Astrology 2007 for all signs -­Chinese Astrology and How the Years of the Monkey, Rooster, and Dog Affect the Year of the Fire Boar or Pig

by Robert Wilkinson

Usually what I post falls within the realm of “Western Astrology,” i.e., astrology generally derived from the Greco-Roman-Babylonian model established thousands of years ago. Over the years, Western Astrology has greatly evolved beyond its roots in that era, so that most of what we now know to be "Western Astrology" bears zero resemblance to what our ancestors studied and practiced. Every culture has had its form of astrology, and there are also many other types of astrology practiced in our world. Today we examine elements of Chinese Astrology that we may know more of what we've been through and what is to come.

The two most prominent forms of "Eastern Astrology" are Vedic Astrology, derived from the Vedas, ancient Holy books of India, and Chinese Astrology, supposedly the elaboration of the twelve creatures who first made obeisance to the Buddha, indicative of the twelve types of natural human characteristics. Eastern systems are more based in Lunar cycles, whereas Western Astrology has a much different focus and is primarily a Solar based system.

However, most systems have 12 “signs” of some sort, and Chinese astrology is no exception. In this three part series of articles we will elaborate on the Chinese Astrological indicators regarding the quality of recent past years as well as the year to come, said to be the year of the Fire Boar which begins February 18, 2007.

In Chinese Astrology, as in other systems, there are twelve "signs." However, there are five elements, rather than the four elements of Western Astrology. In Chinese Astrology, people born in years ending in 0 or 1 are said to be Metal; those born in years ending in 2 or 3 are Water; those born in years ending in 4 or 5 are Wood; those born in years ending in 6 or 7 are Fire; and those born in years ending in 8 or 9 are Earth.

This gives a natural cycle of 60 years, which is a very significant number in both Chinese and Vedic Astrology, and symbolizes the halfway point in an archetypal human life. Each element plus animal gives a specific quality to that human characteristic, and so the possibilities are quite extensive. That being said, let's explore some qualities of the past Year of the Fire Dog (January 29, 2006 through February 17, 2007), in the context of Chinese Astrology, so that we might understand how the year ahead will build on the energies of the present.

2006, the Year of the Fire Dog, has been radically different than the two preceding years, since the element shifted away from two years of Wood into two years of Fire. The year coming is the Year of the Fire Boar (or Pig), completing the twin Fire pulse initiated by the Fire Dog. 2005 was the year of the Wood Rooster, and put everyone I know through the proverbial ringer. Roosters crow and crow, talk and talk, symbols of that which heralds a new day.

Here's the article on 2005, the Year of the Wood Rooster, while this link will take you to What the Wood Rooster meant for your specific sign. You may also be interested in 2004, the year of the Wood Monkey, which also contains commentary on 2003, the Year of the Water Goat, as well as Western Astrology influences for 2004.

In brief, the year of the Wood Rooster (2005) was about vitality, meticulous work, and getting jobs done asap without excess crowing. It was a serious year of many short term tasks, where long term aggravations were dealt with and stagnant habits were dropped even though there was a lot of annoying talk. We had opportunities to find new youthfulness in spirit and approach, new friends and allies, and putting on the show! Conforming to the mainstream paid better dividends than being iconoclastic. In last year's article, I wrote there would be abuses of police and military authority, and we saw plenty of that, from secret CIA torture facilities to our government being busted for kidnapping foreign citizens in foreign countries.

That changed in the year of the Fire Dog, the one we're currently in. Dogs are humanitarians and want equality, fairness, and justice because they believe in the goodness of humanity. This year has been about service and a sense of purpose to do our best. Dogs are brave, loyal, and will sacrifice whatever they need to. They are fierce in defending their loved ones when attacked.

This year we've searched for equilibrium, altruism, and what we could care about. It's been a time of social reform and giving strength to others. We have examined our faith, courage, honesty, and generosity while defending against those who may not be honorable. Not a particularly relaxing year, we have been able to accomplish much through hard work, team work, and intelligence.

As I wrote last year:

In the year of the Dog, there is usually a general improvement in the human condition, and an end to wars and conflicts. Expect an atmosphere of confidence and optimism, and temporary improved economic conditions.... expect an increase in humanitarianism, justice, and devotion to higher ideals of service and loyalty. Many relationships will move toward their ideal state... Science and technology should also show some amazing breakthroughs, and collectively we should find solutions to long-standing problems, including environmental ones. Careers should develop fairly nicely this year as a result of prior loyalties and hard work. Find the plan of action, stick with it, and perseverance should bring great happiness and rewards.

