Though most are familiar with the basics of Feng Shui (the study of the environment) and birth chart readings (including the Chinese zodiac signs), it's actually more complicated than some realize.
A year isn't just categorized by one of 12 zodiac animals, but also by a more complex sexagenary cycle -- a combination of one of 10 heavenly stems and one of the 12 earthly branches.
For instance, 2019 is the year of "ji hai" (or gei hoi in Cantonese).
While "hai" represents the earthly branch symbol that stands for the Pig, "ji" represents the heavenly stem for yin and Earth. That's why they call 2019 the year of the Earth Pig.
Both Feng Shui and the Chinese zodiac are based on this 60-year cycle.
"They're closely related as they all come from the same book, 'I Ching,' one of the most important pieces of literature in Chinese culture," says Chow.
"It talks about yin and yang, the five elements, Bagua [Taoist cosmology symbols] and even Chinese medicines. It's about finding better harmony and balance of the five elements and yin and yang.
"It's easy to read one's birth chart to determine luck but there is always a general guideline you can follow," . "It's lighthearted -- all ways we should deal with life, anyways."
So what does 2019 have in store? Here's the best guide to the Year of the Pig.
Rat
Great news, there's no clash with Tai Sui in 2019 for those born in the Year of the Rat.
Chow says it will be a good year for those born under this sign -- especially career-wise, as they'll be headed in a positive direction where matters of work are concerned.
Thinking of learning a new skill? Chow says it's also a positive time for self-improvement.
Ox
In 2019, the Ox is aligned with the Horse Star (Yi Ma Xing).
Don't worry, that's not a bad thing. It means those born in the Year of the Ox might find themselves doing a fair bit of traveling -- for work or personal reasons -- with plenty of movements and shifts forecast for the coming year.
But Chow advises those born under the Ox to take time to care for themselves. When you're wrapped up in work and travel, it's easy to neglect your health.
Tiger
The Year of the Pig represents a very good year for Tigers, says Chow.
Looking for a business partner or a relationship? This might be the year to make that happen.
That said, health is a concern for people born in the Year of the Tiger so do take care to exercise and eat well.
Rabbit
In 2019, the Rabbit aligns with Tai Sui so the Year of the Pig is a great time to embrace celebrations.
And we're not talking small birthday parties either.
Happy events like having babies, getting engaged or getting married are more likely to happen this year,
Therefore, focus more on relationships and family.
Dragon
Those born under the Year of the Dragon may have had a rough 2018 due to the sign's clash with Tai Sui. In 2019 things will start to calm down, says Chow.
It's a year to rebuild your relationships and career, but also a time to rest and recharge.
Focus on recovering from last year's chaos the first few months of 2019 -- adventurous ideas and endeavors can wait until the second half of the year.
Snake
Take a deep breath, Snakes. It's your turn to clash with Tai Sui, a force that represents change and instability.
It may sound scary as most people are afraid of change, but fret not -- face it with grace as change often means growth, says Chow.
However, watch out for your health and avoid extreme sports -- or even really high heels. Try flats, she says.
Horse
There is no Tai Sui star for Horse this year, meaning it will be a year of stability for those born under this sign.
Horses should try to keep things balanced this year -- don't place too much emphasis on one thing, whether it's a relationship or your career,
Sheep
Similar to the Rabbit, people born in the Year of the Sheep should enjoy a very positive year.
That said, Sheep should spend more time with family and be ready to adjust their old habits while facing changes in their loved one's lives.
Monkey
Just like the Snake, people born in the Year of the Monkey will face Tai Sui (Ying Tai Sui) this year.
That could mean turbulence in relationships, including misunderstandings between you and your co-workers or partners.
Just remember that when disagreements occur, it's important to be patient and communicate more effectively,
Rooster
People born in the Year of the Rooster will experience the effects of the Horse star this year, says Chow. This means lots of movement, changes and shifts will occur so remember to take care of your health.
It's important to eat better and exercise more. This busy time can also pose a challenge to your mental wellness, so it's a good year to take up meditation and yoga if you haven't already.
Dog
Coming out of a tough 2018, things will start to settle down again for people born in the Year of the Dog.
It'll be a positive year and you'll feel the negative energy leave you in the first two months. But don't rush things. You need time to recover,
Pig
And finally, the Pig.
If you were born under this sign it's your "Ben Ming Nian" -- your own zodiac year.
But in Chinese astrology, Ben Ming Nian also means it's the year to offend Tai Sui, so surprisingly it can be a shaky time.
It's not all bad, though. You can rake in positive energy by traveling more and attending celebrations,
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