Chinese Zodiac

The 12 animal signs and their role in Bazi

Overview of the 12 Animals

The Chinese Zodiac (生肖) assigns one of 12 animals to each year in a repeating cycle. The animals are: Rat (鼠), Ox (牛), Tiger (虎), Rabbit (兔), Dragon (龙), Snake (蛇), Horse (马), Goat (羊), Monkey (猴), Rooster (鸡), Dog (狗), and Pig (猪). Each animal corresponds to an Earthly Branch and has its own element, personality traits, and compatibility patterns. While most people know their birth year animal, in Bazi the Day Branch animal is actually more significant for personality analysis.

Beyond the Year Animal

Your birth year animal is just one of four animals in your chart. You also have a month animal (reflecting your approach to work), a day animal (reflecting your inner self and relationships), and an hour animal (reflecting your hidden self). A person born in the Year of the Rat might actually have a Dragon day animal and a Tiger hour animal — their personality is a blend, not a single stereotype.

The Four Animal Triads (三合)

Certain groups of three animals form natural alliances called San He (三合 — Three Harmonies): Rat-Dragon-Monkey (Water alliance), Ox-Snake-Rooster (Metal alliance), Tiger-Horse-Dog (Fire alliance), Rabbit-Goat-Pig (Wood alliance). Animals within the same triad naturally support each other. In relationship compatibility, pairing with your triad partners is considered very favorable.

Six Clashes (六冲)

Opposite positions on the zodiac wheel create clash relationships (六冲): Rat-Horse, Ox-Goat, Tiger-Monkey, Rabbit-Rooster, Dragon-Dog, Snake-Pig. Clashes are not necessarily bad — they create dynamic tension that can drive growth. But they require more conscious effort to navigate smoothly. In Bazi, clashes between the year pillar and current year often signal significant life changes.