The Year of the Wood Horse 4712
January 31st, 2014 – February 18, 2015
The following information is compiled from a large group of resources, most notably, “Heavenly Horse Traversing the Skies” – the 2014 calendar of H.H. Grandmaster Lin Yun and Khadro Crystal Chu Rinpoche and the “Classic Chinese Almanac – Year of the Wood Horse – Jia Wu – 2014” by Dr. Edgar Sung.
For those of us less familiar with the Chinese Zodiac, it is made up of 12 animal signs and 5 elements, comprising a 60 year cycle. This is the year of the WOOD HORSE. Ancient lore says, Buddha invited all of the animals in the world to join him for the New Year celebrations. But, only 12 animals bothered to turn up. As a great reward, Buddha named a year after each one of them. They run in the order that the animals arrived to celebrate with Buddha. It starts with the Rat and ends with the last guest, the Pig.
The 5 Elements (which you can read about at sacredcurrents.com/about-feng-shui/about-elements/) are Water, Wood, Fire, Earth and Metal. The natural element for the Horse is Fire. Since the Horse is in the Wood element this year and Wood ‘produces’ Fire we immediately know it will be a more harmonious year than the previous one. There should be greater economic recovery around the world this year, yet 2014 favors the east and west areas of the globe, and to a lesser degree the south. Northern regions will not fare as well. Keep these directions in mind when planning any travel this year.
The Horse
The Horse is an energetic animal, dependable and noble. This year should see more efforts being made around the world for human rights. This will be supported by the quality of compassion that the Wood element brings. The Horse is also a very social animal, which should foster more of a global community as opposed to isolationism. By the same token Horses are non-conformists and have a changeable nature. They also need a great deal of stimulation and freedom. All of which can lead to galloping off in different directions and lead to great fluctuations in the stock market. Thus making long term investments are greatly advised as most gains will be short lived this year.
The transportation industry, food and entertainment industries are a few of the areas that will thrive this year. The medical sector will prosper as well. In general this will be a more expansive year, as Wood and Fire are both elements that are expressed outwardly. Any company that supports public ventures, gives back to community and brings people together will certainly succeed this year.
The year should provide more social functions and it is a good time to invest in your home, especially the entertainment areas. Adding brighter colors, taking down a wall, hanging a new chandelier will all bode well in the Horse year. Of course making these decisions should take the feng shui of your environment into consideration.
It is always fun to name a few famous Horses. Warren Buffet, Kobe Bryant, Barbara Streisand, Oprah Winfrey, Nelson Mandela, Neil Armstrong and Paul McCartney are some of the non-conforming Horses we know.
Animal Signs
The quick-witted, sophisticated Horse should keep us all on our toes. If you’re a Dog, Tiger or Ram you are particularly blessed, as these signs are the best friends of the Horse and you should take advantage of your good fortune. However if you’re a Rat, Ox, Rabbit or Rooster, I recommend you take extra care to fortify yourself this year. For those born in the sign of the Monkey, Pig, Snake and Dragon, you have a moderate compatibility with the Horse. So read on to see what you can take advantage of and what you should watch for.
Calendrics
The year of the Horse has a Lunar Leap Month – Lunar September (October 24 – November 22). This is usually an auspicious time, and this lunar leap month is particularly so because the sign of the year and month are in 3 Harmony. As a result, all of the animal signs will reap the benefits of this period. So whatever you have in mind from marriage to changing jobs, signing contracts or relocating – this is the month to do it. The wind will be at your back and the gods at your side!
Prior to the Lunar New Year, it is a good idea for all of us to ‘clear house’ both physically and metaphorically. In other words clean up outstanding debts, issues and generally complete things before the lunar New Year. All signs will do well to perform the ‘Golden Cicada Sheds Its Shell’ ritual, along with ‘Welcoming in the Wealth God’ and ‘Changing the Chi of the Environment’.
According to Flying Star Feng Shui, for every environment the South is where wealth (the 8 star) is residing in 2014. The Southeast and East are sources of negativity, so try to stay away from renovations in these sectors. In addition, a ‘Salt Cure’ will help to mitigate any ill effects from the 5 Yellow Star in the Northwest, which can be the cause of instability and illness there.
Chinese Zodiac
Each zodiac animal has its own qualities that are consistent year to year, yet every sign will be influenced by the Horse’s energy this year. Below are some insights for each zodiac animal in 2014. Please note that fortunes can be mitigated or enhanced with feng shui, rituals, meditations and transcendental adjustments and that each person has their own karma to consider. A personal, in depth reading will reveal more specifics for each month. Remember that even the luckiest signs (the Ram, Dog and Tiger this year), have their cautions and the unluckiest (the Rat and Ox) have their bright spots.
All of the transcendental adjustments suggested below are available in H.H. Grandmaster Lin Yun’s Year of the Snake Almanac available at the Lin Yun Temple website.
Individual adjustments can be acquired through Sacred Currents by sending 9 Red Envelopes with $27 and a self addressed white envelope to
Sacred Currents
11 East 88th Street 7D
NYC, NY 10128
The “Golden Cicada Sheds Its Shell” requires cinnabar. Please include and an additional $9 ($36 total) if you wanted it sent with the ritual.
A 3-dimensional Ram, Dog and Tiger (the luck animals for the year depending on your year of birth – see below) can also be acquired through Sacred Currents. Send $9 for each animal ordered and $5 for priority postage (regardless of the number of animals you order.) Again, send your address and check to the address above.