...during the year of the Fire Dog, there will be pessimism and anxiety, so be calm and find hope and optimism. Avoid being defensive while taking precautionary steps in your affairs. Vigilence is a virtue, and it will be easier to practice generosity and goodwill. Generosity is an attitude, a spirit of abundant view that allows for much, so take the widest view.... Because it's such a liberal year, favoring progressive and just policy, expect revolutionary political developments. Idealism and big schemes are in the air, as are prosperity, good will, and generosity. Expect plenty of political action, with a sharp move toward liberalism and reform. The idealism of these years often produces revolutions.

Since 2007 continues the Fiery quality of the present year, expect a continuity in the inspirational, movable, warming and illuminating quality that Fire brings to all things, while moving away from the qualities of the Dog into the qualities of the Boar. There will be less defensiveness, more partying, less guarding, more enjoyment of friends, things, and life. There are other important developments as well which will prepare us for the Year of the Earth Rat in 2008 and the Earth Ox in 2009. This coming year will complete our experience of Fire for this decade, so warm up, enjoy much, and be as brightening an influence as you can be, for yourself as well as others.

Tomorrow and the next day I'll post articles on the general qualities of the Year of the Fire Boar (Pig), as well as how the coming year will influence each of the Chinese Astrology Animals. Since what I wrote here contained excerpts from last year's article on the Year of the Fire Dog, if you want to read the whole thing, go to the link.

With highest respects, I also want to thank Suzanne White for her life work in the field of Chinese Astrology, and highly recommend that if you're interested in the subject, pick up any of the books she's written, since they're informative, entertaining, and well-written. It's extraordinary material from an extraordinary woman.

All articles © Copyright 2006 Robert Wilkinson

Comments

[michele]

Hapyy Holidays.....

:))

[Robert]

Hi michele - And to you and all other visitors to this site as well! Merry and Happy and get ready to enjoy the Year of the Boar!

[Robert]

(Posted in response to what seemed to be an insincere promotional comment now deleted) Hi patrick - Besides being a busted link, I found the site (when I finally got there) fairly superficial. I tend NOT to allow links to sites where there's no personal contact, no research possibilities, it's not community oriented, or it seems to smell funny. This is one of those sites. I particularly don't like it when there's no way to tell who's posting or any way to connect with a person. Even your name didn't connect to an email.

[B.]

Hi Robert,

Love the article. I was wondering if you are going to a similiar article for 2008?

Thanks,

B.

[Robert]

Hi B - I'll probably compose something in a couple of weeks. Stay tuned!

[joel gonzaga]

this year was a very difficult life for me, i face a lot of problem specially the problem i'm currently facing in my company where in two of our co employee were eletrocuted one is severly injure and the other died. i was just helping in switching the electric power in the substation when the incident happen with those two guys. but before i switch the power i had make a call for clearce to switch on the power to the boss of those two unlucky guy and also the said guys where not even assure safety for thier work they did not implement thier own safety in fact they were the best young line man but they don't use thier brain and thier knowledge on basic safety regarding working at electric power. i would like to ask you do i have the whole liability about thier misforture or we are all have the fault about the incident.
like i said this year was very difficult life for me i'm "LEO" born on august 20, 1975 and also a rabbit under chinese zodiac sign what should i do to control my bad luck

[Robert]

Hi Joel - Sorry to hear of your difficulties. Sorry that the price of them not paying attention was the loss of a life. While this probably could have been seen in the planetary positions, it may or may not not have had a different outcome, since people tend to do as they will do.

From what you say, to me it seems they assumed the risk of working in an inherently hazardous occupation and paid the consequences for not observing due diligence for their own well being when working around electricity. I don't know where you are, and I'm not an attorney, but I would think that it could be seen as a combination of factors, involving whoever told you to throw a switch along with the negligence of the victims. Of course you played a part in this unfortunate incident, but I believe if you did not have prior knowledge that doing what you did would lead to injury or loss of life, AND you followed company protocols to the letter, then in my opinion you shouldn't be held responsible. Again, though, local law and a good attorney should define the limits of your liability.

As for "controlling bad luck," I'm not sure if you're referring specifically to this incident or a larger set of experiences. I've answered the former the best I'm able. If you're wondering about a larger tendency, please scroll down the front page to the August 3rd article, which addresses some of these things.

Age 32 completes a long phase, while 33 turns us inward to find new understanding and compassion. Right now Saturn conjunct your Mercury and Venus square your Neptune is teaching you to think precisely, not lapse into gloomy states or take things personally, see things from several points of view, and let go of that which no longer symbolizes your old likes and dislikes. This whole life is helping you readjust your perception of the relationship of your personality to your Soul, and take responsibility for walking the walk of disciplines of Self realization. You should be doing much better by February 2009. Between now and then you're filling in major gaps in your life understanding.