Here’s an introduction to Chinese astrology, plus a breakdown of all 12 zodiac signs.
What is Chinese astrology?
The roots of the Chinese zodiac go back as far as written history.
in the Han dynasty.
The 12 Chinese Zodiac signs + how to find yours.
The Rat’s hidden element is Yang Water, and Rats embody this flexible and penetrating quality.
Rats solve problems, not through force but through cleverness and finding the path of least resistance.
If there’s a way through, the Rat can find it.
They are also quick to spot disaster and reluctant to place too many eggs in one basket.
Ox
Placid and stable, the Ox’s hidden element isYinEarth.
They have a particular way of doing things and dislike change.
Little can frighten or intimidate them, but when roused to anger, they are equally difficult to placate.
Capable of both stillness and sudden bursts of action, the Tiger is a rebel.
They abhor stagnation and pursue constant improvementboth in themselves and the world around them.
Rabbit
As spring blossoms and dawn breaks, the universe’s energy passes to the Rabbit.
Rabbits aresensitive and intuitive.
They are receptive, with a keen eye for art and beauty.
Associated with the moon and psychic activity, their keen senses can also make them fragile.
Dragon
More than any other animal, the Dragon represents the concept of Yang.
That said, many societies tend to prioritize Yang qualities for better or worse.
The Dragon is all about being assertive, active, and a confident leader.
These people exhibit expressive, outward force, and the desire and ability to change the world around them.
In this way, the Dragon gives way to the Snake.
While the Dragon’s power is overt, the Snake’s is subtle.
Making keen scholars, therapists, healers, and mystics, Snakes represent the ineffable.
Snakes know identity resides in something internal and unknowable.
They have a keen eye and see easily to the bottom of thingseven to the complex reality of bottomlessness.
A creature of action, the Horse is explosive, decisive, and passionate.
Associated with war in ancient times, the Horse brought armies swift and conclusive power.
They like to keep busy and are activity-oriented.
Goat
The Goat shares its hidden element with the Ox.
The sign of the Goat is inherently other-oriented, a builder and protector of community.
Sensitive to the thoughts and feelings of others, Goats can sometimes becomesusceptible to the will of the crowd.
Monkey
The Monkey’s hidden element is Yang Metal.
This reflects Monkey’s keen mind, which is eager to solve and cut problems into neat solutions.
The Monkey blurs the lines between work and play, logic and desire.
Yin Metal is associated with the fine skill of intricate metal craft.
And so the Rooster is known for a deft hand and being skillful, controlling, and detail-oriented.
They are quick to notice defects in others and in themselves and are unafraid to point them out.
They are keen leaders and strong protectors but struggle withperfectionism and self-criticism.
Dog
The Dog shares its hidden element with the Dragon.
Yang Earth in the Dog is about boundaries, protection, and loyalty.
If the Horse represents offense, the Dog represents defense.
Mapmakers and sentries, Dogs like to serve a higher calling.
They do not cling to the past, and this allows them to enjoy the moment.
Pig signs often seemluckybecause they are skilled at finding what is lucky about whatever situation they are in.
They are a symbol of the home and enjoying simple pleasures.
They can also be overly trusting and slow to plan for the future.
How to find your zodiac elements.
There arefive elementsin Chinese astrology.
Their order is Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water.
In a Yin state, it is soft and flexible.
In a Yang state, it is probing and growing.
Wood people are defined by open minds and open hearts, as well as vast potential for growth.
Wood is also associated with creativity, art, femininity, and youth.
Wood is nourished by Water, and gives birth to Fire.
It pierces Earth and is hemmed by Metal.
In a Yin state, it is warm, hopeful, and charismatic.
In a Yang state, it is energetic, effusive, and idealistic.
Fire is also associated with intellect, energy, and action.
Fire is fed by Wood’s blank slate and creates ashen Earth.
It melts Metal’s rigidity and is quelled by Water.
Earth
Earthis the element of reality, or what Fire’s impulse brings into being.
Earth people are builders, good at amassing and defending sturdy lives full of practical necessities.
Earth is also associated with balance, buildings, tradition, and patience.
Earth is fed by Fire and gives birth to Metal.
It absorbs Water and is overturned by Wood’s possibilities.
Metal
Metal is the element of concepts, which form around the physical stuff of Earth.
In a Yin state, Metal is refined and witty.
In a Yang state, it is sharp and unbending.
Metal people are problem-solvers and good at organizing the world around them in a way they understand.
Metal forms around Earth and collects Water.
Metal’s sharp edges control Wood, but they soften and melt under Fire’s passion.
In a Yin state, Water is pensive and emotional.
In a Yang state, it is penetrating and dynamic.
Water people are good at breaking things down into simple truthsor the reality that there is no single truth.
They are capable of letting go and interested in what lurks beyond and beneath.
Water is also associated with dreams, death, old age, and the subconscious.
Water collects in the cracks of Metal, and it cleans the slate for Wood.
Water cools Fire’s passion, and is absorbed by dependable Earth.
How can I use this information?
The zodiac is shaped to help even the newest practitioner look inward, find themselves, andcultivate balance.
These animals are a mirror.
They do not tell us who we are but help us better ask the question.
What are our strengths?
What are our challenges?
How are we different or the same from what we see in the mirror?
Some questions are always worth pursuing.
Furthermore, both the 12 animals and the five elements describe cycles of the universe.
When you learn this, you could also learn how to balance them.
Any element in excess can be dangerousany element too scarce can be fostered.
If you are interested in learning more about this, you might look into “Bazi astrology.”
FAQ
What is the most rare Chinese zodiac element?
No element is more rare than any other!
It would be like asking “what is the most rare day of the week?”
They are a cycle, each part coming and going in equal turn.
Which Chinese zodiac sign is the luckiest?
Historically, some people have hoped for births under a “luckier” sign.
