A sense of optimism and generosity are in the air as we welcome the Year of the Earth Pig.
February 5, 2019 marks a time to “eat, drink and be merry,” as the party Pig arrives to bestow upon us many sensual delights. The influence of this jovial character will attract success to all 12 signs of Chinese Zodiac, inviting them to relax and indulge.
The annual celebration of the Chinese New Year is based upon the Hsia Lunar Farm Calendar that has been kept for 4,718 years. The new year begins on the second new moon after the winter solstice and is celebrated with festive foods: a whole fish, symbolizing good fortune; fat choy, a thin noodle like vegetable thought to bring prosperity; and long noodles for longevity. Lion dances performed by martial artists fill the streets along with the sharp popping sounds of firecrackers. The two-week celebration culminates with the Festival of Lanterns on or near the full moon.
Prior to New Year’s Day, houses and businesses are swept clean in a ritualistic fashion; discarded, as well, is the old energy from the previous year. A bowl of mandarin oranges placed near the front door encourages fresh energy to enter. Mandarin oranges symbolize chunks of gold and are thought to invite money luck. Those wanting to grow their business position a budding plant in their office. As the blossoms open, it’s believed, the year will bloom with prosperity. Likewise, a Pig figurine near the entry of one’s home or office invites the festive mood and good fortune of the year.
There is a complexity to the ancient Chinese calendar that makes figuring out the energetics of the year a bit complicated. The first dimension is the polarity: Each year is either yin or yang, large or small, male or female. The second dimension is the element from nature: water, wood, fire, earth or metal. 2019 is a Yin Earth Pig year.
The positive qualities that accompany the element of earth for 2019 are gentleness, peace and relaxation, like the qualities of a garden. Gardens are places where we find connection to the earth, a serene place to create and experience the cycle of life. In the sign of the Pig, these qualities create a supportive, relaxed and pleasureful year.
You may notice more conspicuous consumption as this year is very favorable for spending money. Gambling flourishes during Pig years. You may find yourself updating your home with the latest technology and modern decor, as Pigs are all about appearances.
Pig’s greatest pleasure, however, comes from food and drink. This is the year to get in touch with your inner foodie.
Love relationships are abundant, passionate and short-lived this year. They do not arouse regret, however, but rather celebrate the pleasure that being in relationship brings. Sensuality takes the forefront and is honored under the sign of the Pig. If you are single or starting a serious romantic relationship in 2019, be careful not to get attached until you are sure that your feelings are reciprocated.
But if you’re attached, this might be a good year to get hitched. Pig years are a great time to get married in a lavish ceremony with family and friends in attendance, since family are the center of attention in 2019 (start planning your family reunion now).
Adding a cheerful, easy-going piglet to the family would be considered an asset this year, as Pig children are easy to raise.
The least favorable animal sign in 2019 is the Snake, which is in direct conflict with the Pig. People born in the year of the Snake can anticipate change (jobs or residence) and travel. As a Snake, it would be smart to carry the image of the Tiger as protection and to distract the Pig from your path.
When the Pig encounters its own year, it can experience disharmony, irritation, worries and frustrations, as well as sickness. Pigs, too, should carry the Tiger to minimize the negative effect.
Your Animal Horoscope
Rat (1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008)
An auspicious year for the Rat will unfold in 2019. Things are looking up dramatically after the obstacles of 2018. Peach Blossom luck indicates that education and romance are in store. Rats who are seeking happiness and lasting love will have increased odds of finding it this year. Rats will also find promotion luck in their careers and are presented with many great opportunities.
Ox (1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009)
Financial luck is in store for Oxen in 2019, and time spent making plans and laying the groundwork for major goals early in the year ready you for a definite upturn mid year. 2019 is a lucky year for Oxen in their relationships, as they will be popular, making it easier to meet an attractive partner. Oxen don’t have very good health prospects for 2019, with hidden problems manifesting.
Tiger (1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010 )
The Tiger’s forecast for 2019 has relatively good prospects. They achieve a lot in their career with chances for recognition and promotion. Tigers also have good luck when it comes to finances in 2019 and taking chances could bring unexpected financial gains. Just keep an eye on your purse strings and resist the temptation to overspend. On the relationship front, Tigers are not lucky in love in 2019, as they can be easily misled.
