Happy Year of the Fire Horse

Year of the Fire Horse February 17, 2026 - February 5, 2027

A horse loves freedom, and the weariest old work horse will roll on the ground or break into a lumbering gallop when he is turned loose into the open. - Gerry Rafferty

Happy Lunar New Year! We are moving into the Year of the Fire Horse. The predictions are that this will be a year where things will happen fast. You will have to be a careful yet daring and determined rider to stay in the saddle at such a quick pace.  

In 2026 the restlessness of the Chinese zodiac animal horse combines with the intensity of the fire element. This is not a time to stand still. The New Year will bring transformation, speed and passion, new ideas, bold solutions, and a quick-paced change. It is the time to break free from old constraints, habits and thought patterns that hold you back. Prepare for action but choose your own direction if you can, and move with purpose. 

As you embrace the fast moving horse, understand that the fire element brings some danger with it. Fire brings light and warmth but it can also bring destruction to an established order. Plan and prepare wisely but move without fear. If you need a breakthrough in your endeavor, now is the time for action. You may have to walk and trot before you move into a full gallop, but move you must. 

No matter what the predictions for the Year of the Fire Horse may be, remember that you are the ultimate master of your fate.  

Wishing everyone Happy and Auspicious Lunar New Year - Dominique

 

   新 年 快 樂 

Dominique Allmon©2026

Happy Year of the Wood Snake

In Chinese mythology the snake is a symbol of yin or the dark female energy in the Universe. Although feared as portent of danger, snakes were revered by the ancient Chinese as the symbol of mysterious forces.

The snake is the sixth sign in the Chinese Zodiac, which consists of twelve animal signs. According to an old tale, the snake was the sixth animal that finished the Grand Race organized by the Jade Emperor. There is also a Buddhist story about the twelve animals that were invited to a banquet given by the Buddha. The snake made it sixth, right after the dragon. Cunning and clever, the snake took a ride on a horse's back and slithered to the banquet right before the horse.

In Taoism the snake was regarded as a symbol of immortality, spiritual advancement and transformation.

Snakes are the most enigmatic, intuitive, and introspective, but also the most stubborn of all the animals in the Chinese Zodiac. Snakes are considered to be a symbol of rebirth, transformation, wisdom, and intuition. They represent the power of subtle persuasion and influence. They are resourceful, cunning and creative.

This year is the year of the Wood Snake. It begins on January 29, 2025 and ends on February 16, 2026.

The Year of the Wood Snake is meant to be a year of steady progress, growth and renewal. It is a good year to focus on personal development and the strengthening of personal and business relationships. Now is the best time to discard anything that is no longer supporting you.

 

Focus and discipline will be necessary for you to achieve what you set out to create. But be careful because the Year of the Snake may bring you some difficult puzzles and mysteries that will not be easy to solve. You will have to be more creative than ever if you do not want to get entangled in difficulties. 

 

No matter what the predictions for the Year of the Snake may be, remember that you are the ultimate master of your fate. If the circumstances allow, now is the time to take care of your finances, renovate your house, take care of the environment, and do something good to nourish your body and restore your own health.

Wishing everyone a very happy and prosperous Year of the Wood Snake - Dominique 

 

  新 年 快 樂 !

 

Dominique Allmon©2025

 

AI image by freepik. Website: freepik.com

Happy Year of the Dragon!

Year of the Dragon

On February 10, 2024 Chinese people all over the world celebrate the beginning of the Lunar New Year of the Dragon. The Lunar New Year is also celebrated in Japan, Korea and Vietnam.

 

The symbol of the dragon in Chinese culture is very ancient and dates back to the fifth millennium B.C.

In Chinese mythology and folklore, the dragon is an auspicious symbol of power, strength,  wisdom, good luck, and prosperity. In imperial China the dragon symbolized the imperial power of the Emperor. The throne on which the Emperor sat was called the Dragon Throne.

Dragon is usually portrayed by a long, lizard-like, scaled four legged creature that controls the realm of weather and water and is responsible for rain, floods, and hurricanes. Unlike European dragons, Chinese dragons are not evil predators, but they may be tempestuous and very unpredictable.

Dragon is one of the twelve animals in the Chinese zodiac. He is the fifth animal that arrived at the feast given by the Buddha. He is the only creature that is imaginary.  

