January 31st is the beginning of the Chinese New Year and the Year of the Horse is galloping in or, if the snow and ice keeps up in Chicago, the Horse is going to be slip sliding in. There is a great deal of meaning that comes with the Horse and there are implications for the coming year.

The Horse is a symbol of power and quick changes so you will need to hold the reins tightly to avoid being thrown. In the Chinese zodiac, each year has an element associated with it and for this year, we have wood, so it is the Year of the (Wood) Horse. Wood represents a very active energy that promises growth and progress, internally and externally. Therefore this year, combining the power and quickness of the horse with the strength of wood, it is even more important to take decisive action without hesitation or you will miss the ride. However don’t forget that horses are very intuitive animals. Trust your gut and if the action doesn’t feel right, don’t take it because you could quickly go down the wrong path. Generally, horse years are full of change, productivity and the unexpected. It’s a great time to travel and have adventures. Most importantly, horse years emphasize the need to move forward and not look back. The Chinese say, “A good horse never turns its head to eat the grass behind.”

Find out if you are a Horse.
If you were born in any of the following years:1918,1930,1942,1954,1966,1978,1990, 2002 or 2014, you are a horse. Remember the Chinese lunar calendar differs from ours so, if you were born early in the year, double check to make sure you’re correct.

Horse people can be untamed, proud and rebellious but, they are also bright, fun loving people with natural charm that attracts friends and success. Those born in horse years are intuitive and that quality provides the good judgment needed to make the right decisions for their lives.

Famous people born under the sign of the horse: Nelson Mandela, Teddy Roosevelt, Clint Eastwood, Frederic Chopin and Rembrandt.

“There is no passion to be found playing small – in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.” ~ Nelson Mandela