Spiritwalk
of Dundas
Divination by Chinese Astrology
With the beginning of the Chinese New Year on January 29th, the year of the Dog, once again the quest begins for knowledge of what this year will bring. As with western astrology, the Chinese have used animals to symbolize the strengths and qualities inherant in people. Unlike western astrology however, those born within the year have the qualities attributed to each sign. The 12 year signs for Chinese astrology are Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit/Hare, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig. The Chinese year began on the 29th of January this year. The year does not have a staturatory value like the western calendars, it is based on the phases of the moon and is therefore changeable in relation to the dates we use. On average the Chinese New Year can begin anywhere from the end of January to the middle of February. It usually coincides with the second new moon . That said The following years are attributed to each of the signs:
- Rat - 1900-01, 1912-13, 1924-25, 1936-37, 1948-49, 1960-61, 1972-73, 1984-85, 1996-97, 2008-09
- Ox - 1901-02, 1913-14, 1925-26, 1937-38, 1949-50, 1961-62, 1973-74, 1985-86, 1997-98, 2009-10
- Tiger - 1902-03, 1914-15, 1926-27, 1938-39, 1950-51, 1962-63, 1974-75, 1986-87, 1998-99, 2010-11
- Rabbit - 1903-04, 1915-16, 1927-28, 1939-40, 1951-52, 1963-64, 1975-76, 1987-88, 1999-2000, 2011-12
- Dragon - 1904-05, 1916-17, 1928-29, 1940-41, 1952-53, 1964-65, 1976-77, 1988-89, 2000-01, 2012-13
- Snake - 1905-06, 1917-18, 1929-30, 1941-42, 1953-54, 1965-66, 1977-78, 1989-90, 2001-02, 2013-14
- Horse - 1906-07, 1918-19, 1930-31, 1942-43, 1954-55, 1966-67, 1978-79, 1990-91, 2002-03, 2014-15
- Sheep/Goat - 1907-08, 1919-20, 1931-32, 1943-44, 1955-56, 1967-68, 1979-80, 1991-92, 2003-04, 2015-16
- Monkey - 1908-09, 1920-21, 1932-33, 1944-45, 1956-57, 1968-69, 1980-81, 1992-93, 2004-05, 2016-17
- Rooster - 1909-10, 1921-22, 1933-34, 1945-46, 1957-58, 1969-70, 1981-82, 1993-94, 2005-06, 2017-18
- Dog - 1910-11, 1922-23, 1934-35, 1946-47, 1958-59, 1970-71, 1982-83, 1994-95, 2006-07, 2018-19
- Pig - 1911-12, 1923-24, 1935-36, 1947-48, 1959-60, 1971-72, 1983-84, 1995-96, 2007-08, 2019-20
The traits are as ingrained into the nature of the sign as in the animal itself. As with all traits they can be placed well in the sign or they can be ill-placed. I've also included the hour of the day that is governed by the sign. In Chinese astrology all aspects of a person's birth are noted as they all represent intergal facets of how that person's life will unfold and the prospects that will come to influence their life.
- Rat - 1st sign, symbolic of Winter, birth, rebirth and renewal, said to be the most prosperous of the signs, 11 PM till 1 AM is the rat's hour.
- Positive Traits - leadership, love novelty, stimualtion, innovators, quick witted, clever, deals well with the abstract, problem solvers.
- Negative Traits - can be prone to a lack of followthough, greed, materialism, secretiveness.
- Compatible with - Dragons and Monkeys
- Incompatible with - Horses
- Ox - 2nd sign, similar to the Taurus of western astrology, ancient times believed how the ox and his attendant were drawn on the almanac foretold of the year's weather and harvest. 1:00 AM to 3 AM is the ox's hour.
- Positive Traits - finishing what the rat starts, determined and trustworthy. Although they prefer to be thought of as adventurous and unpredicable.
- Negative Traits - can be prone to stubbornness, tend to sulk, can be narrow-minded and impatient
- Compatible with - Snakes and Roosters
- Incompatible with - Goats/Sheep
- Tiger - 3rd sign, symbolic of bravery, ferocity, strength, royalty, weath, power, devourer of deceased souls, symbol of the feminine Yin. 3 AM to 5 AM is the Tiger's hour.
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- Positive Traits - brilliant assertiveness, respect (both received and grudging given), warm, caring, successful and intimidating presense.
- Negative Traits - can be prone to vanity, recklessness, impulsiveness, disobedience
- Compatible with - Horses and Dogs
- Incompatible with - Monkeys
- Rabbit - 4th sign, symbolic of Spring, self-sacrifice like those who aid the less fortunate be they adults, children or animals. 5 AM to 7 AM is the Rabbit's hour
- Positive Traits - healers, diplomats, mediators, counsellors, good judge of character, social but independant, prefers order and neatness.
