2017: Year of the Fire Rooster

Cock-a-doddle-doo, it’s time to rise and shine on the chilly midwinter morning of January 28, 2017 and welcome the enthusiastic Fire Rooster. This beautiful multi-colored (and multi-faceted) bird has come to light our way in the year ahead. That year is 4716, according to the ancient Chinese planting and harvesting calendar.

The Chinese New Year is a lunar holiday occuring annually on the second new moon after the Winter Solstice. It’s celebrated in China, Japan, Korea and Vietnam. Chinese New Year marks the official beginning of Spring, a time to honor heaven and earth, God and ancestors. The two-week celebration culminates in the Festival of the Lanterns, with parades of lion dancers that move to the beat of drums and the crackle of firecrackers. Evolving from a simple ritual to chase away evil spirits and bring in the good fortune of the year, lion dancing is now a sport seen around the world.

In the Chinese zodiac, the Rooster is the 10th sign in the 12-year cycle and is combined with the element of fire. Fire Rooster years—1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005 and  2017—are characterized as a time to look onward and upward, with righteousness, perseverance and transparency.

The feisty, tough and resilient Rooster creates an awakening where the voices of the downtrodden will be heard, and hard work will be rewarded. During the coming year, affairs will be spirited, events spontaneous and romance will be in the air. Rooster is also known as the “peach blossom,” the succulent flower that becomes the fruit of love.

The Rooster is driven by ambition and status, so this is the year for climbing the ladder of your chosen profession. If you’ve been involved in a long-term work project, the Rooster’s determination will assist you with the completion this year, and recognition and a raise are sure to follow.

Humility doesn’t play well in 2017; rather, it’s a time to be the “cock of the walk.” You can strut your stuff by displaying diplomas, awards and acknowledgements around your office or on your website. Dressing for success is also part of a winning strategy.

The management of finances is top priority in 2017. If you have found that your budget has fallen by the wayside in the last several years, recommit and create a plan now. It’s time to really understand how much money comes your way and where you’re spending it. Seek out financial advice about the future, open an IRA or a Health Savings Account and empower yourself with the tools and understanding of how money grows. Even if you’re living paycheck to paycheck, you, like the Vietnamese metaphor for the Rooster, “have the strength in your beak and claws to find a worm in the desert” this year.

Rooster people

Children born in fire Rooster years are believed to have a smooth life that is supported by others. They are intelligent and have a strong appetite for knowledge and an adventurous streak that best manifests in sports and drama.

While outwardly appearing strong-willed and energetic, inside they are oftentimes worried. They may keep their innermost feelings a secret. They are not afraid, however, of calling a spade and spade, and are not easily tricked.

Their emotions tend to run black and white, with little room for gray areas. As they don’t mince words, they are not the easiest people to have a relationship with.

However, they will be there for a friend in need at the drop of a hat. The uncompromising Rooster is generous and loyal to friends and loved ones and, under a tough exterior, has a heart forged of gold.

Roosters are fashion forward and are unafraid to create their own unique style. They thrive on the admiring glances of others and want the best when it comes to material things.

Roosters can be vain,  boastful and hypercritical of everything and everyone around them, including themselves, as well as inflexible with beliefs and opinions. When it comes to money, Roosters are prudent and careful. They are brilliant managers of other people’s money and give sound advice that people can trust.

Above everything, Roosters want to be successful. It might take them a while to reach their goals, but they will likely succeed.

Rooster people are born organizers and like their home to be refined and elegant. Bank accounts will be balanced and documents properly filed. When it comes to making decisions, Roosters prefer to know all the facts and will then carefully consider all sides before coming to a conclusion.

Roosters may touch great heights and low depths during their lives, going from rags to riches, from ideal love to the most sordid of emotional entanglements. Old age will be a happy time. Roosters benefit in their lives from relationships with Ox, Snake and Dragon and are antagonized by Rabbit, Dog and Tiger.

Rise & shine!

