Both ancient and modern civilizations worldwide have used the practice of astrology to relate their world with the heavens or cosmos. The ancient Greeks were masters of the sky and used their knowledge of astronomy to develop their form of astrology. The ancient Greeks utilized constellations in the sky to predict climatic events or changes in the seasons. They consulted the heavens as part of their religious worldviews. The ancient Greeks were responsible for developing the zodiac signs that we're so familiar with today. From astrology came horoscopes. They are a connection between the position of stars and a person's fate based on their zodiac sign. Horoscopes predict events in people's lives based on the position of their zodiac constellation in the night sky. The ancient Chinese had their version of astrology, which they also used to predict fortunes and love matches. Chinese astrology compatibility was believed to predict who will be your best match based on where you fall on the Chinese astrology compatibility wheel. While many may believe that Chinese astrology compatibility is more esoteric than factual, others argue that their predictions are spot on. For those in a love slump, consulting the Chinese astrology compatibility wheel might be just the tool you need for picking your next partner. We guarantee it can’t be any worse than consulting another new dating app (we know your thumb is sore from all the swiping).
What is the Chinese Astrology Compatibility Wheel?
The Chinese astrology compatibility wheel is said to date back to 475 BCE to 221 BCE. The Chinese astrology compatibility wheel is based on the lunisolar calendar, which runs on a 12-year cycle. Each year is assigned to a different animal and an element: earth, fire, wood, and metal. The 12 animals on the Chinese astrology compatibility wheel are the goat, monkey, rooster, dog, pig, rat, ox, tiger, dragon, snake, rabbit, and horse. The animal signs are depicted on a wheel. Their position to one another is said to reflect their compatibility. Like in Greek astrology, each animal zodiac sign has different traits and characteristics associated with them. Those who were born in the year of that animal are said to embody those traits and characteristics. According to Chinese astrology compatibility, the zodiac wheel can determine who will be your best match. While this can be used for romantic relationships, you can also use it for platonic ones. The Chinese believe that letting your astrology compatibility guide you will help you understand yourself better and, therefore, navigate your personal affairs more efficiently. You'll learn your strengths and weaknesses and better prepare yourself for handling essential life situations.
Chinese Astrology Compatibility
Chinese culture believes that certain animal signs are more compatible with each other than others. This belief is similar to that of Western astrology compatibility beliefs between their different zodiac signs. In Chinese astrology compatibility, animal signs four years apart from one another are suited matches in either direction on the Chinese astrology compatibility wheel. Animal signs directly opposite one another or six years apart on the Chinese astrology compatibility wheel are incompatible unless the older person yields to the younger one. Incompatible animal signs are those that are three years apart going in either direction. Like in Western astrology, the Chinese zodiac animals are also associated with specific personal characteristics. Those who are born under those signs are said to share these characteristics. Read below to learn more about your zodiac animal traits and Chinese astrology compatibility with other zodiac signs:
Goat (1919, 1931,1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015)
People born during the year of the goat are known to be loving and supportive of their friends and family. Traits generally exhibited by those with the goat sign are sympathy, gentleness, and calmness. They're also associated with beauty and creativity. Their negative traits include being unorganized and having unrealistic expectations. Goats are most compatible with other goats, horses, pigs, and rabbits. They are least compatible with the ox, tiger, and dog.
Monkey (1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016)
Monkey people are described as being intelligent, sharp, and curious. They're generally cheerful people who demonstrate excellent listening skills and have positive energy. However, those born in the year of the monkey are also known for being heartbreakers who fear commitment. The monkey sign is most compatible with the rat, dragon, or dog. They are least compatible with the ox and tiger.
Rooster (1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017)
If you were born in the year of the rooster, you're said to be observant, hardworking, and courageous. You're straightforward and honest. Rooster people tend to be practical and, sometimes, perfectionists. The cons of being a rooster are that you tend to be materialistic. Rooster people are most compatible with the ox, dragon, and snake. They are least compatible with the rat and rabbit.
