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If you’re well-versed in Western astrology, you likely read your horoscope each month, you brace yourself whenever Mercury goes retrograde (a.k.a. right now!!), and you get excited every time your Sun sign’s season rolls around. But while you might know your natal chart like the back of your hand, you may be less familiar with your Chinese zodiac sign and how it reflects your personality.
While Western and Chinese astrology differ in the time periods assigned to each sign—Western astrology is based on months, while Chinese astrology is based on years—the two share many similarities, says Laura Lau, who co-wrote The Handbook of Chinese Horoscopes with her late mom, Theodora Lau. “I view both [types of astrology] kind of like languages,” she explains. “In my life, people will say, ‘Oh, well, he’s a Gemini,’ or ‘She’s just such a Capricorn.’ And you kind of invert that with Chinese horoscopes…my family has always said, ‘Well, this person’s just impulsive. They’re a Horse—what can you expect?'”
Chinese astrology uses 12 different animal signs: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. “They all have big reputations,” says Lau.
Okay, so how can I find out my Chinese zodiac sign?
Your main animal sign correlates with the year you were born (and repeats on a 12-year cycle), but Lau encourages those interested in learning more about their Chinese zodiac sign to dig deeper.
“Most people’s first experience with [Chinese astrology] is finding out which animal you are by looking up your birthday in some sort of chart or a placemat at a restaurant,” she says. “…But just like charts in Western astrology, when you do your chart in Chinese astrology, there’s an animal that corresponds to the month, day, and hour that you were born. When you look up your month or your hour [in addition to your year]…you can see how there are shades of those other personalities within your character.”
For example, you might have been born in the year of the Ox but the hour of the Rooster, and that can explain a part of yourself that you didn’t quite understand before. (FYI: You can quickly find your sign with this calculator.)
“There are also elements that go through a cycle alongside the animals,” says Lau. That means that every year, the reigning animal sign also has an association with one of five natural elements: earth, metal, water, wood, and fire. For example, “2022 is the year of the Water Tiger,” explains Lau.
Because there are twelve signs and five elements, it takes 60 years for an animal sign and element combination to repeat. (1962 was the last time it was the year of the Water Tiger.) “The elements can also change the energy of the animal sign, so that adds another layer, too,” says Lau.
What are the characteristics of each Chinese zodiac sign?
Tiger
Born in 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022
“The Tiger is known for being a really dynamic, idealistic animal and [is] extremely impulsive,” says Lau. “[This sign] has a big personality, a huge ego, is a big procrastinator, really likes to be right.” Tigers also tend to have a lot of relationships and are very spontaneous and romantic, says Lau. But, even when they make a mistake, they don’t really regret it. “If they feel like they’re going into a situation where they’re being treated with respect… [they approach it with the perspective of] ‘Let’s just try it out, and if it doesn’t work, it doesn’t work. At least I tried,'” says Lau.
Because this is the year of the Water Tiger, Lau expects the natural element’s “intuitive energy” to create “a more thoughtful Tiger.” She also thinks 2022 will be an interesting time for championing causes and movements because the Tiger is one of the big activist signs. “I will be curious to see what it inspires in people to do,” Lau says. “The Tiger is a very passionate animal, and so, it will be a time that people are going to really go with their gut in making decisions.”
But, if you were born in the year of the Tiger, “this is a year to be cautious, because it’s difficult to kind of read yourself,” says Lau. “It’s like interacting with somebody who’s really close to yourself. And… it’s hard to see what’s in front of you.” She advises Tiger signs to pause and not be as spontaneous this year, because when it’s the year of your own sign, it creates a kind of natural blind spot. Bottom line: Proceed with caution.
Rat
Born in 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020
“Typically, Rats are known for being very family-focused,” says Lau. “They’ll stay close to home.” If you were born in the year of the Rat, you’re also known for being clever, funny, creative, and optimistic—but frugal, adds Susan Levitt, a professional astrologer based in San Francisco, and author of Taoist Astrology.
Rats tend to be super observant, are quick to take action, and love having friends and family around, per Levitt. Your charm and humor quickly help you win over other people, and you’re pretty good at fitting in no matter the situation.
Ox
Born in 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021
Oxes are steady and loyal, and you value honesty and integrity in people, says Levitt. You’re also persistent and aren’t swayed by others’ opinions. A big fan of cozy evenings at home, Oxes don’t need huge romantic gestures to feel loved.
You believe in hard work and dedication, and like getting recognized for being awesome at your job. Just don’t let that get you down if your office isn’t that kind of place—you know your worth and, if you feel underappreciated, it may be better to go someplace where you know you’ll be valued.
Rabbit
Born in 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011
“Rabbits are known to have great taste and are lovers of the fine arts,” says Lau. People born under this animal sign are also friendly, sensitive, artistic, and even-tempered, making them popular with friends, adds Levitt. You love being around other people and hate being alone, prompting you to try to adapt in any social situation. You love romance and are great in relationships—but you’re not into confrontation, and go out of your way to avoid conflict.
Dragon
Born in 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012
The Dragon is the most popular animal sign (meaning, there’s a baby boom every year of the Dragon) because it’s associated with legends and is known for having strength and leadership qualities, says Lau.
Dragons are also super independent and love their freedom, which may explain why they tend to marry later in life, if at all, says Levitt. People born in the year of the Dragon want to make a big impact on the world, but can get frustrated if their dreams aren’t realized. Still, there’s a lot they can do when they put their mind to it.
Snake
Born in 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013
Snakes are an interesting animal sign, says Lau, because their personalities are so mysterious to some, while to others, they’re like an open book.
Snakes are social when they want to be, but they also know when they just need some “me time,” says Levitt. If you were born in the year of the Snake, you’re also extremely determined and are great at making careful plans to achieve your dreams. While a Snake’s mysterious personality can make them seem aloof, when they do let others get close to them, they see how sensitive, compassionate, and funny the Snake really is.
Horse
Born in 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014
“Horses are generally known to have a very adventurous [spirit],” says Lau. They’ve also got a rep for having “wild teen and young adult lives,” she adds. So, if you’re a parent of someone born during the year of the Horse, buckle up.
Horses are also bright, open, and cheerful, and naturally charm the heck out of people wherever they go, says Levitt. They love being around people and are always up for a good party. If you’re a Horse, you likely have strong opinions and aren’t afraid to share them, but sometimes that can turn people off. You love feeling carefree and tend to succeed at whatever you try to achieve, thanks to your amazing instincts.
Sheep
Born in 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015
If you were born in the year of the Sheep, you are kind, empathetic, and naturally creative, says Levitt. You love beauty and like to…
Read More:If Your Chinese Zodiac Sign Is The Monkey, 2022 Might Be A Rough Year For You
