So when it comes to love, what can your Chinese Zodiac sign tell you?
It’s all about the trines!
Well, maybe not “all” but definitely a fair amount. Like Western Astrology, Chinese Astrology is a many-layered and complex thing. But also like Western Astrology, certain signs tend to be more compatible with others.
That’s why when you’re out on a date with someone for the first time, it’s always a good idea to pop the question – “What’s your Chinese Zodiac sign?” (Yes, they may think you’re a little weird, but if it puts them off they’re probably not very compatible with you in the first place!)
What Are the Trines?
The Chinese Zodiac is made up of four trines – First, Second, Third and Fourth. The twelve animals of the zodiac are divided into categories, based on their similarities and common interests. Here’s a quick breakdown of the Chinese Zodiac trines:
The First Trine
The First Trine consists of the Rat, Dragon and Monkey.
These are the doers of the zodiac, go-getters who are known for their ambition and desire for power. They are intelligent and forthright, but can also be ruthless and domineering. They correlate with the Fire signs, Aries, Leo and Sagittarius in Western Astrology.
The Second Trine
The Second Trine consists of the Ox, Snake and Rooster.
These are the pillars of society. With a member of the Second Trine, you always know the job will get done. They are reliable and level-headed, but can also be stubborn and vindictive. They correlate with the Earth signs, Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn.
The Third Trine
The Third Trine consists of the Tiger, Horse and Dog.
These are the humanitarians of the zodiac. This group are often off on a moral crusade somewhere. They are passionate and brave, but can also be temperamental and over-sensitive. They correlate with the Air signs, Gemini, Libra and Aquarius.
The Fourth Trine
The Fourth Trine consists of the Rabbit, Goat and Pig.
These are the peacemakers who value harmony above all else. Typically gentle souls, they are also artistic and creative. They are generous and compassionate, but can also be lazy and prone to escapist tendencies. They correlate with the Water signs, Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces.
Learn more about the Chinese Zodiac trines! Understanding the 4 Trines in Chinese Astrology & Chinese Zodiac & Their Western Equivalent Signs.
How Does Trine Love Compatibility Work?
Members of the same trine will often get on very well and share much in common. There will usually be an initial attraction and also a deeper attraction that goes more to a soul level; members of the same trine will often share similar destinies one way or another.
For example, a Rabbit and Goat may share a common destiny to help the less fortunate. A Horse and Tiger may share the same destiny to fight for a worthy cause. A Dragon and Rat may set up a business together.
Of course, it is not always the case that two members of the same trine get along like a house on fire. Two Tigers, for example, can lead to a clash of egos.
This is why, just as with any other type of astrology, no matter what traits or qualities we are born with, it’s important to work on any of our negative ones. Our negative traits do not define who we are.
So two Tigers can indeed have an ego-clash, but if they are mature enough then they can find a way to work around it. As a team, they can truly be a force reckon with.
Similarly, different trines get along with each other. The Third and Fourth Trines are friends, just as the First and Second Trines are friends. Members of these trines will also be compatible.
Learn about how this Chinese zodiac year will affect your love life.
First Trine Love Compatibility
If you are a Rat, Dragon or Monkey you will find good love compatibility with other Rats, Dragons and Monkeys.
Two Rats are good together, but they can also be quite secretive with one another. It’s important they work on this aspect of themselves for the relationship to succeed.
Two Monkeys is practically genius! This pair will never run out of cunning plans, and they can talk to each other into the early hours of the morning. However, there may be an ego issue when both are trying to prove who is the smartest.
Two Dragons are a mighty team – these two can conquer anything together and if there are troubled times, neither will abandon the other. Trouble comes when both are trying to dominate – there has to be a balance here for this to work.
A Rat and a Dragon will be a powerhouse together. The Rat is the strategist and the Dragon is the one who takes charge – in love, these two can build an empire, whether personal or professional.
A Rat and a Monkey will also work well together. The Monkey can lighten the seriousness of the Rat, and the Rat can provide the Monkey with grounding when they feel unstable.
The Monkey and the Dragon are also amazing together. The Monkey admires the Dragon for their strength and authority, while the Dragon respects the Monkey for their intelligence and quick wit.
The First Trine is also compatible with the Second Trine, and they make good love matches with the Snake, Ox and Rooster as well.
First Trine Love Incompatibility
Of course, there is also incompatibility when it comes to love!
The First Trine’s natural nemesis is the Third Trine. The Rat is the enemy of the Horse; the Dragon is the enemy of the Dog; and the Monkey is the enemy of the Tiger.
These signs are very different to each other and a relationship will take a lot of work (unless there is a trine-friendly ascendant between the signs).
The strategic Rat who plans for the long-term cannot stand the Horse’s unpredictable and flighty nature. The Dog resents the authority of the Dragon, and the Dragon doesn’t like being disobeyed. The Monkey loves winding up the sensitive Tiger, and the Tiger doesn’t think being poked fun at is funny.
Of course, this is not to say that fantastic relationships cannot come from these pairings. If the object of your affections is in your nemesis trine, don’t despair! It may simply take more work and understanding from both parties – and actually, these are the types of relationships that come out stronger at the end.
First Trine signs can also struggle with Fourth Trine compatibility too, as the Rabbit, Goat and Pig are traditional friends of the Third Trine. These may take extra work, but as the Fourth Trine is more submissive than the Third Trine, it will not be as challenging.
Where Will You Find Love?
There you have it! Your First Trine compatibility notes. Are you a member of the First Trine? What Chinese Zodiac sign is your partner or potential love interest?
Remember, Chinese Astrology – as with all astrology – is about understanding ourselves at a deeper level. We may have certain qualities and characteristics, but nothing is set in stone. We can become whoever we want to be and we can attract into our life the person who helps us become the best of ourselves.
The Chinese Zodiac First Trine compatibility is a guideline and can help you understand yourself and your partner at a deeper level. You can read even more about the friends and enemies of the Chinese Zodiac to gain more insights and understandings.
Dig in – the more you know, the more you can discover about yourself and others!
Related article: Chinese Zodiac 101: Breaking Down The Chinese Zodiac