A Look at Chinese Astrology and Your Compatibility With Others

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A comprehensive guide to love, relationships, and compatibility

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Last Updated: December 20, 2024 References

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• Chinese Zodiac Compatibility
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• Understanding Your Chinese Zodiac Sign

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The Chinese Zodiac is a version of our Western astrology and has been around for thousands of years. If you know your Chinese zodiac sign, you might be wondering who you’re most compatible with. Can a Horse love a Rat? Are a Tiger and a Monkey doomed to fail? Are an Ox and a Rabbit better off as friends? Keep reading for a comprehensive guide to Chinese Zodiac compatibility, from the truest love matches to the ones that shouldn’t even be in the same room together.

What Chinese Zodiac signs are most compatible?

Some of the most compatible matches among the 12 Chinese Zodiac signs are between Rats and Monkeys, Oxen and Snakes, Tigers and Horses, Rabbits and Dogs, and Dragons and Roosters. Some of the least compatible matches include Snakes and Tigers, Horses and Oxen, Dogs and Dragons, and Roosters and Rabbits.

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Section 1 of 2:

Chinese Zodiac Compatibility

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1. 1
   Rat The Rat is the first animal in the Chinese Zodiac’s 12-year cycle. Recent Rat years include 2020, 2008, 1996, 1984, and 1972, with the next one being 2032. Rats are considered to be friendly, cautious, and quirky, sometimes hiding their true feelings out fear that they won’t be liked. The Rat’s best matches are the Dragon and Monkey, while the Horse and Goat are the worst.

   • The relationship between a Rat and Dragon is one of opposites attracting, but a successful one nonetheless! The Rat will iron out the small kinks, while the Dragon takes care of the big picture.
   • The Monkey and the Rat have tons in common and this will reflect in their happy relationship. The Rat will appreciate the Monkey’s logical approach to everything.
   • The Ox is an honorable mention, as the two signs can get along as long but may both be too timid for their collective good.
   • The Horse and Goat are the worst matches for the Rat. Horses love spontaneity, while rats need to carefully plan. Goats can be jealous, adding negativity to the life of the already suspicious Rat.
2. 2
   Ox The Ox is the second animal in the 12-year Chinese Zodiac cycle. Recent Ox years include 2021, 2009, 1997, 1985, and 1973, with the next one being in 2033. Oxen-ruled folk tend to be grounded, responsible, and gentle, but can step up to the plate when it’s time to act. An Ox’s best matches are Snakes and Roosters; their worst matches are Horses and Goats.

   • The relationship between an Ox and a Snake may start off slow, but their shared interests and low-key personalities are sure to strike a spark at some point.
   • The quiet and level-headed Ox enjoys the tenacity and energy of the Rooster, making them an excellent pair.
   • The Rat is another solid pairing, although some balance is needed between these two shy signs.
   • The roaming Horse is a bad choice for the anchored Ox, as they are adventurous and always on the move, while the Ox tends to be a homebody.
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3. 3
   Tiger The Tiger is the third animal in the 12-year Chinese Zodiac cycle. Recent Tiger years include 2022, 2010, 1998, 1986, 1974, with the next one being in 2034. The tiger is fierce, assertive, and charismatic. A true extrovert of the zodiac, Tigers are loyal, energetic, and have a keen sense of righteousness. The Tiger’s best matches are the Horse and the Dog, with an honorable mention for the Pig. Monkeys and Snakes are not good fits for Tigers.

   • The Horse and Tiger relationship is dynamic and ever-evolving. These two signs tend to be the boldest, brightest, and most successful, and together, they light up any room they’re in.
   • Dogs are likely to let Tigers lead, while providing them with the support they never knew they needed. These two make a very harmonious pair.
   • Pigs are charming, easygoing, and generous– all green flags for the big-hearted Tiger.
   • The Tiger and Monkey both have tempers, which can lead to a volatile relationship. The Tiger and Snake are opposites, but not in a good way, as they would struggle to understand each other.
4. 4
   Rabbit The Rabbit is the 4th animal in the 12-year Chinese Zodiac cycle. Recent Rabbit years include 2023, 2011, 1999, 1987, 1975, with the next one being in 2035. Rabbits are polite, eloquent, and sincere. They crave an exciting, well-rounded life full of imagination and curiosity. A Rabbit gets along best with Goats and Pigs, and can also make it work with a Dog. The same could not be said of Roosters and Dragons.

