Chinese astrology is based on the lunar cycle which takes 12 years to complete. It incorporates into the cycle the date of birth along with the hour, the five elements, your ascending sign (which determines your personality at heart), along with yin and yang. With that it can determine who are your friends and foes, compatible life mates, good and bad days/months/years and the ability to better manage ones fate.

Although we cannot change fate, we can certainly prepare for, and remedy the less desirable periods of time in our lives.

The 12 animal signs are attributed to a legend of Lord Buddha. He summoned all the animals to come bid him farewell before he departed. Only 12 showed up. To these animals; as a token of appreciation; he named a year for each animal in the order of its arrival. The animal that rules the year of your birth is said to exercise a profound influence over ones life. "This is the animal that hides in your heart."

Along with these 12 animals there is also a secondary animal - your ascendant sign. This is much like the western rising sign philosophy. It is based on the hour, day, month and year (4 Pillars of destiny) in which one is born. It is then divided into Heavenly Stem, Earthly Branch, and Hidden Stems.

The first breath you take also comes with it, a profound effect on your life. It is combined with the five main elements; metal, water, wood, fire and earth. Then it is divided into active and passive sides; yin and yang. Through this process, Chinese astrology can help to develop a deeper, better understanding of yourself and others. Along with it, those you are most compatible and incompatible.

The relationship between Feng Shui and Chinese astrology go hand in hand to help to determine the best balance in your home and in your relationships. Along with achieving balance in ones environment, also comes with it the understanding and balance of each individual living within that environment.

Certain signs of course offer greater potential for success and for a lasting and loving relationships. Certainly, if yours signs show signs of compatibility, then the odds of success increase. However, you can never truly predict how things will turn out. If you are willing to work at it, willing to give and take and willing to truly understand each other and what drives you both, then it is possible for even the least compatible signs to make it work!