 

1. Organize your home and office. Declutter and clean out closets, drawers and cabinets. Rearrange the furniture in the main rooms to create an environment conductive to flow and effectiveness.
2. Get on top of your schedule by prioritizing your time, delegating tasks and focusing on your goals.
3. Create a monthly budget that tracks your income and expenditures. Be sure to add monthly to your “nest egg.”
4. Update your wardrobe. Bold colors and eye-catching accessories are very “Rooster.”
5. Broaden your horizons with live entertainment by local theater groups or treat yourself to a touring Broadway performance.
6. Get in touch with your inner foodie by routinely trying new (locally owned) restaurants.
7. Enhance your cooking skills—take a cooking class.
8. Roosters like to shop. Keep it local if you can.
9. Plan a vacation to the middle of nowhere, where you can hike, sit by a babbling brook or cloudwatch, Rooster’s favorite passtimes.
10. Don’t wait for vacations—get outside now!
11. Romance is in the air. You may write (and/or receive) a love communication.
12. Be loyal in your friendships this year; keep your promises and your word.

Learn more from feng shui master Valerie Litchfield on Saturday, January 14, 11am-2pm: 2017, The Year of the Fire Rooster—Forecast and Annual Feng Shui Update, at Dave’s Health & Nutrition, 880 E. 3900 South, SLC. RSVP: Valerie Litchfield, 801.913.9018.

Predictions

In Chinese metaphysics, five elements influence the energetics of the year along with the animal signs. The elements of water, wood, fire, earth and metal are either yin or yang. In 2017, the element influencing the Rooster is yin fire.

Fire is extremely powerful and can’t exist itself—it must be created and supported. The flickering flame of a candle, a small fire, represents emotion. It must be kept in check at all times. Like the Chinese saying—“a spark of fire can burn down the field”—emotions can get out of control. Yin fire is associated with fire disasters and explosions. When it energizes the Rooster—a fighter and the symbol of the military—it could bring war.

Yin fire also symbolizes optimism, public life and shining success. It will be the driving force behind gains in the stock market and the upward movement of the economy. Confidence to buy will be particularly strong in spring and summer, when the candle’s flame gains the seasonal support of wood element. As the candle burns down toward fall, the markets will weaken and could even be extinguished by winter. Industries related to fire, such as energy, solar panels, the stock market and finance will do well this year.

The Rooster brings glamour and entertainment, particularly to people born in the year of Monkey, Rat or Dragon. Yin fire also relates to the kitchen and cooking, bringing attention and prosperity to restaurants and food-related  businesses.

2017 will bring further advancements in technology, medicine and human rights. The first satellites Sputnik 1 and 2 were launched by the Soviet Union while at the same time the USA sent Explorer 1 into orbit. The United Nations was formed in the Rooster year of 1945 with the purpose of promoting and encouraging respect for human rights and for fundamental freedoms for all without distinction as to race, sex, language or religion. That year  the laser was invented, the electron discovered and aspirin was first introduced as medicine.

Due to the Rooster’s determined nature, diet and exercise will meet with success in 2017. Fitness and yoga centers will be unusually busy. But yin fire in the chart could lead to heart and breathing problems; take extra good care of your immune system. Yin fire also brings a renewed interest in energy healing techniques, such as craniosacral therapy, Reiki and acupuncture.

Animal Horoscopes

Rat (1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008)

Exciting times and good news are ahead for the Rat in 2017. Rooster years bring a heightened self-confidence to the Rat that contributes to their status and success. Rats will experience the greatest amount of luck of all the signs of the Chinese Zodiac this year. Set your dreams and goals high, watch for opportunities and act on them. New paths will open for you that bring major changes to your life-style. Ben Affleck, Jimmy Carter, Eckhart Tolle, Neil Gaiman

Ox (1925, 1937, 1949, 961,1973 1985, 1997, 2009)

Oxen are blessed with “peach blossom” or love luck that brings harmony to all relationships. Opportunities will present themselves for new friendships, and perhaps a new love interest. Peach blossom also positively affects studies and the acquiring of new or advanced skills. Oxen are supported by their secret friend the Rat, whose fortunes in 2017 are at an all-time high. Accept new challenges in 2017 as they could potentially create the career you’ve been waiting for. Barack Obama, Robert Redford, Lady Diana

