Basic rules: The 60-year cycle consists of two separate cycles interacting with each other - the Five Elements cycle (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal & Water) & the Chinese Zodiac cycle (rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep/goat, monkey, rooster, dog & boar). Years that end in an even number are yang, those that end with an odd number are yin. The cycle always starts with the Yang Wood Rat and ends with the Yin Water Boar.

Each element gives a person distinct traits (partial list):
Wood - Generous, Warm, Persuasive, Co-operative, Explorer, Idealistic, Ethical, Enthusiastic.
Fire -Dynamic, Humanitarian, Enterprising, Leadership Skills, Strong, Loves a good laugh
Earth - Wise, Patient, Prudent, Stable, Hard-working, Ambitious, Stubborn, Disciplined, Logical
Metal - Determined, Self-reliant, Sophisticated, Caring, Respectful.
Water - Secretive, Charming, Compassionate, Creative, Intellectual, Betrayal

Each animal has a different personality and different characteristics and is believed to be the main factor in each person's life that gives them their traits, success and happiness in their lifetime. Traits of an Ox: Dependable, calm, methodical, patient, hardworking, ambitious, conventional, steady, modest, logical, resolute, tenacious. Can be stubborn, narrow-minded, materialistic, rigid, demanding.