The Twelve Earthly Branches
The Twelve Earthly Branches divide the year into twelve phases, govern the two-hour periods of the day, and mark the twelve-year cycle of Jupiter's movement through the sky. Each branch is associated with one of the Five Elements and carries a distinct quality of Qi. Together with the Ten Heavenly Stems, the branches form the sixty-year sexagenary cycle that underlies classical Chinese medicine, cosmology, and the traditional calendar.
Each branch is associated with an animal image. These animals are best understood not as literal creatures but as vivid illustrations of the kind of energy each branch carries: its pace, its disposition, its characteristic way of moving through the world. To know your Earthly Branch is to understand something about the particular quality of the year into which you were born, and the seasonal and elemental forces that were present at the moment your life began.
Zi (Rat) Chou (Ox) Yin (Tiger) Mao (Rabbit) Chen (Dragon) Si (Snake)
Wu (Horse) Wei (Goat) Shen (Monkey) You (Rooster) Xu (Dog) Hai (Pig)
01 Zi
Yang Water · The Rat
The first branch, Zi, embodies the deepest point of winter and the hour of midnight, when Yin energy is at its peak and Yang begins its quiet return. This is a time of stillness and hidden potential, when the seeds of future growth rest beneath the surface, gathering strength. Zi is associated with the Water element in its most concentrated form, bringing qualities of depth, intuition, and the capacity to perceive what is not yet visible. Those born in Zi years often possess keen instincts and a natural ability to navigate complexity, finding their way through uncertain terrain with resourcefulness and adaptability. This branch supports reflection, energy conservation, and the cultivation of inner resources that will be needed as the cycle moves forward.
Zi years: 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020, 2032
02 Chou
Yin Earth · The Ox
The second branch, Chou, represents the frozen ground of late winter, the hour just before dawn when the cold is most complete, yet the first light is already forming on the horizon. Chou is associated with Yin Earth and carries qualities of endurance, steady accumulation, and the slow but reliable movement toward what must be built. This branch supports patient, methodical effort and rewards those who are willing to work without immediate recognition. Those born in Chou years often have a strong constitution and a dependable nature, bringing consistency and reliability to everything they undertake. Chou is an auspicious time for laying foundations, consolidating resources, and honoring the kind of quiet, persistent work that creates lasting results.
Chou years: 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021, 2033
03 Yin
Yang Wood · The Tiger
The third branch, Yin, marks the arrival of early spring and the hour before sunrise, when the world is poised between night and day and the Yang energy of the new season begins to assert itself with genuine force. Yin is associated with Yang Wood, carrying the qualities of initiative, courage, and the drive to move forward into new territory. This branch supports bold action, fresh starts, and the willingness to take on challenges that may have seemed daunting in quieter times. Those born in Yin years are often natural leaders, drawn toward endeavors that require both vision and the determination to see them through. Yin energy favors those who are willing to act decisively and trust their instincts, even when the path ahead is not yet fully clear.
Yin years: 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022, 2034
04 Mao
Yin Wood · The Rabbit
The fourth branch, Mao, represents the full flourishing of spring and the hour of sunrise, when light fills the world and the growth that began in Yin reaches its most graceful and vibrant expression. Mao is associated with Yin Wood, and its qualities are those of sensitivity, refinement, and a natural attunement to the rhythms of the people and environment around it. This is a time when creative work, social connection, and any endeavor requiring a light and responsive touch tends to thrive. Those born in Mao years often possess an innate ability to read situations with accuracy and to move through the world with ease and diplomacy. Mao energy supports collaboration, artistic expression, and the cultivation of relationships that are built on genuine understanding rather than force.
Mao years: 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023, 2035
05 Chen
Yang Earth · The Dragon
The fifth branch, Chen, corresponds to late spring and the morning hours, a transitional time when the abundant energy of spring begins to consolidate and move toward the fullness of summer. Chen is associated with Yang Earth and carries qualities of transformation, gathering, and the capacity to hold many things together at once. This branch is notable for its expansive quality; it tends toward large visions and is at its best when engaged with work that has both depth and breadth. Those born in Chen years often have a dynamic and multifaceted nature, bringing creativity and power to whatever they undertake. Chen energy is well suited for projects that require both imagination and the organizational capacity to bring complex ideas into form.
Chen years: 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024, 2036
06 Si
Yin Fire · The Snake
The sixth branch, Si, marks the beginning of summer and the late morning hours, when Fire energy is rising and the light of the day has reached a point of clear and focused intensity. Si is associated with Yin Fire, and its qualities are those of discernment, depth of understanding, and an inward-moving intelligence that prefers to observe carefully before acting. This is a time that supports concentrated mental work, study, and any endeavor that benefits from careful reflection and strategic thinking. Those born in Si years often possess a penetrating awareness and a natural ability to understand complex systems and motivations. Si energy favors patience and thoroughness, and those who work with it tend to arrive at insights that others, moving more quickly, are likely to miss.
