Nature doesn’t work in straight lines, so the Fire Rooster doesn’t end suddenly and the Earth Dog Year begin like a door closing on a spring. However most Chinese Grand Masters agree that sometime between Feb 4th  and Feb 16th we enter the Year of the Earth Dog. It’s a gradual change but one we can all feel if we pay attention, as the influences upon us subtly alter.

Here are a few brief words about how this year may be for you. Bear in mind that no astrological analysis is written in stone and that a professional ba zi reading considers the Animals of the Month, Hour and Day as well as Year.

The Dog’s closest associate and “secret friend” is the Rabbit. Many Masters recommend a Rabbit amulet this year to enlist the assistance of the Dog – for all except Roosters (1945, 57,69,81,93) who should carry a Snake. The Rooster technically “harms” the Dog; beware the repercussions of ill-considered criticism.

When Rabbit meets Dog there is Fire which implies pole position for Rabbits (1951,63,75,87,99) but also a risk of over-reaching. Know when to pull back and when to advance. The Dog (1946,58,70,82,94) himself is said to “offend”. Watch your step! And let Fire Dog Donald Trump know.

The Dog’s favoured partners are Horse (1942, 54, 66, 78, 90) and Tiger (1950, 62, 74, 86, 98). Again when these three meet, Fire is produced. So the Horse who can be hasty will be spoiled for opportunities and should choose with care. Similarly the patient Tiger will be presented with ready prey; best to look before leaping.

The Dragon (1940, 52, 64, 76, 88) is “challenged” by the Dog. Which is not necessarily negative. Expect demanding tasks that are reward completion. Dragon magic is also the solution to one of the year’s puzzles, the so-called “Bullying Punishment” when Sheep (1943, 55, 67, 79, 91) and Ox (1949, 61, 73, 85 97) find themselves repeatedly feeling victimised, ganged up on or otherwise interfered with. Most prevalent in the Sheep month of July.

Monkey (1944, 56, 68, 80, 92) and Rat (1948, 60, 72, 84, 96) both being 30˚ removed from the Dog and members of the Water Triad have sharp learning curves as they seek appropriate methods of expression.

The Pig (1947, 59, 71, 83, 95) has a further year of preparation before facing the challenges of 2019 that may lead to pinnacles as yet unconceived. Your nemesis the Snake (1941, 53, 65, 77, 89) may shed a skin finally and discover their true self.

Richard Ashworth ©2018