Curious about the 1988 Chinese zodiac? Discover the Earth Dragon’s element, compatible colors, numbers, directions, and relationships.
This comprehensive guide from BTA Feng Shui explores Chinese astrology 1988, helping you align with feng shui principles to attract wealth, peace, and success in life, career, and love. Harness the power of the Chinese zodiac for 1988 to enhance harmony and prosperity!
Note: This article was directly translated from the original Vietnamese version by BTA Feng Shui using Grok 3.
What is the Chinese Zodiac Animal for 1988?
In the Chinese New Year 1988, the zodiac animal is the Dragon (Earth Dragon). Born between February 17, 1988, and February 5, 1989. The 1988 year of the Chinese zodiac embodies the Dragon’s strength, ambition, and leadership.

Compatible and Incompatible Zodiac Signs
For the Earth Dragon Chinese zodiac:
- Celestial Stem (Yang Earth): Compatible with Yin Water, in conflict (Punishment) with Yang Water and Yang Wood.
- Earthly Branch (Dragon): Three Harmonies with Rat, Dragon, and Monkey, and Four Clashes with Dragon, Ox, Goat, and Dog.
Compatibility Table for 1988 Dragon:
| Category | Male 1988 Dragon | Female 1988 Dragon |
|---|---|---|
| Business Partners | Water Rooster (1993), Earth Snake (1989), Fire Ox (1997) | Water Rooster (1993), Earth Snake (1989), Wood Pig (1995) |
| Marriage Partners | Water Rooster (1993), Earth Snake (1989), Fire Ox (1997), Wood Pig (1995), Fire Cat (Rabbit) (1987), Wood Ox (1985) | Water Rooster (1993), Earth Snake (1989), Fire Ox (1997), Wood Pig (1995), Fire Cat (1987), Wood Ox (1985) |
| Incompatible Signs | Metal Goat (1991), Water Goat (2003) | Metal Goat (1991), Water Goat (2003) |
What is the Chinese Zodiac Element for 1988?
According to the Five Elements theory, those born in the year 1988 belong to the Wood element, specifically Great Forest Wood.
This 1988 Chinese zodiac element reflects a robust, steadfast personality akin to a towering tree, offering protection and support to others. These individuals are generous, passionate, and natural leaders, though they can be stubborn and enjoy being the center of attention.

What Colors Suit the 1988 Earth Dragon?
Based on the Five Elements Generating and Controlling Cycles, those born in the year of the dragon 1988 align with these colors:
- Green (Wood): Enhances vitality and strengthens the native element.
- Black, blue (Water): Water generates Wood, fostering prosperity and positive energy.

Avoid these colors due to elemental conflicts:
- White, gray, silver (Metal): Metal overcomes Wood, depleting vitality as metal cuts wood.
- Red, pink, purple (Fire): Wood generates Fire, which can drain the Wood element’s energy.
What is the Destiny Palace for 1988?
Based on the Eight Mansions system, those born in 1988 carry the Great Forest Wood element, with the same destiny palace for both genders:
- Male and Female (1988): Chấn Palace (Wood, East Group). Decisive, passionate, and natural leaders, they are energetic and goal-driven.
Which Directions Are Favorable for the 1988 Dragon?
Directions are determined by the Eight Mansions system, combining Five Elements and Eight Trigrams to attract wealth, health, and peace:
| Direction | Male 1988 Dragon | Female 1988 Dragon |
|---|---|---|
| Favorable | North (Vitality): Prosperity and abundance East (Heavenly Doctor): Protection and support Southeast (Longevity): Stability South (Restoration): Assistance |
North (Vitality) East (Heavenly Doctor) Southeast (Longevity) South (Restoration) |
| Unfavorable | Northwest (Misfortune): Harmful energy West (Five Ghosts): Calamity Southwest (Six Evils): Conflict Northeast (Extinction): Severe misfortune |
Northwest (Misfortune) West (Five Ghosts) Southwest (Six Evils) Northeast (Extinction) |
Source: “Building Homes According to Geography, Astronomy, and I Ching” by Trần Văn Tam, 2002
Lucky Numbers for the 1988 Dragon
According to Five Elements feng shui, the Earth Dragon 1988 aligns with numbers: 1, 3, 4 (Wood) and 6, 7 (Water). These attract wealth and prosperity.
Avoid: 2, 5, 8 (Earth) and 9 (Fire). Earth overcomes Wood, hindering growth and luck; Wood generates Fire, draining energy.
Personality and Destiny of the 1988 Earth Dragon
Male 1988 Dragon
Personality: The Earth Dragon personality men are like mighty trees, strong, steadfast, and protective. Natural leaders with big ambitions, they can be stubborn and attention-seeking. Their passion builds strong relationships, but they should manage their ego to avoid conflicts.
Career: Excel in creative fields like design, media, or business. Success often comes after age 30, with peak achievements between 35–40, building a solid financial foundation through perseverance.
Love: Romance blooms from 24–27, with ideal marriage between 28–32. Lunar months 2 and 8 bring luck; months 3 and 6 may require patience to overcome challenges.

Female 1988 Dragon
Personality: Strong, confident, and honest, they are creative and decisive but can be impulsive, needing emotional control to avoid misunderstandings.
Career: Thrive in arts, education, or marketing. Success arrives after 28, with significant achievements by 35.
Love: Romance sparks from 22–26, with ideal marriage from 27–31. Lunar months 4 and 9 are favorable for love.
Tam Tai Challenges for the 1988 Dragon
Tam Tai refers to three consecutive challenging years. For the 1988 Chinese zodiac, these fall in the years of Tiger, Cat (Rabbit), Dragon:
- Recent: 2022 (Water Tiger), 2023 (Water Cat), 2024 (Wood Dragon).
- Next cycle: 2034 (Wood Tiger), 2035 (Wood Cat), 2036 (Fire Dragon).
Exercise caution in investments, health, and major decisions during these years to minimize risks.
The 1988 Chinese zodiac, the Earth Dragon, embodies Great Forest Wood, resonating with green, black, blue, and numbers 1, 3, 4, 6, 7. Understanding Earth Dragon astrology empowers you to navigate life, career, and relationships with confidence. BTA Feng Shui hopes this guide provides practical value. Please rate 5 stars and share if you find it helpful!
Explore Other Dragon Years:
| Fire Dragon 1976 | Earth Dragon 1988 | Metal Dragon 2000 | Water Dragon 2012 | Wood Dragon 2024 |





















