Those of us who clock into Chinese astronomy only when the narcissus starts showing up in stores usually invoke only the name of one of the 12 animal signs assigned to the lunar zodiac, but for those who follow more closely, it's more complex than that.

According to one legend about its origin, the animals were those responding to a summons from the Jade Emperor of Heaven, who rewarded each by naming a year after them: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig.

But there's also a cycle of five elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water), each of them associated with colors (Green, Red, Brown, White and Black).

Everything's further complicated by yin and yang, but suffice it to say the zodiac breaks down to a 60-year cycle.

According to online expert Shelly Wu's Chinese Astrology site (chineseastrology.com), this is the Year of the Wood (or Green) Rooster. The last time it rolled around, the world's first electronic computer was assembled on 1,800 square feet of floor space. Frozen orange juice concentrate was invented, the aerosol spray can made its first appearance, and TV began its transition into a common household item.

Rooster years are often a time to straighten up and put life back into order, including rebuilding, reconstructing and beginning from scratch. This may come as some encouragement to those trying to salvage their lives from the devastation of the Indian Ocean tsunami. Hard work is rewarded and emotional solace can come from surrounding oneself with the natural beauty of the Earth. This, the sages say, is a year when it is especially important to exercise tolerance, channel inner energies into creativity and release any resentments or bitterness.

And now, the superficialities: Some celebrities born in the last Year of the Wood Rooster are Eric Clapton, Steve Martin, Bette Midler, Van Morrison, Dolly Parton and Neil Young. This means they're all pushing 60, and they're going to need to work on that thing about releasing resentments.