As the ancient Chinese observed the heavens, they mapped it with a completely different grid than that imposed by their colleagues in the Mediterranean Basin and formed a very different astrology. Most Westerners have come across this very different astrology in the designation of each year with the name of an animal, a regularly used theme in Chinese pop art.

Chinese astrology gives major importance to the movement of the moon through its 28-day orbit around the Earth. Each day is considered a different mansion, and the 28 mansions are grouped into four sets equivalent to the four phases of the moon. Comprehensive charts provide the data on which mansion the moon is in on any given day. Specific meanings are assigned to each of the 28 mansions that are grouped as follows:

• The Green Dragon of spring
  1. The Horn
  2. The Neck
  3. The Base
  4. The Room
  5. The Heart
  6. The Tail
  7. The Basket
• The Black Tortoise of Winter (new moon)
  1. The Ladle
  2. The Ox-Boy
  3. The Maiden
  4. The Void
  5. The Rooftop
  6. The House
  7. The Wall

• The White Tiger of autumn
  1. Astride
  2. The Mound
  3. The Stomach
  4. The Pleiades
  5. The Net
  6. The Beak
  7. Orion
• The Red Bird of Summer (full moon)
  1. The Well
  2. Ghosts
  3. The Willow
  4. The Bird
  5. The Bow
  6. The Wings
  7. The Carriage

Chinese astrology in general has two goals: the prediction of the future, and the determination of auspicious days upon which to initiate a particular enterprise. For example, the Pleiades are an ill-fated day to marry or initiate any family activity, while the next day is a good day. The Mound is a good day for beginning construction projects such as building a new house.

The visible planets are associated with the five basic elements as determined by ancient Chinese thought (water, metal, fire, wood, and earth). They are similar to the four elements of ancient Greek thought. Characteristics assigned to the various planets have some similarities to Western astrology, but vital differences as well.

The 12 signs that lend their names to each year in the Chinese calendar appear to be an addition to Chinese astrology, possibly from lands to the West. They originate from the observation of the 12-year period that it requires for the planet Jupiter to complete its orbit. Each year is associated with an animal. In Chinese thought, animals such as the rat, snake, and pig do not have the negative connection that dominates in the West.

As with all things Chinese, Chinese astrology received the attention of Westerners beginning with President Nixon's opening of a new positive phase of United States-Chinese relations in the 1970s. Among the first attempts to create an appeal in Chinese astrology was made by psychic Daniel Logan in a 1972 book. In the prevailing years a selection of books describing the Chinese system has appeared. Nevertheless, Chinese astrology has not become conventional in the West in the manner of other Chinese practices such as acupuncture, tai chi, or macrobiotics. It is mainly practiced in Chinese ethnic communities. Unlike Vedic astrology, the Chinese system is too different for the dominant astrology of the West that has been in a significant growth phase.