January 28, 2017 is the start of the Chinese Year of the Red Rooster
Lillian Bridges
The Rooster is Yin to Monkey’s Yang and many of us are still reeling from the Monkey’s shenanigans around the world! The Yin nature of the Rooster forecasts a calmer year and should bring a lot of relief from the shock, strain, tension and anxiety of last year. However, the elements are still in opposition – Yin Fire over Yin Metal, which is very similar to last year’s Yang Fire over Yang Metal. Many of the same issues are still around, but most new events will happen in a milder way. Much of what has to be dealt with will be repercussions from what has already happened. Plus, the consequences of some big decisions made in the Monkey Year will be revealed. Once again, these two elements are part of the destructive cycle of the Five Elements, so there is still reason to be cautious. One of the Rooster’s main jobs is to crow at the rise of the Sun, waking others up to face the challenges of the day. This Rooster is trying to wake people up to the challenges of the year!
Although the Rooster is the male of the species, it is considered a Yin symbol to the Chinese, which indicates that Yin people, such as Women and Yin qualities in all people and in actions will be more valued and appreciated this year. Chickens show us how to live together well, although it does involve maintaining each person’s place in a hierarchy. But because of the combination of elements, you can expect to see some reshuffling, restructuring and possibly even some breakdowns in hierarchical institutions and previously entrenched systems of governments and bureaucracies.
There is also power in groups this year and this can be likened to chickens flocking together to fight off predators, especially when it impacts their young. So, for all of the people feeling disempowered and disenfranchised around the world, the best thing to do is gather together to effect change, defend your rights and create a protest that is heard by leaders. Most of the gatherings will be peaceful demonstrations. And people who are considered Yin in terms of the power structures currently in place will be able to find a stronger voice to express their needs and rights, particularly with a few chosen “Roosters” in charge who will call out and awaken others to their plight. This is a year of heightened communication for those who have previously been quiet and intuition and non-verbal communication will also be enhanced.
Yin Fire over Yin Metal is a combustible combination and involves sparks and small explosions like fireworks, so there is a heightened chance of bombs – usually homemade – and gunshots, which implies an increase in terrorism, assassination attempts, political protests and in police and military reactions towards rioting that could also involve tear gas, rubber bullets and Tasers. Reactivity will be heightened, but strong feelings will fade fast. So short-term warfare, mostly skirmishes, is possible between countries and groups such as gangs. Roosters are very territorial and invasions or land grabs of any kind will not be tolerated this year. Countries will spar and engage in a war of words, with character assassination as one of their weapons. There will be more threats than action and quite a lot of reactivity by previously calm governments.
One of the most difficult aspects of this year is the strength of the “Shadow”. This means that the shadow side of many things will get revealed: underlying motives; past scandals – especially involving sex; previous deceptions; repressed feelings; and old actions involving guilt, shame, revenge, jealousy, envy and resentment could be exposed. Underhanded dealings, such as bribery and hypocrisy will also finally face scrutiny and may come to light in some strange ways. Roosters in Chinese Astrology are thought to be honest, so truths will emerge.
Forced labor and human trafficking will be hot topics and investigations will reveal some unexpected participants who are in positions of power. Expect that the corporations, politicians and celebrities involved in any of the above mentioned scandals are likely to face more penalties and punishment for their previous actions. Intelligence Agencies will benefit from their revelations, as they finally bring their findings forward. But they will also face recriminations for hiding information for so long. You will be able to see the manipulation of many who have used this tactic to succeed and their subsequent success will no longer look so admirable.
Although these shadow aspects of the forecast sounds daunting, Yin Fire is like a flashlight that shines into the corners of darkness that were formerly hidden so they can be worked through. It will actually help people to become more open minded. And don’t forget that Fire, even when Yin, promises optimism and joy, so there will be much more personal happiness this year to balance out these shadow aspect of Yin. There will be more acts of kindness in smaller ways and people will give more, although they will be quieter about their generosity.
