The Five Elements of the Chinese Zodiac
Everyone knows their Chinese zodiac animal. Fewer people know their element — the ‘energy’ behind it. Are you more like a tree, a flame, a mountain, a blade or a river?
The feeding cycle
Wood feeds Fire (wood makes fire burn). Fire makes Earth (ash becomes soil). Earth holds Metal (metal is found in the ground). Metal carries Water (dew forms on cool metal). Water feeds Wood (water helps trees grow).
The balancing cycle
Wood holds Earth (roots grip soil). Earth stops Water (a dam). Water calms Fire. Fire melts Metal. Metal cuts Wood (an axe). Balancing isn’t bad — it keeps each element from going too far.
What is my Chinese zodiac element?
Born in January or early February? If it was before Lunar New Year, use the year before.
Full Chinese zodiac element chart (1924–2043) → · Element compatibility →
Go beyond your year: find your personal element
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Five elements FAQ
What are the five elements in the Chinese zodiac?
Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water. In Chinese tradition everything is a mix of these five forces. They feed each other in a cycle, and also keep each other in balance.
How do I find my Chinese zodiac element?
Look at the last digit of your birth year: 0 or 1 is Metal, 2 or 3 is Water, 4 or 5 is Wood, 6 or 7 is Fire, 8 or 9 is Earth. If you were born in January or early February, check whether it was before Lunar New Year.
What is the difference between my year element and my personal element?
Your year element is shared by everyone born that year. Your personal element comes from the day you were born and is closer to who you are. Our free reading finds your personal element.
Which element is the best?
None. Each element has its own gifts and watch-outs, and the five need each other to stay in balance.