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The zodiac animal for this year (2025) is the Snake.
Enter the year of your birth in the box below, to discover what your zodiac animal is, why, and what it means.
Since Jupiter takes roughly twelve (Earth) years to orbit the Sun and about twelve cycles of the Earth's moon each year, calendars have been divided into twelve months for around 5,000 years.
In the 5th century BC in China, the same number twelve was adopted to count the months and hours (twelve 120-minute hours in a day).
Twelve different animals were selected for the twelve-year cycle, which were perceived to have distinct characters and attributes. One animal was associated with each of the twelve periods, and with that animal, its attributes. It was believed that anyone born in that period would inherit those attributes of the animal.
The same animal associations arrived in Japan during the 2nd or 4th centuries AD.
The attributes changed slightly from the original Chinese to adapt to differences in Japanese culture, yet retained the same Onmyō and a pinch of numerology, to maintain the balance of attributes.
First, we'll answer the question: Do horoscopes affect people? And the answer depends on the individual.
If you believe in horoscopes, whether they're from an animal zodiac, an astrological zodiac, numerology, tarot cards, palmistry, feng shui, astrocartography, crystal, jyotish, or any other fortune-telling system, just that belief can certainly affect you. The effect is invariably through a phenomenon known as the Barnum effect (also known as the Forer effect), or the placebo effect. Here's how:
The Barnum effect is the tendency for people to believe that vague or general statements about themselves are highly accurate. Horoscopes often include generalized descriptions, such as, "You are proficient at building business-like relationships", or "You are a cautious and methodical person", which can be interpreted to apply to nearly anyone. Because of this, people may feel that the horoscope is more personally relevant than it truly is, which can influence their thoughts and behaviours.
The placebo effect is when someone believes in the predictions or advice given by their horoscope, their belief can create positive outcomes, even if the horoscope itself isn't scientifically accurate. For instance, if a person reads that they'll have good luck in a certain situation, they might approach that situation with more confidence or optimism, leading to better outcomes - this is the placebo effect at work. Essentially, belief in the horoscope itself can change their mindset and improve their emotional or mental state.
There are other things at work, such as experiencing confirmation bias, where people are more likely to notice and remember events or experiences that align with their horoscope, while dismissing or forgetting those that don't. This reinforces their belief in the horoscope's accuracy, leading them to feel more confident in its influence on their life.
For some people, reading a horoscope can provide a sense of control or predictability in an uncertain world. (A similar sense of control or predictability is why superstitions came about.) A horoscope might offer comfort or reassurance during stressful situations, allowing individuals to feel that they are being guided or that they have insight into their future. This psychological comfort can reduce anxiety, even if the horoscope itself has no real predictive power.
People who strongly believe in horoscopes may make decisions based on a zodiac's predictions. This could lead to changes in behaviour, such as choosing certain dates for important events (e.g., weddings, interviews, or business deals) or altering their actions based on the horoscope's advice. In some cases, this can have a direct impact on their lives, simply because of the choices they make.
While horoscopes don't have scientific backing, the belief in them can psychologically affect individuals through mechanisms like the Barnum effect, the placebo effect, and confirmation bias. These psychological influences can alter how people perceive their circumstances and how they approach their daily lives, often leading to a self-fulfilling prophecy of sorts.
You can see many horoscopes published in print and on the internet, most of which have quite similar descriptions. Our webpages show some of the commonly-agreed traits, though we've shied away from attempting to show how they might interact with other people's zodiac profile.
There are many fancy charts and diagrams published on websites, apps and other media, that supposedly show you which animal types are compatible or incompatible with your own zodiac animal.
But such charts themselves are incompatible with the essence of the zodiac, which was created in China at the height of Confucian belief that everybody has a role to play in society. Saying that somebody born-in-year-x is (in)compatible with somebody born-in-year-y, is just an excuse. Your zodiac year will not affect who you get on with, and who you don't.
As you well know, whatever year you were born in, your character and personality is greatly, if not entirely, influenced by what's happened in the years after you were born.
Of course there is!
There are several stories about why certain animals are used, and why they're in a particular order. Click here to read one of the most popular legend.
See also Yakudoshi - predicting your years of misfortune
What's the connection between the animal zodiac and the astrological zodiac?
For a deeper look into the beginnings of the Japanese zodiac, see onmarkproductions.com/html/12-zodiac.shtml.
Discover the zodiac animal for the year you were born, by entering the year in the box above, or by consulting the chart below. (You can scroll the chart to go beyond the current year, if you want to see what life is 'destined' to be for your decendents.)