Politically, people will remain passionately partisan and have strong Nationalist feelings and you will see competitive world-views. There will be much posturing and bickering. This is unfortunately not a good year for diplomacy. However, overt signs of power and domineering behavior will become increasingly offensive to more and more people and there will be some rebellion and pushback. Although there will be an attempt by many governments to form an even stronger hierarchy, many splinter groups will form with new, charismatic leaders emerging from minority groups, giving hope for the future. The Rooster symbolizes fidelity, proper behavior and ideals so new leaders that emerge will embody these traits.
Yin Fire is also like a candle flame – it is unstable and changeable. People will change their mind and emotions will also change quickly. However, strong emotions will be felt in a slightly lighter way. People will be bit more temperamental and there will be a bit more: anxiety, tension and nervousness; more frustration and irritation; more dread; and more sadness. Remember though that people will also feel more cheerful; they will be able to find simple pleasures to enjoy; and overall there will be a lifting of spirits.
There will also be a lot of gossip and people will enjoy the titillation of watching other people’s bad behavior. People will feel more sentimental and emotionally sensitive. They will also be prone to more bickering and can lose their temper and explode if they repress their anger too long, but anger is not so long lasting this year. All emotions will pass more quickly and it will be hard to hold onto strong feelings. People will also feel more connected to each other and want to be closer to their friends and family and will feel more loved and feel more loving as well.
Yin Fire is also moonlight and starlight, so a number of celestial events will delight more this year. Weather will be variable and will change very quickly, so it will be very hard to predict. It can change in the same day, often several times and storm systems may suddenly veer off from expected trajectories. Expect to see more rainbows, auroras and weather systems that combine, creating more hurricanes, monsoons and tornadoes. There will still be drought conditions in many places but it will improve slightly this year. It is anticipated that it will be a slightly warmer year in many places that are used to cold weather and that areas that do get rain will get more warm rain.
Fires will still be an issue in many places in the world as Yin Fire can be equated to matches and also to fires caused by lightning strikes, although it is more likely to involve individual buildings and homes and smaller areas and not as much acreage. However, small sparks can still start some big fires. There is expected to be an increase in volcanic activity, particularly with eruptions of ash that can harm or even halt air transportation and cause breathing problems. Other natural disasters involving air quality are also anticipated, such as gas leaks, chemical spills, and severe smog or volcanic fog as the metal element is weakened and it controls air. It is another year that is not good for anything that flies – birds, bats, insects and airplanes too. Unfortunately, that more means plane crashes are possible as well as car accident and train accidents involving explosions. Space exploration may also be jeopardized this year and anything that involves mechanics should be checked frequently. Water quality is also in jeopardy this year for more people, particularly fresh water. There is a risk of more contaminated drinking water, so it is important to monitor the water in wells, aquifers, reservoirs, streams, rivers and lakes.
The Energy Industry will have a good year and Earth Industries – real estate, construction and mining will all benefit from the Rooster Year. However, banking, engineering and the high tech industry will have some trouble, as they are Metal Industries. Wood Industries, such as Environmental companies and Logging will see their previous progress reverse and there are likely to be environmental problems such as an increase of infestation from insects in trees and buildings or windstorms that bring down buildings or trees.
People will want to escape this year so that bodes well for the entertainment industry, the music industry and for the publishing industry. Fantasy is especially appreciated. It is also a good year for Art and also for Restaurants. People will also enjoy food more and will increasingly want to be creative with cooking at home. When people go out to eat, smaller restaurants will do better than larger ones. Home-style cooking and simple food will be preferred. Alcoholic Beverages will sell well so the wine, beer and spirits industry along with the soft drink industry should all receive benefit again. People will also eat a lot more Chocolate and Desserts.
Public Relations and Advertising also get another boost. The Stock Market will do well the first half of the year, but investors should be cautious in the second half. Home Design gets a boost, particularly house remodeling – especially kitchens and people will want to keep redecorating, repainting and putting in new landscaping. They will want to create cocoons or sanctuaries out of their homes.
