Water Rooster
Water adds adaptability, perception and diplomacy. The most intuitive version, and the most easily influenced.
Years
1933, 1993
Animal 10 of 12 · Metal · Yin
The Rooster
Precision, candour and visible competence.
Position in cycle10 of 12
Fixed elementMetal
Yin or yangYin
Hours governed17:00–19:00
SeasonAutumn
Lucky numbers5, 7, 8
Lucky coloursgold, brown, yellow
Strength. Notices detail others miss and says so. Prepares more thoroughly than required.
Friction. Critical out loud, and mistakes bluntness for honesty.
Each animal also governs two hours of the day — the Rooster holds 17:00–19:00. Someone born in those hours is said to carry the Rooster as an inner sign regardless of their year.
Traits
Observant
Blunt
Hardworking
Critical
Proud
Rooster years
| Year | Element | New year began |
|---|---|---|
| 1945 | Wood Rooster | 13 February |
| 1957 | Fire Rooster | 31 January |
| 1969 | Earth Rooster | 17 February |
| 1981 | Metal Rooster | 5 February |
| 1993 | Water Rooster | 23 January |
| 2005 | Wood Rooster | 9 February |
| 2017 | Fire Rooster | 28 January |
| 2029 | Earth Rooster | 13 February |
Born in January or early February of one of these years? Check the new year date — you may belong to the previous animal.
Rarely covered in English
The five Roosters
Every animal exists in five versions, one per element — and that is the reason the cycle runs sixty years rather than twelve. A Wood Rooster and a Fire Rooster are described quite differently, but most English sites stop at the animal.
Wood Rooster
Wood adds growth, patience and cooperation. The most flexible version — expands rather than forces.
Years
1945, 2005
Fire Rooster
Fire adds intensity, visibility and speed. The most driven version, and the quickest to burn through its own energy.
Years
1957, 2017
Earth Rooster
Earth adds steadiness, practicality and patience. The most reliable version, and the slowest to change direction.
Years
1969, 2029
Metal Rooster
Metal adds discipline, resolve and sharp edges. The most determined version, and the least willing to bend.
Years
1981, 2041
Each element holds for two consecutive years, so your element depends on which of the two you were born in. Twelve animals against five elements gives sixty combinations — a Wood Rooster recurs only once every sixty years.
The year of your own animal is not lucky
In Chinese tradition the year of your own animal is considered unlucky rather than fortunate — you are said to offend Tai Sui, the god of the year. The customary protection is to wear red, and specifically red given to you by someone else rather than bought for yourself. Red underwear, belts and socks are all standard.
The next Rooster year is 2029.
Western sites almost universally present your own animal's year as fortunate, which inverts the tradition entirely. In China the twelfth year is the one people take precautions for.
Rooster compatibility
| With | Relation | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Ox | Traditional ally | 90% |
| Snake | Traditional ally | 90% |
| Dragon | Traditional ally | 88% |
| Goat | Sextile — easy | 78% |
| Pig | Sextile — easy | 78% |
| Rooster | Same sign | 72% |
| Tiger | Neutral | 68% |
| Monkey | Neutral | 68% |
| Dog | Neutral | 68% |
| Rat | Square — friction | 60% |
| Horse | Square — friction | 60% |
| Rabbit | Traditional clash | 45% |