What they do not tell you about your Chinese zodiac animal, allies, secret friend and conflict animals.
How you can help protect and enhance your luck using your secret friend.
Are you prepared for 2025 – The year of the Yin Wood Snake?
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Updated by Michael Hanna 23rd November-2020
In the Chinese zodiac twelve-year cycle, each year has a different Chinese animal sign, and those born in that particular year are said to inherit the characteristics of that Chinese zodiac animal. These animals, in order, are the Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig and this valuable document will reveal your secret friend, your two allies and your conflict animal.
In authentic Chinese astrology, the twelve Chinese animals can be categorised into four groups of three animal allies, also known as San He (three harmonies). Anyone born to a certain Chinese animal zodiac will get along very well with their two astrological ally friends in the group, as shown below.
As an example the Tiger, Horse and Dog form one of the four zodiac allies group and will have special affinities between them although the most powerful ally (secret friend) for the Tiger is the Pig who is also known as the Boar and ideally you should carry an image of your secret friend with you at all times
So to try and harness your horoscope secret friend, carry this horoscope ally talisman with you wherever you go. You can also place this lucky charm in your car, office or beside your bed, personally I keep one beside my bed and another in my wallet.
Doing this is said to help improve luck and success and help you avoid many problems, even if the horoscope prediction does not look good one year. Your zodiac secret friend is said to give you give you the power and energy to get through these tricky times as well as enhance your luck.
Every authentic Feng Shui Master and consultant will recommend this and it is something I have done as far back as I can remember, personally I have a gold plated Chinese Animal protection Talisman in my wallet, one in my car and one beside my bed. I have shown an example below.
You will notice from the graph below your Chinese animal will have two allies and these are also someone who is said to protect and enhance luck although a secret friend is someone you can always count on and will always protect and you should carry this talisman card close to you at all times.
Note that if your animal sign is yang, your secret friend will be yin and if your animal sign is yin your secret friend will be yang.
Every Chinese animal will have a conflicted animal, as you can tell at the first sight, is the opposite of what your allies and secret friends are. These are the animals directly opposite to you on the compass.
Your secret friend at a glance…
- Rat’s secret friend is Ox
- Ox’s secret friend is Rat
- Tiger’s secret friend is Pig
- Rabbit’s secret friend is Dog
- Dragon’s secret friend is Rooster
- Snake’s secret friend is Monkey
- Horse’s secret friend is Sheep
- Sheep’s secret friend is Horse
- Monkey’s secret friend is Snake
- Rooster’s secret friend is Dragon
- Dog’s secret friend is Rabbit
- Pig’s secret friend is Tiger
Chinese zodiac relationships – incompatible pairs:
Please do not take this incompatibility list below too seriously as in 40 years of practising Feng Shui and Chinese astrology I have seen many incompatible Chinese animals get on perfectly in love and business, please remember there are many important factors determining whether a partnership works so take this advice as a guide only:
- Rat and Horse
- Ox and Goat
- Tiger and Monkey
- Rabbit and Rooster
- Dragon and Dog
- Snake and Pig
Your Chinese animal, allies, secret friend and conflict animal:
| Animal Sign | 三合 Allies | 六合 Secret Friend | 冲 Conflict Animal |
| 鼠 Rat | 龍 Dragon, 猴 Monkey | 牛 Ox | 馬 Horse |
| 牛 Ox | 蛇 Snake, 雞 Rooster | 鼠 Rat | 羊 Sheep |
| 虎 Tiger | 馬 Horse, 狗 Dog | 豬 Boar | 猴 Monkey |
| 兔 Rabbit | 羊 Sheep, 豬 Boar | 狗 Dog | 雞 Rooster |
| 龍 Dragon | 鼠 Rat, 猴 Monkey | 雞 Rooster | 狗 Dog |
| 蛇 Snake | 牛 Ox, 雞 Rooster | 猴 Monkey | 豬 Boar |
| 馬 Horse | 虎 Tiger, 狗 Dog | 羊 Sheep | 鼠 Rat |
| 羊 Sheep/Ram | 兔 Rabbit, 豬 Boar | 馬 Horse | 牛 Ox |
| 猴 Monkey | 鼠 Rat, 龍 Dragon | 蛇 Snake | 虎 Tiger |
| 雞 Rooster | 牛 Ox, 蛇 Snake | 龍 Dragon | 兔 Rabbit |
| 狗 Dog | 虎 Tiger, 馬 Horse | 兔 Rabbit | 龍 Dragon |
| 豬 Pig/Boar | 兔 Rabbit, 羊 Sheep | 虎 Tiger | 蛇 Snake |
© Feng Shui Ltd 2019
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Find out more detailed information about your compatibility with the other twelve Chinese animals
If you would like to know your compatibility with the other twelve Chinese animals for parent-child, romantic, co-worker and general compatibility, you can click the image on the left-hand side to order the online personalised Feng Shui report.