- Negative Traits - can be prone to snobishness, fussiness, timidity and can be very cunning
- Compatible with - Sheep/Goats and Pigs
- Incompatible with - Roosters
- Dragon - 5th sign, symbolic of Heaven's authority, exuberant, exotic, prosperous and bringing good fortune, first part of the Chinese House of Mystery. 7 AM to 9 AM is the Dragon's hour.
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- Positive Traits - energetic, enthusiastic, resouceful, direct, creative, and very adaptable
- Negative Traits - can be prone to arrogance, tactlessness, indiscretion, quick-tempered, can be unpredictable
- Compatible with - Rats and Monkeys
- Incompatible with - Dogs
- Snake - 6th sign, symbolic of mysteries, occult knowledge, guardianship and good fortune, second part of the Chinese House of Mystery . 9 AM to 11 AM is the Snake's hour.
- Positive Traits - subtle, discreet, insightful, shrewd, compassionate
- Negative Traits - can be prone to manipulation, malicious, coldness, possessiveness
- Compatible with - Roosters and Ox
- Incompatible with - Pigs
- Horse - 7th sign, symbolic of Summer and the Yang (male) energy in nature and success. 11 AM to 1 PM is the Horse's hour.
- Positive Traits - hard working, popular, independant, sociable
- Negative Traits - can be prone to selfishness, vanity, restlessness, recklessness
- Compatible with - Tigers and Dogs
- Incompatible with - Rats
- Sheep - 8th sign, sometimes shown as a Goat, symbolic of feminine nourturing, and caring for humanity. 1 PM to 3 PM is the Sheep's hour.
- Positive Traits - cultured, artistic, sensitive, gentle, intelligent
- Negative Traits - can be prone to dependancy, insecurity, self-indulgence, self-centered
- Compatible with - Rabbits and Pigs
- Incompatible with - Ox and Dogs
- Monkey - 9th sign, symbolic of the male energy abundant in science and technology, one half of the Chinese House of Career - 3 PM to 5 PM is the Monkey's hour.
- Positive Traits - energetic, resourceful, clever, persuasive,
- Negative Traits - can be prone to slyness, superficiality, lying, sneakiness
- Compatible with - Dragons and Rats
- Incompatible with - Tigers
- Rooster - 10th sign, symbolic of Autumn, coming to rest after a day of hard work, filling every moment with a sense of fullness, second half of the Chinese House of Career. 5 PM to 7 PM is the Rooster's hour
- Positive Traits - flamboyant, resilient, protective, industrious
- Negative Traits - can be prone to conceit, rudeness, aggressive, bossy
- Compatible with - Ox and Snakes
- Incompatible with - Rabbits
- Dog - 11th sign, symbolic of faithfullness and loyalty, and guardians of private family life, part of the Chinese House of Family. 7 PM to 9 PM is the Dog's hour.
- Positive Traits - caring, unselfish, devoted, honest, deep
- Negative Traits - can be prone to anxiousness, pessimissim, cynical, withdrawn
- Compatible with - Tigers and Horses
- Incompatible with - Dragons and Goats/Sheep
- Pig - 12th and final sign , symbolic of family and family time and ties, the sanctity and sacredness of family and home, second part of the Chinese House of Family. 9 PM to 11 PM is the Pig's hour.
- Positive Traits - cheerful, sincere, home-body, esthetic, unpretentious
- Negative Traits - can be prone to materialism, superficiality, naive, stubborn, lazy, greed
- Compatible with - Rabbits and Sheep/Goats
- Incompatible with - Snakes
In slightly more advanced divination each of the signs has the potential to be governed by an additional set of traits. These relate to the natural elements of the Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water. Each adds it's own mailability to the traits of the sign. Years that end in 0 or 1 are said to be Metal. Years that end in 2 or 3 are said to be Water. Years that end in 4 or 5 are said to be Wood. Years that end in 6 or 7 are said to be Fire and years that end in 8 or 9 are said to be Earth. The synergy of the elements are based on the natural flow of the elements. Wood is burnt to produce Fire; Fire turns wood to ash for the Earth; Earth holds the metal until it is mined; molten Metal flows like Water and water returns to nourish Wood and so the cycle continues.
The traits attributed to each animal sign are either magnified or lessened depending the element that is attached to it. A quick synopse of the elemental impact follows:
- Wood - Allows the sign to open to become more and will allow them to carry their burdens of growth and life. May lead to a tendency toward materialism.
- Fire - Allows a creative, adventurous side to emerge but like a real fire it can exhaust the resources. Can lead to rash impulsiveness.
- Earth - Brings stability and the potential to realize ideas. Is compassionate, caring and carefully methodical. May become dull and boring.
- Metal - Brings form, clarity and solidness to ideals. Strengthens and may exagerate traits both positive and negative.
