Metal Goat (辛未): personality and meaning in the Chinese zodiac
The Metal Goat, 辛未, gives the Goat firmer edges and an exacting eye for beauty. The tradition reads it as determined, refined and principled.
Heavenly stem and earthly branch: 辛未
Years: 1931, 1991
Character
辛未 sets 辛, yin metal, the jewel, over the Goat's earth. Earth bears metal, so the tradition reads this as a supported pair: a jewel found in a harvest field, refinement drawn from gentle ground.
People born in a Metal Goat year are read as artistic, sensitive and strong-willed, with high standards and a clear sense of what they value. They are loyal and protective of those they love. The tradition's shadow for the Metal Goat is a perfectionism that is hard on itself, and a guardedness that hides its tenderness.
In love and at work
In love the Metal Goat is read as devoted, loyal and discerning, slow to trust and steadfast once it does. At work it excels in design, the arts, craft, quality control and anything that rewards taste and care. The tradition suggests the Metal Goat let its softness show.
A question to take with you
Where could you lower your guard, just a little, with someone who has earned it?
Updated October 28, 2026