“Vibrating with her reptilian presence the arid air released pungent scents of musky sage, as raindrops scattered on the parched earth.

Warning of the eminent Summer monsoons, deep-throated thunder rumbled in the distance, in contrast to her graceful desert dance….”

Chinese Astrology is an integral part of an ancient culture that seeks balance in and connection to the world around them.   As an acupuncturist, I see our bodies seek the same as we move along our individual and collective journeys towards physical and emotional well-being.  Chinese Astrology is a fun and interesting way to learn more about how we relate to the world, ourselves and each other by exploring the nature of our Chinese animal signs.

Ancient legend tells us that the Buddha summoned all the animals to come bid him farewell before he departed the earth.  According to the story, twelve animals came and he named a year for each animal in the order of their arrival…..the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and lastly the boar.   Each animal represents one year of five separate twelve year cycles composing the Chinese lunar calendar.  The lunar calendar was introduced by the Emperor Huang Ti in 2637 BC.

The Year of the SNAKE began on February 10, 2013 and ends on January 30, 2014.  The SNAKE is a symbol of tenacity and elegance.  Snakes are typically independent and illusive, but also are provocative creatures focused on achieving their goals.  They have powerful internal energy and will effectively move past anyone and anything that stands in their way.  The Snake, may be skeptical at times, but typically keeps his suspicions to himself…constantly watching and evaluating his surroundings whether for safety or opportunity.  Generosity is another prominent quality of the Snake, who is always ready to offer up a place to stay or to cook an elaborate meal for friends.  He is alluring and irresistible to others.  In decision-making, he will quietly weigh his options, observe the situation, gather his information, and then strike when ready.  Snakes lie quietly hidden beneath a pinon pine tree or sandstone boulder….waiting, evaluating, plotting….they appreciate their privacy and quiet moments.

In love, Snakes are seen as seductive, serene creatures.  They have a distinct feminine nature and attract partners who are initially drawn to their magnetic, alluring energy.  Snakes appreciate beauty and elegance in their surroundings in the form of fine fabrics, flickering candles, creative art, and sparkling jewels.  But deep down Snakes are primarily seeking complete devotion from their partner, and a strong emotional and physical connection.

In the career-world Snakes are typically effective at whatever area they pursue as they have a high sense of purpose and responsibility.  In light of their finely-tuned observational skills, Snakes often pursue careers involving problem-solving.   Snakes may be found in health-related fields, such as psychologists, nurses, massage therapists, etc. as they are enjoy taking health histories or evaluating their clients’ diagnosis and needs.  These same skills are helpful in research-based or business/political careers as Snakes never miss out on details, taking in all the information presented to them,  The Snake is easily stimulated by elegance, intelligence, and expression, and is therefore attracted to the creative arts including photography, theater, writing, modeling, acting, etc.  It is no coincidence that well-known personalities including Oprah Winfrey, Audrey Hepburn, Edgar Allen Poe, Picasso, Carole King, and Greta Garbo are members of the Snake family.

The sky is the limit for Snakes in career, love, and spirituality…if their intensity does not get in their own way!  2013 is a time to take advantage of the Snake’s tenacious energy and make masterful changes in life.  It is time to move beyond the unyielding energy of 2012’s Year of the Dragon and explore the depth of the possibilities that exist.   Creativity is on the forefront during the Year of the Snake so pull out those watercolors, your writing journal, or try out for a role at the theater.  Explore the depths of who you are!   So take a relationship workshop, read a Buddhist or Christian text, join a meditation group, schedule an acupuncture session, or take a Yoga class.  2013 is a time to be conscious of your journey and discover a path to connect to your deeper self.

“Only people know just how to change the world,
only people realize the power of people,
so come on, get it on!”
– from Only People by John Lennon

Chinese Astrology is an integral part of an ancient culture that seeks balance in and connection to the world around them.   As an acupuncturist, I see our bodies seek the same as we move along our individual and collective journeys towards physical and emotional well-being.  Chinese Astrology is a fun and interesting way to learn more about how we relate to the world, ourselves and each other by exploring the nature of our Chinese animal signs.

