Chinese astrology is defined as the attempt to ascertain the future from the Chinese calendar. The main focus in Chinese Astrology on the calendar is in relation to the 12 year cycle of animals that it is known for. This is referred to as the Chinese Zodiac. There are a total of five 12 year cycles in this system. Each cycle is represented by a specific element. These elements are fire, wood, metal, water, and earth. This information in addition to ancient Chinese religion form the principle characteristics of Chinese Astrology. Chinese Astrology is used to help search for omens that can be read from the sky to provide insight in what the future may hold. The birth information of an individual can be used to look into the fate of that person in Chinese Astrology. If you are interested in learning more about Chinese Astrology, you should start by doing further research into the Chinese Zodiac and ancient Chinese Religion.