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I’m a metal horse and my bf is a rabbit (1987) we are currently expecting first baby due August 2020(rat year) I have heard so many negative things, is this somethjng to be worried about?
Hi Elizabeth,
In a parent and child relationship, the Horse parent may sometimes have difficulty building a relationship with the young Rat but will admire their resourceful nature. Both animals mean well, but the Horse parent may have to accept that the Rat child is rather distant and will need to be led in the right direction.
In a parent and child relationship, the Goat parent will admire the resourceful nature that is often found around the Rat but their easy and carefree manner can worry the Rat at times. The two animals will love each other very much but relations between them will need to be kept calm.
Kind regards,
Daniel
Sorry are you able to update my name is this post. I didn’t realize my full name would be shown. Thanks
Hi Elizabeth,
I’ve edited your comment so that your surname is not in it.
I hope this helps.
Kind regards,
Daniel
Also, is goat same as rabbit?
Sorry Elizabeth, I put the wrong animal.
In a parent and child relationship, the Rabbit parent will have a lot of respect for the young Rats enthusiastic and imaginative nature and their fast ability to learn. The young Rat can be quite vigorous and energetic at times, which can be a bit too much for the easier going Rabbit parent.
Kind regards,
Daniel
Hi, I’m a dragon and my partner is an ox (our relationship has been quite challenging at times) , our first born is a monkey. Would a second child be better suited as a rat or an ox? Thank you
Hi Anastasia,
In a parent and child relationship, the Dragon parent will be very happy about the young Rats eager and resourceful personality which will enable the Dragon parent to teach the young Rat a great deal in life. There will be a strong mutual understanding between these two animals and they will have a very strong love for each other.
In a parent and child relationship, the Ox parent will take pride in the young Rats resourceful and imaginative nature and will do all that they can to encourage the young Rats many skills. These two animals will have a very close relationship.
Kind regards,
Danie
Thank you Daniel.
Does western astrology play any role in combination with eastern astrology?
Hi Anastasia,
They are two separate forms of astrology and are done by different dates.
Kind regards,
Daniel
Hi a rat child would be better and would be compatible with your monkey born child. The dragon, rat and monkey belong to the same trine in Chinese astrology and get along really well. Rats are also compatable with your ox partner as the rat is the ox secret friend. All the best xx
Would an ox child and monkey child not get along? How about an ox child with dragon parent and ox parent?
If I am a pig; and snake is my enemy, should I not wear snake printed clothes? I love snake print designs but will I have bad luck if I wear a snake print dress for example?
Thanks!! 🙂
Hi Isabella,
I would not recommend wearing images of snakes on your clothing. Snakeskin print should be fine to wear although I would check how you are feeling when wearing it.
Kind regards,
Daniel
I am an Ox and my husband is a Rooster. We have one toddler boy who is a rooster as well. We are planning our second child. Would it be better for us to have a Rat or another Ox (next year)?
Hi Pat,
The Ox is very compatible with the Rat as is the Rooster although the Rat and Rooster will need to try a little more at times to get along.
I hope this helps.
Kind regards,
Daniel
Pat,
Get a snake so your world are full and with the snake it bring luck to the family.
Go for the ox year. If you’re looking to have more kids later on, I’d suggest the next one to be a dragon who’s into sports, good student, energetic kid (must be kept busy/productive) or snake who is intelligent, creative, moody at times, but nothing major. Will get along well with the parents. Encouragement will go a long way with them and with any child of course.
I am a Metal Dog, and was told today to carry rabbit secret ally amulet for 2020. Also, have a jade stone with gold rat engraved, is it advisable for me to carry this too? Thank you,
Hi Masi,
You can carry the Rat stone as this is not in conflict with the Dog.
I hope this helps.
Kind regards,
Daniel
Thank you so much, Daniel. You are awesome!
Hi,
My boyfriend (ex) is a rooster and I’m a sheep. We just broke up a few days ago. Is there any way this relationship can still be fixed? Or should I give in on what he wants (wants to explore)? Thanks.
Hi Aya,
I’m sorry to hear about your break up and hope that you are ok.