Ancient legend tells us that the Buddha summoned all the animals to come bid him farewell before he departed the earth.  According to the story, twelve animals came and he named a year for each animal in the order of their arrival…..the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and lastly the boar.   Each animal represents one year of five separate twelve year cycles composing the Chinese lunar calendar.  The lunar calendar was introduced by the Emperor Huang Ti in 2637 BC.

The Year of the DRAGON, which began on January 23, 2012 and ends on February 9, 2013, is characterized as an energetic period, a time for innovative change, setting goals, and achieving one’s purpose in life.  The Dragon is a symbol of dazzling beauty, vitality, and strength.   This magical, mythical creature is focused on the challenges and issues at hand and is extremely loyal to his family and friends.  He is confident in his abilities and powers, and is always ready to take that proverbial leap of faith.  Dragons, though outgoing and even outspoken, do have a sensitive side and quietly appreciate knowing others trust and believe in him.  The decisiveness and motivation of the fire-breathing Dragon suggest that 2012 is a time to take advantage of this energy, move forward, and make positive changes in our lives.  It is high time to move beyond the reserved nature and subtlety of 2011’s Year of the Rabbit!   The Year of the Dragon is a time to speak out  and explore change on all levels.  It is time to move forward in your career, open a new business, start that non-profit you have been thinking about, write that best-seller, ask out that cute guy/gal, move to a new town, make a difference…!     Don’t just think about your cause…DO something about it!  And for those of you out there feeling stuck and afraid….take that LEAP OF FAITH!  And remember, change may feel uncomfortable, but movement in one’s life is typically a very positive journey.  The Dragon is not ruled by his fears….but by having a purpose, a goal, or a mission to strive for.

Dragons, due to their high energy and eagerness are typically better leaders than followers.  They may be outspoken, but rule fairly and are able to meet deadlines and get projects done.  By their charismatic nature they are well-liked and effectively earn the respect of their peers.  Their no-nonsense and sincere nature directs them to careers in many areas requiring a strong leader including politics, finance, medicine, academics, and business management.  It would be common to find a Dragon successfully organizing a non-profit business, running a publishing company, being a chief of surgery, managing a busy restaurant, teaching a classroom of students, coaching a basketball team, or instigating political change.   The Year of the Dragon is a good time to be dynamic, flashy, creative, and motivated…..Dragons are doers, not observers….2012 is a time to make things happen!

“When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace.”
– Jimi Hendrix

Chinese Astrology is an integral part of an ancient culture that seeks balance in and connection to the world around them.   As an acupuncturist, I see our bodies seek the same as we move along our individual and collective journeys towards physical and emotional well-being.  Chinese Astrology is a fun and interesting way to learn more about how we relate to the world, ourselves and each other by exploring the nature of our Chinese animal signs.

Ancient legend tells us that the Buddha summoned all the animals to come bid him farewell before he departed the earth.  According to the story, twelve animals came and he named a year for each animal in the order of their arrival…..the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and lastly the boar.   Each animal represents one year of five separate twelve year cycles composing the Chinese lunar calendar.  The lunar calendar was introduced by the Emperor Huang Ti in 2637 BC.

The Year of the RABBIT, which began on February 3, 2011 and ends on January 22, 2012, is characterized as a peaceful period, a time for a respite from conflict and aggression.  The Rabbit, being a quiet and reserved symbol reflecting kindness, sensitivity, and graciousness suggests that this year is a time to subdue the challenging nature and drama of 2010’s Year of the Tiger.  The Year of the Rabbit is a time to explore stillness and tranquility in our lives and to find inner peace and harmony.  This year should also hopefully see progress towards ending conflict in war-torn countries including Afganistan, Iraq, and Pakistan.

Rabbits, due to their unobtrusive and observant tendancies, often have good intuition and insight.  They are effective leaders in business and tend to be soft-spoken, fair, and known to rule with a velvet glove.  Their sensitive and compassionate nature lead them to careers in medicine, counseling, massage, and teaching.  Rabbits are also drawn to careers in the creative arts, as they enjoy expressing themselves thru avenues including theater, music, sculpture, and writing.  It would be common to encounter a Rabbit enjoying viewing unique pieces at a gallery opening.  The Year of the Rabbit is a good time to step back, take a deep breath, and exhale slowly.

