February 10, 2013: The Year of the Snake Begins

   

As we celebrate the Spring Festival of 2013, saying good-bye to Winter and welcoming the coming of Spring, let us remember that it is a time of renewal, good fortune and positive tidings for the year ahead. It is also a time for social reunion and a renewal of harmony within our personal and business lives.

CHINESE ZODIAC

I will miss the Dragon (my year), however I welcome the good fortune, 

steady progress, and attention to detail the Snake promises to bring.

The Chinese astrology system also honors the five elements:

water, wood, fire, earth, and metal.

This year is the water element is active in full force,

bringing wisdom and wise choices with it.

Legend is: Buddha asked all the animals to meet him at the full moon, just before his departure from the earth. Only 12 animals came. So as a reward Buddha named a year after each one to honor them for obeying his request. He named each of the years in the order in which the animals arrived. He also announced that some of the animal's personality would be given to the people born in their year.

Chinese months are determined by the lunar calendar, with each month beginning on the darkest day. New Year Festivities traditionally start on the first day of the month and continue until the fifteenth, when the moon is brightest and fullest.

Dragon = Wisdom

People of the Dragon have good health and lots of energy.

They are good friends because they listen carefully to others.

Full of vitality, creativity, and enthusiasm, the dragon is a popular individual.

Guard against being bossy and loud.

Snake = Luck

 People born in this year love good books, food, music and plays.

They will have good luck with money.

Rich in wisdom and charm, you are romantic and deep thinking.

Guard against your intuition guiding you too strongly.

Horse = Tolerance

Horse people are popular, cheerful, and are quick to compliment others.

Horse people can be very hard workers.

Your capacity for hard work is amazing; you are intelligent and friendly.

Guard against being egotistical.

Goat = Art

People born in this year are very good artists.

They ask many questions, like nice things and are very wise.

Warmhearted and honest, a gifted naturalist.

Guard against being footloose and fancy free.

Monkey = Fantasy

Monkey people are very funny.

They can always make people laugh, and are very good problem solvers.

You are very clever and your extraordinary nature makes you well liked.

Guard against being a fool.

Rooster = Candor

People born in this year are hard workers.

They have many talents and think deep thoughts.

Your are shrewd and definite in decision making.

Guard against being extravagant.

Dog = Idealism

Dog people are loyal and can always keep a secret.

Sometimes dog people worry too much.

You are generous, work well with others, and are an honest friend.

Guard against a sharp tongue.

Pig = Honesty

People of the Pig are very good students, and always finish a project or assignment.

They are honest and brave.

You are a great companion and an intellectual who sets difficult goals and carries them out.

Guard against expecting too much from others.

Rat = Survival

Rat people are very popular.

They like to invent things and are good artists.

You are honest, generous, and have a good sense of fair play.

Guard against being too aggressive.

Ox = Endurance

People born in this year are dependable and calm.

They are good listeners and have very strong ideas.

You are conservative and methodical.

Guard against being chauvinistic.

Tiger = Courage

People of the Tiger are brave.

Other people respect tiger people for their deep thoughts and courageous actions.

You are sensitive, emotional, and capable of great love.

Guard against being too stubborn.

Rabbit = Virtue

People born in this year are nice to be around.

They like to talk, and many people trust them.

You work well with others, and value security and tranquility.

Guard against risk taking.

I hope you have found something of interest. I always find it interesting when I learn about other cultures and traditions, especially how they originated and developed.

I love the door guards!