In a romantic relationship, both of these animals can learn a great deal from each other and the Goat will benefit greatly the Roosters more orderly nature. Their personalities are quite different and the Goat can be unsettled by the Roosters blunt nature. These two animals will need to be more tolerant of each other in order to succeed.
Kind regards,
Daniel
I’m assuming your ex is born in ‘93 and you’re born in ‘91 or is he ‘81? Asking because a someone 26(7) is different from a 38(9) year old. If he’s born in ‘93, let him do his thing. He’s already letting you know he’s not looking to settle down. Not fair to force a monogamous relationship on him just because you’re wanting to be in one. Seems like you like him a lot since you’re showing interest to get back together. But you might have to wait or else he’ll end up resenting you in the relationship and probably stray since he never wanted to be in a relationship anyway and won’t take it seriously. If he wants to be in a relationship with you, he would be. He would pursue you and want to make it work. Since he’s not at this time, it’s clear he’s not interested in that at the moment. A relationship can’t be one sided.
I am a sheep and my husband is a dragon. Is it good to have a rat baby or ox baby? Will it be better to have a baby in the rat year?
Hi Jade,
In a parent and child relationship, the Dragon parent will be very happy about the young Rats eager and resourceful personality which will enable the Dragon parent to teach the young Rat a great deal in life. There will be a strong mutual understanding between these two animals and they will have a very strong love for each other.
In a parent and child relationship, the Goat parent will admire the resourceful nature that is often found around the Rat but their easy and carefree manner can worry the Rat at times. The two animals will love each other very much but relations between them will need to be kept calm.
I hope this helps.
Kind regards,
Daniel
Hi!
What are your thoughts on 2 dragons dating each other? My fiance and I are both dragons and one of the fengshui master told us that our signs are not compatible at all – It was one of the worse things I’ve ever heard.
Any advice?
Hi Emma,
In a romantic relationship, there will be a lot of passion and fun between these two Dragons. These two Dragons will start their relationship full of aspirations and will be devoted to each other. As long as they can settle their differences and realize that they are both very dominant then they can be very compatible.
Kind regards,
Daniel
I am a wood rat dating an earth horse. I know this is a least compatible match, but I’m wondering if you have words of hope for us. He likes to go off on his own which I’m getting used to, he’s also not as verbally affectionate. Those are the only issues I’ve seen so far.
Hi S,
These two animals can be a bit of an unsettled match in some circumstances but as long as they are both willing to accept each other straightforward and critical nature they will build a good relationship. The Rat will fall for the Horses energetic and sociable lifestyle and the two animals can have a lot of fun together for quite some time together, but the Horse is strong-minded and unpredictable which can put the Rat off as they appreciate the security and calm existence.
Kind regards,
Daniel
Hi. What do you think of Metal Goat (Female) and Metal Monkey (Male) in a relationship and establishing a family together? Any advices/ points to note for a good and long lasting love relationship? Thanks.
Hi Ann,
In a romantic relationship these two animals are usually very attracted to each other. They are both laid back and there will be a great deal of fun and excitement between them. They both value each others qualities and there will be a great relationship between them.
Kind regards,
Daniel
Hi
My boyfriend is earth snake born on nov 1989 and im metal horse born on may 1990
Are we compatible?
Hi JieJie,
In a romantic relationship, the preliminary attraction will be very strong. There will be a lot of passion and excitement between these two animals as they get to know each other especially as they both enjoy deep conversation. The Horse prefers a more lively life than the calm Snake although if they can reach an agreement on this, they can be a very compatible couple.
Kind regards,
Daniel
The attraction might be well and dandy at first. You’ll have a way to make him feel desired and he’ll be appreciative sensually. But being all cozy up and not leaving the couch or interacting with other ppl can soon bore you. You tiring of the relationship will trigger his insecurities. He’ll soon try to wrap himself all over you (like a snake). But possessiveness and insecurity isn’t sexy to a horse. So communication and understanding is needed.
do pig male and monkey female get along ?
Hi Charmaine,
These two animals are very fond of each other’s qualities and strengths and will generally get along very well.
In a parent and child relationship, the Pig child will respond very well to the Monkey parent’s lively and enthusiastic nature. There will be a very strong bond between these two animals which will be made stronger by their similar interests.
As co-workers, both of these animals have a lot of admiration for each other and will go very far with a good success rate when they combine their talents and ideas between them. The Monkey will admire the Pigs obstinacy and the Pig can be a positive influence on the Monkey. These two animals will work very well together and will go very far in life.
