Editor's note: The Chinese zodiac, or "shengxiao," consists of 12 animal signs that mark the years. Each animal represents one year in a repeating 12-year cycle, which is calculated based on the Chinese lunar calendar.

At the very least, using a common astrological system — whether it's Western astrology or the Chinese zodiac — to connect helps you have a little fun by identifying with the qualities and tendencies of the various signs.

Chinese astrology and Feng Shui expert Vicki Iskandar tells PEOPLE what the Year of the Snake means for each Chinese zodiac sign