by Robert Wilkinson
Today we take a look back at recent years through the lens of Chinese Astrology to learn more about what we've been through and what is to come.
As the coming year is that of the Water Dragon, it has a different elemental quality as the two years behind us, which were the Metal Tiger and Metal Rabbit Cat. To remind you how the elements work to condition the various years in Chinese Astrology, years ending in 0 or 1 are said to be Metal; years ending in 2 or 3 are Water; years ending in 4 or 5 are Wood; years ending in 6 or 7 are Fire; and years ending in 8 or 9 are Earth.
So you can see that in Chinese Astrology, each element operates for two years at a time. It is said the first is a "yang" year, while the second is a "yin" year. Each of these qualities has strengths and shortcomings, which are the source of much philosophical speculation.
In years past, at this point I linked to distant past articles, but since the Salon.com site was bombed without my knowledge, I cannot give you the links to the articles for 2004, the Year of the Wood Monkey, or 2005, the Year of the Wood Rooster. (If I can recover them from my files, I can make them available at some point for those who are interested in those animal years.) However, I will reprint what I offered you last year about these Chinese Astrological years:
The year of the Wood Rooster (2005) heralded a new day, even before we awakened to it! It was a time when things were being named, and where we had to be frank with ourselves and others about the truth as we were experiencing it. Rooster years are about vitality, meticulous work, and getting jobs done asap without excess crowing.
A serious year of many short term tasks, we dealt with long term aggravations, annoying talk, and dropped stagnant habits. We had opportunities to find new youthfulness in spirit and approach, new friends and allies, and put on a show!
Conforming to the mainstream paid better dividends than being iconoclastic. At the time, 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.
2006
That changed in 2006, the year of the Fire Dog. Dogs are humanitarians and want equality, fairness, and justice because they believe in the goodness of humanity. That year was 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.
We searched for equilibrium, altruism, and what we could care about. It was been a time of social reform and giving strength to others. We examined our faith, courage, honesty, and generosity while defending against those who may not be honorable. Not a particularly relaxing year, we were able to accomplish much through hard work, team work, and intelligence.
As I wrote about 2006:
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....
...Science and technology should show some amazing breakthroughs, and collectively we should find solutions to long-standing problems.... 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.... Vigilance is a virtue, 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.
2007
2007 continued the Fiery quality of 2006, offering a continuity in the inspirational, movable, warming and illuminating quality that Fire brings to all things, while moving away from the 2006 qualities of the Dog into the qualities of the Boar. So in 2007 there was less defensiveness, more partying, less guarding, more enjoyment of friends, things, and life.
As I wrote about the Year of the Fire Boar,
"...It's going to be a wild ride with some radical transformations, so get ready to enjoy yourself as friends appear and things accelerate to warp drive speed.... Because the Boar is about justice and enjoyable things, there will be much social and political activism this coming year...This is a fervent, idealistic energy wanting progress and well being as soon as possible... Some things need to be evaluated as to how realistic they are, or are the rewards worth the effort? The (best use of energy) this year is to find means of securing quick yet moderate gains, one step at a time, so that things don't spin out of control.
This is a stubbornly opinionated energy, and we will see battle lines being drawn between the progressives and regressives everywhere. Convictions run high and strong during this year, so flexibility will be the virtue to bring to all encounters, as well as a moderating calm.... Stay open to new ideas, read more, learn more, blending the wisdom of the old with the acceleration of new energy in the present.
... Intrigues are en vogue this year, so look for clandestine activity that ultimately is exposed when things erupt... These are years of dramatic changes in terms of the luck of wealth, career and relationships. For good or ill, the changes tend to be fairly extreme among all the signs.
Active, outgoing and extroverted, this year should breathe new life into our efforts. This year we should reap the rewards of perseverance in the year of the Fire Dog, so be bold, take calculated risks, and show some Spirit as you work hard to bring things into being.
