Prepare for the year of the Red Fire Monkey. February 8, 2016 is the lunar New Year for those who follow eastern astrology.  Just so you know, most of the world follows the eastern method of astrology.  It is based on the position of the Moon in one’s planetary placements, rather than the Sun, which western astrology relies on. Eastern astrology provides more accurate planetary placements mathematically. February 8^th 2016 is the first day of spring, renewal, newness and fresh beginnings.  The date changes each year because it is based on the moon’s journey through the twelve signs. Converting one’s western chart to eastern doesn’t work out very well.  It is better to allow each system to remain intact.  If you are interested and wish to get a bird’s eye view of the differences, you can back each of your planets up 23 degrees. Only the first eight planets are used in the eastern system. The outer planets are considered too far removed to have a personal influence. I recall living in the snow belt of western New York State and looking forward to Valentine’s Day because it made me think of spring.  I knew the calendar disagreed with me, but it felt right anyway.  Learning about eastern astrology helped me gain insight into the feeling I would experience each February. The Year of the Red Fire Monkey comes to us from the Chinese belief that the tendencies of people born during a certain year are easily represented by one of the twelve animals of the zodiac. 2016 is the year of the Monkey and people born in this year are expected to have very good wit, charm and intelligence. Monkeys use their skills to bring success and prosperity.  Others are alerted to the craftiness of these people and are then able to take steps to protect themselves from being outwitted by the crafty Monkeys in their lives. Red Fire are additional indications of how people born during the year will be; as well as what the overall tendencies of the year will present for all of us. Red is the color for greatest luck in the coming year. Use it around your home or business to attract luck.  Wear it when you are seeking to improve your life with the assistance of others. Fire is an element of death, rebirth, transformation, warmth and purification.  Fire destroys one form to permit the new one to replace the old outgrown one. Phoenix Rising from its ashes with a red comb on its’ head is the visual image I get when seeking an all- encompassing symbol to represent this New Year.  Search out the items, projects and relationships that no longer service the good purposes they once did.  Release what you have outgrown.  Make space for the new more energetic people, ideas and opportunities to enter your life and take root for the future. Courage is always called for, especially this year.  The confidence that comes with the color red, element fire and zodiac monkey can only operate fully when a person permits courage to lead them into the best possible situations. The traditional lunar New Year celebrations last two weeks.  You can practice getting into the new energy cycle during that time.  In the meantime, begin to prepare yourself for new exciting adventures and relationships. Views:]]>