Water Rooster (癸酉): personality and meaning in the Chinese zodiac
The Water Rooster, 癸酉, gives the Rooster insight and a gentler way of saying the truth. The tradition reads it as perceptive, articulate and diplomatic.
Heavenly stem and earthly branch: 癸酉
Years: 1933, 1993
Character
癸酉 sets 癸, yin water, the rain, over the Rooster's metal. Metal carries water, so the tradition reads this as a supported pair: autumn rain collected in a bright bowl, clarity that holds feeling.
People born in a Water Rooster year are read as intelligent, observant and expressive, with the Rooster's honesty softened into tact. They understand people well and communicate clearly. The tradition's shadow for the Water Rooster is overthinking, and a worry about details that can keep it from acting.
In love and at work
In love the Water Rooster is read as thoughtful, loyal and expressive, a partner who talks things through. At work it suits writing, research, teaching, counselling and communication. The tradition suggests the Water Rooster trust that its first clear thought is often enough.
A question to take with you
What do you see clearly already, without needing one more detail?
Updated October 28, 2026