We considered Chinese zodiac animals that clash and ones that are in harmony in the previous article. This may partly explain why we get along with certain colleagues, but argue with others. However, simply considering the years of birth do not give us the entire picture. For the whole picture, consider the time, day, month and year of birth. In Chinese astrology, each unit of time is represented by one of the 12 zodiac animals and also one of the five natural elements of water, wood, fire, earth and metal. For example, if you are born in the year of the rabbit, you could be born in the hour of the monkey, the day of the tiger and the month of the sheep. Astrologers can ascertain your personality and fortune from the four elements and the four animals that make up your complete chart. The elements and animals are known as the 'Eight Characters of Birth'. However, what is more important are the natural elements in the chart when it comes to relationships. If earth and fire are the negative elements, you will not get along with someone who has these elements in their chart. The most important animal in your birth chart is not the one of the year of your birth, but of the day of your birth. If you know the animal of your day of birth, you can apply the information to others through the animal of their birthday. If you are born in the day of the rabbit, you could get along with those born in the days of the sheep, pig and dog, and will clash with those born on the day of the rooster. Jin Peh