The 12 Chinese Zodiac Animals
Each animal governs a full lunar year and carries its own element, personality archetype, and compatibility patterns. Enter your birth date below to find yours instantly — accounting for the exact Lunar New Year date, not just the calendar year — or browse the full set to explore meaning, compatibility, and more.
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Rat
Ox
Tiger
Rabbit
Dragon
Snake
Horse
Goat
Monkey
Rooster
Dog
Pig
Understanding the Chinese Zodiac
The Chinese zodiac assigns one of 12 animals to each year in a repeating cycle, following the lunisolar calendar rather than the Gregorian one most of the world uses. Each animal also cycles through five elements — Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water — creating a complete 60-year cycle before any exact animal-element combination repeats. Together, these building blocks shape the personality themes traditionally associated with each sign, from the Rat's quick resourcefulness to the Pig's generous warmth.
Because Chinese New Year falls on a different date every year — usually between January 21 and February 20 — anyone born in January or early February should double-check their sign using the finder above rather than assuming it from their birth year alone.
Whether you're checking your own animal, exploring a partner's, or simply curious about the symbolism behind the cycle, each guide on Aureveal covers personality, strengths, challenges, love, and compatibility with every other animal.