Year 2024 is the year of the Wood Dragon. Wood is one of the Five Elements in Chinese philosophy. In the Five Elements system it is represented by the color green. The wood element brings qualities like growth, renewal, creativity and flexibility to the normally tempestuous nature of the dragon.

The Chinese geomancers associate Year of the Dragon with a new beginning and good fortune. This is a good year to start a business, expand your vision and explore new opportunities. Any new venture, including marriage, is bound to succeed. 

 

People born under this sign of the Wood Dragon are not only very gifted and lucky, they are also very ambitious, adventurous and rather optimistic when facing their challenges. They are considered to be loyal, compassionate and generous friends, and charismatic, visionary leaders. 

Those less fortunate who suffered losses and misfortune in the past may expect some positive change in the new year since the Wood Dragon combines the prowess of the dragon with the creativity of the wood element. 2024 is expected to be a year of growth and innovation. It is the year to freely express your ideas, pursue your dreams, fulfill your vision, and advance your career. In order to succeed, you need to be creative and flexible.

No matter what the predictions for the Year of the Dragon may be, remember that you are the ultimate master of your fate.  

Wishing everyone Happy and Auspicious Lunar New Year - Dominique

 

   新 年 快 樂 !

 

By Dominique Allmon

 

Dominique Allmon©2024

Happy Year of the Rabbit!

On January 22, 2023 Chinese people all over the world celebrate the beginning of a Lunar New Year - the Year of the Water Rabbit also known as the Black Rabbit, since color black corresponds with the water element. As every year geomancers and fortune tellers are busy devising fortunes for countless clients who want to make sure that everything goes according to the laws of Heaven and Earth.

The Chinese believe that people born in the Year of the Rabbit are articulate, talented, and ambitious. They are virtuous, reserved, and have excellent taste. Rabbits are also admired, trusted, and are often very fortunate.

 

Rabbit is the fourth animal that arrived at the feast given by the Buddha. This animal is associated with the Moon because of the mythical Jade Rabbit that is believed to reside there. Rabbit symbolizes grace, mercy, beauty, and good fortune, but also intellect and caution. 

The year of the Rabbit is traditionally associated with home and family, artistic pursuits, diplomacy, and peace. 2023 is expected to be a much calmer year than 2022, so maybe there is hope for a diplomatic resolution of the conflict between Ukraine and Russia, and the end of so many other violent confrontations in many countries around the world. 

 

Individuals will become more introverted, secretive, and family oriented. Nations will become more insular and increasingly protect their borders against the unwanted "intruders". 2023 will also bring amazing creativity in all areas of life, notably in business and in arts. The water element suggests that it would be wise to move with the flow and avoid impulsive decisions.

People born in the Year of the Rabbit as well as people compatible with the Rabbit sign - those born in the years of the Sheep, Dog and Pig - will experience great financial and professional success. People born under other signs may have a bit more difficult ride in 2023. Everything depends on their flexibility and the ability to adopt to ever changing circumstances. 

But no matter what your fortune for the Year of the Rabbit may be, remember that you are the master of your fate. 

Wishing everyone a Happy and Auspicious Chinese New Year  - Dominique

新 年 快 樂 !

Dominique Allmon©2023

Year of the Tiger

On February 1, 2022, millions of people all over the world celebrate the Lunar New Year. The year 2022 is the Year of the Water Tiger. The water element adds fluidity and flexibility to the tiger's energy and prowess.

Tiger is one of the twelve animals in the Chinese zodiac. Chinese Buddhists tell the story of a feast given by the Buddha. They believe that tiger was the third animal to arrive at the feast.

Tiger represent the strength, ferocity, tenacity, and courage. People born under the sign of tiger are self-assured, love adventures and competition, and have great sense of justice. They are well respected by people around them. 

Geomancers and astrologers in Asia and in Chinese communities elsewhere are busy to compile horoscopes and predict the future. They expect a very dynamic year full of opportunities, innovation and progress. It will be a great year for learning, new projects, and accomplishments, but also a year of possible chaos and unpredictability, political conflicts, social unrest, and natural disasters.

Everything happens quickly and dramatically in a Year of the Tiger, so be ready or you will miss your opportunity. Be courageous enough to grab your chances to improve and advance professionally, but exercise a little caution to avoid mishaps and financial mishaps.

