Should I have my nails done today? Is Brad the one? What should I do on my day off? Should I go to cosmetology school or become an x-ray technician? So many questions. So hard to get answers.

You might be pleased to learn Chinese Astrology answers, or at least provides insight into, these and many more questions. Your journey of discovery begins with knowing your Four Pillars. What is your year, month, day and hour of birth? Are you, for example, a gentle Rabbit (year sign) with a Dragon (day sign) hidden underneath that placid surface?

And, what about the elements in your chart? Does charismatic Fire predominate? Do you tend to talk and talk under the influence of all that Water? Are you a softy when it comes to little kids and kitties thanks to all that Wood?

Then consider the heavens and what the stars say. So, you were born under the constellation, Monkey. Good for you. Enjoy those bananas and a long life!

Forget about all these complexities for a minute. Chinese Astrology actually uses only three perspectives, the focus being on balance, harmony, timing or some combination of them. The balance of signs and elements in your chart determines, for example, your suitability for different careers. The degree of harmony between your Four Pillars and your children’s or husband’s reflects how well you get along. The last perspective helps you know whether a particular day, month, year, decade or even stage of life is lucky, strong or favorable.

More on balance. You want a gentle guy? Check out his sign mix. Find one with three yin signs, a peaceful Rabbit-Sheep-Pig for example. Macho man? Get yourself a studly Horse-Dragon-Tiger, yang type. Looking at another area, your element mix clues you in on your strengths and weaknesses, balance being the ultimate strength. Lots of Water in your chart?
You are flexible and handle travel well. Short Metal? You are a lover not a fighter.

And harmony. It occurs in compatibility groups. Fun times and witty conversation are the norm within a Rat-Monkey relationship. Go outside your group at your own risk. A Tiger mom with a Monkey boy could be in trouble. The Monkey’s favorite sport is yanking the Tiger’s tail, climbing the nearest tree, and laughing at the Tiger’s frustration!

Harmony also goes with timing. If you are a Horse or Dog, you are looking at a great 2010 (Year of the Tiger), as the Tiger is in your group. They also apply to activities. Consult the Chinese almanac to decide whether you should spend the day shopping or stay home and do some gardening. Moreover the appearance and placement of various stars in your chart determine lucky years and decades. Get married in a lucky year and increase your chances of living happily ever after. Avoid taking chances or planning big events in an unlucky one.

Good fortune be yours.