Not long now before the year of the Horse comes galloping at full pace into the new Lunar Year, marking the beginning of the Chinese New Year. It is one of China’s oldest festivals and marks the beginning of a new year and a new agricultural season. It is considered a time for loved ones to reunite and take part in traditions designed to bring good fortune for the next 12 months. This year’s celebrations will mark the beginning of the year 4712 on the Chinese calendar.
The Chinese year is linked directly to the Chinese Zodiac (known as Sheng Xiao) which is based on a twelve year cycle and is characterised by twelve animals representing different years.
In Chinese philosophy, each animal is thought to be associated with related earthly elements such as Metal, Water, Wood, Fire and Earth that determine the luck for the animal sign, defining the mood and direction of the world and playing an integral part in keeping a healthy balance.
Animal signs include the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and pig. It is believed that someone born in a particular year will share similar attributes to the animal with which that year is associated.
2014 is the year of the Horse. In general, it is thought that people born in the year of the Horse have excellent communication skills and enjoy being in the limelight. It is suggested that they are cheerful, popular, energetic, bright, intelligent, talented and enjoy entertaining. They are associated with success and cannot stand failure. Leaders born in the year of the Horse year include David Cameron, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Francois Hollande and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
So what does the year hold for those born in the year of the Horse and their businesses? Practitioners of the ancient art of Feng Shui make several predictions. Master Yew from FengShui Consultancy predicts that 2014 will not be a smooth road for people born in the year of the Horse. The Horse’s journey can be quite a testing one so they are advised to stay calm throughout the year. He also suggests that 2014 is not a good year for any business endeavours for the Horses but it’s a good year for travelling and worthwhile for them to do some soul searching. For those not born in a horse year, the year ahead may well bring health and prosperity. It is said to be an excellent time to travel, as the next twelve months will bring good luck.
However, not all animals will benefit from the year of the Horse. Feng Shui practitioner, Master Jing from the Jing Mei Feng Shui Enterprise (Kuala Lumpur) suggests that: “Everyone must brace themselves for an aggressive and “rebellious” year. He goes on to predict: “Unfortunately, there will be an absence of the Water and Earth elements this year, creating some “ripples of difficulties” for people whose animal signs are carrying these two elements.
“Without the Water element, the Wood Horse will be very strong and since wood is an integral part for making fire, there’s a possibility for it to burn out of control,”.
He added that the lack of the Earth element (Earth represents intelligence) will also cause some people to make bad business decisions.
On a more positive note it’s not all doom and gloom. “The Metal element is present in the early part of the year. It represents prosperity and wealth, and this means there will be an abundance of opportunities for money-making, The first six months will open a lot of doors for monetary gains and so, if you have any plans to expand your business, this will be the best time to do so”. The second half of the year though will apparently be bumpy, especially for those thinking of clinching big business deals. Jing expands, “Don’t be greedy. It is advisable to pursue only small and less risky business deals during the later part of the year”.
It will be reassuring for some to know that Feng Shui practitioner, Lai Hon-Fai believes that: “Wood-related sectors will flourish, including culture, education, agriculture, lumber and media”. Good news in particular for some of our lovely clients!
(http://devel.malaysiandigest.com/frontpage/282-main-tile/485492-know-your-luck-in-the-year-of-the-horse.html)
Having just recently celebrated my birthday on the 27th January, and being curious, I calculated that my Chinese Zodiac sign is the ox (slight disappointment here…..I thought a rabbit for some reason!). People born in the year of the ox are believed to be honest, industrious, patient, and cautious, and do things steadily. They are talented leaders with a strong will and faith, strong devotion to work and staying power. They are not easily affected by others or their surroundings but just follow their concept and ability. They are contemplative before taking actions and can make a clear distinction between right and wrong. Women are usually good wives who pay attention to their children’s education. In short, people under the ox sigh are tender-hearted, having an amiable temper and an honest nature. They are usually conservative. They hold respect to the tradition and value job and family highly. Well, that does sort of resonate with me.
Disappointingly though, it is thought that ox people may not have the best fortune in 2014; however, as long as they are able to independently handle life and work, they will get through the year smoothly. Apparently, they should be very careful in dealing with money matters with their relatives, friends or colleagues to avoid unexpected arguments. Modesty in their job, honesty in life and tolerance in marriage or relationships will avoid many problems. I will try my best!
Whether you are a believer in the Chinese Zodiac or not, it’s wonderful to know that everywhere around the world, Chinese New Year brings with it much anticipation, celebration and more importantly, hope.These aspirational desires and beliefs can also be carried over into your business. Anticipate prosperity, celebrate your successes and hope for a future that your dreams are made of.
Bet you’re curious to know what the predictions are for you and your business this year! Will you be confidently gripping the reins of a magnificent horse galloping at full pace into the New Year? I do hope so!
Gong Hai Fat Choi! May your year be fruitful and prosperous.
