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Astrology by David Weatherly
February/March 2003
Happy Chinese New Year! Welcome to the
year of the Sheep, or to be precise, the year of the Water
Sheep. This is a year that promises peace and comfort after
the erratic energy of the past two years.
Although different from the Western form,
Chinese astrology is an ancient system that offers a unique
view of the world. The first zodiac was introduced in China
in 2637 BC. The system has developed over hundreds of years
with influence from various Eastern spiritual traditions.
Chinese astrology draws from such sources as Buddhism and
the I-Ching as well as the teachings of both Lao Tzu and Confucius.
The story of the animals of the zodiac comes from a legend
from the time of the Buddha. The Buddha was having a celebration
and preparing to leave the earth. He invited all of the animals
of the kingdom to come and bid him farewell; however, only
twelve animals came. To reward each animal that came, Buddha
named a year for the creature. The year of each animal would
bear the nature and characteristics of that animal. The first
arrival was the Rat, followed by the Ox; then came the Tiger
and the Hare. The Dragon came next, followed by the Snake,
Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and finally the Boar. The
Chinese people say, "The animal of your year of birth
is the animal that hides in your heart."
Chinese astrology also uses five elements:
wood, fire, earth, metal and water. Each of the animal signs
of the zodiac enters a new element every twelve years. So
it takes each animal a total cycle of 60 years to journey
through all the elements. Hence, we may have an Earth Dragon
year, a Metal Hare year, or as we have this year, a Water
Sheep.
Year of the Water Sheep
This is a year to make peace, both with
yourself and with those around you. Old conflicts can be resolved
and differences set aside under peaceful terms. Historically,
wars have often come to an end in sheep years. This comes
at a perfect time, after the stress and violence we have faced
in recent years. It will be easier this year to create calm
and balance in our environment.
Sheep is a serene sign, in touch with
life on an emotional level. Caring, compassion and the closeness
of family are given greater importance, and friendships grow
stronger. Charities that focus on families, children and animals
will have a successful year getting their points across. Taking
care of families is at the top of the list, and money is not
an object. Criticism and discipline can be difficult to take
during this time, so take care not to be overcome by emotions.
The sheep is the worrier of the zodiac
and frets over things for long periods. This may make it difficult
to move past hardships and misfortune. Oversensitivity can
be a problem, since the nature of sheep is timidity. Avoid
focusing too long on small issues and problems. There is an
inclination to give up easily, so take a breath and don't
be discouraged. Sheep's nature is to accomplish things in
a roundabout way. It is the mastery of attaining what is desired
by subtle means. Don't underestimate those who seem quiet
and self-focused, for the power of the sheep turns weakness
into strength. Confrontation is less likely this year, so
processes utilizing diplomacy and negotiation yield greater
success.
This is a year that focuses on spiritual
concerns and religious issues. Spiritual organizations should
expect growth throughout the year as people focus inward and
spiritual values become the guiding force in many lives. Hand
in hand with this attitude comes a greater focus on the path
of peace. Anti-war sentiment grows, and those promoting peaceful
solutions to our world's problems have the spotlight.
The water sheep brings an abundance of
creative energy. The arts flourish and artistic endeavors
take on their own lives. This is the sign of the natural artist.
The creative force knows no boundaries when sheep rules the
year. Many people will switch their fields of employment to
pursue areas that utilize their talents and allow the creative
nature within room to expand. This sign is symbolic of making
money with your natural abilities, so let go and enable the
inner muse space to grow.
Good nature is the rule of thumb in a
sheep year, but complaints can come quickly when things aren't
going as they should. This is not a sign that usually fosters
leaders, since the sheep would much rather follow the lead
of others. Although it will be easy to stand by issues you
are passionate about, lack of direction could become a problem.
This is not a time of hard physical work, but rather, quiet
inner determination. Even those born in more active animal
years will find the pace slower.
Self-indulgence can be taken to an extreme,
so be cautious and don't overdo. This especially applies to
diet, since fine-quality food is in abundance. Expanding waistlines
may be peering back from the mirror if moderation is not used.
Eat well, but lean more towards nutritious, healthy foods.
Organic foods and vegetarian diets become more popular, since
the quality of food becomes more of a focus.
It's a time of indulgence and there is
a danger of overspending. A balance needs to be struck between
taking good care of yourself and your family and going past
your limit. Remain aware of your financial standing and keep
it flowing at an even pace. This is a good year for finances,
with many experiencing an increase of material wealth. It
is an excellent year to invest in art and antiques. This is
a year for the true connoisseur leading the good life. Fine
clothing is accented and the home takes on greater importance,
with comfort and elegance being the keywords. Peace and calm
are the avenues that bring this sense of comfort.
Sheep years are generally good for relationships.
This is affectionate energy, and the diehard romantic emerges.
Candlelight dinners, quiet walks and intimate moments are
frequent. The finer things in life are accented now and, in
relationships, the emphasis is on giving. Marriages and childbirth
are both excellent in sheep years.
To the Chinese, the sheep is a harbinger
of peace and is pure of nature. Because of this, it is a sign
of good luck and fortune. In the Asian zodiac, it is the eighth
sign and stands for prosperity and comfort. We can expect
a year of luck, peace and the comforts of home. This slower
pace will allow everyone to catch their breath and focus on
the enjoyment of life.
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