Conveniently, since early in the Meiji era, the Japanese zodiac year begins on 1 January, unlike the Chinese zodiac year which follows the lunar calendar. The Chinese New Year date changes every year, but it generally falls between 21 January and 20 February. (See our lunar month calendar.)
You'll notice on the chart that the first Japanese zodiac year of the 20th century (1 January 1900) begins with the first zodiac animal (mouse). That's because Japan officially adopted the Chinese calendar in 604 AD. (1,900 - 604 = 1,296 years, which is divisible by 12 with no remainder.)
In China, the year 604 AD was in the Sui dynasty when Yang became emperor. It's unknown whether he reset zodiac year for the first animal to be the mouse, neither is it known whether emperors before Yang might have reset the zodiac from the original version sometime in the 5th century. Therefore, the years shown on these pages may, or may not, be based on the 5th century zodiac.
scroll 
| Mouse |
| Cow |
| Tiger |
| Rabbit |
| Dragon |
| Snake |
| Horse |
| Sheep |
| Monkey |
| Cock |
| Dog |
| Boar |
| 1900 | 1912 | 1924 | 1936 | 1948 | 1960 | 1972 | 1984 | 1996 | 2008 | 2020 | 2032 | 2044 | 2056 | 2068 | 2080 | 2092 |
| 1901 | 1913 | 1925 | 1937 | 1949 | 1961 | 1973 | 1985 | 1997 | 2009 | 2021 | 2033 | 2045 | 2057 | 2069 | 2081 | 2093 |
| 1902 | 1914 | 1926 | 1938 | 1950 | 1962 | 1974 | 1986 | 1998 | 2010 | 2022 | 2034 | 2046 | 2058 | 2070 | 2082 | 2094 |
| 1903 | 1915 | 1927 | 1939 | 1951 | 1963 | 1975 | 1987 | 1999 | 2011 | 2023 | 2035 | 2047 | 2059 | 2071 | 2083 | 2095 |
| 1904 | 1916 | 1928 | 1940 | 1952 | 1964 | 1976 | 1988 | 2000 | 2012 | 2024 | 2036 | 2048 | 2060 | 2072 | 2084 | 2096 |
| 1905 | 1917 | 1929 | 1941 | 1953 | 1965 | 1977 | 1989 | 2001 | 2013 | 2025 | 2037 | 2049 | 2061 | 2073 | 2085 | 2097 |
| 1906 | 1918 | 1930 | 1942 | 1954 | 1966 | 1978 | 1990 | 2002 | 2014 | 2026 | 2038 | 2050 | 2062 | 2074 | 2086 | 2098 |
| 1907 | 1919 | 1931 | 1943 | 1955 | 1967 | 1979 | 1991 | 2003 | 2015 | 2027 | 2039 | 2051 | 2063 | 2075 | 2087 | 2099 |
| 1908 | 1920 | 1932 | 1944 | 1956 | 1968 | 1980 | 1992 | 2004 | 2016 | 2028 | 2040 | 2052 | 2064 | 2076 | 2088 | 2100 |
| 1909 | 1921 | 1933 | 1945 | 1957 | 1969 | 1981 | 1993 | 2005 | 2017 | 2029 | 2041 | 2053 | 2065 | 2077 | 2089 | 2101 |
| 1910 | 1922 | 1934 | 1946 | 1958 | 1970 | 1982 | 1994 | 2006 | 2018 | 2030 | 2042 | 2054 | 2066 | 2078 | 2090 | 2102 |
| 1911 | 1923 | 1935 | 1947 | 1959 | 1971 | 1983 | 1995 | 2007 | 2019 | 2031 | 2043 | 2055 | 2067 | 2079 | 2091 | 2103 |
scroll Some zodiacs refer to this as a rat rather than a mouse, and the kanji for the two rodents is the same. To distinguish between the two, the rat is usually referred to as 'dobu nezami' and the rat mouse as 'nezami'.
Therefore, we show 'nezami' as mouse.
Further supporting this choice, the kanji frequently appearing in Japanese zodiacs is 'ne', which means 'child' and is fitting for the mouse than the larger rat.
Some zodiacs refer to this as an ox (a castrated male bovid), rather than a bull (an adult uncastrated male bovid) or cow (an adult female bovid), and the kanji for all such cattle is the same.
Since all cattle, including the Vietnamese zodiac's water buffalo, are colloquially called cows, this page translates the zodiac sign as cow.
Some zodiacs refer to this bird as a cock and others, as a rooster. Both are male chickens, and apart from the dissimilar spelling and pronunciation, the only difference between cock and rooster is whether you're speaking British or American English.
A cock is a fully mature male chicken, usually one year old or older.
