What are the 12 Chinese zodiac animals in order? A Guide to Earthly Branches
If you have ever visited a Chinese restaurant or celebrated the Lunar New Year, you have likely asked: “What are the 12 Chinese zodiac animals in order?”
Most people know their animal sign. You might say, “I am a Dragon,” or “I am a Monkey.” But in the profound study of 玄学 (Chinese Metaphysics), these animals are far more than just distinct personalities or horoscopes. They represent a deep, cyclical flow of time and energy known as the 地支 (Earthly Branches).
The 12 animals follow a strict, unchangeable sequence that mirrors the cycle of the day and the changing of the seasons. This cycle dictates the flow of 气 (Qi) in the universe.
In this guide, we will list the 12 animals in their correct order, explain the professional 五行 (Five Elements) associated with them, and explore why this order matters for your destiny.
The Correct Order of the 12 Zodiac Animals
The cycle begins with the Rat and ends with the Pig. This sequence is not random; it follows the alternation of 阴 (Yin) and 阳 (Yang).
Here is the quick reference table for the 12 Zodiacs in order, including their associated 地支 (Earthly Branch) and 五行 (Element).
| Order | Animal Name | 地支 (Earthly Branch) | Dominant 五行 (Element) | 阴 / 阳 (Polarity) | Associated Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rat | 子 (Zi) | 水 (Water) | 阳 | 11:00 PM – 01:00 AM |
| 2 | Ox | 丑 (Chou) | 土 (Earth) | 阴 | 01:00 AM – 03:00 AM |
| 3 | Tiger | 寅 (Yin) | 木 (Wood) | 阳 | 03:00 AM – 05:00 AM |
| 4 | Rabbit | 卯 (Mao) | 木 (Wood) | 阴 | 05:00 AM – 07:00 AM |
| 5 | Dragon | 辰 (Chen) | 土 (Earth) | 阳 | 07:00 AM – 09:00 AM |
| 6 | Snake | 巳 (Si) | 火 (Fire) | 阴 | 09:00 AM – 11:00 AM |
| 7 | Horse | 午 (Wu) | 火 (Fire) | 阳 | 11:00 AM – 01:00 PM |
| 8 | Goat | 未 (Wei) | 土 (Earth) | 阴 | 01:00 PM – 03:00 PM |
| 9 | Monkey | 申 (Shen) | 金 (Metal) | 阳 | 03:00 PM – 05:00 PM |
| 10 | Rooster | 酉 (You) | 金 (Metal) | 阴 | 05:00 PM – 07:00 PM |
| 11 | Dog | 戌 (Xu) | 土 (Earth) | 阳 | 07:00 PM – 09:00 PM |
| 12 | Pig | 亥 (Hai) | 水 (Water) | 阴 | 09:00 PM – 11:00 PM |
Why This Order? The Legend vs. The Metaphysics
The Folklore: The Great Race
According to ancient mythology, the Jade Emperor organized a race to determine which animals would be the guardians of time.
The Rat (子), being small but cunning, rode on the back of the diligent Ox (丑). Just as they approached the finish line at the Heavenly Gate, the Rat jumped off and landed first, followed immediately by the Ox. The Tiger (寅) used its power to sprint into third, while the Rabbit (卯) hopped across stones to take fourth.
While this story is charming, the professional 玄学 explanation is rooted in nature and the behavior of 气.
The Metaphysical Truth: The Cycle of Day
The 地支 represent the position of the sun and the state of nature.
- 子 (Rat) represents midnight, the beginning of a new day where Yang energy starts to grow in the darkness.
- 午 (Horse) represents noon, the peak of Yang energy and the brightest time of day.
- 酉 (Rooster) represents sunset, when the energy withdraws.
The order captures the life cycle of the universe: Birth (子), Growth (寅), Peak (午), and Storage (亥).
A Deeper Look at Each Sign
To truly understand your destiny, you must look beyond the animal name and understand the 五行 energy it carries.
1. The Rat (子)
- Energy: 阳水 (Yang Water).
- Characteristics: The Rat represents wisdom, adaptability, and movement. Like water, those with 子 in their charts are fluid, smart, and can navigate around obstacles.
2. The Ox (丑)
- Energy: 阴土 (Yin Earth).
- Characteristics: The Ox represents the frozen earth of late winter. It symbolizes endurance, hard work, and stability. It holds hidden wealth inside.