Chinese New Year is the most important holiday for the Chinese people and it gives families the opportunity to gather around sumptuous banquets and to exchange gifts. An obligatory visit to the local Taoist or Buddhist temple is made to place offerings to the gods or to the Buddha. Fruit and incense are offered and countless prayers said.

For those who forgot to make their New Year's resolutions in January, here is another chance.

Wishing everyone a very happy and prosperous Year of the Water Tiger - Dominique

新 年 快 樂 !

Dominique Allmon©2022  

Happy Year of the Earth Pig

Millions of Chinese all over the world are getting ready to celebrate the Chinese  New Year. In Chinese calendar 2019 is the Year of the Earth Pig. It begins at midnight on February 5, and ends on January 24, 2020. The Chinese New Year is also known as the Lunar New Year or Spring Festival and is celebrated in Korea and Vietnam.

Pig, or wild boar, is one of the twelve animals in the Chinese Zodiac. A Buddhist story tells us that the pig was the last to arrive at a feast given by the Buddha. 

The Chinese astrologers assign zodiac signs to the Five Elements: metal, water, wood, fire and earth.  The zodiac sign returns every twelve years, but a particular combination of the zodiac sign and the element occurs only every sixty years. This means that the next Earth Pig will be celebrated in 2079! 

 Year of the Pig Mug

People born in a year of the Pig are considered to be diligent, compassionate, and generous. Once they set a goal, they will devote all their energy to achieving it. Pigs rarely seek help from others, but they will not refuse to give others a hand. They have a great sense of responsibility and usually finish projects they started. Pigs are easily fooled because in their honesty and innocence they never suspect trickery.

According to Chinese astrologers and Feng Shui masters, 2019 will be a very joyful and prosperous year. It will be a good year for friendship and romance, and a great year to invest and make money because Pigs attract success, good fortune, and prosperity.

Interestingly, Pig years are believed to be rather unlucky for those born in a year of the Pig since they stand in conflict with Tai Sui or god of age in Chinese mythology. This means that Pigs have to be a little more vigilant and work a little harder if they want to excel. This is a god time to learn new skills. For everybody else, astrological predictions for the New Year depend on their year of birth and how their zodiac animal relates to the Pig. 

2019 is the last year in the twelve year cycle. Since all the animals are now at the Buddha's feast we can all relax and enjoy life a bit more. Take the necessary brake that you postponed for too long. Go on vacation, pamper yourself, but never lose your focus. You are, after all, the master of your own fortune.

Wishing everyone Happy Chinese New Year 

and a very prosperous Year of the Earth Pig! - Dominique


恭喜發財

Dominique Allmon©2019 

Image: "Journey to the West" and 2019 Year of the Pig Jimmo Designs Greeting Card. Dominique Allmon©2019

 

Year of The Earth Dog

The Year of the Earth Dog officially began on February 16, 2018. It will end on February 4, 2019. 

In Chinese astrology zodiac signs are combined with the Five Elements. Each animal sign appears every twelve years, but only every sixty years in each of its elements. The Five Elements: metal, water, wood, fire, and earth determine a special quality of each zodiac sign for a particular year. The current year is dominated by the earth element, hence the Earth Dog. The Dog will return again in twelve years, but we will have to wait another sixty years for the next Earth Dog. It will return in 2078! Chinese horoscopes are very complex. To simplify matters we can say that the Chinese believe that both, the zodiac sign and the element, affect destiny and personality of a person born under them. The predictions for the year to come also depend on this unique combination. 

In Chinese culture Dog is considered to be a luck bringing animal. Dogs are honest, loyal, caring, protective, and faithful, and will never abandon their masters. This quality of the zodiac animal carries a promise for a good and prosperous year. Earth elements is associated with mountains, real estate, agriculture, minerals, and earthquakes. Earth element adds some stability, may also represent barrier or obstacle blocking our view.

If you had difficult time holding on to your fortune during the Fire Cycle, your luck may change a bit for the better in the year of the Earth Dog, but be careful, dogs are very playful! Don't gamble your fortune away and remember that nothing comes without work. The earth element might add some difficulties which means that you will have to put a little more effort to get to your destination, or work a little harder and smarter to conquer possible obstacles. If you lack diligence and determination, you might miss many opportunities. Year of the Earth Dog is good for completing unfinished projects, especially if they apply to the source of your income. Fortunes can be augmented, but the Earth Dog suggests that saving money is a good idea.