In regions such as the U.S., the term "rooster" is more commonly used instead of "cock" to avoid confusing it with an abbreviation for "cockerel", which is a young male chicken, typically less than one year old.
Another reason for Americans to refer to them as "roosters", is to avoid the double meaning of the word "cock."
There are names for other animal species that differ to avoid sexual innuendos. For example, whilst "ass" is perfectly acceptable in Britain, Americans prefer to say "donkey".
In the chicken's language, however, both cocks and roosters crow just the same "cock-a-doodle-do!"
Medieval art invariably depicts the snake with feminine qualities.
Some zodiacs refer to this animal as a sheep, and others say a goat.
Whether the species is sheep or goat depends on the context. The Bible's Gospel of Matthew (25:31–46) has a phrase "Separate the sheep from the goats". This expression is used metaphorically to describe the act of distinguishing between good and bad, or righteous and unrighteous people. In the biblical passage, sheep represent the righteous, while goats represent the unrighteous. The separation is part of a final judgment, where the righteous are welcomed into eternal life, and the unrighteous are cast away.
The same could be applied to the non-Biblical zodiac, to refer to good or bad qualities or behaviour.
On this site, we're choosing the good sheep, which happens to have the same script in kanji and hanzi.
The Japanese kanji for sheep is 羊 (ひつじ, hitsuji), and goat is 山羊 (やぎ, yagi).
The Chinese hanzi for both sheep and goat is 羊 (yáng)
A portmanteau we've made up for the animal almanac
Chinese zodiacs usually show this animal as a domesticated pig, whereas the Japanese zodiac shows a wild boar.
In China, the domesticated pig symbolizes abundance and, by extension, wealth and prosperity in a peaceful, settled life.
In Japan, however, wild boars are more significant culturally, especially in the context of hunting and the natural wilderness. Boars in Japan are associated with qualities such as courage, determination, and fierce protection of territory.
People born in the Year of the Mouse are sociable and friendly, with personalities that often make others look up to them.
They have a high ability to adapt easily to any environment, making it easy for others to gather around them.
They are also cautious and methodical, working hard toward their goals. However, because they pay great attention to detail, they often feel stressed.
Although they usually appear gentle, they can have strong likes and dislikes and may surprise those around them by suddenly expressing intense emotions.
To summarise, they are gentle, frugal, patient, and systematic.
If so, do you share any traits or attributes with these famous people, also born in the Year of the Mouse?
People born in the year of the cow have a calm personality, just as you would expect from a cow. But that doesn't mean they're just laid back, rather they are thoughtful and consider things before acting.
Inside they hate losing and can show anger.
They work at their own pace and have a strong will. They can work towards their set goals without being swayed by changes in the atmosphere around them.
Although they are slow starters, they are honest and intelligent, so they can achieve great success in the end.
To summarise, they are stubborn, sincere, calm and collected, and have conviction.
If so, do you share any traits or attributes with these famous people, also born in the Year of the Cow?
People born in the year of the tiger have the courage and energy to take action, and are willing to do what they think is necessary and take on new challenges.
Like a tiger aiming at its prey, they have outstanding concentration and explosive power. And even if they hit a wall, they have the power to overcome it.
They have a certain charisma due to their bravery, sense of justice and passionate personality, which allows them to stand up to anything without fear. On the other hand, because they have a strong will, they can be uncooperative.
They're not good at adjusting to others, therefore better suited for working alone than teamwork.
To summarise, they are aspirating, romantic, perfectionist, forthright in saying what they mean.
If so, do you share any traits or attributes with these famous people, also born in the Year of the Tiger?
People born in the year of the rabbit have a quiet personality, yet they are charming and have good manners.
On the one hand, they are popular for being quick to the point, but there are times when their own happiness is the most important thing.
They are good at building business-like relationships while managing effectively. They try their hand at whatever they're interested in, and tend to act according to their mood.
People around them might get the impression that they are elusive.
To summarise, they are moody, pacifist, dexterous, elegant, sensitive.
If so, do you share any traits or attributes with these famous people, also born in the Year of the Rabbit?
People born in the year of the dragon have a rich sense of sensibility and an ability to think outside the box.
Although they don't show their emotions much, they have high ideals hidden inside and are actually very energetic.
Another characteristic is that they often accomplish amazing things one after another and lead dramatic lives.
They have a strong pride and a competitive nature, and their honest and refreshing personality makes them suitable leaders. However, since they tend to get hot and cold easily, they tend to unconsciously influence people around them, and may often come across as fickle and selfish.
To summarise, they are a person with ideas, challenging, self-paced, confident, curious.
