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Astrology by David Weatherly
December 2004 /January 2005
Happy Chinese New Year! February 9th begins the year of the Wood Rooster. This will be a time to focus, organize and make long term plans for the future.
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 B.C. 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 times 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 that "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 Wood Rooster year.
The Rooster likes to deliver wake up calls, so we could see dramatic events in early February when the year of the Rooster begins. This can occur both on a personal and on a national and international scale. Practical endeavors are highlighted this year, hard work and effort will bring rewards. Dedication and discipline are key words during the time of the Rooster. The Rooster likes strict routines and those who closely follow the rules. Through this, the Rooster believes, the world can become a better place.
Last year, 2004, was the year of the Monkey. It was a time of strong creative energy with a "wild" edge. The Rooster brings more restriction with it. There is a sense of pressure this year but also an inner desire to create change. This is a year for progress, technology and science. Dramatic discoveries and developments in space will prove significant. Inventors and innovators thrive at this time provided they follow carefully laid plans.
Conservative political ideas and organizations gain strength in the year of the wood Rooster. There is much attention focused on structure, rules and order. This is not a year to venture outside of the "accepted" borders of society. The rooster is very fond of law and order. Sadly, this energy will fuel the war on terror as it continues. Those who flaunt international laws will be dealt with firmly and quickly. Although rooster years bring times of conflict, they also bring opportunities for compromise. Landmark agreements are likely this year. Several major summits and important meetings will take place on the international stage. The last several years have taken their toll on people worldwide and this year brings the possibility for resolution on many levels. We will witness nations finally beginning the process of banning together for both economic benefit and more significant peace accords.
The Rooster likes to strut, so we can expect numerous spectacles and grand events during the year. Rooster years often find the British royal family in the spotlight with their grand pomp and circumstance. This can be a difficult year for the arts. Dance, theater and film tend to thrive more on creative, flowing energy and the wood Rooster likes things controlled and organized.
Roosters have a regal, majestic nature which can lead to arrogance and vanity. There is an inner need to dominate and to be the one who is always right. This energy can be controlling and critical so it is important to be aware of the ways in which you communicate with others. Rooster years create a harsh edge so it will be necessary to be consciously compassionate this year. The overriding tendency is to be short and to the point.
Health awareness is a major feature of 2005, we can expect health related initiatives from the government and other organizations. More government and corporate money will also be directed to sports and fitness programs. This is a year to pay close attention to personal health and well being. Yoga, martial arts and related activities will grow in popularity, though we can expect more regulation of these activities. Roosters are proud of their appearance, so rooster years are excellent times to undertake new fitness routines and bring changes in the areas of health and physical appearance. Again, this is a case where the energy of the hard working rooster can bring rewards.
Economic growth will be steady this year, however, it will seem slow to those who like a more active energy. Rooster can lead to obsessive behavior and may produce a tendency to hoard money. On a bigger scale, large amounts of money will exchange hands and reversals of fortune are likely. This of course can be a positive or negative experience. The business world will see many changes in structure and operation. The balance of power and control will shift in this arena. Unfortunately, Rooster years often bring great damage to the environment. Conservationists will have an uphill battle this year. We can expect greater damage in the rainforest and in old growth forest.
Wood Rooster brings with it the driving desire to focus and succeed. On the negative side, this can cause the pursuit of goals that are beyond reach and lead to disappointment. The Rooster is a planner and at times a schemer who takes great pride in following the rules, at least their perception of them. Rooster hates the idea of wasting time or money and has little respect for those who do. This is the perfectionist who deeply cares what others think and wants praise for a job well done.
There may seem to be much negativity brought with the year of the Rooster but as with all things there are two sides to the coin. Wood Rooster can bring creativity and innovation. Natives of this year tend to be honest, reliable and ambitious. There is a love of travel, and the education of children is especially important to Wood Rooster. Under these influences, old, worn out systems give way to new, positive structures. This is an excellent time to further your education, expand your interests and increase your base of knowledge. It would be wise in this year to go with the flow as much as possible.
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