- Water - Allows the more stubborn signs to become flexible and more adaptable. However the less stubborn or strong signs run the risk of losing control of themselves and ideas.
For a truly complete reading one would have to consider the year, month, date and hour of birth plus a calculation of the number and types of elements for each of the times. Also would be include branches of fate, codes of times, lucky dates/times, forces at work and elements at which point the telling would be as detailed if not more so than a typical astrology chart from western astronomy.
A brief projection of what each sign could expect in the Year of the Dog:
- Rat - A good year for creation and bringing your projects to life. A chance to bring home some extra money. Avoid legal arguements if possible.
- Ox - Romance is highlighted, not an easy year but you will succeed if you keep moving at a steady pace. Avoid having too many things on the go at once. Avoid land deals unless you consult experts you trust.
- Tiger - Travel is highlighted. Success is possible for those who are sports minded. Celebrate your love in style. Be careful dealing with family issues.
- Rabbit - A continuation of the last year with steady progress and minor setbacks. Surprise romance and a chance at a new career. Be careful in business and financial speculations.
- Dragon - A year to hold steady. Avoid speculation and rash decisions. Think before allowing temptation to rule your decisions. Everything you do will be brought to the fore.
- Snake - A few disappointments are possible. Hold tight to your finances. Best to concentrate of family and home issues.
- Horse - A very happy year with opportunities to advance in business or romance. Keep your eyes open.
- Sheep - A fair year. Watch issues that arise within your home and pay attention to details.
- Monkey - A good year to see your ambitions come to life or at least start to bring successes your way.
- Rooster - A mixed year. Good and bad will seem to follow you everywhere. Be prepared.
- Dog - This is your year. You can succeed in whatever you put your mind to as long as you are willing to plan ahead. You will finally get the recognition for all your hard work, privately and professionally.
- Pig - A very successful year with plenty of opportunities to shine. If you have a special dream, go for it! A possible financial windfall.
MOONSTONE
Moonstone is normally a translucent stone that can vary in colour from a pale off-white to a pale green or pale blue. Moonstone has be used by ancients for a deeper connection to the Moon and to the intuitive side of human nature. In some cultures moonstone is given to a new bride to boost fertility and to encourage a large family. Moonstone is considered a very sacred stone in many parts of India and Indonesia. It is the perfect stone for women because of it's ties to the feminine and the Moon. It is also a strong stone for remembering that our lives are based on cycles and that those cycles are ever present in our lives.
Moonstone has the ability to calm and soothe tempers and emotional upheavals bringing forth a sense of harmony to the wearer. It has also been used to help women regulate and balance their hormones, thereby easing menstrual discomfort and easing the discomfort of pregnancy and labour. Due to moonstone's affinity to the feminine psyche, women are sometimes advised not to wear it during the full moon or during menstration. Moonstone has been used in the treatment and strengthening of the immune system, digestive tract and lympatic glandular system.
To cleanse moonstone the preferred method is to place it in a bowl with dry hematite once the menstrual cycle is finished. Recharge the moonstone over night in the light of the full moon.
Moonstone
CONSCIOUNESS OF PROGRAMMING
Programming can be such an insidious thing in today's world. Some of it coming from loved ones with true concern for our well-being. Other programming comes from the world at large and seems destined to upset and to send shock waves of panic through our lives. For example, from end of summer on we hear of flu vaccine shortages, we hear of possible pandemics, we hear of increased cases of influenza and respiratory illnesses in our major cities. All so you can be "made aware" for your own protection. So when do you stop letting yourself be ruled by these attacks on you health and well being?
The answer is simple ... now. While I understand it's easier said than done, you have to take control over your reactions and what you will truly let influence you. You have the right to turn off the news and put down the paper. If it's important you will hear what's necessary but without the negative, fear mongering talk that follows. The world will carry on with it's own charted course as we continue on with ours. That's not to say you won't catch a cold or the sniffles but it doesn't have to bloom into anything worse. If it does, then you haven't listened to your body, or you haven't tended to your needs and obligations. These needs and obligations are not the ones that family and friends put upon us. These are the obligations that we wrote into our life chart of experiences. While we may not appreciate those experiences, they do help us to grow and hopefully become wiser. If we accept these experiences as lessons, and learn from them we don't have to repeat them.
So as you walk along your spiritual path, take charge of what you will allow to influence you. That strength flows through you as your divine right to know what you need to be healthy, strong and safe.
MONTHLY MEDITATION
"Reveal Thyself"
"Divine Beloved, make me know, at once and forever, that Thou hast always been mine, ever mine. My error-dreams are past, buried in the sepulcher of oblivion. I am awake, basking in the sunlight of life in Thee.
The ocean of God's abundance flows through me. I am His child. I am a channel through which all divine creative power flows. Bless me, Father, that above all things I seek Thee first, as befits Thy true child."
From Metaphysical Meditations by Paramahansa Yogananda