 years. Each sign is represented by an animal associated with certain traits, and you can pinpoint your Chinese zodiac sign by figuring out which sign ruled your birth year.
Here are the basics of Chinese zodiac signs and years, personalities, sign compatibility, and the Shen Xiao take on zodiac sign elements.
The Chinese Zodiac Signs Rat Birth Years: 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020 Personality: Rats are self-starters who have extraordinarily sharp communication skills. They love being involved in their community and are both detail-oriented and artistic. Sensitive and intuitive, they are risk-averse and tend to be quite organized. Compatibility: Rats are most compatible with Oxen and least compatible with Horses. If your birthday falls between January and February, check the exact date of the Lunar New Year of your birth year to determine your Chinese zodiac sign. For example, an Ox year was from February 7, 1997, until January 27, 1998. So those born from January 1 to February 6 in 1997 are Rats (the previous zodiac year), not Oxen. Ox Birth Years: 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021 Personality: Oxen are down-to-earth, contemplative, have excellent memories, love spending time in nature, and are skilled multitaskers. Thought of as industrious and persistent workers, they have no problem stepping up and taking responsibility. They're generally quiet and not the most expressive emotionally. Compatibility: Oxen are most compatible with Rats and least compatible with Goats. Tiger Birth Years: 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022 Personality: Tigers, like their namesake, are go-getters who are loyal, loving fans of luxury. They pride themselves on being free-thinking and come off as downright fearless. Fighters for justice with high self-esteem, Tigers tend to make formidable leaders. Compatibility: Tigers are most compatible with Pigs and least compatible with Monkeys. Rabbit Birth Years: 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023 Personality: Rabbits tend to be gentle, polite, patient, and intelligent. They're charming and diplomatic and love soaking up knowledge. Known to be somewhat homebody-ish, they're always up for lending a helping hand and pouring their heart into caring for the people they love. Compatibility: Rabbits are most compatible with Dogs and least compatible with Roosters. Dragon Birth Years: 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024 Personality: Dragons are fierce, feisty fireball extroverts known for their loyalty to family and friends, self-sufficiency, and ability to lead. They adore adventure and romance. Although they might come off as lazy at times, they have no problem self-motivating when it comes to anything they're truly fired up about. Compatibility: Dragons are most compatible with Roosters and least compatible with Dogs. Snake Birth Years: 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025 Personality: Snakes have a desire to keep the peace, inspire people by being artistic, and are uniquely in tune with their intuition (and might actually be a bit psychic). They radiate charming, enchanting energy. Devoted and determined, they want to fully understand others. Compatibility: Snakes are most compatible with Monkeys and least compatible with Pigs. Horse Birth Years: 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026 Personality: Horses are perceived as the life of any party and a heartfelt shoulder to lean on. Positive, energetic, and wired to fight until they win, they're passionate about taking a stand, expressing how they feel, and having the freedom to live the life they've envisioned for themselves. Compatibility: Horses are most compatible with Goats and least compatible with Rats. Getty Images Goat Birth Years: 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027 Personality: Goats make new friends effortlessly, are dreamers, were born with a gift for creative pursuits, and tend to be incredibly perceptive and nurturing. They're peacemakers who would prefer not to rock the boat. Patient, polite, and persuasive, they possess a quiet determination to achieve even the loftiest goals. Compatibility: Goats are most compatible with Horses and least compatible with Oxen. Monkey Birth Years: 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028 Personality: Monkeys are free-spirited individualists who are amicable and have no trouble starting a conversation with just about anyone. They crack people up with their light, engaging sense of humor, and love being in the spotlight. Full of energy and endlessly curious, they greatly value their relationships. Compatibility: Monkeys are most compatible with Snakes and least compatible with Tigers. Rooster Birth Years: 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029 Personality: Roosters are highly persistent when pursuing their goals; have high emotional intelligence, unrelenting courage, and resilience; find stimulation from risk-taking and adventure; and have an eye-catching sense of style. They're perceived as a great friend and super creative. Compatibility: Roosters are most compatible with Dragons and least compatible with Rabbits. Dog Birth Years: 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030 Personality: Dogs are thought to be family- and service-oriented, direct, trustworthy, and unselfish. They show bottomless determination and stamina at work, wear their hearts on their sleeve, and can easily engage others as a storyteller. Compatibility: Dogs are most compatible with Rabbits and least compatible with Dragons. Pig Birth Years: 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031 Personality: Pigs are perfectionists who seem young at heart, tend to be avid listeners, and have a knack for being patient with others. Generous and outgoing, they might also suffer from being fearful, impatient, and tempermental. Compatibility: Pigs are most compatible with Tigers and least compatible with Snakes. Chinese