The 12 earthly branches – Chinese zodiac animals, months and hours
Published on October 22, 2026
Most people know the twelve earthly branches as the Chinese zodiac animals. But they are much more: each branch belongs to a month, a two-hour period of the day and a direction. In the chart they form the lower part of each pillar – the ground the heavenly stems stand on.
The twelve branches
子 Rat (water, north, 11 pm–1 am), 丑 Ox (earth), 寅 Tiger (wood), 卯 Rabbit (wood, east), 辰 Dragon (earth), 巳 Snake (fire), 午 Horse (fire, south, 11 am–1 pm), 未 Goat (earth), 申 Monkey (metal), 酉 Rooster (metal, west), 戌 Dog (earth), 亥 Pig (water). The Tiger month begins around 4 February.
Combinations and clashes
Branches react with each other. The six harmony bonds pairs such as Rat and Ox. Three branches form a three harmony, such as Tiger, Horse and Dog for fire. Opposite branches clash (Rat–Horse) and bring movement and change. Punishments and harm add quieter frictions.
Hidden stems
Each branch contains one to three heavenly stems. The Tiger, for example, contains wood, fire and earth. These hidden forces work in the background and explain why a branch is more than its main element.
Frequently asked questions
Which zodiac animal am I?+
The animal of your birth year – with the year change around 4 February. The free calculator shows it instantly.
What does a clash with my animal mean?+
Years or days of the opposite sign bring movement and change. Traditionally such days are avoided for important dates.
Is there an animal for month, day and hour?+
Yes. Each of the four pillars has a branch. The day branch is called the spouse palace and describes partnership.