CNY 2014: Understanding the Year of the Wood Horse

 

What are the major similarities and differences between Western and Chinese astrology? Is there any point at where they intersect?

The major similarity is that both are a form of astrology and the calculations are based on the planets and constellations in the sky.

The difference is the way how the stars are “grouped” or classified so as to derive the formulas for our calculations. For example, in Western Astrology, the stars are grouped into the 12 Zodiacs. As for Chinese Astrology, the same group of stars are divided into 28 Constellations. While the basis/foundation of both is the same – we make use of the same group of stars to derive different formulas so as to forecast the predictions.

In a few days we enter the Chinese year of the Wood Horse. What does that mean in astrological terms? Is it considered a good year in general?

This means that according to the Chinese Solar Calendar, the Earth has completed its rotation around the Sun. The Wood Horse pillar is basically the Chinese system of time keeping based on the Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches. Every pillar has a Yin or Yang property as well as 5 elements associated with it.

For year of the Wood Horse, it is a Wood over Horse pillar. In technical terms, the Heavenly Stem is Wood and the Earthly Branch, which is Horse, is of fire element. At first glance, Wood over Fire seems to be a harmonious year as in the cycle of five elements, wood produces fire. This is unlike in 2013 where there was a clashing relationship between Water and Fire (Snake is of fire element).

However, if we are to take a closer look, the fire in Horse is of explosive nature and with the wood producing it, it makes the fire stronger and stronger, and when it reaches the summer season in May – July period, the excessively strong fire energy could bring about more explosions, gun fire, international conflicts and battles. There will also be bigger conflicts everywhere, especially politically, as well as more riots and civil wars. Thus, expect more turbulence this year with regards to these areas.

How will this year affect the various Chinese zodiac signs? Which animals is the horse compatible with and vice versa?

In Chinese Astrology, every zodiac sign has a certain relationship with some of the zodiac signs. The horse year will either clash for some of the signs, or ‘combine’ and hence be compatible for others. A clash is usually negative and may bring about negative outcome in terms of wealth, career, marriage and/or health. A “combination” of the zodiac brings about more amicable outcome. The effects of these combinations and clashes in terms of career/wealth and marriage/relationships are discussed in the animal zodiac forecast for each sign.