So in 2006-2007 we shifted out of the 2004-2005 Wood quality into Fire, and warmed up, enjoyed more, and were brightened, though many things also flamed out of control. These important developments prepared us for the new beginnings related to the Year of the Earth Rat in 2008 and the Earth Ox in 2009.
2008
One extraordinarily important factor making 2008 and 2009 so transforming over the long run involved both Chinese years beginning with major Solar Eclipses in Aquarius! As you know, Solar Eclipse influences last for years and shut down some things forever.
So it's safe to say that during those years, many things ended, creating space for new ways of life, experience, and understanding. By all means when you're done here go to the archives if you're interesting in knowing how these eclipses affected you and everyone else.
From Feb 6, 2008 to Jan 26, 2009, the Year of the Earth Rat was characterized by practicality and a no nonsense approach to things, with new initiatives on the horizon requiring intelligence, quick perception, and speedy calculated action. We had to find calm in the storms, disciplined and methodical ways to accomplish our goals, plan for the future, and make long range practical investments.
The Earth Rat brought a grounding energy and sharpness to the twin Fire pulse initiated by the Fire Dog and Fire Boar. We learned how to use common sense and intelligence in our negotiations while letting go of judgmentalism or those who were judgmental in harmful ways.
There was a degree of congeniality and pleasant interactions with others, where we could feel deeply and take care of others appropriately. It was a year of hard work, as well as combining business with pleasure, to acquire assets.
However, there were also confrontations with those who were opinionated or self-righteous. The political realm featured many accusations, attacks, and sudden reversals, appearances, and surprises of major import.
Remember this year was Campaign 2008! As I wrote then, the Year of the Earth Rat can show us narrow political arguments, a lot of dogma and opinion, with critics having a field day, whether their imaginations hold fantasies or realities. A year of pushing beyond limits, we saw the appearance of "bold opportunists who may be inspiring or parasites! Just try not to blow money on extravangances that are over-the-top and unnecessary." (Any candidates spring to mind?)
It was a good year for entertaining, as well as writing, literature, and lively discussions. Also for favorable investments, but not gambling or long shots. It was a year that could "bring BIG gains if you have the will and endurance to calculate the gamble before you bet the farm!"
2009
From 26 January 2009 through 13 February 2010 we continued the Earth element into the Year of the Ox. 2009 also featured persistence, practicality, determination, and hard work to achieve control over life. That year was about finding and demonstrating standards in concrete accomplishments.
That year we maintained and improved what we secured in 2008, and had to be clear and "work the field" to bring forth major harvests to ensure future well being. Earth Ox is fairly conservative, and value work rather than risks. Those who were "willing to do what it takes" found rewards.
Oxen can also be intractable in opposing things through narrow views. 2009 showed "core issues dividing people coming to surface without much wiggle room for negotiation." That said, those who wouldn't work had to get out of the way, and received some "blunt criticism for their lack of effort."
Still, most benefited from sidestepping or backing off from arguments with inflexible, narrow minded, or prejudiced people who were prone to destructive or futile head butting disagreements. We had to learn to spot dictatorial or "my way or the highway" intolerance or stubbornness, and simply walk away.
2010
We left the Earth element and moved into Metal on 14 February 2010 when we began the Year of the Metal Tiger that lasted until 2 February 2011. This year was about cultivating toughness and a "fighting spirit" which could assure us future victories while also teaching us not to exhaust ourselves by pushing beyond safe limits.
We had to be speedy in finishing up some things while enthusiastically embracing a challenge with courage, energy, alertness, and seriousness. It was a year to explore how we could be competitive and assertive to achieve our aims while weighing possibilities and consequences.
It was a year to cultivate friends, positivity, optimism, and not fall into dejection or bad attitudes because of criticism. We had to get a strategy and use foresight to embrace an opportunity to capture something necessary for the future while throwing off unnecessary hassles.
As I wrote last year:
These years feature upheavals, mass discontent, and giant clashes of philosophies, if not outright violence escalating into wars. It is also a year to toughen up, work hard to achieve wealth, focus on loved ones, and express your love more through actions than words.These years bring major political changes and realignments, with powerful new political faces making their play on the larger stage. Action and change are the keywords for the coming year!
