The Year of the Horse is galloping out and the Year of the Sheep (also called goat or ram) is moseying in. The Chinese New Year is February 19. This Sheep year is associated with the element of wood and is considered to be yin (rather than yang as this past year was). Yin energy is nurturing and receptive, much less active than its counterpart, yang. The element, wood is strong and promises growth and progress.

Examining the components of the coming year, we can expect a slower pace; think of Sheep grazing in a field. This coming year is a time to reflect and turn inward. The next twelve months will be an auspicious time to cultivate relationships, mend old wounds, finish projects, make needed adjustments and nurture strong roots for the years ahead.

Are you a Sheep?
If you are born in one of these years: 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, you are a Sheep, but keep in mind that the Chinese lunar calendar differs from ours so if you were born at the beginning of the year, double check your sign.

Sheep people are considered to be compassionate, warm, well liked, mild-mannered, peaceful, stable, possessing a loving nature and a strong sense of justice. They are often blessed with a positive attitude and good health. They work well with others and enjoy being in group settings.

An interesting superstition (one I choose not to believe) is that those born in Sheep years tend to suffer more misfortune than those born under other signs. This outdated superstition seems silly, but it continues to have a real effect on Chinese society. Parents prefer not to have a child born in the year of the Sheep, and some have been known to induce births early in order to avoid the sign. It shows the power of superstition.

Famous Sheep: Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, Mark Twain, Jay Chou and Zhang Ziyi (the beautiful Chinese actress).

What’s lucky for those born under the sign of the Sheep?

Best direction: North
Numbers: 2 and 7
Colors: brown, red, and purple
Flowers: carnations