In Chinese culture, people born under the sign of the Dog are considered to be honest, loyal, amiable, kind, industrious but also cautious and prudent. They are ambitious and outgoing, are great friends and faithful spouses. They are resourceful and make good doctors, lawyers, teachers, accountants, politicians, and civil servants.

Unfortunately, the Year of the Dog is usually very bad for people born in the Dog year. The destiny of everybody else depends on their own birth year and how their personal zodiac animal interacts with the dog. Very complex birth charts are used by an Chinese astrologers or geomancers to determine individual horoscopes and predict a fortune.

No matter what your birth sign, we hope that you will have a very good year. Remember, that no matter what the predictions are, you and only you are the true master of your fortune. And if you like dogs, 2018 is a good year to get or adopt a dog.  

Wishing everyone Happy Chinese New Year 
 and a very prosperous Year of the Earth Dog! -  Dominique

 

 恭喜發財 

Dominique Allmon©2018 

Image: Year of the Dog Greeting Cards designed by James W. Allmon

Happy Year of the Fire Rooster!

In Chinese lunar calendar year 2017 is a year of the Fire Rooster. It begins on January 28, 2017 and ends on February 15, 2018. 

Rooster is one of the twelve animals in the Chinese zodiac. Chinese Buddhists tell the story of a feast given by the Buddha. They believe that rooster was the tenth animal to arrive at the feast.

A probably much older story talks about the legendary Jade Emperor who wished to select twelve animals as his guards. He sent an Immortal down to Earth with a message that whichever animal came first through the Heavenly Gate his rank will be the highest. And so, twelve animals rushed to serve the Jade Emperor and the rooster arrived right after the monkey as the tenth in a raw. 

In Chinese astrology zodiac signs are combined with the Taoist theory of Five Elements. Each animal sign appears every twelve years, but only every sixty years in each of its aspects. Metal, water, wood, fire, and earth determine a special quality of each animal. The current cycle is dominated by the fire element, thus the Fire Rooster. Celebrate as much as you can! The Rooster will be back in twelve years, but the next Fire Rooster will appear in 2077!

The Chinese believe that both, the zodiac signs and the elements affect destiny and personality of a person born under them. The quality of the year to come also depends on this combination. 

Roosters are believed to be hardworking, courageous, and very resourceful. They thrive in the company of others and enjoy to be in the center of attention. People born in the year of the Fire Rooster are considered to have a strong sense of duty and responsibility, and are trustworthy. They make good public servants. 

Interestingly, the rooster years are considered unlucky for the people born in the year of a rooster. Destiny of everybody else in the rooster year depends on their own birth year and how their personal zodiac animal interacts with the rooster. These predictions are often very complex and involve an astrologer or geomancer who would make proper calculations and create individual horoscopes. 

In Chinese astrology rooster is a very lucky sign that is associated with punctuality, competitiveness, bravery, and prosperity. 

In an ancient commentary to the Book of Songs dating back to the Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220 AD) rooster had five virtues: literature, military prowess, courage, benevolence, and trustworthiness. These virtues will determine the quality of the year to come. The fire element adds a little urgency to the mix. Fire destroys the old, creates the new. It brings warmth and illumination (light), energy and clarity.

2017 will be a year of creativity and prosperity. With the inauguration of a new president, America will restore its military prowess and trustworthiness. People that have been forgotten or neglected by the previous administrations (ex. the Veterans) will experience a new wave of benevolence. 

If you want to succeed in 2017, you have to be diligent, courageous, and inventive. Like a rooster, you will have to wake up early and do your chores. Your prosperity will not come overnight, but your work will bring fruit that you will eventually be able to enjoy.

Wishing everyone Happy Chinese New Year

and a very prosperous Year of the Fire Rooster! - Dominique


恭喜發財

By Dominique Allmon

 

Dominique Allmon©2017

Happy Year of the Monkey!

In Chinese calendar, year 2016 is a Year of the Fire Monkey. It begins on February 8 and ends on January 27, 2017.  

Monkey in one of the twelve animals in the Chinese zodiac. According to a story told by the Chinese Buddhists, monkey was the ninth animal that arrived to a feast given by the Buddha.

The Chinese astrologers assign zodiac signs to the Five Elements: metal, water, wood, fire and earth.  The zodiac sign returns every twelve years, but a particular combination of the zodiac sign and the element occurs only every sixty years. This means that the next Fire Monkey will be celebrated in 2076! 