Rabbit (1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011)
The Pig is your ally. You can look forward to promising opportunities at work, where you can showcase your creativity and take on greater responsibilities. 2019 is a good year for you financially with a healthy increase in your income. For many Rabbits, there are wonderful family occasions and celebrations to enjoy. Love and romance are simple and down-to-earth and will require good communication if you wish to take your relationships to the next level.
Dragon (1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012)
2019 looks to be enjoyable and promising for the dazzling Dragon. Your natural energy and enthusiasm opens doors. Marital relationships are happy and single Dragons move forward from the first date, to a stable relationship. This is a year of creativity in the workplace that reignites your passion for business. Finances improve unexpectedly and so do expenses. Pig years are the perfect time to make new friends and socialize.
Snake (1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013)
2019 is a tricky year for the Snake. It will take clever and strategic thinking to help the Snake navigate because they are in direct conflict with the Pig. Careful planning and work are going to be needed, and by doing so, Snakes can expect to have their share of financial success. Love relationships could end in heartbreak this year. It’s going to be a busy year for the Snake so make sure that you take time to indulge in some pleasure.
Horse (1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014)
The spirited Horse might find the slower paced year of the Pig to be a time of frustration, especially in the workplace where your efforts will not be equal to the results. 2019 will bring an upturn in finances and many will find their income increasing from developments at work including bonuses. Horses should take time out to enjoy their interests and find opportunities for exercise and relaxation. Socializing, travel, and avoiding risk will make the year more enjoyable.
Sheep (1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015)
The year of the Pig is memorable for the creative Sheep. The year will inspire and motivate Sheep to pursue their interests and they can look forward to a productive 2019 in the workplace. Their desire to improve their skills or learn new ones will work well in this action-oriented year, so don’t hold back. To ensure a financially stress-free year, the Sheep should keep track of his expenses and purchases and avoid impulsive decisions.
Monkey (1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980,1992, 2004, 2016)
Unfortunately, the Monkey is facing a demanding year that is filled with obstacles. The Monkey could experience additional pressures in the workplace and may find they are required to do tasks out of their skill set. 2019 will require you to have a careful eye on your finances, so resist the temptation to over-spend. Monkeys will enjoy pursuing their interests and diving into a new ones. Keeping up with interests will provide time-outs from the pressures the year may bring.
Rooster (1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017)
2019 will prove to be a gratifying and successful year for the Rooster. You can look forward to a year of progress, as long as you are proactive. If the Rooster remains alert to opportunities for career advancements they might find it comes through a staff change or new procedures. Roosters will enjoy an increase in income during 2019 and may decide to proceed with plans or large purchases that you’ve been considering for a while. The Rooster can look forward to pleasurable occasions and celebrations in his home life.
Dog (1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018)
Dogs can look forward to spending time with family and friends in 2019 and will celebrate successes with them. Dogs will feel inspired within the workplace and will enjoy the results from their previous efforts. Financially, the Dog can look forward to a promising year with many enjoying a boost in income. The Dog can also expect to make new friends and love connections that come from within their social circle.
Pig (1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019)
The Pig’s own year is impressive and they will enjoy the rewards of past efforts and feel proud of their achievements. The Pig can look forward to further progress within the workplace with opportunities to advance their careers. Pigs can look forward to some exciting events during 2019 including celebrations of anniversaries, new family members and a change of residence.
Year of the Earth Pig Predictions
In the Chinese Zodiac, the Pig is the 12th sign and marks the end of the 12-year cycle, making Pig years a time to concentrate on endings rather than beginnings. The current cycle began in 2008, the Year of the Rat. Pig years—1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007 and 2019 are characterized, as a time of gathering to socialize, celebrate and forgive. The warm and open-minded atmosphere of the Pig make friendships easier to weave and problems easier to solve.
In the Chinese solar calendar, spring officially begins each year on February 4. The lunar calendar marks the official arrival of the Pig as February 5, which is a good sign for 2019. When the lunar calendar date comes before or, in this case, the day after the solar calendar, it infuses the year with vibrant growth potential. Display a plant or flower arrangement to welcome spring.
Yin earth is symbolized by the garden, as yin is feminine energy. Mother Earth is the garden that we live upon; her supportive cycles provide for our very existence.
The natural sciences, specifically earth sciences, are in the forefront this year. Issues such as global warming, air quality and farming are places where significant inroads will be made. 2019 is time to renew our love and connection to Mother Earth—doing our part to sustain her.
