Year of the Goat (Sheep, Ram)
Revised . First published .
If you were born in a Year of the Goat, you belong to the 8th sign of the 12 year Chinese zodiac. The Chinese year starts at the Lunar New Year in late January or February, so early birthdays belong to the previous animal. Goat years include 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015 and 2027.
- Yang or yin
- Yin
- Element that's fixed
- Earth
- Conflicts with
- Ox
- A secret friend
- Horse
Every Year of the Goat and its element
| Year | Starts | Ends | Element |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1931 | Feb 17, 1931 | Feb 5, 1932 | Metal Goat |
| 1943 | Feb 5, 1943 | Jan 24, 1944 | Water Goat |
| 1955 | Jan 24, 1955 | Feb 11, 1956 | Wood Goat |
| 1967 | Feb 9, 1967 | Jan 29, 1968 | Fire Goat |
| 1979 | Jan 28, 1979 | Feb 15, 1980 | Earth Goat |
| 1991 | Feb 15, 1991 | Feb 3, 1992 | Metal Goat |
| 2003 | Feb 1, 2003 | Jan 21, 2004 | Water Goat |
| 2015 | Feb 19, 2015 | Feb 7, 2016 | Wood Goat |
| 2027 | Feb 6, 2027 | Jan 25, 2028 | Fire Goat |
Personality traits of the Goat
The Goat is a yin sign in astrologers' classification. Within Chinese astrology, yin describes nature's quiet, receptive and inward side. By tradition, peace, comfort and family ties come before loud competition for you. In a room, you notice small details immediately. Although you deeply care about others' feelings, you keep your own worries to yourself.
Every animal sign includes one fixed element. This natural force shapes your core temperament regardless of the year you were born. In the Goat's case, earth is the fixed element. We read earth signs as steady and practical, and as loyal to those they trust. When you face a big choice, you'll take your time. Once you commit to someone, you won't back down.
A look at the Goat's 5 element types
People born in 1955 or 2015 have the Wood Goat sign. Among the 5 Goat signs, astrologers consider Wood the most generous type. Helping neighbors and working in fair groups probably appeal to you. Since you trust people easily, setting clear boundaries is something you'll want to do. By tradition, keeping your time and money protected stops you from burning out.
People born in 1967 or 2027 have the Fire Goat sign. With Fire, your gentle nature gains warmth, confidence and directness. In a crowd, some other Goats may hesitate to speak up. You show much more willingness to lead and host gatherings. Your gut feelings guide you, and you bring strong energy to creative work at home, according to astrologers.
Those born in 1979 have the Earth Goat sign. Because earth is already the fixed element of the Goat's sign, your birth year gives you extra stability. Readings from tradition portray you as grounded, reliable and honest. Quick trends and flashy promises aren't what you chase. Whenever friends need practical help or someone to listen calmly, they know you'll show up.
In the zodiac, Metal Goats include people born in 1931 or 1991. A tough outer shell covers a soft heart, astrologers say, because of the Metal element. Your standards for yourself are high, and your work fills you with strong pride. Even when tired, you seldom ask others for help. You'll support someone for life once they've earned your respect.
Born in 1943 or 2003, you are a Water Goat. With Water, you become adaptable and observant, and in any crowd, you're easy to get along with. According to tradition, you notice changes in people's moods right away. You have the ability to calm a tense room. A steady partner helps you stay focused because you may often change your mind.
- For the relevant year, confirm the Lunar New Year falls no later than your birth date.
- Check the ending digit of your Chinese birth year.
- For matching, connect 1 with Metal, 3 with Water, 5 with Wood, 7 with Fire and 9 with Earth.
Who suits the Goat in love?
Those most compatible with you share your trine, a group of 3 signs that understand each other naturally and sit 4 years apart. The Rabbit and the Pig are those signs for you. They care about shared routines, kind words and a peaceful home. Loud arguments aren't something they'll push you toward. Together, you'll create a warm household where nobody feels judged.
The Horse is your secret friend as well. Chinese astrology describes a secret friend as a neighboring sign that supports you quietly and steadily. Their bold, decisive nature as the Horse helps you worry less. In contrast, tradition says you clash with the Ox. Strict, stubborn habits in an Ox can leave you feeling cornered.
Work habits and the best career paths
According to astrologers, you think best at work when no stopwatch or cutthroat sales goals are involved. Your eye for beauty, craft and human needs is sharp. Teachers, nurses, chefs, gardeners, designers and counselors are among the roles where we often see Goats thrive. The quality of what you make matters to you. Your work truly helping people is important to you.
A respectful boss and a calm room matter to you more than money and office politics. Tradition says forcing you to dismiss people or apply harsh rules can leave you struggling. Making quick budget cuts by yourself can also drain you. When you pair up with an organized partner, they handle the tough negotiations so you can focus on your craft.
Questions asked by people
Which name is correct, the Year of the Goat, the Sheep or the Ram?
The Chinese word yang refers to goats as well as sheep. All 3 names are correct because they translate that word. In northern China, families mostly raised wool sheep, but southern residents kept horned goats. As the zodiac entered English, translators chose the animal they knew best. The 8th zodiac sign is known by these 3 terms for the same reason.
Why do some people consider being born in a Goat year unlucky?
In the late 1800s, this old folk saying began as a criticism of a royal ruler born in a Goat year. Classical astrology didn't give rise to it. According to traditional astrologers, none of the 12 signs ranks above the others for luck. Classic texts actually view the Goat as representing kindness, good harvests and family care.
In the Chinese calendar, what are the Goat hours and season?
Even outside a Goat year, your birth from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM gives you a Goat birth hour. Astrologers say your birth hour affects personal habits and your approach to relaxing at home. In early July, the Sun's arrival at 15°00′ Cancer begins the mid summer month ruled by the Goat.
When another Goat year arrives, what should you do?
Every 12 years, tradition says your own animal year begins a new phase in work or at home. To invite steadiness, people wear red socks, a red belt or a red string bracelet. Custom requires that a relative buys the red item for you. There's no need to stay hidden indoors, but plan any big moves carefully.