Chinese Zodiac Signs & Their Western Equivalent Signs

Did you know that each Chinese Zodiac sign has a Western Zodiac equivalent? While both Eastern and Western Zodiacs have 12 signs, they each follow their own traditions and rules.

The Western Zodiac is based on the stars in the sky, with each sign representing a time of year. The Chinese Zodiac, however, comes from a legend where twelve animals were invited to race, and the first one to finish became the first sign of the cycle.

In the Western Zodiac, there are four elements—Fire, Earth, Water, and Air—that are connected to different signs. The Chinese Zodiac uses five elements—Fire, Earth, Water, Metal, and Wood—that are linked to each animal.

The Western Zodiac starts with Aries at the Spring Equinox, signaling the start of spring, and ends with Pisces. In the Chinese Zodiac, the first sign is the Rat, the animal that won the race, and the last sign is the Pig, the last to cross the finish line.

In Western astrology, your Sun sign depends on the month you were born. In Chinese astrology, your sign is based on the year you were born (you can find your Chinese Zodiac sign here).

The Western Zodiac follows the Solar Calendar, with the year starting at the Spring Equinox. The Eastern Zodiac follows the Lunar Calendar, which begins on the second new moon after the winter solstice.

So, how do the Chinese Zodiac signs match up with the Western signs? Jupiter plays a big role in this connection. Jupiter takes twelve years to move through the Western Zodiac, spending about a year in each sign. For example, it spends the Year of the Ox in Capricorn, the Year of the Snake in Taurus, and so on.

Want to know which Chinese sign matches with which Western sign? Keep reading to discover the interesting connections!

The Chinese Zodiac: An Overview

The Chinese Zodiac consists of 12 animals, each representing a specific year in a repeating 12-year cycle. These animals are:

1. Rat
2. Ox
3. Tiger
4. Rabbit
5. Dragon
6. Snake
7. Horse
8. Goat
9. Monkey
10. Rooster
11. Dog
12. Pig

Each animal is associated with certain personality traits, and the year you are born in determines which animal governs your personality and destiny. In addition, Chinese astrology also incorporates the Five Elements—Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water—which cycle through the Zodiac signs.

The Western Zodiac: An Overview

In contrast, the Western Zodiac follows the movement of the Sun through the 12 astrological signs of the zodiac. The Western astrological signs are:

1. Aries (March 21 – April 19)
2. Taurus (April 20 – May 20)
3. Gemini (May 21 – June 20)
4. Cancer (June 21 – July 22)
5. Leo (July 23 – August 22)
6. Virgo (August 23 – September 22)
7. Libra (September 23 – October 22)
8. Scorpio (October 23 – November 21)
9. Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)
10. Capricorn (December 22 – January 19)
11. Aquarius (January 20 – February 18)
12. Pisces (February 19 – March 20)

While Chinese astrology emphasizes yearly cycles, the Western Zodiac focuses on monthly cycles based on the position of the Sun at the time of birth.

Equivalent Chinese Zodiac Signs & Western Zodiac Signs

RAT = SAGITTARIUS

The Rat who won the race in the Chinese Zodiac is the equivalent to Sagittarius. Like Sagittarius, the Rat is adaptable and able to find the positive among the negatives. Jupiter is powerful in Sagittarius and the Rat is likewise considered a sign of luck in Chinese Astrology.

OX = CAPRICORN

Like Capricorn, the Ox is down to earth, steady and organized. Both signs are highly industrious, able to focus on a task and see it through till the end. Both have strong earthy energy and both can be downright stubborn! Respect and power are important to these signs and both of them value all aspects of the material world.

TIGER = AQUARIUS

Tigers are known for their rebellious streak and if Aquarius isn’t the sign of the rebel then I don’t know who is! Both of these signs are resistant to authority and prefer to follow the beat of their own drum. Their desire to stand out from the crowd and, above all, not to follow it makes them known for their courage. Both possess leadership skills, though both can be hard to get along with.

RABBIT = PISCES

As the second home of Jupiter, the Rabbit is likewise considered to be a lucky sign. Dreamers and artists, Rabbits and Pisces have a strong imagination and appreciate aesthetic beauty. They have kind hearts and can both be very passionate about their views. Both of these signs can struggle with escapism as neither like conflict.

DRAGON = ARIES

In the Chinese Zodiac, the Dragon is the most revered of all the signs, commanding respect and attention wherever they go. As the first sign of the Western Zodiac, Aries is just as strong-minded and respected. Aries is a sign of leadership, the go-getter who knows what they want and isn’t afraid to get it. The Dragon is highly independent. It is difficult telling either of these signs what to do!

SNAKE = TAURUS

Like Taurus, the Snake possesses a special sort of wisdom that helps them moved forward cautiously but cleverly in life. Both of these signs have the ability to withstand a lot and both enjoy the benefits of the material world. When challenges, both of them are fierce opponents! They are also highly sensual signs.

HORSE = GEMINI

Plenty of mental energy with these two! The Horse is someone of great intelligence who thinks quickly and has oodles of curiosity. It’s the same with Gemini – a quick-thinker who is always looking for new adventures. Often, the Horse and Gemini will have multiple talents and skills in a variety of areas. Both of these signs are charming and know how to win you round. Both can struggle with commitment!

GOAT = CANCER

Like the Goat, the sign of Cancer is a sensitive and imaginative sign. In fact, both of these signs are the most artistic of their zodiacs! They are both extraordinarily talented and usually have a special gift for writing, painting, drawing and other forms of the arts. Because of their high sensitivity, both of these signs can be quite moody.

MONKEY = LEO

The Monkey is a highly sociable sign and also very intelligent. While they are a little more flexible than Leo, both of these signs know how to have fun and have a very bold streak. Both enjoy having an audience and being the center of attention. They can both be very persuasive, though in their own unique ways: the Monkey with words and Leo with action. Both can come across as a little arrogant at times, though their hearts are in the right place.

ROOSTER = VIRGO

The responsible signs of each zodiac, both the Rooster and Virgo are deeply concerned with doing a good job and ensuring everything is running smoothly. The Rooster is a little more loud-mouthed than Virgo, who is more reserved, but at the core, both of them have the same aim: to get things done. Both are highly analytical. They can both be accused of interfering at times.

DOG = LIBRA

The ultimate defender of the underdog, the Dog is someone who believes in justice and fairness above all else. They are similar to their Western counterpart, Libra, who is represented by the scales of justice. Both of these signs seek companionship. Both of them will fight for a worthy cause and do anything to ensure justice is served. Both can be stubborn in their own way.

PIG = SCORPIO

Like the Pig, Scorpio is passionate and secretive. Both of these signs enjoy carnal pleasures – the Pig enjoys a good romp in the hay while Scorpio is the sign of seduction! The primary difference between these two is that the Pig comes across as more jovial and less intense, while Scorpio’s intensity shines through. The Pig is also more naïve than Scorpio, but both of them have a dark edge that gives them the ability to delve deeply into themselves and others.

FAQs on Chinese Zodiac Vs Western Zodiac

Conclusion

Although the Chinese and Western Zodiacs have different structures and systems, their respective signs share common themes and traits. This comparison helps illustrate how both traditions recognize similar qualities in people, despite originating from different cultures. Whether you’re interested in Chinese astrology, Western astrology, or both, understanding these connections can offer a fresh perspective on the ancient art of self-discovery.

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