Your inner and secret animals: the month and hour in Chinese astrology

Most people know their Chinese zodiac animal from their birth year. Fewer know they have two more: an inner animal from the month they were born, and a secret animal from the hour. Together the three give a much fuller picture, and they explain why two people born in the same year can be so different.

The three animals

Your month animal

The Chinese calendar’s months follow the Sun through 24 seasonal markers called solar terms, not the calendar months on your wall. The first month, the Tiger month, starts around 4 February, at the solar term called the Start of Spring.

The exact switch dates shift by a day or so from year to year, so a calculator is best if your birthday falls on an edge.

Your hour animal

Each two-hour block of the day belongs to one animal:

Traditional practitioners sometimes adjust the time to local solar time, which can move you into the next block if you were born near the edge. Our app uses your clock time of birth.

Reading the three together

Take someone born at 10:15 on 14 June 1985. Their year animal is the Ox (steady and dependable), their month animal is the Horse (free-spirited and warm), and their hour animal is the Snake (wise, calm and private).

To the world they seem reliable and hard-working. Inside, they’re restless and love their freedom. And the few people who know them best see a quiet, observant thinker. None of this shows from the year animal alone.

Astrology here is for reflection and self-understanding. It doesn't predict events, and it isn't medical, legal or financial advice.