Fire is absent from the Chinese calendar for the next several years and won’t be making a significant comeback until 2025. We will notice the absence of fire this year in the stock market: Fire element drives the market and generates optimism and confidence. With fire lacking, the pessimism of water arises, leading to a downturn in the market and the beginning of the bear. In 2007, the last Pig year, we saw the beginnings of the financial tsunami of 2008.
When we review the last Yin Earth Pig year, 1959, we may get more hints of what’s in store. The 1950s were a time when women stayed home to raise children and men went to work in suits. By 1959, values were beginning to change. If patterns repeat themselves, a new social and cultural shift may be waiting for us when 2020 rolls around.
Yin Earth represents small changes that in time grow into large events that change the foundations of the world at large—like the way birth control pills, approved by the FDA in 1957, helped bring about the sexual revolution. Nasdaq made its debut in a Pig Year, 1971, and has grown to be the second largest stock exchange in the world.
In years of the Pig, the Social Security Act was passed, Alcoholics Anonymous was formed, color film was invented and Nintendo introduced the now iconic video game Mario Bros in Japan.
Things to do in the Year of the Pig
- Complete projects at work and around the house.
- Host a family reunion.
- Create themed informal get-togethers for friends and family.
- Sink into a hot bath with vaporizing bath bombs and take a long soak.
- Discover new pleasures, and surround yourself with creature comforts.
- Volunteer at your favorite charity or participate in fundraising for them.
- Forget doing housework this year and hire it out.
- Lay back on a sandy beach and soak up the sun.
- Explore the delight of new cuisines.
- Visit the theatre.
- Host beautiful dinner parties.
- Buy a new bathrobe and spend time lounging in it.
- Sponsor or participate in a community garden.
- Add new pillows to your sofa.
Pig People
Those born under the sign of the Pig are usually very popular and enjoy the company of others. They are outgoing, jovial and encouraging to everyone they meet. The Pig has a good sense of humor and rarely do they lose their temper. They love entertainment and have extravagant tastes. Their greatest love is luxury and they only want the best of whatever they are buying. They take real pleasure in spending money and will work hard for it and then spend it freely. They are usually very astute in financial matters and can come by money when they need it. Though not wasteful spenders, they will let themselves enjoy life. At home their decor is showy and they have the ability to turn a small house into a mansion. They are warm, generous and adore their families.
Pigs are exceptionally good natured and are known for their peacekeeping abilities. They avoid unpleasantness and discord and will go to great lengths in relationships to resolve conflict. They always give others the opportunity to redeem themselves when things go wrong and will also give the benefit of the doubt. Pigs, being good communicators, will always get right to the point and they believe that all people’s voices should be heard. They are very tolerant, seldom hold a grudge and are honest as the day is long.
Pig people can be taken advantage of and most certainly can be taken for granted. Pigs are more at ease giving than receiving and cheerfully share their time, money and resources with those they know and those they don’t. Pigs will never leave you in the lurch and have the ability to recover quickly from setbacks.
The Pig is a hard worker and earns the respect of their colleagues and employers because of their reliability and integrity. They are energetic and enthusiastic, even when performing a mundane job. When given the chance, they will take positions of power and status but usually won’t seek them. In their early years, they will try their hand at several different career paths but are usually happiest where they feel they are serving others. Their goal in life is for everyone to live in harmony, making them suitable for careers related to charity and fundraising.
Many Pigs become entrepreneurs and find success after earlier disappointments and obstacles in their life. Due to their attention to detail and fine workmanship, they excel at creative professions such as floral arranging, acting, teaching or fashion design. They operate from a deep sense of responsibility and will finish what they start. Once a decision has been made, there is nothing anyone can do to stop them, earning them the reputation of sometimes being pig-headed.
Pigs might not stand out in a crowd but will have a natural elegance and usually they have a great build and a strong body. They are naturally healthy. When it’s quitting time, however, the Pig is the first to put their feet up and take a break. Pigs are realistic and while others may be all talk and no action, Pigs are the opposite. Pigs are diligent, compassionate and generous. They have great concentration and rarely seek help from others. Pigs never suspect trickery in others, which makes them easy targets to fool. The Pig will have many relationships before settling down with a partner, but once they’ve made up their mind, they are committed and loyal. Pigs make many friends throughout their lives and have very few enemies.
Valerie Litchfield is a longtime feng shui practitioner with LifeAlign Classical Compass Feng Shui. She lives in Salt Lake City.