In the Chinese zodiac, the Dragon occupies the fifth position after Rat, Ox, Tiger, and Rabbit.
The traditional sequence places Dragon between Rabbit and Snake. Unlike most signs, the Dragon is a legendary creature rather than an ordinary terrestrial animal. It has long been associated in Chinese culture with rain, water, power, authority, and auspicious fortune.
The Dragon’s position is fixed within the 12-year cycle, regardless of the element assigned to a particular year. For example, a Dragon year may also be classified as Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, or Water under the broader 60-year cycle.
A common mix-up is confusing the Dragon’s fifth position with its place in compatibility groupings. In traditional three-sign harmony groups, Dragon is grouped with Rat and Monkey, but that relationship does not change its position in the basic sequence.