Re-identify your life’s journey through 2014 Chinese zodiac
By Chris Andre
Chinese zodiac has been in existence for hundreds of years. Yet little do we know what it truly holds for our personal benefits. Despite the pros and cons, heeding some advice from the auspicious reading doesn’t really hurt. Here’s the Chinese zodiac 101 and the current prediction over love, luck, financial condition and physical wellness.
The four pillars
Contrary to the prevalent belief, the Chinese zodiac isn’t just about what year you’re born in. There’s the basic concept of four pillars (of time), namely the year, month, day and hour of your birth; each yields significant understanding in respective fields.
First of all, the year tells about a person’s family and societal background and relationship with the ancestors, instead of his or her personality. The table* helps you figure out as which animal sign you belong to.
|
FROM DATE |
SIGN |
FROM DATE |
SIGN |
FROM DATE |
SIGN |
| Feb 15, 1972 | Rat | Feb 7, 1978 | Horse | Feb 2, 1984 | Rat |
| Feb 3, 1973 | Ox | Jan 28, 1979 | Goat | Feb 20, 1985 | Ox |
| Jan 23, 1974 | Tiger | Feb 16, 1980 | Monkey | Feb 9, 1986 | Tiger |
| Feb 11, 1975 | Rabbit | Feb 5, 1981 | Rooster | Jan 29, 1987 | Rabbit |
| Jan 31, 1976 | Dragon | Jan 25, 1982 | Dog | Feb 17, 1988 | Dragon |
| Feb 18, 1977 | Snake | Feb 13, 1983 | Pig | Feb 6, 1989 | Snake |
*For those who were born before 1972 or after 1989, you can know your animal sign by adding or subtracting 12 years (and its multiplication) to/from your birth year.
It’s very much encouraged that you know your element, too. Metal, water, wood, fire and earth—these are the existing five elements that will help describe the relationship nature between you and another person. Look at the last digit of your birth year, and follow the simple rule:
0 or 1 refers to metal
2 or 3 refers to water
4 or 5 refers to wood
6 or 7 refers to fire
8 or 9 refers to earth
So if you’re born in 1990, then you’re metal horse. Quite easy, right?
Moving on, the birth month actually covers the information regarding one’s parents or childhood. Each month is also ascribed to a distinct animal sign and element, although this might prove to be very useful only in the hands of Chinese fortune teller or sort. The birth day contains the information of his or her adult and married life. Similarly, each day is associated with a specific animal sign and element. Last but not least, the hour unfolds one’s children and contributions to the world or the subsequent life—the animal signs and elements once again present in this case.
The year 2014
Using the tables in the previous section, could you tell what animal sign and element the year 2014 is? Correct! It’s the wood horse. And if you’re curious on what this year will bring to your benefit, here’s a very short and general summary taken from www.2014horoscope.com. You can otherwise go to an expert of Chinese zodiac to ask for more thorough reading.
Rat
Love Difficulty in balancing between career and love, but there’s a glimmer of hope.
Finance Challenging for those working in the financial sector. You’d better be frugal.
Health Manage your time properly and eat healthful options. The going gets tough, for sure.
Luck There are a lot of things going on that you don’t understand, yet be positive in mind.
Ox
Love Going public with your partner might be a risky step. Trust is a bit of an issue here.
Finance Don’t feel disheartened with what’s going on. Financial planning is advised.
Health Sleep deprivation might occur, which may affect personal relationships.
Luck Avoid gossiping and learn from the past mistakes.
Tiger
Love Affairs can only bring you down. So don’t fall on the same trap.
Finance Enjoy the rewards given in any circumstances, if not focus on the future.
Health Cut down fried foods and caffeine. Detoxification is totally encouraged.
Luck Accept changes, for better or worse. It’s time to adapt and evolve.
Rabbit
Love Take a break when things go off in your relationships. Slowing down might help, too.
Finance Think twice before striking a deal. Greediness is your biggest challenge.
Health Serious physical stress can occur considering the hectic schedules. Be wise.
Luck Seek out what you really want and what you should do to achieve it. Less talk, more actions.
Dragon
Love Sacrifice is necessary to take the relationship to the next level.
Finance New challenges will come and test your time-management skill.
Health Direct your focus on yourself. Worrying over others too much can be really trying.
Luck Sometimes it’s best to execute a plan before announcing it.
Horse
Love Don’t let external problems complicate the relationship. If you’re single, enjoy the moment.
Finance Sweating over the expenditure isn’t really helping. Seize great opportunities out there.
Health Mental stress is the source of your physical exhaustion. Relax.
Luck Family issues may arise, but take the bull by the horns and solve the issues once and for all.
Goat
Love More care for the children, and for newlyweds this is the year to celebrate love.
Finance Stable financial status is assuring. Be cautious on any risky investment.
Health Beware of depression and anxiety over a prolonged period.
Luck Be careful of sharing information with so-called new friends.
Monkey
Love Love is stronger than pride, and you need to prove it at times.
Finance Lower the expectation. Be patient and continue whatever you’re doing.
Health Spare some thoughts for the loved or sick ones whenever possible.
Luck Be open minded towards changes. Put up a brave front no matter what.
Snake
Love Minor disagreements occasionally occur, but overall it’s smooth sailing.
Finance Be content with present achievements and remain humble.
Health Pick and choose the right medical products on the market.
Luck Don’t feel let down if things go beyond your control. It might just be a blessing in disguise.
Rooster
Love Lovers’ quarrels involving family members, friends or colleagues may happen.
Finance Spend less as you are tempted to making unnecessary trips and expenditure.
Health Being competitive is as important as living healthily and exercising regularly.
Luck Family matters may occupy your thoughts. Have no expectation; look at the reality.
Dog
Love Romance can wilt over time, but try sticking with your partner till the end of the road.
Finance Investment is necessary, but be very careful and not over-confident.
Health Enjoy life and worry less. Read some medical articles to relieve some nagging qualms.
Luck Don’t be put off by others’ remarks. They’re just jealous.
Pig
Love A third person may knock on the door, perhaps someone from the past.
Finance Don’t carry the world on your shoulder; prioritize your goals and have peace of mind.
Health Avoid deep fried or very spicy foods especially for those suffering from liver or skin diseases.
Luck A tough yet exciting year; be patient and perseverant. Promotion could come your way.
Published in 3S Newsletter Jan-Apr 2014.