Unlike Western astrology's 12-sign cycle, the Chinese zodiac combines 12 animals with 5 elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water), creating a 60-year cycle before repeating.
This means you would need to live to 60 to experience your exact Chinese zodiac combination again - for example, a Wood Dragon born in 1964 wouldn't see another Wood Dragon year until 2024.
Each animal-element combination is believed to create distinct personality traits and fortune patterns.