Zodiac compatibility in 20 seconds

The Three Harmonies (三合) are four groups of three animals that naturally get along. Animals six years apart clash, but a clash is not a verdict: your full chart matters more.

The Three Harmonies are the most quoted compatibility rule in Chinese astrology because each trio shares an element: Monkey, Rat and Dragon form a Water group, Pig, Rabbit and Goat a Wood group, Tiger, Horse and Dog a Fire group, and Snake, Rooster and Ox a Metal group. Clashes sit directly opposite each other on the zodiac wheel, which is why they are always six years apart.

1. Is your partner your best zodiac match?
2. Look for the Three Harmonies (三合): four groups of three, four years apart.
3. Monkey, Rat and Dragon. Pig, Rabbit and Goat.
4. Tiger, Horse and Dog. Snake, Rooster and Ox.
5. Six years apart? That is a clash: Rat and Horse, Ox and Goat, Tiger and Monkey.
6. A clash is not a verdict. Your full chart matters.

• Animals four years apart usually share a Three Harmonies group and tend to get along easily.
• Animals six years apart clash. Expect friction to work through, not a doomed match.
• Your animal depends on Li Chun (about 4 February), not Chinese New Year, so check it before comparing charts.

Read: Chinese zodiac compatibility