Which Chinese astrology element affects your life? You can find your element by checking the last number of your birth year. For example, if your year ends in 4 or 5, you have the Wood element. More than 2 billion people around the world follow the Chinese zodiac. They feel a strong connection to the five elements for balance and learning about themselves. Astrology helps people understand their feelings. Many people use traditions like BaZi to help them grow. Learn more about the five elements and how KarmaBless jewelry brings harmony at karmabless.com.
Key Takeaways
Chinese astrology has five elements: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. These elements shape who you are and your life. You can find your element by looking at the last number of your birth year. There is a simple chart to help you do this. Each element links to seasons, colors, directions, and virtues. These things affect your traits and energy. Knowing your element helps you grow and balance your feelings. It can also help you get along better with others. The five elements move in cycles. They show how the elements help or control each other. This can change how well you match with others. Wearing jewelry that fits your element can help you feel balanced. It can also help you feel more confident every day. Doing breathing exercises, meditation, and using Feng Shui can bring peace and good energy. Learning about your element and zodiac sign helps you see your strengths and challenges.
Chinese Astrology Elements

Chinese astrology is based on the five elements theory. These elements are Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. They shape the world and affect how people act, feel, and live. Each element matches with a direction, season, color, planet, and virtue. These links help explain how people and nature connect.
The Chinese zodiac elements work in cycles. The generating cycle shows how one element makes another. The controlling cycle keeps things balanced. The Chinese calendar uses these cycles to make a 60-year pattern. Each year, an element joins with a zodiac animal. This shapes the traits of people born that year.
Below is a table with the main links for the five elements:
Aspect |
Wood |
Fire |
Earth |
Metal |
Water |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Direction |
East |
South |
Center |
West |
North |
Season |
Spring |
Summer |
Change of seasons |
Autumn |
Winter |
Color |
Green |
Red |
Yellow |
White |
Black |
Planet |
Jupiter |
Mars |
Saturn |
Venus |
Mercury |
Virtue |
Benevolence |
Propriety |
Fidelity/Honesty |
Righteousness |
Wisdom |
Sensory Organ |
Eyes |
Tongue |
Mouth |
Nose |
Ear |
Wood
Wood stands for growth, creativity, and being flexible. People with strong wood often show kindness and want to help. Wood links to spring, green, and east. Its energy helps people start new things and grow.
The Wuxing system has used wood since the Han dynasty.
Wood connects to the heavenly stems Jia and Yi in the zodiac cycles.
Some traditions split wood into types like forest wood or willow wood.
Wood is important in Chinese medicine and feng shui.
KarmaBless has jewelry made from natural woods and green stones. This helps people connect with wood. Readers can learn more about wood and other elements at karmabless.com.
Fire
Fire brings passion, energy, and change. In Chinese astrology, fire links to summer, red, and south. People with strong fire feel lively and like to express themselves. Fire can be bright like the sun or gentle like a candle.
Fire energy helps people change and show their feelings. Too much fire can cause stress. Too little can make people tired. The five elements theory says balance is important. Fire also links to the heart in Chinese medicine.
KarmaBless has red string bracelets and fiery stones for fire. Readers can learn more about fire and self-expression at karmabless.com.
Earth
Earth stands for stability, care, and support. Earth links to the center, yellow, and times between seasons. People with strong earth are fair and steady. Earth’s energy helps people feel safe and grounded.
Earth comes from fire’s ashes and marks season changes.
Earth links to the spleen and mouth, showing its role in food.
Earth helps things grow and gives protection, but too much can feel heavy.
People with earth often work toward long-term goals and value honesty.
KarmaBless uses natural stones and yellow crystals for earth. These help people connect with earth energy. Readers can find more tips for balance at karmabless.com.
Metal
Metal means strength, clear thinking, and strong will. People with metal energy are focused and disciplined. They like things to be neat and set high goals. Metal connects to autumn, the west, and the color white. In the five elements theory, metal cuts through confusion and brings order.
Metal energy helps people stay calm and face problems bravely. In Chinese medicine, metal links to the lungs and large intestine. This shows how breathing and letting go help us feel balanced. People with balanced metal can handle sadness and move on. They are strong and can adjust to new things with steady effort.
