HORIZON ASTROLOGY

Chinese Zodiac Compatibility
Ox and Rat

Compatibility overview

This is one of the most cherished matches in all of Eastern astrology. There may be no perfection in human relationships, but the combination of the firsteast and the secondeast attracts the most compatible energy there is. In professional, familial, or intimate contexts, these two natural confidants and allies can be expected to forge a powerful and dependable bond.

Ox and Rat - Relationship Horoscope

Read more about the OX and RAT zodiac signs...

Compatibility in the Eastern zodiac depends mainly on the four Trine Families. While members of the same family share very harmonious energy, each sign also enjoys a revered Soulmate connection with one sign from their kindred Trine Family. The powerful leader, the Ox, and the clever strategist, the Rat, share this Soulmate connection. In fact, this is probably the most legendary of all the Soulmate matches—after all, in the Jade Emperor's race that decided the order of the signs, the Rat achieved victory by hiding in the ear of the Ox.

Early contacts between these two will likely establish a bedrock of excitement and resolve. The Ox is incredibly strong and determined. Their dominant nature and near-infinite capacity for effective hard work appeal immediately to the strategic and socially-minded Rat. The Rat, meanwhile, is as clever as the day is long. The Ox will likely recognize quickly what sage advice the Rat can provide, while at the same time being hopelessly seduced by the Rat's delightful compliments and winning personality. Soon, these two will discover the secret that lies at the heart of their great compatibility. For these signs are both intensely motivated by social unity, whether in the home or professional contexts. The Ox may be a born leader, but they know in their bones the importance of a trustworthy, dedicated team. The Rat's instinctive command of social dynamics is simply wasted without a community to coordinate towards success.

Hence these two are natural collaborators, a brilliant pairing in business or family. Traits that may infuriate other signs will for the most part not even register as problems. The Rat can usually navigate the Ox's stubborn, opinionated nature with effortless humor and shrewd foresight. The Ox may similarly laugh off the Rat's secretive wiles and occasional manipulation, given an unerring trust that the Rat has their best interests at heart. The only real danger for this match is if life gets in the way. Soulmate energy can be as demanding as it is rich. If either party is unable to devote themselves completely to this alliance, both may suffer grave misery. Fortunately, this combination is capable of extraordinary devotion and patience, and most challenges will prove surmountable. If these two can commit to their shared vision, then in any context their union is likely to prove as strong, rewarding, and effective as any in the Eastern zodiac.

Celebrity Ox/Rat Pairings^*

^*Click on the names to see both Western and Chinese zodiac matches for that pairing.

Paul Newman and Robert Redford (click for attribution/s)

Robert Redford (8/18/1936, Leo Rat), Paul Newman (1/26/1925, Aquarius Ox) : The celebrated actors shared memorable on-screen chemistry in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and The Sting, and they became lifelong friends. Redford has been quoted as saying, "I think what we found out over time was that the things that made us friends were — had a lot to do with values, what we saw as valuable in society."

Billy Crystal (3/14/1948, Pisces Rat), Janice Crystal (3/16/1949, Pisces Ox) : Both actors and producers, Billy and Janice Crystal were high school sweethearts who have been married for over 50 years. They have two children and are grandparents. Reflecting on their relationship, Billy Crystal commented: "We’ve grown together, we’ve parented together, we’ve grandparented together. I’m lucky that I found the person when I was 18." On another occasion, he said, "My parents always looked like they loved being together […] that’s how my wife and I are."

Samuel L. Jackson and LaTanya Richardson Jackson (click for attribution/s)

Samuel L. Jackson (12/21/1948, Sagittarius Rat), LaTanya Richardson Jackson (10/21/1949, Libra Ox) : The two actors have been married for over 50 years and have a daughter together. Asked in a joint interview about about whether they had ever had to choose between being true to themselves and professional opportunity, Samuel L. Jackson responded, "We don’t compromise who we are to do the things we do. It’s imperative that we be who we are. It’s not like we’ve never heard: 'You’ll never work in this town again.'" To which LaTanya Jackson responded, laughing, "Well you have – I haven’t!"

Kathryn Reed Altman (6/2/1924, Gemini Rat), Robert Altman (2/20/1925, Pisces Ox) : The acclaimed director and actor-turned-archivist were married from 1959 until Altman's death in 2006. They had two children together as well as children from previous marriages. Recounting their first meeting, Reed described, "When we were introduced, [Altman] didn’t say hello. He just said, 'How are your morals?' And I said: 'A little shaky. How are yours?' That was the beginning."

Michael J. Fox and Tracy Pollan (click for attribution/s)

Tracy Pollan (6/22/1960, Cancer Rat), Michael J. Fox (6/9/1961, Gemini Ox) : The two actors met on the set of Family Ties in 1985. They married in 1988 and have four children together. Celebrating their 30th wedding anniversary, Pollan was asked what she thought was the key to a successful marriage. She answered, "Just give each other the benefit of the doubt. He assumes I’m doing the best I can."

Marlon Brando (4/3/1924, Aries Rat), Jack Nicholson (4/22/1937, Taurus Ox) : The two actors—both often included among the best Hollywood has ever produced—were real-life neighbours for thirty years. In a tribute after Brando's death in 2004, Nicholson described how the star of On the Waterfront and The Godfather had "been my idol all of my professional life". Nicholson wrote: "I treasured the conversations I had with [Brando]. He’s a brilliant man with a very eclectic mind. He was brutally honest, with very unusual insights into just about everything. He was very funny, too. Brando’s favorite holiday was April Fools’ Day, and, trust me, the guy pulled a couple of real crackerjacks at my expense."

Anna Kendrick and Aubrey Plaza (click for attribution/s)

Aubrey Plaza (6/26/1984, Cancer Rat), Anna Kendrick (8/9/1985, Leo Ox) : The two actors met on the set of Scott Pilgrim vs the World and have become close friends who holiday together and exchange affectionate posts online. In an interview, Plaza quipped, "Hmm, hopefully when I’m 70, Anna Kendrick and I will have our multicam sitcom, exactly like The Golden Girls. We’ll just be two fast-talking sexual ladies hitting on younger guys."

Jennie Garth (4/3/1972, Aries Rat), Tori Spelling (5/16/1973, Taurus Ox) : These two actors first met on the set of Beverley Hills 90210 in 1990 and have been best friends ever since. Spelling once described Garth as "one of the most spectacular women and human beings" she knows, and while promoting their short-lived detective series, Mystery Girls, frequently referred to Garth as her "partner in crime for life".