2011 is a good year to connect with romantic partners who are sensitive to each others feelings and who can express their emotions with a relative lack of conflict.  Attraction and communication may revolve around both intellectual and artistic qualities in each other.  While the Rabbit is likeable by most, he can also be frustrating in his overall lack of willingness to enter into any difference of opinion.  He can at times be moody and detached as he attempts to maintain his passiveness at any cost.

The Year of the Rabbit is a good time to discover your inner strength as you seek inner peace.  As the rabbit is comfortable with stillness, as a wintery white snowshoe hare blends silently into the drifts around him, the Year of 2011 is a time to opt for signing up for a Yoga or Tai Qi class.  Or perhaps a time to take the opportunity to go to a Buddhist meditation retreat!   Fashions and design will take on an elegant, but understated style with loose, comfortable sweaters of soft cashmere, and silk and cotton blends draping gently over faded designer jeans.  Geometric designs and loud colors will offend the Rabbits sense of ease and natural tendency to blend into the background.

In closing, to quote anthropologist Margaret Mead, “ Never believe that a few caring people can’t change the world.  For, indeed, that’s all who ever have.”  The Year of the Rabbit will be a period to find your inner strength, to stand strong, and to also find the courage to trust and take that leap of faith to find your way through those winter storms.

Chinese Astrology is an integral part of an ancient culture that seeks balance in and connection to the world around them.   As an acupuncturist, I see our bodies seek the same as we move along our individual and collective journeys towards physical and emotional well-being.  Chinese Astrology is a fun and interesting way to learn more about how we relate to the world, ourselves and each other by exploring the nature of our Chinese animal signs.

Ancient legend tells us that the Buddha summoned all the animals to come bid him farewell before he departed the earth.  According to the story, twelve animals came and he named a year for each animal in the order of their arrival……..the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and lastly the boar.   Each animal represents one year of five separate twelve year cycles composing the Chinese lunar calendar.  The lunar calendar was introduced by the Emperor Huang Ti in 2637 BC.

The Year of the TIGER, which begins on February 14, 2010 and ends on February 2, 2011, is characterized as a dynamic period of awareness, persistence and accomplishment.  The Tiger, being a captivating symbol of courage and calculated action, suggests that this year is a time to move beyond the drudgery of 2009’s Year of the Ox.  The Year of the Tiger is a time to invite positive change into our lives and to move forward with new and unique ideas to reach our goals.  Progress and achievement will be made this year as long as we are willing to tap into our sense of adventure in life.  As the Tiger is headstrong and courageous, 2010 is a year to perhaps stand up for a cause or fight the system in order to make some changes and move forward in life.  As the nature of the Tiger is to continually be moving, shifting and aware even at rest……it will benefit us to remember to move gracefully and stealthfully in all our endeavors.

Tigers naturally like to be in control of situations and those who readily take on leadership roles will tend to prosper this year.  Those who are in more subordinate positions may need to take steps to pull directive qualities into their careers to achieve their goals and be successful.  The Year of the Tiger is a good time to finally open that business you have dreamed of, move forward with a creative project, and take some calculated risks in both your personal and professional lives.

As the Tiger is a lively, energetic and courageous animal, this is a good year to connect with romantic partners who have a sense of adventure and who wish to experience new activities together.  The Tiger is a generous and often sensitive creature.  While his allure captivates those around him, his headstrong qualities can be rather frustrating to others at times.  The Year of the Tiger is a good time to challenge yourself physically and test your level of stamina and endurance.  As the Tiger is accustomed to roaming the outdoors, 2010 is a time to opt for vacationing in the beautiful wilderness as opposed to in populated urban areas.  Dance, yoga, pilates, martial arts and rock climbing……..any activity with graceful movement involved would be quite beneficial to participate in this year.  Fashions and design will take on a flashier style with reds and golds predominant, along with animal-print patterns of course!

“Trust the Process”, “Change is Good” and “Just Do it!”  will be the mantras to follow as we make our way courageously and gracefully through the year of the Tiger.  This may be the year for many of us to take the time to explore what motivates us in our lives and what goals we wish to accomplish.  Patience will be a helpful quality to have as you wait for that precise moment to take action or POUNCE!!!