9 February 2005 to 28 January 2006
Dog 29 January 2006 to 17 February 2007
Pig 18 February 2007 to 6 February 2008
Rat 7 February 2008 to 25 January 2009
Ox 26 January 2009 to 13 February 2010
Tiger 14 February 2010 to 2 February 2011
Rabbit 3 February 2011 to 22 January 2012
Dragon 23 January 2012 to 9 February 2013
Snake 10 February 2013 to 30 January 2014
Horse 31 January 2014 to 18 February 2015
Goat 19 February 2015 to 7 February 2016
Monkey 8 February 2016 to 27 January 2017
Rooster 28 January 2017 to 15 February 2018
Note
The names of the signs in the Chinese zodiac occasionally differ, although the characteristics of the signs remain the same. In some books the Ox is referred to as the Buffalo or Bull, the Rabbit as the Hare or Cat, the Goat as the Sheep and the Pig as the Boar.
For the sake of convenience, the male gender is used throughout this book. Unless otherwise stated, the characteristics of the signs apply to both sexes.
Welcome to the Year of the Rooster
With his shrill cock-a-doodle-do, proud strutting and distinctive plumage, the Rooster is an impressive bird. He commands attention and, with his beady eyes, is always alert and summing up situations. And his vigilant nature will be seen in his own year.
The Year of the Rooster promises much, but above all it calls for effort and hard work. Those who slack could feel the effects of the Rooster’s beak! Roosters have high standards and over the year important progress will be made.
On the international stage there could be much posturing and flexing of military muscle. As a result there could be periods of tension in some areas, especially where there is a power vacuum or a strong surge of nationalism, but a lot of the posturing of the Rooster year is just for show and in many instances agreements will be brokered and tensions eased.
A further feature of the year will be the increasing voice of some minorities. Long-standing resentment can surface and in some instances sweep away established orders. Some of the year will be unsettling and its effects – including on some national borders – far-reaching.
Early in 2017 the newly elected American president will take office and be quick to exert their authority. Not only will they be keen to start on their own legislative programme but also eager to make their mark on American foreign policy. International developments early on in the Rooster year could lead to swift responses and set the tenor of the new administration. In addition, the Rooster year will see much dialogue between world leaders, with key issues being addressed, especially ones relating to global security, environmental concerns and trade. Some landmark treaties will be signed and their effect can be considerable.
Within many nation states there will also be much internal dialogue and many decisions concerning policies and future directions. Rooster years can see much soul-searching and this process can be hastened by several prominent leaders standing aside.
With the world stage seeing times of uncertainty, the financial markets will be jittery and speculators will need to be on their guard. This is no year for ‘easy money’ or ‘get rich quick’ strategies. Instead, hard work will be the order of the day, although important growth will be seen during the year. With the Rooster priding himself on his appearance, the fashion industry could be especially buoyant, with new styles coming to the fore. Tourism and the fitness industry are also set to fare well. In addition, the internet will continue to influence the lives of many, as well as shape commerce. Interestingly, it was the last Rooster year, 2005, that saw the launch of YouTube, the channel that has given a platform and voice to so many. Further technological advances will be made this year and they are set to become very influential.
Rooster years can also be marked by some splendid achievements, which are often the culmination of many years of effort and planning. It was in previous Rooster years that man first stepped onto the moon and Concorde made its first supersonic flight. Other historic advances can be expected this year, with new discoveries in space likely to be particularly exciting.
Rooster years also favour spectacle and the British royal family will play its part. Previous Rooster years have seen the splendours of Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee, the pageantry surrounding the Investiture of Prince Charles as Prince of Wales and, in 1981, his marriage to Lady Diana Spencer, an event which had an estimated worldwide audience of 1,000 million viewers and listeners, or almost a quarter of the world’s population. This Rooster year will again witness some historic and regal events.
The turbulent weather patterns seen in previous years unfortunately show no signs of abating. It was in the last Rooster year that one of the deadliest hurricanes ever seen, Katrina, wreaked havoc in the United States, causing an estimated US$108 billion worth of damage. While it is hoped that this year will be free from such disasters, there could be several major catastrophes, including some man-made ones.
For the individual, the Rooster year brings some good opportunities but it does require application. This is no time to be half-hearted or trust to luck. It is effort and willingness to strive hard that will bring results. And these will be all the more deserved. As the Chinese proverb reminds us, ‘Diligence leads to riches,’ and diligence can produce some good rewards this year.
The Rooster has often been said to possess the five Chinese virtues: his crown, which resembles a cap of authority, symbolizes his authority (propriety) and literary prowess (wisdom); his spur represents the military and therefore his courage in standing up for himself (righteousness); his tendency to share food shows his benevolence; and his early morning crowing is a sign of reliability and trustworthiness (fidelity). The Rooster is all this and more. He is a fine bird and a resolute one. And his influence on his own year can be considerable. It may not always be an easy year, but it will be dynamic and eventful. It is a time for effort, hard work and making things happen.
Give this year your best and I hope your efforts reward you well.
5 February 1924 to 23 January 1925 — Wood Rat
24 January 1936 to 10 February 1937 — Fire Rat
10 February 1948 to 28 January 1949 — Earth Rat
28 January 1960 to 14 February 1961 — Metal Rat
15 February 1972 to 2 February 1973 — Water Rat
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