Tiger (1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010)

Pleasant relationships with friends and family are in store for you this year, as well as the ability to network. This is the time to create your own projects, seek out new ventures or gain higher education. Believe in yourself and take advantage of what comes along rather than holding back. You will emerge triumphant in most occasions. Fidel Castro, Marilynn Monroe, Lady Gaga, Allen Ginsberg

Rabbit (1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011)

An excellent and transformational year awaits the Rabbit in 2017, as they experience effortless success. Stay alert to doors that could open quickly: Think things over, but then act. Seek the things you desire. Spending time with loved ones, taking care of yourself and carving out time for your personal life will make this a fun and successful year. Albert Einstein, Sting, Jamie Oliver, Johnny Depp

Dragon (1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012)

Feng Shui 2017 forecast indicates roadblocks and heightened competition for Dragons. But the Rooster, your secret friend, will be there to support you in achieving a great deal of success, possibly in an unexpected way. Your past efforts will pay off. When things aren’t moving as smoothly or quickly as you’d like, stay strong and don’t give up. Plan your moves, stay optimistic and call upon your sense of humor to carry you through. John Lennon, Maya Angelou, Vladimir Putin, Marianne Williamson

Snake (1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013)

2017 looks quite exciting for the Snake. Short and long-term luck is promised this year, with success coming little by little, Make plans and lay groundwork now to complete projects that may take time to achieve. New doors will open and there is much that is fresh and promising ahead. Sacrifices and adjustments may need to be made but this is easy for you to work through. John F. Kennedy, JK Rowling, Bernie Sanders, Albert Hofmann, Bob Dylan

Horse (1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014)

Patience and determination are needed Focus on longterm success—avoid the risks that come with trying to be an overnight success. Lying low in the first few months of the year will help you avoid danger. Once spring arrives, things begin to turn around. That is the time to make plans and begin projects. Oprah Winfrey, Sonia Sotomayor, Jerry Seinfeld, Richard Feynman, Nelson Mandela

Sheep (1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2015)

Small but continued success comes your way this year. If you are starting a new venture or have recently changed jobs, it will take effort to make the inroads you desire. Sheep are naturally trusting but this is not the year for that. Be alert to threats of robbery, betrayal and people with bad intentions. Be careful who you trust! Whoopi Goldberg, Steve Jobs, Ram Dass, Barbara Kingsolver, Joni Mitchell

Monkey (1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016)

Monkey will have an average year. Work efforts will be noticed and appreciated and a promotion is possible. A highlight of the year will be your ability to succeed under a difficult circumstance such as a health issue. There is the possibility of being tricked into a bad business dealing. Study opportunities that come your way and follow your instincts. Avoid major decisions this year. Elizabeth Taylor, George Lucas, Charles Bukowski, Colette

Rooster (1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005)

The Rooster will experience its own year in good and bad ways. Success may be wonderful but the road to getting where you want to be may be long and difficult. A jealous or competitive co-worker may try to interfere with your success. Trust your instincts, stay upbeat and control your temper. There will be some interesting events ahead for you this year, including a new love interest. Yoko Ono, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Brigham Young, Neil Young, Benjamin Franklin

Dog (1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006)

While there are signs of success for Dogs in 2017, it may not come about in the usual ways. You will look beyond the quest for money and success, and focus inward to a more spiritual life, one of creating joy and happiness. You may lose a bit of your competitive edge, but it won’t seem to be as important to you. Relationships will blossom as you appreciate more fully your friends and family. Donald Trump, Madonna, Jane Goodall, Cher

Pig (1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007)

2017 could be a banner year for Pigs. You’ll feel strong and ready to take on the world. Challenges will be overcome. This could be a year to receive a promotion or more responsibilities. Hard work will further enhance your opportunities. Relationships look to be excellent; this could be the year for Pigs to settle down. Little can stop you if you put your mind to it this year. Hillary Clinton, Elvis Presley, HH Dalai Lama, Deepok Chopra, Mary Oliver