   • The Rabbit and the Goat are both sensitive and sweet souls, expanding each other’s world-views while remaining optimistic about the future.
   • The Rabbit and the Pig make for a near perfect match, supporting each other ardently in all areas of life.
   • The Dog is a solid match, but neither is particularly energetic, leading to a life of possible stagnancy.
   • The Rooster has a totally different perspective on life which will clash with the Rabbit’s soft sensibilities.
   • Similarly, the Dragon will pose too much of a dominant threat to the sometimes meek and submissive Rabbit.
5. 5
   Dragon The Dragon is the 5th animal in the 12-year Chinese Zodiac cycle. Recent Dragon years include 2024, 2012, 2000, 1988, and 1976, with the next one being in 2036. In Chinese culture, dragons are mythical, majestic creatures, and this Zodiac sign fully embodies these characteristics. Dragons are wise, confident, and larger-than-life. Their best matches include the Rat and Monkey, with the Rooster as an honorable mention. Their worst matches are Dogs and Rabbits.

   • Although they don’t always share the same vision, Dragons and Rats can help each other achieve all of their ambitions as they are both very strong-willed.
   • The Dragon and Monkey share a high intellect and will bond over their rational ideologies.
   • The Dragon and Rooster are both a bit vain, but in their case, it works to develop a bond over mutual love of beauty and aesthetics.
   • The Dog’s simple lifestyle will likely not impress the risk-taking Dragon, nor will the Rabbit’s inability to let the Dragon make all the executive decisions.
6. 6
   Snake The Snake is the 6th animal in the 12-year Chinese Zodiac cycle. Recent Snake years include 2013, 2001, 1989, and 1977, with the next one being 2025. That’s right, it’s time for the Snake to get its due… again! Snakes are smart, elegant, and even-keeled, remaining calm even in crises. The best matches for a Snake are the Rooster and Ox, with the Monkey as an honorable mention. The Snakes worst matches? The Pig and the Tiger.

   • The Snake could benefit from the Rooster’s methodical ways of thinking. In turn, the Snake allows the Rooster to embrace their passionate side.
   • The Snake and the Ox make for a harmonious and loving relationship. They’ll celebrate each other privately and adoringly.
   • Monkeys, like Snakes, are very clever, which could work in their favor as long as the outgoing Monkey can be reigned in a bit from time to time.
   • Snakes and Pigs have a tough time understanding where the other is coming from, typically resulting in hurt feelings.
   • There’s not enough room for both the Snake and Tiger in a relationship, as both are dominant and temperamental.
7. 7
   Horse The Horse is the 7th animal in the 12-year Chinese Zodiac cycle. Recent Horse years include 2014, 2002, 1990, 1978, with the next one being in 2026. Horses are high-energy, principled, and expressive, often very well-liked by their peers. They’re quick thinkers and love musing on human nature. A Horse’s best matches are the Tiger and Dog, with the Goat as an honorable mention. Conversely, a Horse is unlikely to find true happiness with a Rat or an Ox.

   • Horses and Tigers allow one another’s best qualities to shine without fear of being eclipsed. In fact, they thrive on this mutual admiration, which is what makes them such a successful pair.
   • In a relationship between a Horse and a Dog, the key is to let the Horse take charge, while the Dog keeps things stable at home.
   • Although there is a risk that Horse could perceive the Goat as lazy, a relationship between them has potential as long as they can openly share their respective points of view.
   • The Horse and Rat are both stubborn and unwilling to compromise. Similarly, The initial attraction between a Horse and Ox will fizzle once they realize they have nothing in common.
8. 8
   Goat The Goat is the 8th animal in the 12-year Chinese Zodiac cycle. Recent Goat years include 2015, 2003, 1991, 1979, with the next one being in 2027. Sweet and unassuming, Goats, or Rams, are some of the kindest signs of the zodiac. They are mild-mannered, empathetic, and the word “selfish” is not in their vocabulary. The Rabbit and Pig are sure to protect’s the Goat’s gentle heart, with the Horse being another viable option. The Rat and Ox, however, would probably break the Goat’s heart.

   • The Goat and Rabbit are often viewed as the perfect couple, offering one another the exact right amount of space and attention.
   • The Goat and Pig are the ultimate introverted pair, choosing to spend time cozying up together and cultivating their love.
   • The Goat’s sensible nature coupled with the Horse’s wanderlust can make for a solid and balanced pairing.
   • A relationship between the Goat and the Ox would probably be a tumultuous one, full of jealousy and suspicion. The Goat and Rat seem to be similar on paper, but don’t tend to pan out well in reality.
9. 9
   Monkey The Monkey is the 9th animal in the 12-year Chinese Zodiac cycle. Recent Monkey years include 2016, 2004, 1992, and 1980, with the next one being in 2028. Monkeys are creative, observant, and discerning, excelling when it comes to logical matters. They are sharp and tenacious, leading to good relationships with Rats and Dragons, with the Snake coming in 3rd place for compatibility. In a tie for last place? The Tiger and the Pig.

