Happy Chinese New Year 2019 – Year of the Golden Earth Pig

Feb 5th. is the Chinese New Year 4,716; Year of the Earth Pig (or boar) according to the Chinese zodiac. Chinese culture, philosophy, medicine, and the Chinese Zodiac have been around for a very long time indeed!

Astrology and zodiac calendars may seem archaic in this age of science, however, the archetypes and collective wisdom of these traditions can be used to enhance our daily living and our wellbeing.

What can the Earth Pig teach us?

In Chinese astrology, the pig embodies the life-lover archetype.

The pig is:

• generous
• optimistic
• personable
• considerate
• polite

When these qualities are in harmony, the pig enjoys simplicity, the company of others, and cultivated friendships.

The pig is said to have a pure heart and is honest. His credibility allows for bringing others together.

And best of all, because of these attributes, the pig attracts success in all aspects of life. Who doesn’t want a little bit of that?

Keeping these qualities in harmony is a dynamic process and too much of a good thing can actually become a bad thing; a little balance and restraint are needed for the best outcome.

Generous giving feels light and joyful. Over-giving feels burdensome because it is a one-way flow of energy and can lead to feelings of emptiness. Being able to receive is an important aspect of generosity.

While there is nothing wrong with being positive and believing that good things will happen, too much optimism can cause you to ignore warning signs of trouble and to deny the potential negative consequences you’re facing.

Have you ever been around someone who is just a bit too bubbly and personable? It gets annoying and they are often perceived as insincere. And if someone is overly considerate the receiver can feel smothered by the over-the-top attention.

Politeness can also be a double-edged sword. Being too polite can put one at risk of putting others needs before your own.

If these character traits are in excess it is easy for one to be perceived as weak or taken for granted and even taken advantage of.

You don’t need to be born under the sign of the pig in order to benefit from a balanced emotional state. The pig archetype can be useful to everyone. Attaining and sustaining balance is a dynamic process!

Chinese New Year is about looking forward to new beginnings, forgetting the past and embracing the future. Tradition calls for a thorough house cleaning before the New Year begins to clear the way for a fresh start. My wish is that you use the days before the Chinese New Year to do a self-check-up and if something has shifted, is holding you back from being the person you want to be—then make the adjustment to bring your self-image in alignment with your values. Making small adjustments can have huge results.

Happy Chinese New Year!
May the coming year be all that you wish for!

~ Natalie