Possible article: Introduction to Key Terms in Chinese Astrology and Fortune-Telling Chinese astrology and fortune-telling, also known as Bazi (八字) or Four Pillars of Destiny, has a rich tradition of using symbolic language to describe the nature and destiny of human beings. Here are some key terms that are commonly used in this field and their English translations. 1. Bazi (八字): literally "eight characters", refers to the four pairs of Chinese characters that represent a person's year, month, day, and hour of birth, respectively. These characters are based on the Chinese lunar calendar and are used to calculate a person's destiny chart, which reveals his or her potential strengths and weaknesses, as well as the favorable and unfavorable periods in life. 2. Ming (命): the Chinese word for fate or destiny, which is believed to be determined by a complex interplay of heavenly, earthly, and human factors, such as the alignment of stars, the dynamics of qi (energy flow), and the actions of individuals. 3. Shengxiao (生肖): the twelve animal signs of the Chinese zodiac, each of which corresponds to a different year in the 12-year cycle. They are, in order: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. Each animal is supposed to have its own personality traits and compatibility with other animals. 4. Wu Xing (五行): the five elements or phases of Chinese cosmology, namely Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. They represent different aspects of nature and human life, such as growth, transformation, stability, productivity, and communication. Each person's Bazi chart is also associated with a certain balance of these elements, which affects his or her character and fate. 5. Yin Yang (阴阳): the dualistic concept of complementarity and balance that pervades Chinese philosophy and culture, symbolized by the circular diagram of black and white halves. Yin represents female, negative, passive, and lunar qualities, while Yang represents male, positive, active, and solar qualities. The interaction of Yin and Yang is believed to generate all phenomena in the universe, including human destiny. Conclusion: Learning these terms can help us appreciate the depth and beauty of Chinese astrology and fortune-telling, and perhaps even apply some of its insights to our own lives. While some people may doubt its scientific validity, many Chinese still take it seriously as a way of understanding themselves and their relationships with others and the world. At the very least, it shows us that different cultures have different ways of expressing their visions of life and the cosmos, and that diversity is a treasure to be cherished.