Zodiac Elements Getty Images If you're familiar with Western astrology, you know there are three signs per element: water, earth, fire, and air. In the Chinese zodiac, the elements are different and aren't used in quite the same way. The five elements in Chinese astrology are water, wood, fire, earth, and metal. Here's a quick synopsis of how to think about and determine which element you were born under. Fixed Elements Each Chinese zodiac sign is associated with a fixed or perpetual element: Metal: Monkey and Rooster Wood: Tiger and Rabbit Water: Rat and Pig Fire: Snake and Horse Earth: Ox, Dragon, Goat, and Dog Annual Elements Every year is associated with an element as well. Depending on what year you were born, you'll get a unique combination of a sign and an element. For example, although Oxes are perpetually associated with the Earth element, the year 1997 is the Fire element. So, babies born that year are Fire Oxen. Here are the qualities associated with each element, according to The Guide to Chinese Horoscopes: Metal: Solidity and willpower Water: Responsiveness and persuasion Wood: Imagination and creativity Fire: Passion and bursts of dynamic energy Earth: Down-to-earth qualities that encourage focus and commitment to achieve goals To figure out which element was associated with your birth year, look for the last number of your birth year, per Cafe Astrology: 0 or 1: Metal 2 or 3: Water 4 or 5: Wood 6 or 7: Fire 8 or 9: Earth By landing on your unique Chinese zodiac sign and element combo, you can get a better sense of your perspective as you move through the world and how you might experience the ever-shifting astrological tides. To learn more, check out your Chinese Zodiac horoscope on Astrology.Com or Horoscope.Com.Chinese Zodiac: Five Animal Signs Are Favoured By Luck This Week
The Chinese New Year, which falls on January 29, 2025, marks the beginning of the Year of the Snake.
Unlike the Dragon, which is associated with power, strength, confidence, and ambition, the Snake symbolises wisdom, intuition, and transformation.
Though not inherently linked to good luck, unlike the Dragon and the Pig, the Snake could bring good luck to some in 2025. Until then, "luck will favour five Chinese zodiac signs", says tarot reader and astrologer Valeria Black.
Sharing her astrological insights with Your Tango, she revealed that the Dragon is among those set to "attract success" from December 16 to 22.
She credited the I Ching hexagram of luck, "wind over mountain," which changes to "water over wind", revealing "the nature of luck when one seizes it the right way".
People born in Rabbit Years (1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011), particularly those under 20 years old, will find luck coming "from every direction" and area of life this week.
Being receptive to it is important, even for those older than 20. The key is to engage in child-like energy, according to Valeria. She noted that white and blue are considered lucky charms for those born in the Year of the Rabbit this week.
2. HorseGood luck this week is heading to those born in the Year of the Horse (1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, and 2014). Valeria claimed that it presents itself in gastronomic ventures and all things food-related. She suggested making this week about the pleasure of eating delicious food and learning about the world through such a lens.
The exact source of luck may surprise those born in Horse years and be inspiring. Lucky colours, white and blue, are shared by the Rabbit and Horse this week.
The Chinese zodiac animal representing the year you were born is not typically lucky when the 12-year cycle sees it roll around again. And that has certainly been the case for those born in Dragon Years (1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024).
Despite being known as a symbol of prosperity and good fortune, the Dragon hasn't fared as well as other animal signs, like the Ox. However, Valeria says this will change this week. "Dragon, your luck this week encourages you to step out of your comfort zone and embrace life for everything it has got! You will find something intriguing waiting for you around every corner", she urged.
The astrologer suggested making the most of what's left of the Year of the Wood Dragon by expanding your social network through events and activities. As for lucky charms, look out for the colour red.
4. TigerThose born in the Year of the Tiger (1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, and 2022) will find their ability to attract success this week stems from their creative endeavours. Valeria urged: "Lean hard into this area, and your luck will continue to shine. You grow lucky when engaging with people with a unique perspective of the world in the field you are a part of."
The astrologer suggested that luck may be found while travelling, and the colour white, particularly white roses, symbolises good fortune this week.
5. MonkeyPeople born in the Year of the Monkey (1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016) will find their luck is heavily entwined with money this week. Valeria spoke of such luck as "bringing gold" in a literal and metaphorical sense be it through a career or personal relationships.
Three colours, blue, green, and yellow, will be lucky for those born in Monkey Years this week. Valeria added: "Yellow flowers will also boost your luck at this time."
Enter The Dragon: All About Lunar New Year 2024 And What The Magical Beasts Mean In Chinese Culture
After bidding farewell to the Year of the Rabbit, we are set to kick off the Year of the Dragon. The dragon is the fifth animal in the Chinese zodiac, and it holds a unique position as the only mythical creature among the 12 zodiac signs. Dragons are also revered as a symbol of good fortune in Chinese culture.
Here's what you need to know about Lunar New Year 2024, including the meaning and traits of dragons and important figures and events associated with this year.
