The Elements of the Chinese Horoscope: How to Find Yours and What It Means

You’ve probably heard of the 12 Chinese signs – Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig – which repeat in a 12-year cycle.

But did you know that there is a corresponding element that can give us even more information about ourselves?

For example, 2023 is not only the year of the rabbit, it is the year of the water rabbit! So what does it mean – for example – that 2002 was the year of the fire horse?

What is the origin of the Chinese zodiac elements?

There are five elements of the Chinese zodiac: wood, fire, earth, metal and water. These are derived from the Five Element Theory—or Wu Xing—a philosophy used to describe the relationship and interdependence between all things, with balance as the primary goal. As one energy rises, another weakens and at the same time all the elements are interconnected and there is no hierarchy.

This theory forms the basis not only of the Chinese zodiac but also of other Eastern traditions such as feng shui, holistic medicine, acupuncture, the I Ching and martial arts.

In Western astrology, there is a similar theory of four elements – earth, air, fire and water – first described by Plato in the Timaeus. Without one element, the other element does not exist. No one is better or worse than the other and everyone plays off each other. Ultimately, the goal here too is harmony.

What do the Chinese zodiac elements mean?

Because all the elements work together, each has different priorities, and people born under certain types of elements have distinct personality traits. A successful team needs all the pieces of the puzzle: the visionary of wood, the adventurous man of fire, the peacekeeper of earth, the stern man of metal, and the artistic man of water.

• Wood: If the last number in your birth year is 4 or 5 then your element is Wood

Colour: Green, Season: Spring, Planet: Jupiter, Symbol: Dragon, Weather: Wind, Sign: Tiger, Rabbit

People born during wood are patient, compassionate and understanding. Like the roots of a mighty, ancient tree, these people are wise and evolving. Wood people are as warm and sociable as they are stable and practical. Trees send messages to each other through their underground network of roots, and similarly for wood people, communication and growth go hand in hand.

Wood types can become overly competitive or obsessed with success. When they are too focused on winning, they can become intrusive and disrespectful of others’ boundaries. Their vision is powerful, but it must not hinder the progress of others!

They make decisions and are often associated with wise creatures such as owls. They should do regular exercise and get enough rest.

• Fire: If the last number in your year of birth is 6 or 7 then your element is Fire

Colour: Red, Season: Summer, Planet: Mars, Symbol: Phoenix, Climate: Hot, Sign: Horse, Snake

Those born in the years of fire cannot help but chase adventure. Creative and persistent, they are simply deeply passionate about life. Fire people are highly motivated and once their spark is ignited, they won’t stop until they light up the entire village… or burn the village down.

Because they run with passion, fire people are thrill seekers and easily bored if what they do becomes too repetitive or conventional. They do not do well in work environments where every day the same things are done and they can become a little aggressive. Freelancing is definitely better for them than working for the same company forever. Fire types will leave a job or relationship if something more exciting catches their attention. For them, spontaneity is the language of love.

They may suffer from anxiety and insomnia and to balance they enjoy long walks.

• Earth: If the last number in your birth year is 8 or 9, then your element is Earth

Colour: Brown, Season: Between summer and autumn, Planet: Saturn, Symbol: Cauldron, Climate: Rainy and humid, Sign: Dragon, Dog, Ox, Sheep

Those born in earth years are natural peacemakers. Responsible and justice-oriented, these people are the nerds in high school who always make sure work is turned in on time. Earth types are what Rogers was talking about when he said, “Look for the helpers,” and they are best at helping their friends, family, and anyone who truly values ​​them. The people of Earth remain calm even when they are in a storm.

Although they are crisis managers, Earth types can sometimes overreach and become a bit self-centered and controlling. These people move a mountain to help you, but resent it if you don’t give them credit for it.

If the people of earth should remember one thing, it is that they should take time for meditation and stillness, and that there is always something to fix, but it doesn’t have to be fixed right away. Needs patience.

• Metal: If the last number in your birth year is 0 or 1 then your element is Metal

Colour: White, Season: Autumn, Planet: Venus, Symbol: Tiger, Climate: Dry, Sign: Monkey, Rooster

Metal people are unyielding and rigid. They are minimalists in attack. For them, satisfaction comes from taking the easy way out. They are also extremely loyal and protective of their loved ones.

Metal types are disciplined and have high moral standards but can also be critical and controlling. They can tap into their softer, more compassionate side and engage in volunteering.

They have difficulty letting go and may need to practice deep breathing and meditation to find inner peace.

• Water: If the last number in your year of birth is 2 or 3 then your element is Water

Season: Winter, Planet: Mercury, Symbol: Tortoise, Climate: Cold, Sign: Rat, Pig

People born during water years are sensitive and introverted, usually needing a lot of time for self-reflection. With their thoughts in the clouds—they like to stay out of the drama and observe from the sidelines. Water people will only get into stressful situations when they know their voice needs to be heard. Water types love a rainy day inside, reading and journaling. They are compassionate, perfectionists who like to coordinate activities that make others happy. They are generally fearless and strong willed. Don’t underestimate them just because they are sensitive!

They can also isolate themselves to protect themselves and become passive or melancholic. To find balance, people born during water years need a calm environment.

What does it mean that 2023 is the year of the water rabbit?

2023 is not only the year of the rabbit, it is the year of the water rabbit. Both elements are extremely sensitive and creative, so this year the year moves at a slower pace.

It’s time for reflection. Like an artist who steps back to look at his canvas before painting the next strokes, this year will be about looking at the big picture.

It is the year for those born in 1972, 1973, 1982, 1983, 1992, 1993.

This is the second year in a row for the water, but last year was more hectic, this one – thankfully – will be much more relaxed. This year will teach us that sometimes the best thing to do is to stand back and observe instead of pushing the wheel endlessly and persistently. This year, let’s relax.

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