Career will be important this year and collaboration and team building will work well. Chickens are sociable creatures and there will be a lot of socializing, especially in small groups like dinner parties and people will travel more in small groups. People will take shorter trips and will choose closer destinations; visiting more places in their own city, state, province, or within their own countries. Small Hotels, Bed and Breakfasts and other temporary housing, such as Airbnb will do especially well. People will feel playful and they will go out of their way to find enjoyment and amusement so Amusement Parks will benefit and National Parks will see more visitors. People will also want to play more board games and there will be an interest in gambling, but for smaller amounts than last year.
A Rooster Year is one where there is a lot of Peach Blossom Luck, particularly for Monkeys, Rats and Dragons. This means you attract more people for any reason and you also attract romantic interest. Most people will act more charming this year and become more charismatic. It will also be a very romantic year and the sale of greeting cards, flowers and small gifts, often expensive will increase. Appearance will be important – people will want to dress up, even in costumes, and they will care about beauty, glamour, grooming and manners. The jewelry industry will do especially well as will the cosmetics industry, skin care industry, hair care industry and fashion industry. People will want to indulge in little luxuries. Any business that is involved with improving one’s appearance or status will increase sales. The art business will also improve although people will buy smaller paintings and sculptures. Miniatures will also become more popular.
It is a very good year for losing weight. Fitness will focus more on fun and softer uses of the body. Walking, Dancing, Yoga, Tai Chi and Qi Gong are some good examples of the kinds of movement that are good in the Rooster Year. And activities like doubles Tennis, Badminton, Ping-Pong, Bowling and Pool will become more popular. Sports clubs will gain new members and sporting events will have increased attendance.
Many Asian people will choose to have a baby this year as Rooster children will be blessed with the Academic Star and will therefore do well in school. So schools at every level will be have more good fortune than usual in this Rooster Year, which will manifest as increases in enrollment, funding and higher test scores. Roosters are also considered deep thinkers so academically this is a particularly good year for literature, mathematics, economics and languages, as the Fire Element is especially involved with these subjects. Most areas of science also benefit from the Rooster Year and innovations will be appreciated and rewarded.
Medicine in particular will benefit from the Rooster Year, especially Holistic/Alternative/Complementary practices that rely on ancient wisdom such as Chinese Medicine and Ayurvedic Medicine. The health conditions that will receive the most attention are all illnesses or diseases of the Cardio-Pulmonary System. It is a year that will see an increase in minor Heart Attacks, Transient Ischemic Attacks, Pulmonary Embolisms and Deep Vein Thrombosis due to small clots. There will also be more cases of Heart Failure along with Heart Rhythm problems such as Tacychardia, Arythmia and Atrial Fibrillation.
There will likely be some problems with blood such as blood supply and also blood infections. Heart Disease and inflammation in the arteries and inflammation overall is expected to increase. People will suffer from breathing problems from any number of causes. Therefore, an increase in people coming down with cold and flu viruses is expected. Problems with skin, such as rashes, hives and itchiness will bother a lot of people. And people will flush and blush more and will experience more sunburns.
Nerves have been frayed in the Monkey year, so it is important to support the nervous system by meditating, practicing deep breathing and increasing Essential Fatty Acids in your diet. Otherwise, nerve problems and nerve pain are likely and you will see an increase in neurological glitches, including an increase in: epileptic seizures, migraine headaches, mitral valve problems and irritable bowel flare-ups. Eating for health is very important this year and herbal medicine will work better and become more popular. It is advised that people eat lighter. Many people will be suffering from tiredness, as this will be the second year that the Water Element will be deficient. So, people will have more problems with their teeth and their brains as well and the kidneys and bladder will be problematic organs for many people, although in a mild way. And it is easier to break small bones, so be careful with your fingers and toes. It is very important to sleep and rest more this year. This is actually a good year for getting well and rejuvenating if people act consciously to improve their habits.
People will be more punctual, more particular and often feel more critical this year and there will be a strong focus on details. Perfectionism will emerge in people who were previously easy-going and most will find themselves paying more attention to details. They will also be neater. Many people will feel more scattered and confused and there will be a lot more fear and anxiety. You may find that children are suddenly afraid of the dark so more nightlights will be used. There is also an increase in mild sadness, but less sorrow and deep grief. The good news is that people will be more warmhearted and friendlier and will try to find humor where they can. A lot of the humor will be sarcastic or silly.