Dog (1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018)
Much like our favorite furry friends, the dog on the Chinese astrology compatibility wheel symbolizes loyalty. Those born in the year of the dog are known to be lovely, prudent, and honest. They're sensitive and pay great attention to detail. Their negative qualities are that they can be emotionally insecure and judgmental. The dog zodiac sign is most compatible with the horse, tiger, monkey, and rabbit. They are least compatible with the dragon and goat.
Pig (1923, 1935, 1947, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019)
Fortunately, being born in the year of the pig doesn't have anything to do with your eating habits (or maybe it does, no judgments). In Chinese astrology compatibility, the pig zodiac sign is known for its good manners and high intelligence. They're also said to be tasteful in all manners of life and compassionate, generous, and diligent. Their one negative quality is that they're nearly incapable of making tough decisions. The pig sign is most compatible with the tiger, rabbit, and goat. They are least compatible with the snake.
Rat (1924, 1936, 1948, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020)
The rat zodiac sign is described as quick-witted, versatile, kind, and resourceful. Rat people are known for their intelligence and curiosity, as well as their persuasiveness and generosity. Unfortunately, they can also be uptight and monotonous. In Chinese astrology compatibility, the rat is most suited for the ox, dragon, monkey, or other rats. They are least compatible with the rabbit, rooster, and horse.
Ox (1925, 1937, 1949, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021)
The saying “strong like an ox” is demonstrated in the Chinese zodiac ox. In Chinese astrology compatibility, the ox is known for being a strong leader. The ox is described as dependable, determined, and diligent. They are stubborn and fiercely protective of their loved ones. Ox people tend to be very private and may hold silent grudges for years. The ox sign is most compatible with the rat, snake, and rooster. They are least compatible with the horse, tiger, goat, and monkey.
Tiger (1926, 1938, 1950, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022)
People born in the year of the tiger are natural leaders who demonstrate strength and power. They're also associated with being brave and warm-hearted individuals. However, tiger people are also quick to anger and can be moody at times. They're most compatible with the horse, pig, and dog. Their least compatible signs are the ox, goat, snake, and monkey.
Rabbit (1927, 1939, 1951, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023)
Rabbits are compassionate people. They are known for being popular, kind, elegant, and responsible. This Chinese zodiac animal is quiet and soft-spoken (and oh, so cute). This makes it harder to defend themselves when in an argument with other people. Rabbit people are most compatible with the goat, dog, and pig. They are least compatible with the rat and rooster.
Dragon (1928, 1940, 1952, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024)
Chinese dragons are known for being wise and powerful mythical animals. Those born in the year of the dragon are natural leaders who demonstrate power and charisma. They're benevolent and believed to be naturally lucky. However, dragons can be self-centered at times. The most compatible signs for the dragon are the rat, rooster, and monkey. Their least compatible sign is the dog.
Snake (1929, 1941, 1953, 1977, 1989, 2001, 20025)
The snake sign symbolizes intelligence and mental sharpness. They're generous, enigmatic, and wise. Individuals born under the snake sign are known to be analytical and good with their money. Snakes are, however, distrustful people who become jealous and insecure easily (hence the namesake). Their Chinese astrology compatibility matches are the ox and rooster. They are least compatible with the horse, tiger, and pig.
Horse (1930, 1942, 1954, 1978, 1990, 2002, 20026)
The horse is a symbol of freedom (Spirit, anyone?). In Chinese astrology, the horse sign is self-reliant and full of energy. They have a love of travel and like to be on the move. Unfortunately, this can translate to impatience, which the horse sign is also known for. Horse people are compatible with the tiger, goat, and dog. They are least compatible with the rat, ox, and snake. 
The Five Elements in Chinese Astrology Compatibility
The five elements are another critical aspect of Chinese astrology compatibility. Each animal sign is paired with an element that better helps to describe a person’s personality and nature. No element is better or worse than the other since they all need each other equally to exist. In the Five Elements Theory, the elements interact with one another to either create or destroy energy. The five elements go in order by the process of creation and destruction. Wood starts a fire, fire creates earth, earth holds metal, metal carries water, and water feeds wood. In destruction order, fire melts metal, metal chops wood, wood separates the earth, earth absorbs water, and water puts out fire. In Chinese astrology compatibility, creation and destruction are complementary processes that ultimately lead to harmony. The teaching of the five elements is about finding the balance between all living things. How serene does that sound?
