Introduction to Chinese Astrology Chinese astrology, also known as the Four Pillars of Destiny, is an ancient system of divination used to predict a person's future based on their birth date and time. It is widely practiced in China, Taiwan, and other East Asian countries. The Four Pillars of Destiny are made up of the year, month, day, and hour of one's birth, and each of these pillars is associated with a specific element and animal sign. These elements and animals correspond to different aspects of a person's personality and fate. In Chinese astrology, the year of one's birth is associated with their animal sign, which can be a rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog, or pig. These animal signs are believed to influence a person's character and compatibility with others. The month of one's birth is associated with the element of wood, fire, earth, metal, or water. Each of these elements corresponds to different personality traits and life events. For example, those born in the year of the metal snake may be ambitious and successful in their career, while those born in the year of the earth sheep may be gentle and artistic. The day of one's birth is associated with a Chinese zodiac sign based on the lunar calendar. This sign is believed to reveal one's inner self, including their strengths and weaknesses. The hour of one's birth is also important in Chinese astrology, as it is associated with the ascendant sign, which determines how one is perceived by others and their level of success in life. Overall, Chinese astrology offers an intricate system of understanding oneself and others, revealing patterns and possibilities in a person's life. It is fascinating to explore and study, and has remained a popular practice in East Asia for centuries.