Si years: 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025, 2037
07 Wu
Yang Fire · The Horse
The seventh branch, Wu, represents the peak of summer and the hour of noon, when Yang Fire is at its most expansive and the energy of the season reaches its fullest expression. Wu is associated with Yang Fire, and its qualities are those of warmth, vitality, enthusiasm, and an outward-moving generosity that naturally draws others in. This is an auspicious time for activities that benefit from high energy, visibility, and the kind of spirited engagement that inspires people to participate. Those born in Wu years are often dynamic and expressive, with a natural charisma and a genuine love of movement, change, and new experience. Wu energy is well-suited for times of celebration, outward achievement, and the full-hearted pursuit of what brings joy and meaning.
Wu years: 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026, 2038
08 Wei
Yin Earth · The Goat
The eighth branch, Wei, corresponds to midsummer and the early afternoon, when the heat of the day begins its slow turn and the Earth element comes forward to consolidate and nourish what the season has generated. Wei is associated with Yin Earth, and its qualities are those of receptivity, warmth, creativity, and a genuine care for the wellbeing of others. This is a time that supports artistic endeavors, community building, and any work that requires empathy, patience, and a nurturing quality of attention. Those born in Wei years often have a natural aesthetic sensibility and a gift for creating environments and relationships in which others feel welcomed and at ease. Wei energy is most fully expressed when the outward care it offers is balanced by an equal attentiveness to one's own needs and renewal.
Wei years: 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027, 2039
09 Shen
Yang Metal · The Monkey
The ninth branch, Shen, marks the beginning of autumn and the late afternoon hours, when the energy of the season begins to gather inward and the clarity that Metal brings starts to emerge. Shen is associated with Yang Metal, and its qualities are those of quick intelligence, adaptability, and a creative problem-solving capacity that thrives on novelty and complexity. This is an auspicious time for innovation, strategic planning, and any work that benefits from an agile and inventive approach. Those born in Shen years are often remarkably capable in situations that require rapid thinking and the ability to improvise effectively under changing conditions. Shen energy rewards those who are willing to approach challenges from unexpected angles and to use their ingenuity to find solutions that more conventional approaches would overlook.
Shen years: 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028, 2040
10 You
Yin Metal · The Rooster
The tenth branch, You, represents the height of autumn and the hour of dusk, when Metal energy reaches its most refined and concentrated expression and the harvesting of what has been grown throughout the year comes to completion. You is associated with Yin Metal, and its qualities are those of precision, discernment, high standards, and the kind of focused attention that separates what is essential from what is extraneous. This is an excellent time for editing, refining, evaluating, and bringing quality work to its final form. Those born in You years often have a highly developed aesthetic sense and an instinct for excellence that serves them well in any field requiring sustained attention to detail. You energy supports the satisfaction of work well done and the deep sense of accomplishment that comes from honoring the full arc of a process from beginning to completion.
You years: 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029
11 Xu
Yang Earth · The Dog
The eleventh branch, Xu, corresponds to late autumn and the early evening, a time of transition when the warmth of the year is withdrawing and the Earth element gathers what remains before the winter stillness sets in. Xu is associated with Yang Earth, and its qualities are those of loyalty, integrity, vigilance, and a strong sense of responsibility toward what and whom one has committed to protect. This branch supports the honoring of agreements, the tending of long-term relationships, and any work that requires sustained dedication and principled follow-through. Those born in Xu years are often deeply trustworthy, with a natural instinct for justice and a character that others rely upon when the stakes are high. Xu energy is most fully expressed when its considerable strength is in service of something genuinely worth protecting.
Xu years: 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030
12 Hai
Yin Water · The Pig
The twelfth and final branch, Hai, represents the beginning of winter and the late evening hours, when the cycle comes to its close and the energy of the year turns inward in preparation for the deep rest of the season ahead. Hai is associated with Yin Water and carries qualities of openness, generosity of spirit, and a wholehearted engagement with life that finds pleasure in abundance and connection. This is a time for completion, reflection, and the quiet appreciation of what the year has brought. Those born in Hai years often have a warm and sincere nature, an uncomplicated willingness to give of themselves, and a capacity for genuine enjoyment that is both refreshing and renewing for the people around them. Hai closes the twelve-branch cycle with grace, preparing the ground for the return of Zi and the beginning of everything again.
Hai years: 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031