Family life will be a bigger comfort to many and others will find the most enjoyment out of gathering with like-minded others. People will be seeking fun and want to play although most forms of play will be more passive. People will also become more enthusiastic and it will be much easier to find little moments of happiness. Yin Fire is like small flowers hiding in the woods. If you go slower and pay attention, you can find that hidden beauty that will bring joy. Cultivating beauty, like having fresh flowers, can lift the spirits, but try to create subtler arrangements. Personal creativity of all kinds is encouraged this year, as creating and finding beauty in the Rooster Year will soothe the soul.
Individual Animal Forecasts for 2017
Rat – Water Element: 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020
This year may be strenuous at times. However, there is chance for a big change in lifestyle, occupation or home. But long term, these results will be very good. There may be some financial loss but you can gain some unexpected benefits.*
Ox – Earth Element: 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009 and 2021
This is a great year for Oxes, who have waited a long time for this kind of luck. Expect that Oxes will emerge from their chrysalis recharged, with more energy and better health. This is an excellent year for career and self esteem.
Tiger – Wood Element: 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022
This is a year of moderate luck for Tigers. They have to work hard and then promotion is likely and business will improve. However, Tigers may have to travel and friends and family may feel neglected, as Tigers will be very busy.
Rabbit – Wood Element: 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023
This is not any easy year for Rabbits and they will feel more irritated and frustrated than usual. There are some good times with family and this brings happiness. Rabbits need to practice patience and focus on finding enjoyment.*
Dragon – Earth Element: 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024
This is a year when Dragons feel powerful. They are likely to have financial gains and find favor from superiors. However, they need to watch their cash flow, as there will be some unexpected expenses at home and some family tensions.
Snake – Fire Element: 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025
This is a good year for Snakes. They will be happy cocooning at home and spending more time with family. They will have some trouble with friends and financially they will feel some stress but overall, this is a happy year.
Horse – Fire Element: 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026
This is a year where Horses will feel some discontent and they may feel slightly out of step with what is happening around them, so travel is especially freeing and enjoyable. However, there is luck and practical accomplishments.*
Sheep – Earth Element: 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015
As another barnyard animal, Sheep have luck this year. This is a good year for making future plans. Family life is happier and they will experience more fun and pursue more recreational activities. They will also feel more creative.
Monkey –Metal Element: 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016
This is a good year for business and finances will be stable. Monkeys need to become more organized. They will enjoy travel, particularly foreign travel more. However, they need to spend time recovering from last year’s stresses.
Rooster –Metal Element: 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981,1993, 2005, 2017
Roosters will feel strained this year and will be less organized. They need time alone and people around them will be needier. They will want to play more and can’t, causing frustration. Practicality is essential for achieving success.*
Dog – Earth Element: 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018
This is a turbulent year, but there is sudden good luck if opportunities can be grasped. Dogs will want to remodel, redecorate or move to a new home/office. They need to hold their tongue so they don’t criticize or fight with loved ones.*
Pig – Water Element: 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019
As another barnyard animal, Pigs have some luck coming their way. Their finances will be steady and they will improve their business prospects if they are cautious. Family life is happy and previous worries fade. Only romance is tricky.
*Rabbits and Roosters should carry a Dragon charm for protection this year. Rats, Horses and Dogs may want to carry a Dragon charm to bring more luck their way.
DISCLAIMER: All information provided in this forecast is based on the ancient principles of the Chinese Five Element Theory and on an understanding of the animal symbolism in Chinese Astrology. It is intended for entertainment purposes only. There is no express or implied guarantee of results from using this information, and individual users are solely responsible for their own interpretation or application to their own circumstances. Further, the information is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for legal, medical, or psychological advice, evaluation and/or treatment. You are welcome to share this post, but please refer to the source – Lillian Bridges, Lotus Institute, Inc. 2017
