The Five Elements of the Chinese Zodiac Explained
Your animal describes the broad shape of your character; the element of your birth year colors it. The elements cycle in a fixed order — Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water — two years each, over a 10-year span.
Wood
Wood years (ending in 4 or 5) are associated with growth, cooperation, generosity and long-term thinking. A Wood animal tends to be the team player of its sign.
Fire
Fire years (ending in 6 or 7) bring energy, passion, boldness and a short fuse. A Fire animal is the most outgoing and the most impatient version of its sign.
Earth
Earth years (ending in 8 or 9) add stability, patience, realism and loyalty. An Earth animal is grounded and reliable, sometimes to the point of caution.
Metal
Metal years (ending in 0 or 1) sharpen focus, discipline, ambition and independence. A Metal animal is the most determined and self-reliant of its sign.
Water
Water years (ending in 2 or 3) bring adaptability, empathy, intuition and persuasion. A Water animal reads people well and bends rather than breaks.
Find your exact element with the calculator, or read your sign profile.