Tip: Try deep breathing and mindfulness to balance metal energy and feel stronger.
The five elements theory says metal pulls in and focuses energy. This helps people work toward goals and beat challenges. Metal types are loyal and trust others. They keep their word and care about honesty. In the chinese zodiac elements, metal is in signs like Monkey and Rooster. These signs are known for being determined and smart.
KarmaBless has jewelry made with real metals and white stones. These items help people feel the power of metal. The KarmaBless blog has more about the five elements and how to use them for balance. Wearing metal jewelry can remind you to stay strong and think clearly every day.
Water
Water stands for wisdom, gut feelings, and deep emotions. People with water energy feel things deeply and think before acting. Water connects to winter, the north, and the color black. In the five elements theory, water flows and changes, showing how to be flexible and strong.
Water types in the chinese zodiac elements are thoughtful and creative. They listen well and help others. Their feelings can change fast, like rivers or rain. Water people look for meaning and purpose in life. They may switch jobs or move to find what fits them best. In Chinese medicine, water links to the kidneys and bladder, showing how body and feelings connect.
Note: Spending quiet time alone or near water helps water types feel better and balanced.
The five elements theory says water feeds wood and helps things grow. When water energy is balanced, people are caring and creative. If water is weak, people may pull away or feel too much. The KarmaBless blog explains more about the five elements and how to use them for harmony. KarmaBless has jewelry with blue stones and water charms to help people connect with water energy.
If you want to learn more about the chinese zodiac elements and your own element, KarmaBless has guides and products to help you feel balanced and well. Check out the five elements collection to find jewelry that matches your element and helps you use your strengths.
What Is My Chinese Zodiac Element
Understanding what is my chinese zodiac element helps people learn more about themselves. Each person has a unique element based on their birth year. The chinese zodiac uses a repeating cycle of twelve animals and five elements. This creates a 60-year pattern. People can find their element by looking at their birth year. The process is simple and does not need a chinese zodiac calculator.
Find by Birth Year
The chinese zodiac years follow a set pattern. Each year matches with one of the five elements: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, or Water. The element repeats every two years. The animal sign changes every year. This system helps people find their element and sign quickly.
Last Digit Method
People can use the last digit of their birth year to find their element. This method works for most chinese zodiac years. Here is a quick guide:
Last Digit of Birth Year |
Element |
---|---|
0 or 1 |
Metal |
2 or 3 |
Water |
4 or 5 |
Wood |
6 or 7 |
Fire |
8 or 9 |
Earth |
Tip: If someone was born in 1988, the last digit is 8. Their element is Earth. If the year is 2005, the last digit is 5. The element is Wood.
Full Year Chart
Some people want to see the full list of chinese zodiac years and their elements. The chart below shows the animal sign and element for each year from 1984 to 2023. This includes the year of the wood dragon, which is 2024.
Year |
Animal Sign |
Element |
---|---|---|
1984 |
Rat |
Wood |
1985 |
Ox |
Wood |
1986 |
Tiger |
Fire |
1987 |
Rabbit |
Fire |
1988 |
Dragon |
Earth |
1989 |
Snake |
Earth |
1990 |
Horse |
Metal |
1991 |
Goat |
Metal |
1992 |
Monkey |
Water |
1993 |
Rooster |
Water |
1994 |
Dog |
Wood |
1995 |
Pig |
Wood |
1996 |
Rat |
Fire |
1997 |
Ox |
Fire |
1998 |
Tiger |
Earth |
1999 |
Rabbit |
Earth |
2000 |
Dragon |
Metal |
2001 |
Snake |
Metal |
2002 |
Horse |
Water |
2003 |
Goat |
Water |
2004 |
Monkey |
Wood |
2005 |
Rooster |
Wood |
2006 |
Dog |
Fire |
2007 |
Pig |
Fire |
2008 |
Rat |
Earth |
2009 |
Ox |
Earth |
2010 |
Tiger |
Metal |
2011 |
Rabbit |
Metal |
2012 |
Dragon |
Water |
2013 |
Snake |
Water |
2014 |
Horse |
Wood |
2015 |
Goat |
Wood |
2016 |
Monkey |
Fire |
2017 |
Rooster |
Fire |
2018 |
Dog |
Earth |
2019 |
Pig |
Earth |
2020 |
Rat |
Metal |
2021 |
Ox |
Metal |
2022 |
Tiger |
Water |
2023 |
Rabbit |
Water |
2024 |
Dragon |
Wood |
People can use this chart to check their chinese zodiac sign and element. The year of the wood dragon is special and comes every 60 years.