Instability is the quality of Tiger, while toughness is the quality of Metal. This is a year to build despite the volatility of the changing conditions on personal and global levels. This year will bring success for those who have flashes of insight followed by quick, bold action.
2011
We left the Year of the Golden (Metal) Tiger on 2 February 2011, and entered the Year of the Metal Rabbit/Hare Cat which has lasted through January 22-23, 2012. This past year was about cultivating toughness, but also learning the value of enjoying life and relationships. It provided some relief to the tensions of the Year of the Tiger, and helped us get some rest so we could prepare for the magic of the Year of the Water Dragon now upon us.
As I wrote last year:
The Year of the Rabbit Cat is one of feeling supported in new initiatives and ways of securing our well-being. This is a year to launch new businesses, new relationships, new enterprises, new ways of enjoying life, and new ways of taking care of ourselves and those we love.This should be a very relaxing year in many respects, even amidst the uncertainties and unexpected (ultimately minor) disruptions. It's a good year to learn whatever will improve our mind and outlook, and find things that make us feel more joyous and more optimistic for the future. We can change our self-image, and become more loving and enthusiastic in our enjoyment of life.
If there is a sense of dissatisfaction, it's because of feelings that are too intense, or not really genuine. It's a year to change and/or cultivate your personal style and make investments in things of beauty, as long as they aren't unsustainable or unaffordable in the long run.
Refine your BS detector, as the Metal Rabbit has a "sixth sense" about dishonesty and bad faith interactions. If something or someone feels questionable, hang back a while and while being sincerely friendly, diplomatic, and charming, play your cards close to your vest.
While these are supposedly good years for entertaining and cultivating groups, it's also a good year to cultivate some measure of reserve, and valuing privacy and solitude as temporary break times from socializing.
It should be a year of tremendous far-reaching global change as we all learn to join with others in enjoyable situations and activities. Find things you want to learn to do within group situations that feel relaxing.
It is said that all things concerning the law come to the fore during these years. Whether that's good or bad has a lot to do with what we're doing or not doing, and what society demands of its people regarding legal rights and responsibilities. In any case, we can probably expect major legal matters to come front and center this year!
Calm is the quality of the Rabbit Cat, while toughness is the quality of Metal. This is a year to enjoy what you built in the years of the Rat, Ox, and Tiger despite the major changes going on globally. This year will bring success for those who have deep insights followed by going with their instinct for lucky opportunities and investments.
So there you have a fairly detailed narrative for 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011 from the angle of Chinese Astrology. The next article in this series will explore the qualities of 2012, the Year of the Water Dragon. (That said, I do have to compose and post the articles on the New Moon, so these will be coming as soon as I can get to them.) See you soon!
For more about past years in the Aquarius Papers archives, please revisit:
2011 - Year of the Metal Rabbit Cat Pt. 1
Chinese Astrology in 2011 - Year of the Metal Rabbit Cat Pt. 2
2010 - Year of the Metal Tiger Pt. 1
Chinese Astrology in 2010 - Year of the Metal Tiger Pt. 2
For a closer look at 2008-2009, here are:
2009 - The Year of the Earth Ox, for all signs
2008 - The Year of the Earth Rat, for all signs
For more background about Chinese Astrology and how it's similar and different from Western Astrology, please revisit Astrology 2012 for all signs - What Is Chinese Astrology and Why Is This Called the Year of the Water Dragon?
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.
© Copyright 2012 Robert Wilkinson
as always, thank you robert, you are so awesome. Mary
Posted by: mary streets | January 21, 2012 at 06:55 AM
Hi Robert, I was born a Water Dragon and am very much hoping that this bodes well for me this year. ? I'm interested to hear your thoughts on that. I'm also in my second Saturn Return in Libra ( I guess many dragons are) and well, let's just say it's been an interesting -- and challenging -- time. Or is this just a case of The Ascension Flu?