Hong Kong balloon artist Wilson Pang Si-tai's handwrought, 33-metre-long balloon dragon in Tuen Mun. Photo: TMTPlaza
What does the Year of the Wood Dragon mean?
In Chinese astrology, each zodiac sign is associated with one of the five elements: wood, fire, earth, metal and water. The combination of the animal sign and element determines the unique characteristics and energy of each year.
Representing growth and innovation, 2024 is the Year of the Wood Dragon. The wood element signifies stability, honesty, loyalty, creativity and growth, while the dragon symbolises power, good fortune, harvest and prosperity.
The Wood Dragon year is believed to cultivate progress and abundance, making it an ideal time to embark on new projects. This year is particularly favourable for innovative minds and problem solvers, as it offers stability in business operations and an energetic drive for creative ideas. Additionally, it presents a wonderful opportunity for individuals to pursue their dreams, express their ideas, and expand their horizons.
As dragons are known for their loyalty, the Year of the Wood Dragon also promotes harmony, generosity, honesty, and forgiveness within the workplace, family, and social environments.
What does the Year of the Dragon hold for you?
Traits of the dragon
Dragons are mythical creatures that have captivated humans for centuries, appearing in various cultures and folklore around the world. In Chinese culture, these creatures are seen as majestic and powerful, and emperors of ancient China often regarded themselves as the Dragon, the Son of Heaven.
Similarly, individuals born in the Year of the Dragon are said to possess remarkable qualities. They are often described as intelligent, charismatic, confident, and naturally lucky and gifted. They exude strong leadership abilities, although at times they can also be impulsive. They fearlessly embrace challenges and are willing to take risks in pursuit of their goals.
Once they set their goals, they will exert their utmost efforts to achieve success. They possess an additional gift – innate luck – which helps them along their journey. With their charm and allure, they can easily win the hearts of others.
A Year of the Dragon installation at PMQ on Aberdeen Street. Photo: Eugene Lee
Key events from Years of the Dragon past
Queen Elizabeth II's Accession – 1952
The Year of the Dragon in 1952 marked a significant transition for the British monarchy. On February 6, 1952, their beloved King George VI passed away, and his daughter, Princess Elizabeth, ascended the throne, becoming Queen Elizabeth II. Her accession brought a new era to the British monarchy and initiated a reign that would span several decades until she passed away in 2022. In 2015, Queen Elizabeth II became the longest-reigning monarch in British history.
Although Queen Elizabeth II ascended to the throne in 1952, her official coronation was held at Westminster Abbey in London on June 2, 1953. Photo: AP
Tangshan Earthquake – 1976
While the Year of the Dragon is generally considered auspicious - or lucky - there are exceptions. The year 1976 was marred by a devastating earthquake in Tangshan, China. On July 28, a massive earthquake measuring 7.8 on the Richter scale struck the city, resulting in one of the deadliest natural disasters in history. The earthquake claimed the lives of approximately 242,000 people and caused widespread destruction. This tragic event left a lasting impact on the nation and is remembered as one of the most significant earthquakes of the 20th century.
The launch of the Shenzhou 9 Spacecraft – 2012
In the Year of the Dragon 2012, China achieved a major milestone in its space programme. The country successfully launched the Shenzhou-9 spacecraft, which carried a crew of three astronauts, including China's first female astronaut. The mission marked a significant step forward in China's space exploration efforts and highlighted the country's ambitions to become a major player in space exploration.
The diversity of dragon culture around the world
Famous dragons
Li Ka-shing
Affectionately called "Superman," Li Ka-shing is an influential figure in the business world. Born in the Year of the Dragon in 1928, he moved to Hong Kong from Chiuchow, Guangdong province in the 1940s, rising from humble beginnings and low-paying jobs to become one of the wealthiest individuals in Asia. Li is also actively involved in charity work, donating millions of dollars to support healthcare and education initiatives.
Bruce Lee
The martial arts legend was born in the Year of the Dragon in 1940. Although he grew up in San Francisco in the US, Bruce Lee's Chinese heritage shaped his identity and influenced his journey. It was said that his Chinese stage name, Lee Siu-long - "little dragon" in Chinese - was inspired by the year he was born. Although he died young, there's no doubt he revolutionised martial arts and brought it to Hollywood, leaving behind timeless films and an enduring legacy. His strength and wisdom serve as a perfect example of the dragon.
Bruce Lee is one of the most famous celebrities born in the Year of the Dragon. Photo: Golden Harvest
Christian Dior
Christian Dior was born in France in 1905. Despite his early interest in fashion, Dior's design career began in the 1930s when he was hired as a fashion illustrator. After serving in the army during World War II, he established his own fashion house in 1946 and surprised the world with his inaugural collection, known as the "New Look," the following year. Tragically, Dior passed away on October 24, 1957, at the young age of 52. However, his legacy continues, with his successors expanding the brand's vision and influence in the fashion industry.
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