According to Iskandar, Chinese astrology operates within a larger 60-year cycle that combines the 12 animals with the Five Elements. “Each of these 60 pillars contains unique qualities and characteristics that can provide us with insights into a particular year,” she told PEOPLE magazine.
You can read more about her work and insights through PEOPLE at https://people.com.
The Chinese calendar follows a lunisolar system, meaning it is influenced by both the phases of the moon and the position of the sun. As a result, the Lunar New Year typically falls on the second new moon after the winter solstice. In 2025, the Lunar New Year began on January 29, ushering in the Year of the Wood Snake.
How Chinese Astrology Differs From Western Astrology
One of the most significant differences between Western astrology and Chinese Astrology lies in how time is measured.
Western astrology is based entirely on the solar calendar and the sun’s position through the zodiac constellations. Chinese astrology, by contrast, incorporates both lunar and solar cycles.