If so, do you share any traits or attributes with these famous people, also born in the Year of the Dragon?
People born in the year of the snake are always calm and collected, and they are realistic idealists.
They have an image of being cool and intelligent, but also secretive and don't reveal their true feelings, so they're often seen as cold. However, because they have a quick wit and a keen observation, they actually have an excellent sense of humour. They're like the type of game where the fun is apparent once you get used to it.
In addition, they are very particular about what they decide on, and have a tenacity to persevere until satisfied with the decision. However, when it comes to interpersonal relationships, they tend to be seen as persistent because they always hold onto the unpleasant things that people have done to them.
To summarise, they are well prepared, proud, ambitious, caring, logical.
If so, do you share any traits or attributes with these famous people, also born in the Year of the Snake?
People born in the year of the horse have a friendly personality and can get along well with anyone.
They are the type of people who take initiative, so have a wide network of contacts and quick to take on challenges.
Because they are full of an adventurous spirit and can use their time efficiently, their experience is likely to be higher than others. However, because they are impatient and have a rough side, they have difficulty maintaining long-term goals.
It's best to take advantage of their high explosive power and work in a short-tempered and focused manner.
In addition, they are good-natured and easily influenced by emotions and easily trusts others, so they may need to take care not to be deceived.
To summarise, they are sociable yet independent, active, tolerant, hardworking.
If so, do you share any traits or attributes with these famous people, also born in the Year of the Horse?
People born in the year of the sheep are soft-hearted and gentle pacifists. They don't like conflict and rarely get angry, and treat everyone honestly.
Because of this, they always pay attention to their surroundings and value cooperation, which is why people tend to think of them favourably.
They are also generally passive and conservative, so feel uneasy about acting haphazardly and being uncertain about the future. They keep their feet on the ground, plan well, and assess every possible risk before taking action, but can also be overly cautious.
To summarise, they are humane, kind, single-minded, indecisive, keen to maintain the status quo.
If so, do you share any traits or attributes with these famous people, also born in the Year of the Sheep?
People born in the year of the monkey are popular, easy to talk to and difficult to hate.
They like to stand out and be admired, shine at parties and in large groups. They demonstrate a spirit of service by actively livening things up and making people laugh with jokes.
They are very quick-witted, so they're good at troubleshooting, able to read people's moods and manage effectively. However, that means they tend to be viewed as being from above, which may lead to resentment.
Also, because they get bored easily and are restless, they tend to give the impression of being irresponsible.
To summarise, they are curious, flashy, calculating, optimistic, overconfident.
If so, do you share any traits or attributes with these famous people, also born in the Year of the Monkey?
People born in the year of the cock have a well-balanced overall ability.
They are extremely intuitive and have the ability to foresee the future. They are also characterized by their ability to look at things objectively and make decisions calmly and quickly.
Also, since they are methodical and cannot tolerate compromise, they tend to be too particular and expect the same level from others, and tend to do things in their own way.
They have a strong competitive spirit and can't stand the idea of other people being given preferential treatment over them.
They have a dual personality, calm on the outside but on the inside flaming with emotion. They only show their true feelings to a limited number of people.
To summarise, they are enthusiastic, strong self-esteem, good memory, insight.
If so, do you share any traits or attributes with these famous people, also born in the Year of the Cock?
People born in the year of the dog are, as expected of canines, loyal and obedient. They have a strong sense of duty and humanity, and value their friends and those they have received benefit from, and will never betray anyone.
They have a stronger sense of responsibility and justice than anyone else, so always complete whatever they undertake.
Because of their honest and serious personality, they tend to see things clearly in black and white, and are unable to overlook other people's flaws.
Although they don't reveal their true feelings easily and take time to forgive, they are very affectionate and single-minded, and will love the person they trust for the rest of their life.
To summarise, they are passionate, disciplined, stubborn, anxious, clear-headed.
If so, do you share any traits or attributes with these famous people, also born in the Year of the Dog?
People born in the year of the boar have a strong sense of justice and are strict with themselves and others.
No matter who the other person is, they make their point clearly and are unafraid.
They have a strong will, so if they decide to do something, they will go straight for it, but need to be careful as they may push themself to the limit both physically and mentally.
Also, they are serious and can be difficult to joke around with, giving the impression of being formal or intimidating, which can easily lead to misunderstandings.
They are very kind and have a warm heart, acting without considering profit or loss. Although their clumsy and difficult-to-understand personality is a flaw, they are not the type that people dislike.
To summarise, they rush forward, honest, hard worker, not giving up, pure.
If so, do you share any traits or attributes with these famous people, also born in the Year of the Boar?