In a romantic relationship, these two animals can make a strong and loving couple. They both have very lively natures and share many of the same interests and both will enjoy a passion for the finer things in life which they will aim to enforce in their relationship. The Monkey will admire the laid back nature of the Pig and will enjoy having a supportive partner. These two animals will have a very strong relationship with each other and will have much fun together.
Kind regards,
Daniel
Hi! I’m a water horse, what do you think of my love fortune this coming 2020?
Hi Kyra,
I would take a look at the 2020 Chinese animal predictions for the Horse on the link below.
https://www.fengshuiweb.co.uk/advice/chineseanimals2020/horse.htm
I hope this helps.
Kind regards,
Daniel
Hi I’m a fire snake who would be the best match for me
Hi Jamie,
The Snakes secret friend is the Ox or Rooster.
Kind regards,
Daniel
Luckily, most signs can get along well with many of the other signs. It has to do with more than just the year they’re born in. I also combine astrology birth charts. But going with Chinese astrology, I’d say the snake year would go well with the rooster (excitement), monkey (complementary), sheep (sensual), rabbit (mentally), dragon (sparks) and ox (comfortable). Maybe look into these signs. I’ve listed them from what I think would be best. So Rooster first, etc.
Sheep Metal (Female )
Monkey Water (Male)
What do you think?
Hi Adrianna,
In a romantic relationship, these two animals are usually very attracted to each other. They are both laid back and there will be a great deal of fun and excitement between them. They both value each other’s qualities and there will be a great relationship between them.
Kind regards,
Daniel
Hi, is it recommended for the two to have a metal rat child (2020) or recommended to wait? thank you
Hi J,
If you could tell me your Chinese animals, I can let you know if you are compatible with Rat children.
Kind regards,
Daniel
I’m assuming you’re born in ‘91 and him ‘92. Usually the monkey sign is on the go and looking to still explore. Being that he has the water element, it’ll add more of an emotional and sentimental monkey type. They like to be in relationships, not just a relationship. Find out if he’s wanting to be in a monogamous relationship or just dating around. They usually don’t settle down til they’re older. Even then it takes them a while to shake off their infidelity habits. He might good for courtship and a fun time.
I’m a wood rat and he is a wood ox. Is our marriage compatible and will we find happiness? We argue a lot and we are unable to have a child, what can we do to improve our chances of becoming parents?
Hi Hope,
In the event of love, The Ox and Rat both have a lot of interest in their home life and will benefit from each other’s strengths. The Rat will encourage the Ox to try their hand at different activities to try and get the Ox to be more outgoing, the Ox will benefit from this and it will make life sail a lot more smoothly. These two animals will enjoy a great relationship.
Kind regards,
Daniel
Am a fire tiger sign and he is a fire dragon, are we compatible?
Hi Nori,
In a romantic relationship, there will be a lot of passion between the Tiger and Dragon, there will also be a lot of excitement and they will have a great deal to share. The Tiger will value the Dragons truthful, secure and friendly nature. These two animals will live life to its full extent. Both like to dominate and have an inclination to say what is on their mind. If the Tiger and Dragon are to prevent too much disagreement they should decide on who does what in their home. Despite the occasional disruptive moment, these two animals can make a great pair.
Kind regards,
Daniel
I am a horse and my girlfriend is a monkey. We have recently expressed our love for each other. Zodiac signs indicate our relationship may not last. She is also 2 black soil and I am 7 red metal. Can we use the telationship strengths from 9 ki to help the relationship weakneses in zodiac? I do love her dearly.
Hi,
In a romantic relationship, the Horse will be drawn to the Monkeys pleasurable and encouraging nature and will enjoy many of the same interests as the Monkey. The Horse will be concerned by the Monkeys tendency to keep their thoughts and feeling to themselves although they can easily over come this. These two animals will do very well in a relationship.
Kind regards,
Daniel
I’m a female rooster 1993 and my ex is a male rabbit 1987. We’ve been together for 2 years before we broke up, due to – lot of our differences,and that was 5 months ago. Now i am thinking of flying to his country and pay him a visit to maybe talk and rekindle. They said crystal and charms work for conflict animal union/relationship, any advice on this?
Hi Hailey,
In a romantic relationship, the Rabbit will have a lot of admiration for the Roosters genuine and arranged ways. The Rooster likes to stay active and to say what is on their mind while the Rabbit prefers a more settled life and can often get hurt by the Roosters upfront nature. Both animals need to settle their differences for this relationship to work.
A good crystal for romance is a piece of rose quartz although you could carry Fire and earth coloured crystals. You should try and wear earth objects like ceramic jewellery and quartz crystal such as some nice big diamonds or quartz beads.
