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Astrology by David Weatherly
Chinese Astrology
Chinese astrology-to some it's merely
a dozen animals found on the placemats of favorite Chinese
restaurants-but its origins are has ancient has the country
of its birth.
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 has Buddhism and
the I Ching, as well as from 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 Monkey year, a Metal
Hare year or, as we have this year, a Water Horse.
2002 Year of the Water Horse
Activity is the key word of the Horse.
This will be a year of high energy, travel, expansion and
constant change. Horse brings out the desire for competition,
so this will be an excellent year for sports. Sports events
should prove especially exciting, and everyone will feel the
general need to be more physically active. Athletes should
take care not to push too hard, since there is a danger of
exhaustion and injury from over-activity.
Entrepreneurs can make some fast gains
in the world of finance this year. It is also a good time
for small businesses to prosper and grow. If you've had a
money-making scheme hiding in the back of your mind, 2002
is the year to bring it to light and give it a chance. Horse
years generally find people spending money freely, so don't
be surprised to find your cash "burning a hole in your
pocket." Because Horse is such an active energy, there
is the tendency to overspend. Use caution or you will find
your funds slipping through your hands like water.
The restless feelings of the year will
find many seeking new areas of employment. The desire is extremely
strong to make a dramatic change of professions. If you've
avoided taking that big step and doing what your heart calls
you to do, you will find it very difficult to resist this
year. This restless energy will egg people on to find the
perfect job that fits their personality and satisfies their
inner need to fit in.
Freedom is a powerful theme in the year
of the Water Horse. There will be a strong desire to travel-even
short trips will be appealing, anything to keep moving. The
desire for independence can be overwhelming. Those with children
may notice them pushing to show off and exercise their free
will. Many people change their place of residence during Horse
years, so don't be too surprised to see old friends moving
long distances.
The Horse's natural element is fire,
but the year 2002 is a water year. This combination is the
most restless of all the Horse years. Since fire and water
produce steam, many issues could come to the "boiling"
point this year. Look for significant changes in governments
and corporation, as well as in non-profit and humanitarian
groups. There is also a great danger of further wars erupting.
Both 1918 and 1942 (World Wars I and II) were Horse years.
This of course will not help the tensions in the Middle East.
The Horse is known has the orator of
the Chinese zodiac so we can expect more than a normal number
of "inspiring speeches." This energy will produce
extra activity from political and spiritual leaders. Horse
brings about a desire to express oneself for "the cause,"
whatever the cause may be! Look for new figures in the political
and religious arenas to stand up and generate attention.
These high levels of energy and restlessness
will also affect the romance department. There may be a great
desire to "free" oneself from old relationships.
Those who have held themselves in unstable situations out
of fear will find the sudden urge to take the leap and make
changes in their lives. Long relationships can end in a flash
when Horse's fiery energy intervenes. Divorce rates often
rise during Horse years. On the brighter side, since Horse
is impulsive, there will also be a great number of new relationships
and marriages in 2002!
Horse years are known to be years of
great turning points in history. This holds true for each
of us on a personal level. Each of us will face important
moments in our own lives this year when we must decide which
road to take. Remember not to act too impulsively. Sometimes
change is good but it is very important to follow your intuition
this year since the winds of change will be constantly blowing.
Remember that while Horse is fiery and daring, sometimes we
must calm the fire, feel its warmth and make our choices in
a slow, even manner. If you've been asking for change in your
life, then this is the year that your wish is likely to be
granted. By the end of 2002 you could very well find yourself
in a new job, new relationship and new location!
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