norm” that is required of us.  We see this in the business world where everyone has the same opinion and wears a uniform.  This can even build to the extreme at which point people begin to resemble each other in their choice of hair colour, style and overall look. Many people feel comfortable and content fitting into the norm.  It affords them a sense of family and community.  Some people may have the same need to live in herds as some animals do.  I would guess it is for the love one feels and the sense of belonging that can be found in the comfort of the numbers.  Alternatively, is it because some are worried about being alone or stepping out of the society’s norm, not fitting in or being popular?  Can we all live in peace and harmony in our herd? Thinking about this, another aspect would be to look at whether one wants to be a part of the herd.  Is the idea of being “herded” too constricting?  What if you are not a follower, as opposed to a leader or a pioneer?  Maybe this year, you will find yourself wondering whether you want to be a part of a herd or not. Is there a desire to follow your own path?  Having the drive to break away from the herd can cause friction.  Others may not understand your desire to branch out.  They may want you to stay out of the sense of protection in numbers, or for their own selfish reasons. These animals are comfortable following the herd, unless, of course, the herd is put in danger and it becomes necessary to stand our ground to protect the herd.  This need to protect can result in a few individuals butting heads as we sometimes do.  Also, when one ram feels their heart is in danger, then they can get defensive just like humans.  In regards to this being the year of the Sheep, I wonder if at times people will be butting heads, so to speak, due to conflicts. Often times though, we recognize that some of us may not fit into the norm (herd).  They may feel like the black sheep, the outsider.  Sure, we have all felt like a black sheep in some way in our lives.  I know I often have.  I have always been different; I like to call it “unique.” I would rather be Unique than what is considered the norm.  In fact, I don’t like to put on uniforms.  As far as feeling the need to be a part of a group, I like being alone, so the need isn’t there to conform.  However, I do like to socialize.  Saying this, I can get along with others in group settings while keeping my own sense of self intact. We do, however, need to get along with each other in order to live in harmony on this Earth.  The sheep can remind us of the importance of getting along by accepting one another as we are and not trying to pressure others into conformity. This brings to mind the tarot card I discussed in January…the Strength card… portraying a woman taming a lion.  The lion is symbolic of the beast or our “ego.”  Perhaps thinking about this card as well will help remind us to have patience and to be calm so that we can counteract the butting of heads.  Therefore, one does not react in a negative or violent way. You may have a yearning to do something different; to adventure out on your own path. Do you feel that desire?  Maybe you have hesitated, because you wanted to fit in.  As a result, you remain where you are and do not honour yourself, even though you know the most important thing is not to sacrifice yourself.  Instead, fully accept who you are and follow your heart. Sheep can help us come to a state of self-acceptance and compassion for ourselves and others.  This animal has a tendency to be timid, which can create weaknesses and limitations.  Accepting our weaknesses can help us move past the limitations we create for our ego.  Honour who you are – fully and completely.  And, in doing so, embrace all and have the compassion to pursue your dream.  Taking this step can make us feel like a lamb.  When we think of a lamb, we visualize this innocent, gentle, lively animal springing around enjoying life.  Experiencing life for the first time met with happiness and exhilaration.  Are you ready to leap for joy? By looking at the symbolism of this Chinese New Year and remembering the tarot card for 2015, we can see many insights and messages for this approaching year.  Another interesting fact is the synchronicity of 2015 and the zodiac for Chinese New Year. Both have the numeral 8 in common.  The eight seems to be a very important number for the year ahead.  Eight is very lucky in Chinese symbolism. It seems like, if we muster the courage to fully accept ourselves and have unthinking conformity towards our dream, even if it works against the “norm,” while doing so, still have compassion for other’s wants or differences in order to live in harmony.  We can have a very prosperous year.  Not baaaaaad!  Or are you just happy to be a sheep? Views:]]>