Wood: Tiger, Rabbit
People born during a wood year are known for being great thinkers and visionaries. They are warm and friendly people that are always dreaming of what’s next. They're wise and practical, making them excellent planners and decision-makers. Like the roots of a tree, wood people are always looking for growth and expansion. Because of this attitude towards life, they tend to become over-competitive. They must be careful not to overwork themselves and take time to chill out and relax.
Fire: Horse, Snake
Fire people run hot, literally and figuratively (a dangerous combination there). This is most likely because they're constantly running to the next adventure. Those born in a fire year are passionate about life and often seek out excitement. Fire people tend to gravitate to freelance work as they cannot stand to be stuck in the mundane or monotonous schedule of normalcy. This, unfortunately, can translate over to their relationships. Fire people are quick to leave a relationship if something more thrilling catches their attention. But, if you can keep a fire person entertained, they’re more likely to stick around.
Earth: Dragon, Dog, Ox, Goat
Earth people are natural mediators with strong convictions and a desire to help people. They're responsible individuals who can remain calm under even the most stressful of situations. They're excellent problem solvers and the go-to for friends and family who need assistance. However, earth people don’t take too kindly to people who don’t appreciate the lengths they go to solve their problems. Earth people demand to be treated with respect, which can, sometimes, come off as being self-centered or controlling.
Metal: Monkey, Rooster
Metal people are known for their steely personalities that come off as cold-hearted and rigid. They're highly disciplined and don’t do well without structure and order. They're serious and unyielding at times, but their strict regimens help them get shit done. Metal people are tough to get along with, but if they love you, they'll be extremely loyal and protective. They have high moral standards that can lead them to be highly judgemental of others. Though metal people are efficient workers and generally successful in life, they should learn to be more compassionate toward others.
Water: Rat, Pig
People born under the water years are known for being introverts who enjoy their own company over that of others (I'm sure most of us can relate). They're sensitive individuals who like to daydream and self-reflect quite often. Water people are quiet and rarely insert themselves into friends or family drama. Though greatly empathetic towards others, they tend to keep their own problems and grievances to themselves. This can lead to an unexpected outcome later when they do let all their frustrations out (cue "going postal" and "why women snap"). In this way, their friends and family might find it hard to understand them. Water people thrive in a calm environment. But to balance out their introverted nature, they should push themselves to grow by socializing more and doing things that test their boundaries. Seriously, go pick up your takeout order instead of spending $20 for delivery for a $10 meal. Most of the world doesn't bite (unless you ask nicely).
Chinese Astrology Compatibility in Your Life
Finding the right partner is no easy task. There are many factors to consider, but understanding yourself is just as important as understanding your potential partner. You can use the teachings of Chinese astrology compatibility to better understand your personality type and the positive and negative aspects of it. We all have things to work on; becoming more aware of your negative traits can help you balance out your flaws and attract a suitable partner. Knowing your partner’s, or potential partner’s, Chinese astrology compatibility sign may also help you understand them better. You can learn their strengths and weaknesses and decide if they are compatible with your own. Of course, this is assuming you believe in the ancient practice of astrology. There is no scientific data to confirm that Chinese astrology compatibility should be taken as fact. Consulting your Chinese astrology compatibility to determine whether or not you should date someone is not recommended. You should judge a person by their words and actions, not their animal or element sign. That being said, Chinese astrology compatibility can be a fun tool to use when getting to know your significant other. You may find eerie similarities to your results as well as some things that are totally inaccurate. Just for kicks, type in your and your partner’s info in a Chinese astrology compatibility calculator and see what your results are. If anything, it’s a fun conversation starter between the two of you. Sure, Chinese astrology compatibility might not be the best means of choosing a partner, but how romantic is it that you and your significant other’s love story could be written in the stars?
