Born in 1972: the Water Rat

Mulberry Wood: diligent, useful, provides for others. The year stem is Yang Water, and the Rat is quick-witted, resourceful and good at spotting an opening.

The Water stem feeds the Wood element: there is a quiet inner source that keeps what you show the world going.

• Your element's colours: green
• Supporting colours (Water feeds Wood): black, blue
• Go easy on (Metal restrains Wood): white, grey, silver

Colours by sound element are a popular Vietnamese and Chinese custom. Treat them as a gentle guide; a full Bazi chart may call for a different element than the year alone.

• MonkeyHarmony trio: same wavelength
• DragonHarmony trio: same wavelength
• OxSecret friend: quietly supportive
• HorseOpposite: big differences, needs give and take
• GoatHarm pair: prone to misunderstandings

Clashing animals are not a reason to avoid someone; they show where two people need more understanding. For a real answer, compare both full charts.

Kua numbers use the solar year, which turns around 4 February. If you were born before that, use the year before. Work out your Kua from your exact birthday

The Rat and the Goat are a "harm" pair, so 2027, the year of the Fire Goat can bring small misunderstandings. Clear words, kept promises and careful paperwork go a long way.

What Chinese zodiac is 1972?

1972 is the year of the Water Rat (壬子). Its sound element is Mulberry Wood, which belongs to Wood.

What are the lucky colours for people born in 1972?

For the Wood element: green, plus the supporting Water colours black, blue. Go easy on white, grey, silver, the colours of Metal, which restrains Wood.

Who is the Rat most compatible with?

The Rat forms a harmony trio with the Monkey and Dragon and a secret-friend pair with the Ox. Its opposite is the Horse.

I was born in January or early February 1972. Which animal am I?

The 1972 lunar year began on 15 February 1972. If you were born before that, you belong to 1971, the Pig. Bazi (Four Pillars) switches years at Li Chun, around 4 February.