Gratefully,
Nancy
Posted by: Nancy | January 21, 2012 at 08:02 PM
Wow, Rober super long article. I gnashing my teeth over it. Hehehe. But it is interesting. Okay in 2005 I decided to post a classified advert and found someone to accompany me musically. I had not experience. I has just taught myself the songs I liked and that turned out to be a good start to the next level. Might seem silly to start a musical career when your fourty but I did not care. I had this burning yearning feeling that If I did not try I would regret it for the rest of my life. 2006 comes. Then my friend left and went back to school in Scotland, got married and moved back to her home country in Helsinki. At the time, I was having problems getting her to gig out. She did not have a portable keyboard. So, I though what the heck, I am buying one. After she left, I sat down one day and said hey I wonder if I can compose something. So, I started fooling around. That was a good move. Wrote my first song by myself, words and all. 2007 comes and I was given a guitar. Okay, I guess I should learn this instrument too. A little tough but a few years later I can now take piano songs and transpose. Rewrite and restyle things. 2009 I wrote a whole bunch of songs and then 2010 kept banging away it. 2011 finally starting to really record stuff. Wow what a journey and I just am so happy I made those decision. Yes, I still have a day job but who knows. I will keep my faith in what I am doing. Never thought I would ever do this. I am a wood dragon myself. So, this is hoping that this year is fabulously more fabulous!!!
Posted by: Micheline | January 22, 2012 at 02:02 AM
in hindsight Im assuming the metal hare/cat was always going to be a challenge for a metal ox...silly me though ooo I like cats lol. thanks Robert
Posted by: Debbie Eastick | January 22, 2012 at 07:14 AM
Gong Xi Fa Cai everyone!
Wishing everyone abudance, peace and expansion in this year of the Water Dragon.
Posted by: Matt | January 22, 2012 at 10:17 AM
Hi Robert,
I am new in Astrology and on your site! You are a true expert and very good with words! I found so many good articles and comments on your site!
I think the best way to introduce myself is to like this:
planet sign degree
Sun Gemini 4°52'53 in house 9
Moon Capricorn 29°57'10 in house 5
Mercury Taurus 15°03'43 in house 8
Venus Cancer 5°18'16 in house 10
Mars Leo 20°08'47 in house 11
Jupiter Cancer 7°58'11 in house 10
Saturn Leo 24°29'16 in house 11
Uranus Scorpio 13°31'08 in house 2
Neptune Sagittarius 17°17'01 in house 3
Pluto Libra 14°07'17 in house 1
True Node Libra 3°52'04 in house 1
Ascendant Virgo 25°08'28
Medium Coeli Gemini 24°09'39
Thanks for the article on Chinese Astrology. Thanks and stay with us!
Posted by: Goddess of Moon | January 22, 2012 at 12:36 PM
I call you Mr. Sunshine! Thank you for your energy, absolutely amazing,
Always
Posted by: Mina | January 22, 2012 at 09:56 PM
Hello Goddess of Moon,
I just stumbled upon this page and happened to see your post.
I'm curious about when exactly your birthday is, because all of our planets are the same except for our Moons, mine is in Aquarius and yours in Capricorn.
I was born on May 27 1978 at 1204 pm in Zurich Switzerland :)
big hug from another Gemini whose world is up side down and filled with overwhelming decisions
Xx
Posted by: flowerchild | January 23, 2012 at 02:41 AM
Robert sorry I have to admit mine was a tad bit much as well but it was interesting to see how things have unfolded since the last dragon year right? Thanks again for the wonderful article.
Posted by: Micheline | January 23, 2012 at 07:34 AM
Hello flowerchild and my 'astro twin' :).
I was born on May 26 1978 at 1305 pm in Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Nice to meet you through Robert's wonderfull site. I wish you whatever YOU wish for and a lot of courage to put it in practice..Hope that particularly 'Uranus square Jupiter' transit will be 'strange' in a positive way, if possible! Any advise on any of upcoming periods is more than welcome. Take care.
Posted by: Goddess of Moon | January 25, 2012 at 11:21 AM