I hope this helps and hope you and your ex-partner work things out.
Kind regards,
Daniel
Hopefully he’ll pay for your flight or help pay for it even if you can afford yourself. It’s the principle. I would advise to just let this one go or it’s going to be many years of on and off agains. Since you guys are opposite zodiac years, there will be an attraction there or a feeling something being there, but in the end there won’t be similar wants. Of course you can learn about each other such as strengths and weaknesses and learn how to tolerate each other. But you’ll just learn you both want different things out of life. I’m self projecting a bit since I’m coming from being in a rabbit’87(me)/rooster’81 relationship of 7 years of off and on and off and on relationship. Monogamous then open relationship and then monogamous and then just friends. With cheating and breaking up and then getting back together moments stuck in there. No marriage out of it or promise of something stable in the future. We still talk, but as friends. But now this current year he’s been talking about working it out again. And I’m somewhat interested, but taking it slow and go with the flow. See what I mean. It’ll be year 8. Our friends and family are sick of us lmao they thought we’d be married years ago, so they’re over our relationship. But of course you guys do what you like. Communication, understanding and agreement is key. You might like to travel and explore. He might sometime soon want to be routed in one place. Travel to visit, but not to move.
Hi L,
Any thoughts on a metal monkey (female) and fire snake (male). We’re in a long-term, settled relationship and we have both agreed we’re the love of each other’s lives and that we both want to stay together for life. Just wondering if there are any zodiac things to take into consideration.
Thanks!
Hi Kel,
In a romantic relationship, these two animals are very well suited. Both of them are very curious and will be enchanted by the other prosperous and profound qualities and will build a very close bond through this. Both animals complement each other and they have a great understanding together.
I hope this helps.
Kind regards,
Daniel
I’m earth dragon and I’ve been thinking of getting a dragon tattoo. Been doing some research, some say dragon brings prosperity and good luck but some say getting a tattoo of your own zodiac sign is bad luck. Please advise
Hi Dragon girl,
I could not see this causing any problems, personally.
The Dragon will enjoy the company of another energetic and feisty Dragon. Although their strong-willed natures can sometimes cause problems, they will get on very well.
Kind regards,
Daniel
I’m a earth dragon dating a fire rabbit woman. How is this combination ?
Hi Edwin,
In a romantic relationship, there is a strong attraction between the Dragon and Rabbit. Both animals are very zealous, sensual and compassionate and can mean so much to each other. The Dragon will show appreciation for the Rabbits confident and affectionate nature. There will be some differences they will need to resolve such as the Dragons desire for a more active lifestyle than the Rabbit, if they can resolve this then they can make a very good couple.
Kind regards,
Daniel
Hi Michael, i enjoyed your article. I’m a water oz and my husband is an earth goat/ram. We love each other deeply and want a happy long term marriage but we bicker all the time. He sees things differently but neither is wrong. How can we get along better? Thank you 🙂
Hi Hannah,
The best advice I can give is to work hard to make things work; if you are truly meant for each other, you will both make compromises to work around problems.
There can be problems in a loving relationship between the Ox and Goat. The careful, thorough and organized Ox may get frustrated by the Goats unpredictable ways which can upset the Goats sensitive nature as Oxen are quite straight forward in what they say. These two animals have so many opposite interests and personality features but as long as they can settle their differences and learn to live in harmony together then they will benefit from a good relationship.
Kind regards,
Daniel
I’m a metal monkey and my wife is a wood ox. We have been quarreling incessantly since we got married as we cant see eye to eye on many things. I do not like people born in the year of the snake, not sure why they are my secret fren. cheers
I’m a Rooster and my boyfriend is a Rabbit. I truly love him but we disagree with most things.
Should i still fight for this relationship to work?
Hi Hailey,
If you love your boyfriend and see a future with him, I would definitely fight for your relationship.
In a romantic relationship, the Rabbit will have a lot of admiration for the Roosters genuine and arranged ways. The Rooster likes to stay active and to say what is on their mind while the Rabbit prefers a more settled life and can often get hurt by the Roosters upfront nature. Both animals need to settle their differences for this relationship to work.
Kind regards,
Daniel
My boyfriend is a metal sheep and I am a fire horse.Is this compatible?
Regards
Keith
Hi Keith,
In a romantic relationship, these two animals are usually very attracted to each other. They are both laid back and there will be a great deal of fun and excitement between them. They both value each other’s qualities and there will be a great relationship between them.
Kind regards,
Daniel