Western astrology (aries, leo, scorpio) is largely horoscopic, that is, it is someting largely based on the construction of a horoscope for a given moment, which includes a person's birth, wherein various cosmic bodies are said to have an significant influence. In modern day Western sun sign astrology, it is only the location of the Sun wich is ultimately considered.

In modern Western astrology the unique signs of zodiac are believed to represent twelve basic personality traits, types or various characteristic modes of expression. The twelve signs are further divided into four elements fire, earth, air and water. For a matter of fact, Fire and air signs are considered to be masculine, while water and earth signs are considered to be feminine i.e the astrological opposite match. The twelve signs have been known to be divided into three qualities i.e. Cardinal, mutable and fixed

The twelve zodiac animal signs are called shengxiao. They are, in following order: the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep (or goat), monkey, rooster, dog, and pig. Legend has it that the rat was given the task to invite all animals in order to report to the Jade Emperor and be selected for the zodiac signs. The cat was a good friend of the rat, but unfortunately the rat forgot to invite him. Hence the cat vowed to be the rats natural enemy for ages to come. Interestingly it is noted that the cat -- but not the rabbit -- is included in the Vietnamese Zodiac.

The yearly cycles are representations of what others perceive you as being. The inner animal which is assigned by the month of birth and dictates an individuals love life and inner persona. The inner animal also reflects what the individual aspires or wishes to become, and believes to be their true self. The secret animal is determined by the exact time of birth and is the individuals true sign Upon which their complete personality is based on.