People born in a year of the Fire Monkey are considered ambitious and adventurous, but quick tempered and impatient. Because of their perfectionism, people born in the monkey years may be a little insecure and destructive.  

Interestingly, monkey years are believed to be very unlucky for the people born in a year of the monkey. For everybody else, astrological predictions depend on their year of birth and how their zodiac animal relates to monkey.

Monkeys are considered to be smart and vigilant, but also very playful and even mischievous, so prepare yourself for a very interesting and somewhat unpredictable year. Fortunes could be made easily, but they could disappear as quickly as they were made. Think twice before you make a financial or a business decision and plan carefully.

Monkey can help you revive friendships and add some spark to your love relationship, but it can also bring quarrels and disputes. Fire monkey may add fuel to old feuds, but since the fire element stands for passion, this may be a year of love and emotional fulfillment.

Take good care of your health, but have as much fun as possible. Travel, read, create, but most of all, be curious and inventive.  

Wishing everyone Happy Chinese New Year 

and a very prosperous Year of the Fire Monkey! 

Dominique 

 

新 年 快 樂 ! 

By Dominique Allmon

Dominique Allmon©2016

Year of the Monkey mug designed by James W. Allmon
 

Happy Year of the Sheep!

February 19, 2015 - February 7, 2016

On February 19, 2015 Chinese people all over the world celebrate the beginning of the Year of the Sheep. In this cycle the sheep is associated with the wood element.

Sheep (Yáng) is the eighth animal in the Chinese zodiac. The Chinese ideogram for sheep also stands for goat and ram. This is why the the Year of the Sheep is also called the Year of the Goat or the Year of the Ram.

Chinese astrologers predict a rather quiet and prosperous year since sheep is generally associated with feminine energy, harmony, tranquility, and balance. The number eight is in itself symbol of luck and prosperity. 

Year of the Sheep is a perfect time for love and passion, art and beauty, creativity, abundance and prosperity. This is also the time for introspection and the time to break free from negativity. If you feel stuck, you will be able to finally resolve your problems. You may need the support of others, but be aware of unhealthy dependency. Explore your connections (guanxi), but use your judgment. Get rid of everything that prevents you from growth, happiness and fulfillment. 

 

Since this year is also associated with the wood element, astrologers predict a year of growth and renewal. This is a good news for all people trying to make it in business. Growth and stability are badly needed after a capricious and unpredictable Year of the Horse. Focus on your goal and your hard work will be rewarded.  

 

The Year of the Sheep is a good year for gardening, for travel and exploration, for creativity and restoration. Use your time wisely. 

 

新 年 快 樂 !

 

Wishing everyone a very happy and prosperous Year of the Sheep! - Dominique 

 

By Dominique Allmon

 

Dominique Allmon©2015

Happy Year of the Horse!

Year 2014 is a Year of the Wooden Horse. In the Chinese zodiac horse is a powerful animal. 

In the past horse was a status symbol in the Middle Kingdom. No other animal affected its history as much as the horse. China's military prowess was measured by the number of war chariots. As the Chinese Empire expanded, horses became essential in the defense, administration and control of its vast territory.

Horses were first domesticated in the north-eastern part of China some 5,000 years ago and were used in warfare and to provide swift and comfortable transportation for the imperial court and the nobles. With the growing military significance of the horse in the Han (206 B.C. - 220 A.D.) and Tang Dynasties (618- 907) horse was also used in many recreational activities that included hunting, dancing dressage and polo.

Since domestic breading was rather difficult, for centuries horses were regarded more as a luxury and were never used as farm animals. Less affluent people traveled on oxes or in ox-drawn carts and used oxes as work animals.

In the Chinese culture horse not only symbolizes travel and mobility, but is also regarded as a sign of quick success or "arrival." Yet, if not handled properly, horse may become wild and frivolous. This means that the Year of the Horse may bring you a lot of success, but you have to hold the reins and steer it into a right direction. The wood element makes the horse a bit more stable and manageable: wooden horse becomes a more steady force that will definitively get you to your destination. It will not get distracted and carried away as easily, but it will be flexible enough if you need to change directions quickly. 

新 年 快 樂 !

Wishing everyone a very happy and successful Year of the Horse ~ Dominique 

 

 

By Dominique Allmon

 

Dominique Allmon©2014

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