The Chinese zodiac comprises twelve animal signs: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. Each animal is also connected to one of the Five Elements, which are governed by the principles of mutual generation and mutual restraint. Within the zodiac, mutual generation is preferred, while mutual restraint should be avoided.
There are popular sayings regarding zodiac sign compatibility, such as: “A white horse with a blue ox, a sheep with a rat, or a snake with a tiger is a clash of knives. A dragon with a rabbit brings tears, a golden rooster fears a jade dog, and a pig with a monkey has no future.” These reflect the discord between certain signs. On the other hand, the ideal pairings for marriage are: “Rat with Ox, Tiger with Pig, Rabbit with Dog, Dragon with Rooster, Horse with Sheep, and Snake with Monkey.” These represent harmonious combinations of the twelve signs.
Certain pairings are considered problematic, like: “Rat with Horse, Ox with Sheep, Tiger with Monkey, Rabbit with Rooster, Snake with Pig, and Dragon with Dog.” Additionally, there are three specific combinations that are seen as especially harmonious: Monkey, Rat, and Dragon; Tiger, Horse, and Dog; Snake, Rooster, and Ox. These are regarded as the most compatible groupings.
To summarize, the most favorable pairings in the Chinese zodiac are those that emphasize mutual harmony and generation, while conflict and harm should be avoided. The pairing of conflicting signs is generally seen as the least ideal. However, in the realm of marriage compatibility, the analysis based on the Eight Characters (birth date and time) is much more intricate, with the zodiac compatibility being just a small factor. For greater accuracy in determining compatibility, the couple’s birth time and birth place should also be considered for a more detailed and accurate assessment.
Furthermore, Zi Wei Dou Shu, a more complex system of Chinese astrology, offers a much deeper analysis. This system incorporates Nayin elements, the Four Pillars of Destiny, and the influence of both major and minor stars. These elements together create a much more detailed and nuanced picture of compatibility, offering a more comprehensive understanding of the couple’s relationship dynamics.