3. The Tiger (寅)
- Energy: 阳木 (Yang Wood).
- Characteristics: This is the energy of spring breaking through the soil. The Tiger is bold, growth-oriented, and visionary. It represents the beginning of action.
4. The Rabbit (卯)
- Energy: 阴木 (Yin Wood).
- Characteristics: Unlike the Tiger, the Rabbit is the grass and flowers. It is diplomatic, strategic, and resilient. It survives not by force, but by flexibility.
5. The Dragon (辰)
- Energy: 阳土 (Yang Earth).
- Characteristics: The Dragon is the reservoir of water. It is majestic, unpredictable, and authoritative. In 八字, the Dragon is often associated with transformation.
6. The Snake (巳)
- Energy: 阴火 (Yin Fire).
- Characteristics: The Snake is the first stage of Summer. It is warm, observant, and intellectual. It represents the “Travel Star” in 风水, indicating movement.
7. The Horse (午)
- Energy: 阳火 (Yang Fire).
- Characteristics: The peak of Fire. The Horse is enthusiastic, visible, and honest. It aligns with the South direction and represents the height of summer heat.
8. The Goat (未)
- Energy: 阴土 (Yin Earth).
- Characteristics: The dry, hot earth of late summer. The Goat is artistic, nurturing, and resilient. It is the storage of Wood energy.
9. The Monkey (申)
- Energy: 阳金 (Yang Metal).
- Characteristics: The beginning of Autumn. The Monkey is sharp, efficient, and active. It represents the tool that shapes the world.
10. The Rooster (酉)
- Energy: 阴金 (Yin Metal).
- Characteristics: Pure Metal. The Rooster is about precision, beauty, and value. Unlike the Monkey (raw metal), the Rooster is the finished jewelry.
11. The Dog (戌)
- Energy: 阳土 (Yang Earth).
- Characteristics: The dry earth of late Autumn. The Dog is loyal, protective, and spiritual. It guards the gate to Winter.
12. The Pig (亥)
- Energy: 阴水 (Yin Water).
- Characteristics: The Pig is not lazy; it represents abundance and intelligence. It is the start of the Winter season in 八字, holding immense potential energy.
The Interactions: Compatibility and Clash
In 风水 and 八字, we do not just look at animals in isolation. We look at how they interact. The 12 animals have specific relationships that dictate harmony or conflict.
三合 (Three Harmony)
These are groups of three animals that share the same elemental goal. They are excellent for partnerships.
- Fire Frame: Tiger (寅) + Horse (午) + Dog (戌)
- Water Frame: Monkey (申) + Rat (子) + Dragon (辰)
- Wood Frame: Pig (亥) + Rabbit (卯) + Goat (未)
- Metal Frame: Snake (巳) + Rooster (酉) + Ox (丑)
冲 (The Clash)
Animals that are directly opposite each other on the wheel clash. This creates change, turbulence, or conflict.
- 子 (Rat) clashes with 午 (Horse).
- 丑 (Ox) clashes with 未 (Goat).
- 寅 (Tiger) clashes with 申 (Monkey).
- 卯 (Rabbit) clashes with 酉 (Rooster).
- 辰 (Dragon) clashes with 戌 (Dog).
- 巳 (Snake) clashes with 亥 (Pig).
Beyond the Animal: You Are More Than Your Year
If you were born in the year of the Dragon, does that mean your personality is entirely defined by the Dragon? No.
In professional 八字 (BaZi), the “Year Animal” is only one of four pillars in your destiny chart. You also have an animal for your Month, Day, and Hour.
- Your Year represents your social circle and external appearance.
- Your Month represents your career and parents.
- Your Day represents your spouse and your true self.
- Your Hour represents your children and your thoughts.
It is very possible to be a Dragon on the outside (Year), but have a secret Rooster on the inside (Day), and a Monkey in your career (Month)!
To truly understand your luck, you need to know the interaction of all four pillars.
Conclusion
Knowing the order of the 12 Chinese Zodiac animals is the first step into the fascinating world of 玄学. The sequence from Rat (子) to Pig (亥) is a map of time, nature, and the human experience.
However, remember that you are complex. You are a unique combination of elements.
Do you want to know what animals hide in your Month, Day, and Hour pillars?
Most people are surprised to find they have “Lucky” animals in their chart they never knew about. Use our free tool to uncover your full destiny map.