1978 Chinese Zodiac: What’s the Element, Animal, Compatible Colors, Directions, and Signs? These are common questions for those born in 1978 seeking to align with Feng Shui principles.
In this article, BTA Feng Shui explores the Feng Shui aspects of the 1978 Chinese zodiac, the Earth Horse, to help you optimize your destiny, attract wealth, and find peace.
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 1978?
According to the Chinese zodiac, those born in 1978 are Earth Horses (Wu Wu), from February 12, 1978, to January 31, 1979 (solar calendar). Those born before February 12, 1978, belong to the Fire Snake (1977).
In 2025, Earth Horse individuals will be 47 years old (solar calendar) or 48 years old (lunar calendar).
To determine compatible zodiac signs, consider:
- Heavenly Stem (Wu): Compatible with Gui, conflicts with Ren and Jia.
- Earthly Branch (Horse): Dual compatibility with Goat, trine harmony with Tiger–Horse–Dog, and clashes with Rat–Horse–Rabbit–Rooster.
Summary of Compatible and Incompatible Signs for Earth Horse 1978:
| Category | Male Earth Horse 1978 | Female Earth Horse 1978 |
|---|---|---|
| Business Compatibility | Water Pig 1983, Wood Ox 1985, Fire Rabbit 1987, Fire Snake 1977, Earth Goat 1979, Wood Tiger 1974, Metal Dog 1970 | Earth Goat 1979, Wood Ox 1985, Water Pig 1983, Wood Tiger 1974, Metal Dog 1970 |
| Marriage Compatibility | Earth Goat 1979, Wood Ox 1985, Fire Rabbit 1987, Fire Snake 1977, Water Pig 1983, Wood Tiger 1974, Metal Dog 1970 | Water Pig 1983, Wood Ox 1985, Fire Rabbit 1987, Fire Snake 1977, Earth Goat 1979, Wood Rabbit 1975, Wood Tiger 1974, Metal Dog 1970 |
| Incompatible Signs | Metal Rooster 1981, Water Rooster 1993, Water Rat 1972, Wood Rat 1984, Wood Rabbit 1975, Fire Rabbit 1987, Earth Rooster 1969 | |
=>> Learn more about Celestial Stems and Earthly Branches Clashes.
What Is the Chinese Zodiac Element for 1978?
The term “Earth Horse 1978” can be misleading, as it does not mean that people born in 1978 belong to the Earth element.
In both Chinese and Vietnamese Feng Shui, the year 1978 corresponds to the Heavenly Stem Wu (戊) — associated with the Earth element — and the Earthly Branch Wu (午), representing the Horse. This combination is often called the “Earth Horse.”
However, based on the Na Yin (Five Elemental Phases) system, which assigns one of the five elements to each of the 60 stem-branch pairs, the year 1978 is classified under Heavenly Fire. Therefore, those born in 1978 are considered to have the Fire element, not Earth, according to traditional Na Yin classification.
People with the Heavenly Fire element are lively, decisive, and full of positive energy. They inspire others, excel in leadership, and adapt well to various situations. However, their straightforward nature may lead to hasty decisions, so cultivating patience is key to long-term success.
1978 Chinese Zodiac: Compatible and Incompatible Colors
Based on the Five Elements’ generating cycle, those born in 1978 (Fire element) are compatible with colors associated with Fire and Wood:
- Compatible Colors: Red, pink, orange, purple (Fire element) and green (Wood element). Since Wood generates Fire, these colors enhance energy, creativity, and prosperity.
- Incompatible Colors: Black, blue (Water element). As Water overcomes Fire, these colors may hinder positive energy and create obstacles.
Using compatible colors in clothing, home decor, or vehicles can attract luck and prosperity for those born in 1978.
=>> Learn more at Feng Shui Color Chart.
1978 Chinese Zodiac: Personal Trigram
The Personal Trigram (Cung Mệnh) influences decisions like home orientation, door placement, and workspace arrangement. Based on Eight Mansions Feng Shui, the trigram for 1978-born individuals depends on gender:
- Male Earth Horse 1978: Xun (Wood element), part of the East Group. Men with the Xun trigram are optimistic, creative, adaptable, and skilled at building strong relationships through excellent communication.
- Female Earth Horse 1978: Kun (Earth element), part of the West Group. Women with the Kun trigram are calm, patient, family-oriented, and make careful decisions.
1978 Chinese Zodiac: Compatible Directions
Home, workspace, or altar directions are determined by the Personal Trigram and Eight Mansions system. Below are the compatible and incompatible directions for Earth Horse 1978:
| Direction | Male Earth Horse 1978 | Female Earth Horse 1978 |
|---|---|---|
| Favorable Directions | North – Vitality: Brings prosperity and success; East – Longevity: Promotes family harmony; South – Heavenly Doctor: Offers protection and support; Southeast – Restoration: Ensures stability and peace |
Northeast – Vitality; West – Heavenly Doctor; Northwest – Restoration; Southwest – Longevity |
| Unfavorable Directions | Northeast – Extinction; Northwest – Five Ghosts; West – Misfortune; Southwest – Six Evils |
North – Extinction; East – Five Ghosts; South – Misfortune; Southeast – Six Evils |
(Source: “Building Homes According to Geography, Astronomy, and I Ching” by Tran Van Tam, Information Culture Publishing House, 2002)
1978 Chinese Zodiac: Lucky Numbers
According to Five Elements Feng Shui, the lucky numbers for Earth Horse 1978 are:
- Male: 1, 3, 4 (Wood and Water elements), boosting luck and career growth.
- Female: 2, 5, 8 (Earth element), promoting balance, peace, and prosperity.
Incompatible Numbers: Numbers associated with the Metal element (6, 7), as Fire overcomes Metal, may cause obstacles in work and life.
Personality and Destiny of the 1978 Earth Horse
Male Earth Horse 1978
Personality: Men born in 1978 are intelligent, straightforward, and energetic. They have big ambitions and constantly seek opportunities for self-improvement. However, their fiery temperament may lead to impulsive decisions. Their enthusiasm and sense of responsibility earn them trust from colleagues and friends.
Career: Male Earth Horses excel in leadership roles and thrive in creative, innovative fields. They may face early challenges but achieve stable success in midlife through persistence.
Love Life: While valuing freedom, they are loyal and family-oriented once committed. They pair well with partners who understand and share their vibrant nature.
Female Earth Horse 1978
Personality: Women born in 1978 are gentle, calm, yet decisive. Their excellent communication skills help build strong relationships. Their cautious nature minimizes risks in life.
Career: Female Earth Horses succeed in fields involving communication or community care. Their patience and ambition lead to a solid career, especially when independent.
Love Life: Family is a priority, and they place loved ones first. They are compatible with reliable, strong partners, creating a stable and harmonious home.
Three Years of Misfortune (Tam Tai) for Earth Horse 1978
Tam Tai refers to a challenging three-year cycle every 12 years. For Earth Horse 1978, these years are Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon (2022, 2023, 2024, 2034, 2035, 2036, etc.).
During these years, caution is advised for major decisions like investments, home construction, or marriage to avoid risks. In 2025 (Wood Snake), the Tam Tai period has passed, making it an ideal time for new ventures.
We hope this article from BTA Feng Shui has clarified the 1978 Chinese zodiac, including its element, compatible colors, directions, and signs. Apply these insights to optimize your destiny, attract wealth, and find peace. If you found this helpful, please rate 5 stars and share it with others!
Explore other Horse zodiac years:
| Earth Horse 1978 | Metal Horse 1990 | Water Horse 2002 | Wood Horse 2014 | Fire Horse 2026 |
