This year most of the world in one way or another either celebrated , or was at least aware of, Chinese New Year on February 19th.

The celebration usually lasts several days, and in some areas can last an entire week.

There is some discrepancy, especially in the west, whether, this is the year of the Goat, Sheep or Ram. You will hear different names used in conversation, and most likely in advertisements, trying to entice you into their stores.

Yang, is the Chinese word, and its closest western translation would be Goat. On the mainland of China, people will say this is the year of the Goat, and historically the character meant “Goat”.

What can we expect for this year?

Master Zhongxian Wu states:

“Goats give you gentle and peaceful feelings when they chew grass with a slow, grinding motion. Yet they move with great speed and agility when navigating their way through rough, rocky, mountainous areas. They have strong horns and are always ready to defeat their enemies.

Goat is the eighth animal symbol in the 12 Chinese Animals System.

We use Wei 未 to represent the Goat symbol in the 12 Earthly Branches.

Wei is a symbol for the 13:00–14:59 time of day, and for the sixth month in the Chinese Lunar-Solar calendar (which is approximately July 7 to August 8 in the Gregorian solar calendar).

Wei represents the napping time of day and the third summer month when nature is in its ripest season. It is a time or a place where Yang energy (life energy) continues its decline and when the life cycle becomes more mellow. We use the tidal hexagram Dun 遁 ䷠ to symbolize the Goat.”

He cautions those who are prone to lung and digestive trouble, to be extra vigilant and disciplined with their internal exercises.

Lets look at two prior Wood Goat years.

Sometimes, the best way to get an understanding of current conditions is to examine the past and make note of any correlations.

Major events of 1955 (www.historycentral.com):

• Germany becomes a member of NATO
• Vienna Treaty restores Austrian independence
• Geneva summit
• First McDonald’s restaurant opens
• Military coup ousts Peron
• Mirage unveiled
• U-2 tested
• Rosa Parks refuses to give up seat
• Mary McLeod Bethune Dies
• Fidel Castro starts the 26th of July Movement
• US military intervention in Iran
• Great Britain declares State of Emergency due to National Rail Strike
• The Soviet Union and its Eastern Bloc allies sign the Warsaw Pact
• The United States begins its involvement in the Vietnam conflict.

Major events of 1895 (www.worldhistoryproject.org):

• Winston Churchill visits Cuba
• Frederick Douglas dies
• Oscar Wilde Brings Libel Charges Against the Marquess of Queensberry
• Oscar Wilde is Sentenced to Two Years Hard Labor
• Booker T. Washington Delivers His “Atlanta Compromise” Speech

Looking at the last two Wood Goat years we see the potential for peaceful negotiations, however, these were also years either leading up to or the beginnings of revolution and political turmoil. Economically, Goat years tend to be lean, and it is a good time to focus on minimizing ones budget, and increasing savings as much as possible. 1895 was the middle of the 1893-1898 depression, and 1955 saw the rise of “consumerism”, massive increase in personal debt and deflation.

Regardless of what happens in the world this year, make sure you focus on your internal cultivation, remaining calm and balanced, as well as, strengthening your body, mind and spirit.

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