Chinese Astrology Enemy Signs: Chinese Zodiac Enemies Explained

Across traditions, people learn that harmony with all is impossible. In this tradition, the set called chinese astrology enemy signs maps the rivalries among Chinese zodiac signs, clarifying why a given zodiac sign can clash despite good intentions.

Within this lunar-animal system, relations among signs are grouped four ways: Three Harmonies (san he, 三合), Six Harmonies (liu he, 六合), Six Clashes (liu chong, 六冲), and Six Harms (liu hai, 六害). These outline varying grades of compatibility and friction across the cycle.

As a rule of thumb, the first three families lean cooperative to different extents, while the final set catalogs six pairings that repel so strongly they’re said to sap shared luck when together.

Chinese Zodiac Enemy Signs and Compatibility

Below are the six enemy sign pairings most often cited in Chinese astrology, with a quick read on why the chemistry misfires despite belonging to the same circle of Chinese zodiac signs.

1. Rat and Goat

Curiosity, quick reasoning, and persuasive flair typically color Rat-year natives. By contrast, Goat-year people favor peace, art, and a gentle pace. Put together, sparks fly the wrong way, so compatibility drops fast. The Rat grows impatient with Goat’s slow, comfort-zone routine and reluctance to initiate. Goat, in turn, bristles at what appears to be the Rat’s crafty, must-win approach. In teams or close ties, small irritations pile up until they struggle to cooperate.

2. Ox and Horse

Steadiness, kindness, and tradition-minded habits define many Ox-year folks, and a stubborn streak often tags along. Horse-year individuals chase movement, independence, and travel-fueled freedom. As partners, they lock horns quickly. Ox dislikes Horse’s impatient, sometimes impulsive choices and the constant urge to roam. Horse resents Ox’s rule-bound rigidity and refusal to bend. With both sides dug in, compromise arrives rarely and wears thin.

3. Tiger and Snake

Graceful power and unpredictability mark people born under the Tiger. Those from the year of the snake tend to be magnetic, clever, and enigmatic. In this pairing, suspicion sits just under the surface. Tiger reads Snake’s charm as a cover for slippery, cunning maneuvers and avoided accountability. Snake detects an edge of threat around Tiger—moves feel calculated, abrupt, and ultimately self-focused—so trust is hard to build.

4. Rabbit and Dragon

Rabbit-year natives lean gentle, perceptive, and quietly clever. Dragon-year counterparts are expansive, bold, and hungry for achievement. Together they rub one another the wrong way. Rabbit recoils from Dragon’s results-first style that favors strategy over compassion. Dragon grows restless with Rabbit’s people-pleasing tone and what looks like blurry or unassertive ambition. For this zodiac sign matchup, values clash more than they align.

5. Monkey and Pig

Lively energy and sharp wit characterize Monkey-year personalities, though the humor can cut when they are pressed. Pig-year people are affectionate and generous, yet deeply attached to comfort and fine things. As a duo, they disagree about nearly everything. Monkey judges Pig’s taste for luxuries and selective snobbery as excess. Pig calls out Monkey’s hypocrisy and ruthless streak when pursuing advantages. Even shared fun can turn competitive instead of warm.

6. Rooster and Dog

Rooster-year individuals are proud, self-reliant, and giving—and they can be image-conscious. Dog-year companions bring loyalty, patience, and a steady work ethic. When matched, they talk past each other. Rooster resents Dog’s reliance on relationship harmony when practical action is required. Dog dislikes the Rooster’s showy pride and habit of boasting. Big-life priorities rarely line up, so the distance between them keeps widening.

Numerology and Zodiac Enemies

Some readers compare these rivalries with numerology, yet the guiding framework comes from Chinese astrology’s animal cycle. The six pairings above form the classic enemy sign map; beyond them, many other combinations can find workable compatibility when timing, maturity, and context align.

Valeria Black is a tarot reader and astrology fan with a wicked sense of humor. Follow her on Instagram for more.