The Year of the Fire Rooster: A quick guide on how to use the energy of the new year
Are you in the flow, moving in tune with the energy of 2017, or will it feel like you are swimming against the current? Taking a broader view, and looking at the overall elemental energy of the new year, we can see how our own energy may be impacted. The twelve zodiacal animals are a fun, and often illuminating way to gain awareness around the type of energy coming your way. These predictions are way to shine a light on a blind spot, reveal an issue that may need attending, never a cause for fear or worry. The energy of the year may be like the wind at your back, giving you a gentle push in the right direction. Or it may reveal a shadow or venerability that needs to be addressed. Rather than using a good/bad binary scale to review the year, let’s look at how each animal is flowing in this year’s elemental energy. Are you in sync with this year’s energy or will you need to do a little extra work to get in the flow?
The basics: There is an energetic interaction between your birth year and the current year. To quote the Chinese saying the animal assigned to your birth year “is the animal that hides in your heart.”1 Your birth year has a branch (animal) and stem (element), and so does the current year. This year it is the Year of the Fire Rooster, yin fire is the element/stem for 2017.
The five factors: I as I have mentioned before, it is important to understand that the animal or earthly branch associated with your birth year only accounts for part of your overall astrological destiny (you still have the hour, day and month pillars). Also, please remember that your destiny, that which is predetermined by the cosmos i.e. your astrological chart, is only one part of what influences your path and success in life. In the tradition of Feng Shui that I practice it is firmly held that by using Feng Shui, good deeds, hard work and education you can shift the balance. By using all five factors of life you can take control of your life through action, hard-work and compassion.
The animal and the elements have specific attributes and qualities that affects the energy of the year. The official astrological year of the Ding You or Fire Rooster begins on February 3rd and the Lunar New Year celebrations take place on January 28th.
Rooster year qualities and energy:
- Demanding
- Focused and decisive
- Vigilant
- Alert
- Orderly
Yin Fire year qualities and energy:
- Warm
- Caring
- Instability (think of a candle flickering)
- Impulsive
- Inspiring
The Rooster is a bit of a task-master, a much different energy than the mischievous Monkey. The yin fire’s warmth will hopefully be enough to soften the Rooster’s verbose and cocky nature. You can read more about the overall energy in last month’s blog post The Year of Rooster: Get organized, have a plan and spread the love.
The Twelve Animals and the Year of the Fire Rooster
Before you scroll down to find your own animal remember that these astrological predictions are part of a much larger picture. Never forget that your mindset, hard-work and resolve can swing the pendulum more powerfully then letting the cosmos dictate how your life will turn out.
Find out if you are in sync with this year’s energy or will you need to do a little extra work to get in the flow?
Rat
1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008
The energy: Beneficial
What you need to know: Use your keen rat intelligence this year to make the most of the structured and organized energy of the Rooster. This is a great year for love for the single Rat.
What you can do: Make and execute concise plans. Use your resourceful Rat nature to leverage the metal energy of the Rooster.
You are most compatible with: Dragon, Monkey, Rat and Ox
You clash with: Horse
Ox
1925, 1937, 1949, 1961 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009
The energy: In the flow
What you need to know: The ox is no stranger to hard work so he/she will fare well. The Ox is in harmony with the Rooster.
What to do: Remain professional and take the high road. You will have new social opportunities, so make the most of it.
You are most compatible with: Rooster, Snake and Rat
You clash with: Ram/Sheep
Tiger
1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010
The energy: A good place, enjoy the boost.
What you need to know: After last year, you can relax (lick your wounds) and enjoy.
What to do: Stay focused on your own business, try not to get sucked in to others peoples’ drama. Do not try to do everything on your own, you will succeed through collaboration.
You are most compatible with: Horse, Dog and Pig
You clash with: Monkey
Rabbit:
1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011
The energy: Too fast
What you need to know: The pace feels a little quick for the Rabbit which means more opportunity but vigilance and caution are needed. The peaceful Rabbit will need to use his keen eyes and ears to stay alert.
What to do: Don’t feel pushed into anything (opportunities will come). Be mindful and take rest when needed.
You are most compatible with: Pig, Sheep and Dog
You clash with: Rooster
Dragon:
1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012
The energy: Bask in the glow of the flow
What you need to know: Your best friend the Rooster is shining on you bringing good luck, but don’t get too cocky or complacent. The Rooster is wants you to have a plan and you will need to stay focused.
What to do: Do your best to avoid arguments and take the high road. Spread your wings and the love. You have many blessings so sprinkle loving kindness wherever you go.
You are most compatible with: Rat, Monkey and Rooster
You clash with: Dog
Snake
1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013
The energy: In harmony
What you need to know: The Snake’s energy of is in line with that of the Rooster. You both like order and structure. This is a good time to focus on your career.
What to do: Keep your eyes on your own work and stick to your plan. Use the support of loved ones.
You are most compatible with: Rooster, Ox and Monkey
You clash with: Pig
Horse
1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014
The energy: Feeling the pressure to conform
What you need to know: Horses are free spirits. They like to gallop along, travelling and moving where they please. They may buck up against the controlled energy of the Rooster. But the good news is that horses are tough, they often carry a burden and don’t complain.
What to do: See the positives in being tethered this year. Spend time at home, and reign in your spending.
You are most compatible with: Tiger, Dog and Ram
You clash with: Rat
Ram/Sheep
1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1991, 2003, 2015
The energy: Asks a lot of you, but can be enlightening
What you need to know: Learn to love the pace and order of the Rooster. Be resolute and focus on the positive. Your peaceful nature will find the Rooster’s orderly and demanding energy challenging at times.
What to do: Build on what is working and find wise counsel to support you along the way.
You are most compatible with: Rabbit, Pig and Horse
You clash with: Ox
Monkey
1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016
The energy: Tempering and controlled
What you need to know: On occasion, the Monkey needs this kind of energy. It is good to keep him/her from swinging too far off course.
What to do: Less gut decisions and more based on fact and resources. Surround yourself with supportive people. If you stay focused and have a plan this is a good time to start a new business.
You are most compatible with: Rat, Dragon and Snake
You clash with: Tiger
Rooster
1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017
The energy: Happy place
What you need to know: You will have many blessings. This is a great year to hone your plan and set it in motion. Watch your work load, and don’t try to do everything (just because you can plan and execute it doesn’t mean you should do it).
What to do: Seek out helpful people and guides.
You are most compatible with: Ox, Snake and Dragon
You clash with: Rabbit
Dog
DOG 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006
The energy: Swimming upstream
What you need to know: The Dog has never like the squawking Rooster. Too much arguing for the sensible dog. There will be opportunities but they may not always go your way.
What to do: Meditate and find wise guides to help you overcome obstacles. Stay grounding and wait it out – next year is your year.
You are most compatible with: Tiger, Horse and Rabbit
You clash with: Dragon
Pig
1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007
The energy: Disciplined
What you need to know: This year is about self-improvement for the Pig. Focus on your health and well-being. Try to take the high road in conflicts.
What to do: Stay conservative in money matters.
You are most compatible with: Sheep, Rabbit and Tiger
You clash with: Snake
References:
- The Handbook of Chinese Horoscopes, Theodora Lau 2007
- Each year at this time I begin to plan and prepare for the year to come. I have been reviewing the 2017 Ding You Classic Chinese Almanac by Edgar Sung. I pore over the pages, making plan using auspicious dates. I highly recommend that you purchase your own copy of Edgar’s book which comes in both digital and hard copy editions. Again this year, like last, I will share my own quick reference cheat-sheet that I have created, with reference to Mr. Sung’s wisdom and predictions.