Step-by-Step Guide
People can follow these steps to answer the question, what is my chinese zodiac element:
Find the birth year.
Look at the last digit of the year.
Use the Last Digit Method table above to match the digit to the element.
Check the Full Year Chart for the animal sign and element.
Read more about the element and sign on the KarmaBless Five Elements Blog.
Note: The chinese zodiac years start at Chinese New Year, not January 1. People born in January or early February should check the exact date of Chinese New Year for their birth year. This helps them find the correct sign and element.
People who want to learn more about their sign and element can visit the KarmaBless Five Elements Collection. The collection has jewelry for each element. These pieces help people connect with their element and bring balance.
The chinese zodiac system helps people understand their strengths and challenges. Each sign and element brings unique qualities. The year of the wood dragon, for example, brings energy for growth and new beginnings. People can use this knowledge to improve their lives and relationships.
Chinese Zodiac Element Meanings

Wood Traits
The wood element means growth, creativity, and being flexible. People with strong wood energy think fast and like to help. They enjoy starting new things and learning. Wood types feel sure of themselves and want to do well. They often lead groups and are generous to friends.
In old Chinese ideas, wood links to the liver and gall bladder. Spring and the east also connect to wood. Tiger and Rabbit are the zodiac signs for this element. Many people think wood types are tall or strong. Some may have oily or darker skin. Health experts say wood types should watch their liver and gall bladder.
Wood people are bold and love change. Sometimes, they get angry fast or break rules. They may feel bored if they cannot grow or create. In Chinese medicine, wood connects to the eyes and tendons. This shows how wood energy helps with seeing and moving.
Note: Wood energy helps people handle new things and fix problems fast.
There are no science studies that prove wood traits match personality. A big study in China found no link between the five elements and the Big Five traits. The meaning of chinese zodiac elements comes from old beliefs, not science.
If you want to feel more wood energy, KarmaBless has jewelry made from wood and green stones. These pieces help with growth and creativity.
Fire Traits
Fire stands for passion, energy, and big changes. People with fire as their main element feel lively and excited. They like to show their feelings and inspire others. Fire types take action and lead with joy. They bring warmth to groups and often get noticed.
Fire connects to the heart in Chinese medicine. Summer and the south also belong to fire. The color red and bitter taste link to this element. Fire types may have a strong voice and bright eyes. They often show courage and want to try new things.
Fire people are hopeful, creative, and love adventure. Sometimes, they act without thinking or get impatient. They need to balance their energy to avoid stress. When fire energy is balanced, people feel happy and ready to do things.
Tip: Going outside or meditating can help fire types stay calm.
The five elements theory says fire makes earth and is made by wood. This cycle shows how fire helps things grow and change. Science does not prove a link between fire and personality. These traits come from old stories and beliefs.
Earth Traits
Earth means stability, care, and support. People with strong earth energy keep peace and help others. They value honesty and being reliable. Earth types like to make safe spaces for everyone. They are patient and work hard to reach goals.
Old Chinese teachings link earth to the spleen and stomach. Earth connects to the center, yellow color, and sweet taste. Earth types may have round faces and steady bodies. They show kindness and care every day.
Earth people are practical, thoughtful, and like to help. They enjoy routines and clear plans. Sometimes, they worry too much or do not like change. Meditation and self-care help earth types feel balanced.
Old records say earth traits help people grow. Taoist teachings say earth supports health and feelings. The meaning of chinese zodiac elements, like earth, comes from many years of tradition.
Note: Being thankful and spending time in nature helps earth types feel calm.
KarmaBless has jewelry with yellow crystals and natural stones for earth energy. You can find more tips for balance in the KarmaBless Five Elements Blog and look at the Five Elements Collection for earth jewelry.
Metal Traits
The Metal element means being strong and clear-minded. People with Metal energy are determined and fair. They like things to be neat and follow rules. Metal types think carefully before making choices. They feel best when life is organized and simple.
