The tenets of Chinese horoscope are vastly different from horoscopes based on Vedic astrology or the western system of astrology. While the constellation of planets is the guiding force behind most other forms of astrology, the Chinese system is based on 12 animal signs. Therefore, a Chinese horoscope works around these animal signs.

These twelve animal signs together with the five elements (fire, water, air, earth and space) make up a cycle of 60 years. The Chinese horoscope is built around this cycle and each year has a specific animal sign ascribed to it. Thus, if the animal sign ‘Rat’ is assigned to say 2010, the next time this sign appears will be 2022. Chinese horoscope for all subjects born in a particular year will be guided by the animal sign assigned to that particular year.