You’re well-versed in Western astrology, regularly read your horoscope, brace yourself whenever Mercury goes retrograde, and get excited when your Sun sign’s season rolls around (happy Aquarius season, btw). However, you *might* 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, a Chinese-American writer and the co-author of The Handbook of Chinese Horoscopes, based in Los Angeles, California.
Meet the Experts: Laura Lau is a Chinese-American writer and the co-author of The Handbook of Chinese Horoscopes, based in Los Angeles, California. Susan Levitt is a professional astrologer, feng shui consultant, and the author of Taoist Astrology, based in San Francisco, California.
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. And this year, the Lunar New Year (or Chinese New Year), begins on February 10, welcoming the Year of the Dragon. But there's a little more to it than that—the five elements also play a role in the rotations—making this the Year of the Wood Dragon.
Ahead, find out the next time your Chinese zodiac sign will match the year, as well as what it says about your personality.
When is Chinese New Year?
Each Chinese New Year arrives in either late January or early February, says Lau. The starting date changes every year based on how long it takes the calendar to cycle through each of the 12 animals, she adds. February 10, 2024 marks the start of this year's Lunar New Year, the year of the Dragon!
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 it goes a bit deeper than that—if you look at your entire Chinese astrology chart, there's also "an animal that corresponds to the month, day, and hour that you were born," Lau says.
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, or take a look below:
- Dragon: 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024
- Snake: 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025
- Horse: 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026
- Sheep: 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027
- Monkey: 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028
- Rooster: 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029
- Dog: 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030
- Pig: 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031
- Rat: 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020, 2032
- Ox: 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021, 2033
- Tiger: 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022, 2034
- Rabbit: 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023, 2035
The Mythology Behind the Chinese Zodiac
There's lots of folklore around the Chinese zodiacs and how they came to be, Lau says. However, the story that she's always known is that when Lord Buddha left Earth and ascended into the heavens, he told the animals of the Earth that he would be leaving.
The 12 animals that joined him are the ones honored in the cycle, and the order was determined by who came first to honor Buddha and bid him farewell, she continues. That's why the order goes: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Monkey, Sheep, Rooster, Dog, then Pig.
What are the characteristics of each Chinese zodiac sign?
Dragon
Born in: 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024
Personality traits: The Dragon is the most popular animal sign because there’s a baby boom every year of the Dragon. This sign is 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 Susan Levitt, a professional astrologer, feng shui consultant, and the author of Taoist Astrology, based in San Francisco, California. They 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, 2025
Personality traits: 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. This trait can sometimes make them seem aloof, but when they do let others get close to them, they see how sensitive, compassionate, and funny the Snake really is. They're social when they want to be, but also know when they need some “me time,” adds Levitt. If you were born in the year of the Snake, you’re also extremely determined and great at making careful plans to achieve your dreams.
Horse
Born in: 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026
Personality traits: “Horses are generally known to have a very adventurous [spirit],” says Lau. This animal is also bright, open, cheerful, and naturally charm the heck out of people wherever they go, says Levitt. They love being around others 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, 2027
Personality traits: If you're a sheep, you are kind, empathetic, and naturally creative, says Levitt. You love beauty and like to surround yourself with it. The Sheep also knows the importance of having some quality alone time and need those moments to recharge. While you’re generally pretty mild-mannered and calm, you tend to have an independent streak. You don’t like to be put in tough situations, but when push comes to shove, you can handle it, explains Levitt. You also don’t like to be told what to do and hate to compromise, which can be a sticking point in relationships.
Monkey
Born in: 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028
Personality traits: “Monkeys are known to be very clever—they’re problem-solvers and inventors,” says Lau. If you were born in the year of the Monkey, you’re good at going after what you want, adds Levitt, and you have strong leadership potential, which easily earns you the trust of others. However, you don’t like being told what to do, which can sometimes be tricky in group situations. In relationships, you can be playful and romantic, but you may have trouble staying committed to one person because you’re always looking for the next exciting thing.
