Water Goat (癸未): personality and meaning in the Chinese zodiac
The Water Goat, 癸未, deepens the Goat's empathy and its feeling for what others need. The tradition reads it as intuitive, adaptable and kind.
Heavenly stem and earthly branch: 癸未
Years: 1943, 2003
Character
癸未 sets 癸, yin water, the rain, over the Goat's earth. Earth contains water, and the tradition reads this pair as late-summer rain on the fields: a softening of the dry ground, care that comes quietly.
Those born in a Water Goat year are read as gentle, perceptive and adaptable, with a deep understanding of people and a talent for making them feel heard. They are imaginative and often artistic. The tradition's shadow for the Water Goat is being swayed by others' moods, and a hesitancy to make a choice that might disappoint someone.
In love and at work
In love the Water Goat is read as sensitive, devoted and understanding, a partner who notices the smallest change. At work it suits counselling, the arts, healthcare, writing and any work that needs empathy. The tradition suggests the Water Goat let its own wishes count in a decision.
A question to take with you
In your next decision, what do you want — before you think of what others want?
Updated October 28, 2026