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Astrology by David Weatherly
February/March 2004
Happy Chinese New Year! January 22nd begins
the year of the Wood Monkey. This promises to be an active,
energetic year filled with new opportunities, growth and creativity.
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 has 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 Monkey year.
After the strife of the last few years,
the year of the Wood Monkey will be a recovery year. Rebirth
is the keyword for the energy we have entered. Now, more than
ever, we have the opportunity to begin anew on many levels.
That which has been faltering in your life can rise from the
ashes and be recreated, entering a new, positive phase. This
is a year of great prosperity and success. In Asia, because
Monkey years are so lucky, new businesses are started at a
greatly increased rate and the birth rate skyrockets. On a
broader scale, we are beginning a new cycle of spiritual awareness
and ideals.
Business prospects are so good in Monkey
years, that even wild schemes have an excellent chance of
succeeding. Monkey's magical energy grants good fortune to
those who pursue their true desires. This is a good year to
start a new business or other endeavors. Monkey is an excellent
communicator and is able to negotiate deals in a smooth, suave
manner. Large deals are highlighted with the philosophy of
betting big and winning big in the spotlight. On the flip
side, those who choose to act or react slowly are apt to lose
big. This is an important time to follow your instincts. Monkey
energy grants flashes of wisdom that can harbor brilliant
ideas. Monkey's quick mind always looks for the quickest route
to success. Invest in property and real estate deals for long-term
payoffs and watch the stock market closely. There will likely
be a strengthening of the economy, especially in the fall.
The quick mind of Monkey also has a down
side. This energy can be restless and can lead to a tendency
to give in to the "monkey mind" - a short attention
span that jumps from one thing to another without taking the
time to focus. This behavior leads to little success in life
and creates chaos and confusion. To empower yourself this
year, set goals that are discipline-oriented and focus on
long-term plans. In this way, the active, vibrant dynamic
of the year can lead to greater degrees of manifestation.
Romance can be tricky in 2004. Sensitive,
loving energy is certainly present and there is much affection
toward loved ones. On the down side, Monkey's influence can
lead to hot and cold relationships. The playful attitude can
cause those heavily under the year's influence to treat relationships
as games. Monkey gets bored easily and can tend to leap from
one person to another in search of new reactions and interactions.
Take care to be straightforward and honest from the onset
when new romance begins this year.
High amounts of creative energy are present
in 2004. Monkey likes to be entertained, so the arts - especially
the performing arts - will flourish. On a personal level,
it is the perfect time to become active with artistic desires
that you may have suppressed these last several years. If
you've always wanted to perform, play or dance, now is the
time.
This is also a very socially-oriented year.
Parties and gatherings prove excellent venues to increase
your circle of friends and associates. Many opportunities
lie in such events, so pay attention to new people coming
into your life. The high energy of the year will also manifest
in physical activity. Outdoor sports and recreation will gain
in popularity, especially in the spring.
There is some strife indicated in this year,
mostly on the international front. Conflict in the Middle
East is not likely to slow down but increase. Central America
and Africa may also be flash points of political struggle
and conflict. There is an indication of hidden enemies in
2004, so there is a continued threat of terrorism on a broad
scale. As a reaction to this, expect a continued tightening
of governmental controls and monitoring of businesses and
financial institutions. Despite the continued troubles around
the world, travel is high on the list this year. Many areas
will see an increase in tourism. It is indeed a good year
for journeys with the exception of February and August.
This year in general denotes a time of action,
sometimes to the point of seeming chaotic like the wild monkey
jumping from tree to tree. Take caution to keep yourself focused
on long-term goals and remember the big picture. Monkey can
create a short attention span so you must take time to discipline
yourself. Above all, realize that we may co-create the world
in which we live. Take a deep breath, roll up your sleeves
and apply yourself to creating exactly what you want in your
life. Spirit is with you and the universe awaits your grand
design.
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