Zodiac systems

Here we look at two prominent systems, the animal and astrological zodiacs, with an answer to:

What's the connection between the animal zodiac and the astrological zodiac?

The main connection is, of course, that both systems have 12 signs. That said, there are several important differences.

For the animal zodiac, each sign represents one year, whereas each astrological sign covers around one month (29–32 days). Consequently, the animal zodiac cycle lasts twelve years, while the astrological zodiac cycle lasts one year.

Each animal sign begins its year on New Year's Day, whereas the astrological cycle's first sign (Aries) starts with the new cycle of the Sun's movement through the sky; i.e., the Spring Equinox (19–21 March).

We look at more differences a bit further down this page, based on the way the two systems are constructed. But first, let's consider some similar personality traits can be found between the two systems' signs. (Click the link for further details on each animal):

Animal zodiac	Astrological zodiac	Connection
Mouse	Aries	Both the Mouse and Aries are energetic, quick-thinking and ambitious, with a strong desire to take action and lead.
Cow	Taurus	Both the Cow and Taurus are grounded, practical and hardworking, valuing stability and loyalty.
Tiger	Gemini	Both the Tiger and Gemini are energetic, adventurous and enjoy variety, excelling in dynamic environments.
Rabbit	Cancer	Both the Rabbit and Cancer are nurturing, empathetic and highly sensitive, valuing emotional connections and harmony.
Dragon	Leo	Both the Dragon and Leo are confident, charismatic and have a natural flair for leadership and attention.
Snake	Virgo	Both the Snake and Virgo are insightful, analytical and have a calm, methodical approach to life.
Horse	Libra	Both the Horse and Libra are sociable, enjoy freedom and are optimistic, with a love for beauty and balance in life.
Sheep	Scorpio	Both the Sheep and Scorpio are sensitive, creative and driven by their emotions, though Scorpio is more intense in its expression.
Monkey	Sagittarius	Both the Monkey and Sagittarius are energetic, curious and love new experiences, with a sense of playfulness and independence.
Cock	Capricorn	Both the Cock and Capricorn are disciplined, hard working and have a strong sense of responsibility, with a focus on achieving goals.
Dog	Aquarius	Both the Dog and Aquarius are driven by loyalty to their principles, with a strong sense of justice and a desire to help others.
Boar	Pisces	Both the Boar and Pisces are compassionate, sincere and peaceful, with a love for helping others and a gentle nature.

Differences

There are several aspects that set animal and astrological zodiacs apart. These differences include their origins, methods of calculation, cultural significance, and the types of predictions or insights they offer. Here's a deeper dive into other distinctions:

• Cultural origin and tradition

  The animal zodiac is well known in East Asia, such as Japan, Korea, Vietnam and Mongolia, but originated in ancient China and is deeply rooted in Chinese philosophy, particularly the concepts of Yin and Yang and the Five Elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water).

  The system is linked to Chinese New Year, and the traits of a person's birth year (associated with the animal sign) are thought to influence their life.

  The astrological zodiac is widely used in Western countries, but also has influence in other parts of the world. It originated in Babylonian and Greek traditions and mythology, where each zodiac sign corresponds to a figure or entity from myth (e.g., Aries is a ram, Leo is a lion).

• Calculation methods

  As mentioned at the top of this page, the animal zodiac follows a 12-year cycle, with each year corresponding to a specific animal. In addition to the animal, the cycle incorporates the Five Elements, which adds another layer of complexity. The same animal appears every 12 years, but the element changes every 2 years (for example, 2024 is the Year of the Wood Dragon, while 2025 is the Year of the Fire Snake).

  It also includes the Yin and Yang (feminine/masculine energies), which influence a person’s characteristics based on the year of birth.

  The astrological zodiac is based on the position of the Sun, Moon and planets at the time of your birth, and it is linked to the ecliptic — the apparent path of the Sun through the sky over the course of the year.

  The 12 zodiac signs correspond to specific segments of the sky, divided according to the tropical zodiac (based on the seasons) or the sidereal zodiac (linked to the actual positions of the stars).