INSIGHTS FOR THE 12 CHINESE ANIMALS:
RAT – 1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008
Rats are charming creatures, which have a large dose of intelligence. They are adaptable and warm-hearted and although they can get along with most signs, they are 180 degrees or in direct conflict with the Horse and thus it is a good year to stay off the radar. It certainly is not a good year to do any investing. Rats should steer clear of arguments or legal issues. All health concerns should be looked into as soon as possible. It is recommended that Rats do the Golden Cicada ritual on 3 consecutive days starting on the Chinese New Year and carry a Tiger and Dog talisman.
OX – 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009
The Ox is a hard worker whose patient and consistent nature can serve them well this year. There is a Chinese saying that refers to the fear Horses have for Oxen. So the year may have its challenges. Yet there appear to be a number of auspicious stars which offset the negative aspects. Finances appear to be good but be careful to avoid legal problems. Minor illness could escalate if not attended to. Besides doing the Golden Cicada ritual on New Year’s Eve, a regular practice of good deeds will balance your fate. Carrying the energy of the Tiger and Dog will help to soften the Horse’s sentiments to you.
TIGER – 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010
The wonderfully intense vitality of the Tiger makes you both passionate and optimistic. Yet you can also be possessive and indecisive. Tiger is in the 3 harmony position with the Horse and Dog, so should expect this to be a prosperous year. Joyous celebrations offset any adversity but be aware that there are people who want to take advantage of your good fortune or want to do you wrong. Even though you’re in a much better position than the Rat or Ox you should still perform the protective ritual suggested above. Why not carry a Tiger and Dog for extra insurance?
RABBIT – 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011
The graceful and sensitive Rabbit is in the 90 degree position to the Horse, which makes you vulnerable. Yet the Rabbit gets a lot of support from benefactors this year and finances are particularly good. Remember not to be greedy with any gain as this will ultimately result in loss. Be cautious of what are referred to as scoundrels; those people that might want to cause some problems behind your back. Protections of all kinds are advised. The Ram is your talisman.
DRAGON – 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012
The intelligent and energetic Dragon will experience good luck this year. Financial gain, recognition and career advancement can be expected. The mythical part-dragon part-horse will support you in most endeavors. Make every effort to not visit anyone in the hospital or attend a funeral if it is not an immediate family member. If this is necessary make sure you are protected and do carry a Ram for extra good fortune.
SNAKE – 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013
The Snake is known for its passion, talents and tenacity. Now that last year’s pressure is off, finances flow more easily but hard work is the driver. Benefactors are there to help you enhance all areas of your life. Yet caution is needed in all endeavors as there will be unexpected, challenges, obstacles and ill intended people on the path. As with the other signs, protective rituals are the insurance plan I recommend…and keep your Ram close to you.
HORSE – 1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014
The Horse is a social, optimistic and non-conforming animal and this year it is ‘sitting atop of the year god.’ Thus the year will be one of extremes with luck being either very good or troublesome. This may involve monetary gain and promotions, along with losses. Be particularly mindful of your relationships and health. Protect yourself by doing the golden Cicada ritual on 3 consecutive days stating on 1/30/14. A Ram or both a Tiger and Dog will keep the Horse in good company.
RAM – 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015
The Ram is a sensitive, good-natured and creative animal. This year will be particularly good as the Ram is the dearest friend of the Horse. Business, recognition and finances will all prosper. Be cautious of those who may involve you in legal problems and maintain an exercise and good diet plan to preserve your health during this busy year. Of course carry a talisman of yourself as a reminder of your good fortune.
MONKEY – 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004
Versatile Monkeys combine their lively, clever and ambitious personalities to their advantage in the year of the Horse. All projects progress well, reaping rewards from both near and far. Travel and relocation are potentials but it is not a year to renovate. Pay close attention to the health of your family. Stay modest and maintain your peace of mind. Carry a Ram for luck.
ROOSTER – 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005
The Rooster is a talkative, perfectionist who is known for directness and hard work. As the Rooster is in the 90 degree position to the Horse, take care to do the Golden Cicada protective ritual. Then the auspicious stars that are also in your chart, will produce the happiness and potential gains available. Do not involve yourself in any confrontation or it will cost you financially and emotionally. The Ram will be a talisman for you this year.
DOG – 1910, 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006
Dogs are loyal and likable, intelligent and morally sound. Dogs are in the 3 harmony position with the Tiger and Horse this year, so many things go smoothly. Assets and accomplishments increase but money can also be lost. Be aware of disharmony in relationships and potential health issues. Exercising caution all should be well. You can carry a Dog & Tiger or a Ram this year.
PIG – 1911, 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007
The social and likeable Pig is a pleasure seeker who is also intelligent. Pigs want universal harmony, and are trusting and generous. This year auspicious stars will help increase your prosperity, reputation and happiness. This is further enhanced by benefactors giving you helpful advice. Yet avoid financial risk, any confrontations and be mindful of family’s health. The Ram will support you.
Luck
Heaven, Earth and Manmade luck.
Heaven luck is your astrology, which cannot be changed. We cannot change the time, place or family we were born into. Earth Luck is where feng shui comes into to play and can either strengthen your luck by attracting auspicious energies while protecting or prevent negative energy from coming to us. Manmade Luck is what we create through networking, education, good habits, self-improvement, meditation, etc.
If you would like help insuring your Earth Luck with specific Feng Shui recommendations for your home and/or office in this Year of the Wood Horse, please contact me for an on-site or phone consultation at:
‘Gung Hey Fat Choy’
(Wishing You Prosperity), Judith Wendell
Year of the Horse design by Alan Zitko
zitkoroosisl@aol.com
Thumbnail illustrations by The Swimming Paintbrush:
http://www.swimmingpaintbrush.com