   • The Monkey and the Rat are likely to forge a deep bond, offering each other support and stability.
   • The Monkey can balance out the Dragon’s dominant ways, and in turn, allow the Dragon to sometimes simply enjoy the ride.
   • Monkeys and Snakes tend to be attracted to each other superficially, which certainly leaves room to grow emotionally for the pair.
   • The Monkey and Tiger will butt heads and constantly try to win control of the relationship, while a Pig-Monkey pairing will appear outwardly successful, while being inwardly disastrous.
10. 10
    Rooster The Rooster is the 10th animal in the 12-year Chinese Zodiac cycle. Recent Rooster years include 2017, 2005, 1993, 1981, with the next one being in 2029. Roosters are compassionate, competitive, and deeply complicated beings, often regarded as the voices of reason. Roosters play really well with Oxen and Snakes, with the Dragon being another suitable match. Roosters are not likely to be so chummy with Rabbits and Dogs.

    • The Ox is just as hardworking as the Rooster, if not more, and together, there’s very little that this winning pair can’t accomplish.
    • The loud Rooster is fascinated by the mysterious and soft-spoken Snake, leading to a scintillating match.
    • The Dragon is yet another good option for the Rooster, as both signs are flexible, understanding, and ethical.
    • A Rooster and Rabbit have the potential to bicker so much that a relationship between them could never blossom. A Rooster and Dog don’t even belong in the same room, as their respective traits are likely to seriously put the other off.
11. 11
    Dog The Dog is the 11th animal in the 12-year Chinese Zodiac cycle. Recent Dog years include 2018, 2006, 1994, and 1982, with the next one being in 2030. Those belonging to the Dog zodiac sign are very similar to the animals they represent– friendly, loyal, and affectionate. A Dog’s best matches come in the form of Tigers and Horses, with Rabbits trailing behind them. Dragons and Roosters? Not so much.

    • Both the Dog and Tiger are loyal to a fault, and will bring this kind of protective energy to the relationship.
    • Similarly, Dogs and Horses both value honesty and are able to open up to one another with ease.
    • Although not a perfect pairing, both the Dog and the Rabbit may learn patience and perseverance from one another.
    • The Dog may seem boring to the Dragon, and the Rooster may critique the Dog so much that his bite will turn into a bark.
12. 12
    Pig The Pig is the 12th and final animal in the 12-year Chinese Zodiac cycle. Recent Pig years include 2019, 2007, 1995, 1983, with the next one being in 2031. Despite some negative connotations surrounding the animal, those born under the Pig are optimistic, well-spoken, and sociable. Symbolizing wealth and prosperity in Chinese culture, the Pig is a good match for Rabbits and Goats, with Tigers as a close third option. A relationship between a Pig and a Snake is doomed, as is one with a Monkey.

    • A Rabbit can benefit from the emotional security a Pig provides, while offering them a more joyful outlook on life.
    • Pigs and Goats are both laid back, leading to a harmonious relationship with very little push-and-pull.
    • The Pig and Tiger will help each other lead more balanced lives, with the Pig relying on the Tiger for support and the Pig reminding the Tiger to take a breather on occasion.
    • Relationships between Pigs and Snakes will be marred by disagreements, and the initial attraction between Pigs and Monkeys is likely to dissipate pretty quickly.
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Section 2 of 2:

Understanding Your Chinese Zodiac Sign

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1. Identify your Chinese Zodiac sign. Go ahead and check to see what your Chinese Zodiac sign is. Each Zodiac sign repeats every 12 years and begins on the Lunar New Year of your birth year. Maybe you’re an adventurous and energetic Horse, or a bold and passionate Tiger, or perhaps you’re a kind and hardworking Pig. Learning where you land on the Chinese Zodiac is key in identifying your best potential matches, although there are other factors to consider.

   • Large animals, like Oxen and Tigers, are best paired with small animals, like Rats and Goats. This reflects yin and yang, or the harmony between all things, in Taoism and many other Chinese belief systems.
   • The element you were born under can also affect compatibility. For example, fire shapes metal, therefore, a Fire Tiger could change a Metal Horse’s life and outlook for the better.
   • Pay close attention to your birth date and time, as these can alter your outcome.
   • The 12 Zodiac animals were first featured in “The Heavenly Gate Race,” a story detailing how each of the animals behaved, attributing these qualities to those born under their respective signs.

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