Like western astrology the Chinese Zodiac contains 12 signs each relating to an animal. Unlike the western astrology whose signs last around a month Chinese astrology lasts the second new moon after the winter solstice to the second new moon after winter solstice. This means that a zodiac year can range from 12 to 13 moons.

Like western astrology Chinese zodiac signs are linked to the elements and masculine and feminine energy but not in the same way, firstly the Chinese elements are different from western astrology. In western astrology our elements are Earth, air, fire and water and each of the zodiac signs are linked to a particular sign either as Cardinal, ·Fixed or Mutable and is either gendered as and masculine and feminine.

The Chinese zodiac elements are metal, water, wood, fire and earth and unlike western are not linked to the sign permanently. The elements are linked to numbers; the last number in the year will determine what element will rule the sign and whether it is Yang (masculine) or Yin (feminine) .

If the year ends in 0 it is Yang Metal.

If the year ends in 1 it is Yin Metal.

If the year ends in 2 it is Yang Water.

If the year ends in 3 it is Yin Water.

If the year ends in 4 it is Yang Wood.

If the year ends in 5 it is Yin Wood.

If the year ends in 6 it is Yang Fire.

If the year ends in 7 it is Yin Fire.

If the year ends in 8 it is Yang Earth.

If the year ends in 9 it is Yin Earth.

The 12 Chinese signs are Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig.

The table below will help you find out your Chinese zodiac sign you will also need to check the year you where born in to see what element and gender traits apply.

Once you have found your sign you can the look at the traits that apply to you may feel that you are more linked to your Chinese sign rather than your western one.

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