  The astrological zodiac also involves the study of houses, aspects (planetary angles) and transits, which add layers to personality interpretations and predictions.

• Personality and character traits

  For the animal zodiac, the character traits associated with each animal are typically considered more general and may refer to basic personality characteristics, temperament and tendencies in life. For example, the Mouse is often associated with being clever, quick-witted and resourceful, while the Boar is linked to being honest, gentle and compassionate.

  The element and Yin/Yang factors modify these traits. For instance, someone born in the Year of the Wood Tiger may be more creative and nurturing than a Fire Tiger, who might be more intense and driven.

  For the astrological zodiac, each of the 12 zodiac signs has a deeper and more complex set of attributes that are shaped by the Sun's position at birth, as well as the Moon’s placement and aspects between planets. Each sign is also categorized by one of the four elements (Fire, Earth, Air, Water) and one of the three qualities (Cardinal, Fixed, Mutable). This helps further define the personality.

  For example, Aries (a Fire sign and Cardinal quality) is considered energetic and ambitious, while Virgo (an Earth sign and mutable quality) is practical, detail-oriented and adaptable.

• Time

  The Chinese animal zodiac is mainly based on the year of birth, with additional influence from the month, day and hour of birth in more detailed charts (using a system called Ba Zi or the "Four Pillars of Destiny"). The year is the primary determining factor, with the animal and its element impacting life decisions and experiences throughout that specific year’s cycle.

  For the astrological zodiac, the exact date and time of birth are crucial because they determine the positions of the Sun, Moon and planets. This is why horoscopes can vary significantly depending on birth charts, even within the same zodiac sign. The time of day, as well as the rising sign (Ascendant), also play an important role in determining personality traits.

• Fortune and prediction

  Predictions in Chinese Astrology - a system which includes not just the animal zodiac, but also other elements like Ba Zi (the Four Pillars of Destiny) - tend to focus on the general themes of luck, wealth, health and relationships for a given year.

  Certain years may be considered more "lucky" or "unlucky" for specific animals, and compatibility with other animals is a common theme. For example, the Mouse and Cow are seen as a good pairing, while the Tiger and Monkey might clash.

  The astrological zodiac offers more detailed forecasting based on the movement of the planets and aspects they make with your natal chart. These forecasts are often broken down into daily, monthly or yearly horoscopes. It’s also used for more personalized insights, like career, relationships or emotional well-being, by analyzing one's entire birth chart (including planetary positions, aspects and houses). 

• Global use and popularity

  The animal zodiac is primarily used in East Asian cultures, but its influence has spread globally. Celebrations such as Chinese New Year focus heavily on the animal sign of the year, influencing festivities, rituals and family traditions. It’s also common in folk medicine and feng shui practices, where the zodiac animal plays a role in determining auspicious activities or life decisions.

  The astrological zodiac is widespread in Western countries and has influenced global culture through horoscopes, popular books, apps and entertainment media. It’s also used in amateur psychology, personal growth, and other areas where the influence of planets and celestial bodies is thought to shape behaviour and life events.

• Compatibility

  Compatibility between parties using the animal zodiac is often analyzed based on the year of birth, and certain animal pairs are believed to be harmonious or antagonistic. For example, the Dragon and Cock are thought to have strong chemistry, while the Mouse and Horse might experience conflict.

  Compatibility using the astrological zodiac is explored in-depth by analyzing the entire birth chart, focusing on the positions of the Sun, Moon, Venus and Mars, among other factors. It looks at how the elemental compatibility - for example between Earth signs - and the positions of planets, influence relationships on a much more detailed level.

• Summary of key differences:

  The animal zodiac is based on East Asian traditions with a 12-year cycle, while the Western astrological zodiac has its roots in Greco-Roman systems and based on birth charts and planetary positions.

  The animal zodiac primarily considers the year for fortunes and general personality traits, while the Western astrological zodiac involves precise birth times and locations to give more specific, personalized readings based on individual birth charts.

Other zodiac systems