Many people with Metal energy have these traits:
Strong focus and willpower
Respect for rules and old ways
Stay calm when things get tough
Want things to be fair and honest
Metal types often lead or give advice to others. They help solve problems and keep things in order. Sometimes, they seem strict or not very friendly. They may have trouble letting go of old habits. They can also find it hard to forgive mistakes. If Metal energy is too strong, people can be stubborn or judge others too much.
In Chinese medicine, Metal links to the lungs and large intestine. This shows that breathing and letting go are important for balance. Metal also connects to autumn, the west, and the color white. Zodiac signs like Monkey and Rooster have Metal energy.
A real-life example is Meghan Markle’s BaZi chart. She has Yin Metal, which mixes with Fire. This mix can cause a push and pull inside her. Metal and Fire can cancel each other out. This makes her want privacy but also enjoy attention. The mix of Yin Metal and Yang Fire shows real-life struggles. It affects her relationships and how she feels about herself. This example shows how elements shape who we are and what we do.
Tip: Deep breathing or mindfulness can help Metal types feel better and handle change.
Metal energy helps people reach goals and face problems. It keeps them true to what they believe. If you want to learn more about the five elements and Metal, the KarmaBless blog has more info. KarmaBless also has jewelry made from real metals and white stones. These pieces help people feel Metal energy and remind them to stay strong. Check out the Five Elements Collection for Metal jewelry.
Chinese Zodiac Compatibility
Knowing about Chinese zodiac compatibility helps people get along better. The five elements affect how people connect with each other. Each element can help or control another. This changes how people solve problems and work together.
Productive Cycle
The productive cycle shows how elements help each other grow. This is why some people feel at ease with certain friends. The five elements work together to give support and help things improve.
1. Wood helps Fire, like wood burning in a fire. 2. Fire makes Earth, because fire leaves ash behind. 3. Earth holds Metal, since metal is found in the ground. 4. Metal moves Water, as metal can carry or hold water. 5. Water helps Wood, by making plants and trees grow.
This cycle is important in BaZi astrology. It shows how your element can support someone else. For example, a Wood person may get along well with a Fire person. Feng Shui uses this cycle too, picking colors and objects for harmony.
Controlling Cycle
The controlling cycle shows how elements keep each other balanced. This explains why some friendships or families have problems. When one element controls another, it can cause stress or help things stay fair.
Wood breaks Earth, like roots pushing through dirt.
Earth stops Water, blocking its path.
Water puts out Fire, ending the flame.
Fire melts Metal, changing how it looks.
Metal cuts Wood, like an axe chopping wood.
People may see these patterns in their own lives. Sometimes, a controlling relationship feels hard. Other times, it helps people learn and grow. The KarmaBless Five Elements Collection has jewelry to help balance these energies.
Relationship Tips
Chinese astrology puts zodiac signs into groups that match well. These groups help people find friends or partners who fit them:
Rat, Dragon, Monkey: They are active and like to win. They help each other.
Ox, Snake, Rooster: They focus on goals and are strong together.
Tiger, Horse, Dog: They love freedom and balance each other’s weak spots.
Rabbit, Goat, Pig: They are calm and caring. They do not like to fight.
Matching signs is not the only thing that matters. How the elements mix is important too. Sometimes, when elements clash, people learn new things. Astrology gives ideas, but people choose what to do. Using both Chinese and Western astrology can help people understand relationships better.
Tip: Talking openly and showing respect helps all relationships, even if the elements do not match.
Apply Your Element
Personal Growth
Learning about the five elements helps people grow. Each person has one main element. This element shapes how they think and act. Knowing your element can help you improve your life. For example, someone with strong water energy can learn to be flexible. This helps them deal with changes and feel calm inside. Many people use meditation and breathing to balance their feelings. These habits help them stay calm and focused. Staying calm can also bring good luck.
KarmaBless has jewelry for each element. Wearing a bracelet or pendant for your element is a good reminder. It helps you remember to be yourself every day. The KarmaBless Five Elements Collection has jewelry made from natural things. These pieces help people grow and feel close to their element. Readers can find more tips for growing on the KarmaBless blog.
Balance and Harmony
Balance and harmony are very important in Chinese element ideas. People can make their homes peaceful with plants or water. This brings good energy and luck into the house. Doing qigong or tai chi helps the body and mind feel balanced. These activities also make you more flexible and help your joints move.
