Chinese Astrology

2005

Year of the Bamboo (Firm) Wood Rooster

by
CHRISTINE ARENS, PTMAFA, NCGR-III

Chinese astrology differs from western astrology in several ways. The Chinese system identifies 12 zodiacal signs, each of which holds dominance for a full year. Unlike the western zodiac, all the Chinese signs are animals. Tradition holds that Buddha called the animals to come to him, and the first twelve to arrive were honored with a zodiacal designation. This year -- the western year of 2005 or the Chinese year of 2442 -- we will celebrate the year of the Rooster.

In Chinese astrology the Sun and Moon are always considered as luminaries, completely distinguished from the remaining five planets – Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn. Each of these planets is assigned an element which identifies its energy. Jupiter is assigned the element of wood.

Each element has two natures, one nature is yang and aggressive. One nature is yin and passive. With the element of Wood, we have the yang nature of strong, firm bamboo. The yin nature of Wood is mutable, and represents the grace and beauty of pine. This year is a year of Bamboo, or strong, Wood. Eastern peoples have always admired this element, and prefer it in its natural form. Wood is associated with growth, both spiritual and physical, thus the correlation with the planet Jupiter.

The Great Year of the Chinese zodiac consists of one year for each of the twelve signs. This is the year of the Rooster, considered to be honorable and upstanding; the Rooster is said to correspond with the western sign of Capricorn. The Rooster is often associated with the Sun since it crows at dawn. The Sun is the “king” of our solar system and the giver of light, heat and life. The Rooster is also a “king” in his proud mannerisms – and remember his comb is a built-in crown! Thus the Rooster conveys the impression of leadership, of high attainment (especially in the arts and sciences), of exalted character and enlightened insight. In some representations of the Sun the Chinese will place a Rooster. Among the virtues assigned to this sign you will also find high skills in management and sedate deportment.

Roosters are alert to opportunities, and often can see far into the distant horizon for chances to show their leadership abilities. And as leaders Roosters can be self-less in that they will never ask more from others than they themselves are willing to give. While Rooster employers can be hard task-masters, they always have the well being of their employees at heart – even if their only goal is advancement of their personal business interests!

Roosters are extremely confident in their abilities, and like to crow about it to others. While being aware of your own ability is one thing, constantly parading your achievements in front of others can become irritating. But irritation rarely stops (or slows down) a Rooster – they are only interested in getting on with things!

Rooster natives enjoy display, and are often the life of the party in both appearance and behavior. They relish celebrations of all sorts, and frequently act as hosts since their success in business brings them a measure of prosperity. Roosters strive to always win, and often do, both at work and at play.

The best time of day for Roosters is dusk (5:00 PM to 7:00 PM) when they can rest after a long day of exercising leadership and displaying themselves. Similarly, they prefer the later months of the year, when the Sun sets early and the grain has been harvested. This is the time when the Rooster can re-energize before beginning another busy day!