Rooster
Born in: 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029
Personality traits: Roosters are known for being perfectionists, says Lau. That can serve you well...and frustrate you when things don’t go your way. You also have a sense of duty, dignity, and pride, and like to be noticed, adds Levitt. Those born in this animal year excel at communicating and have great judgment and a strong work ethic. Because you strive for perfection, you hate wasting time or money, says Levitt. You’re quick and flexible and can be thrown into situations at the last minute and still thrive.
Dog
Born in: 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030
Personality traits: You’re loyal, honest, and trustworthy, which is why so many people love being in your orbit, says Levitt. Dogs don’t hesitate to make sacrifices for people and ideas they believe in, and they always see through the commitments they make, she explains. If this is your animal sign, you’re direct and frank, and can’t be bothered with silly little details. You also like to be spontaneous and love making last-minute plans. However, you’re also very by-the-book, and you prefer that other people do the same.
Pig
Born in: 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031
Personality traits: Pigs are kind, honest, and peaceful, says Levitt. You hate arguments but won’t hide your emotions, even if it leads to a conflict. This animal sign is optimistic, fun-loving, and generous with your friends, she adds. You’re also quick to forgive when people screw up and are willing to make sacrifices for those you love. You go out of your way to make people feel at home and like to surprise your close circle of friends with little gifts to show them how much you care.
Rat
Born in: 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020, 2032
Personality traits: “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 Levitt. Rats additionally tend to be super observant and are quick to take action, per Levitt. Ultimately, 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, 2033
Personality traits: Oxes are steady and loyal. This sign values honesty and integrity in people, says Levitt—plus, they’re 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. If you are an Ox, you also believe in hard work and dedication, and like getting recognized for being awesome at your job—but even if you aren't acknowledged, you still know your worth.
Tiger
Born in: 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022, 2034
Personality traits: “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 procrastinator, [and] really likes to be right.” But even when they make a mistake, they don’t really regret it. They kind of have an attitude of: "‘Let’s just try it out, and if it doesn’t work, it doesn’t work—at least I tried,’” says Lau. Tigers also tend to have a lot of relationships and are very spontaneous and romantic, notes Lau.
Rabbit
Born in: 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023, 2035
Personality traits: “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, and even-tempered, making them popular with friends, adds Levitt. This Chinese zodiac sign loves being around other people and hates being alone, prompting Rabbits to try to adapt in any social situation. They also love romance and are great in relationships—but they’re not into confrontation, and actually go out of their way to avoid conflict.
How do the five elements affect the Chinese zodiac signs?
Lau explains that each animal sign in the Chinese zodiac is associated with a fixed element with its own unique personality traits: Metal, water, wood, fire, or earth. For example, the Rat, Ox, and Pig are all fixed water signs; the Tiger, Rabbit, and Dragon are wood; the Snake, Horse, and Sheep are fire; and lastly, the Monkey, Rooster, and Dog are all metal, she notes.
However, as the elements are constantly shifting—every two years, to be exact—the element of your birth year will dominate over the fixed element of your animal, says Lau. “The elements can also change the energy of the animal sign, so that adds another layer, too,” notes Lau.
For instance, consider anyone born in the year 2023, a.k.a., the Year of the Water Rabbit. The Rabbit has a fixed element of wood, but since water was that year's element, it "would have the most impact on their personality," she says. Another fun fact: Because there are twelve signs and five elements, it takes 60 years for an animal sign and element combination to repeat. (The last Year of the Water Rabbit was in 1963!)
Well, in honor of the Year of the Dragon, make sure to sharpen your leadership skills, live independently, and dream big. Challenged = accepted!
Lindsay Geller is the Lifestyle Director at Women’s Health, where she oversees the Life, Sex & Love, and Relationships sections on WomensHealthMag.com and the Mind section of Women's Health magazine. When she's not writing or editing articles about the latest dating trends and pop culture phenomenons, she's usually watching reality TV or playing with her dog, Lucille (Go Fetch That) Ball.
Naydeline Mejia is an assistant editor at Women’s Health, where she covers sex, relationships, and lifestyle for WomensHealthMag.com and the print magazine. She is a proud graduate of Baruch College and has more than two years of experience writing and editing lifestyle content. When she’s not writing, you can find her thrift-shopping, binge-watching whatever reality dating show is trending at the moment, and spending countless hours scrolling through Pinterest.