Keeping yin and yang balanced is good for health. People should take care of themselves to stay healthy. Group activities like meditation help people feel they belong. Sharing what you know helps others make good choices too. KarmaBless jewelry, made with crystals and wood, can help bring balance and luck.
Daily Tips
Start your day with a short breathing exercise to clear your mind and bring good luck.
Put a plant or small water fountain in your home for good energy.
Wear jewelry for your element to remind you of your strengths.
Join a group, like tai chi or meditation, to make friends and get support.
Move your furniture so energy can flow, using Feng Shui ideas.
Be thankful every night to end your day with peace and good luck.
Tell your friends about the elements to share good luck and harmony.
Tip: Small things, like wearing a KarmaBless bracelet or doing mindful breathing, can help you feel lucky and balanced.
Explore Chinese Astrology
Zodiac Signs and Elements
The chinese zodiac uses twelve animals and five elements. Each sign has an animal, like Rat, Ox, or Dragon. These animals come from a story that started over 2,000 years ago. The Jade Emperor’s Great Race explains how each animal got its spot. Every year, one animal and one element are picked together. This mix shapes how people act and what happens in their lives. For example, someone born in a Wood Dragon year has both Dragon and Wood traits.
Today, people see the chinese zodiac as more than just a belief. It helps people learn about themselves and make choices. The five elements—Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water—come from Wu Xing theory. This theory shows how nature’s forces work together. The elements make each sign special and every year different.
Yin and Yang Aspects
Yin and Yang are two forces in chinese astrology. They are opposites that work together, like night and day. Each chinese zodiac sign is either Yin or Yang. Yin signs are Rooster, Rabbit, Pig, Snake, Ox, and Goat. These signs show calm and strong feelings. Yang signs are Monkey, Tiger, Rat, Horse, Dragon, and Dog. These signs show energy and action.
Yang traits: light, action, masculinity, and odd numbers.
Yin and Yang balance helps explain why some signs get along better. Signs are grouped by Yin or Yang to show who matches well. This helps people understand friendships and harmony. The five elements and Yin-Yang together show a full picture of personality.
60-Year Cycle
The chinese zodiac years follow a 60-year cycle. This cycle uses 10 Heavenly Stems and 12 Earthly Branches. Each stem matches an element and Yin or Yang. Each branch matches a chinese zodiac animal. The cycle starts with jia-zi and ends with gui-hai. This system began in ancient China, over 3,000 years ago.
The 60-year cycle first counted days, then years in the Han Dynasty.
The cycle links to the Five Elements and the twelve chinese zodiac signs.
Each year has a special animal and element pair.
The cycle repeats, so a Wood Dragon year comes every 60 years.
This cycle shapes how people see time and personality in chinese astrology. It also helps with big life choices, like marriage or jobs.
Note: The chinese zodiac and its cycles help people learn about themselves and others. Learning these ideas can bring new understanding and balance to life.
When people know their Chinese astrology element, they learn more about themselves. The animal signs and five elements help shape who you are. They also affect how you get along with others and make choices. Some couples say learning about their elements helped them understand each other better. Their relationships became stronger.
FAQ
What are the five Chinese astrology elements?
The five elements are Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. Each one shapes how people act and feel.
How do I find my Chinese zodiac element?
You can look at the last number of your birth year to find your element. There is a full chart and guide in this blog and on the KarmaBless Five Elements Collection page.
Can my element change during my life?
Your main element does not change. But sometimes, life events or cycles can make another element feel stronger.
How do the elements affect relationships?
Elements work together in cycles. These cycles can help or make things harder for people. Knowing about these cycles can make friendships and family life better.
What jewelry matches my element?
KarmaBless has bracelets and necklaces for every element. For example, green stones are good for Wood, and red string is good for Fire. The Five Elements Collection helps you pick the best jewelry.
Does wearing element jewelry bring good luck?
Many people think wearing jewelry for their element brings luck and balance. KarmaBless makes each piece to help you feel well.
Where can I learn more about Chinese astrology?
You can visit the KarmaBless blog to read about the five elements, zodiac signs, and Feng Shui. The website also has guides and tips for daily balance.