Chinese Astrology

2007 Year of the Illuminating Fire Boar

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 2007 or the Chinese year of 4705, we will celebrate the year of the Boar (Pig).

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. Mars is assigned the element of Fire.

Each element has two natures, one nature is yang and aggressive. One nature is yin and passive. With the element of Fire, we have the yang nature of destructive flames raging on the surface of the earth. The yin nature of Fire is mental illumination, as represented by the controlled light of a flame in a lamp. This controlled flame Fire represents reason, thought and meditation. This year of 2007 is a year of controlled, illuminating Fire.

The Great Year of the Chinese zodiac consists of one year for each of the 12 signs. This is the year of the Boar, the last in the sequence of the Chinese zodiac. While the Boar may represent the end of the cycle, it also looks forward to new birth, similar to the balsamic moon phase for Dane Rudyhar (The Lunation Cycle). And as with the western sign of Pisces, the year of the Boar brings peace and contentment.

The year of the Boar also brings mental reflection. Inborn intelligence rises through the Boar’s goodness, often expressed in loving acts of kindness for others. In fact, the Boar often will give generously to those around him, while denying things for himself.

While social activities bring pleasure, a Boar often wishes to retreat to the quiet confines of his/her home and family. In more meditative modes, a Boar can feel a hopeless sense of overwhelming sadness. It is important to have a family structure in place – such as dinner together each evening – for a Boar to feel secure with those closest to him. These simple get-togethers are a cherished part of the Boar’s personal life, and allow him to reflect on the pleasures that life can bring. It allows him to ponder his past and look forward to greater happiness in the future. And for the Boar late evening is the best time to ponder, especially between 9:00 and 11:00 at night.

While the Boar’s nature is inclined towards quiet, peaceful living, if provoked a Boar will fight for what is Right. A Boar is willing to sacrifice all if openly attacked. He will look for every means to avoid a confrontation, but if necessary can be heroic in his response. And if so engaged, a Boar will only be defeated by death. While Boars may often exhibit a strong appearance, they can be physically very sensitive. When in distress they may suffer from stomach or skin ailments.

The last appearance of the Illuminated Fire Boar was in 1947. In 1995 and 1935 we met the Strong Wood Boar. In 1983 and 1923 we had years of the Quiet Water Boar. In 1971 and 1911 we had the Caring Metal Boar. And in 1959 we had the year of the Mutable Earth Boar.

Within the Boar year we have a succession of lunar months, each lunar month beginning with the New Moon. Thus for 2007 we have the following:

1st Lunar Month – Beginning February 17
Success comes through consistent hard work and sincere and serious attention to your efforts, not through luck.

2nd Lunar Month – Beginning March 19 (Partial Solar Eclipse)
When good things come your way you need to refrain from becoming overly confident and lapsing into laziness.

3rd Lunar Month – Beginning April 17
This is a very mental month filled with new and exciting ideas. You will need to prioritize your goals, as you can’t achieve everything!

4th Lunar Month – Beginning May 16
Enjoy your life as much as possible. Problems can be set aside to deal with later.

5th Lunar Month – Beginning June 15
While you may instinctively be suspicious, you need to learn to trust others.

6th Lunar Month – Beginning July 14
A few little “white lies” may not really be bad. After all, once you have made a decision, there is no going back.

7th Lunar Month – Beginning August 12
This is a month of activity and action – strive to do your best!
8th Lunar Month – Beginning September 11 (Partial Solar Eclipse)

While this is usually a “happy” month, look for tensions to arise. You will need to decide if you wish to take on a challenge, or retreat to await more peaceful times.

9th Lunar Month – Beginning October 11
This may be a month with too much information! Eliminate the trivial and concentrate on what is important, or you may become forgetful. If you let yourself get bogged down with worry, you may not accomplish anything.

10th Lunar Month – Beginning November 9
Your concern for others will be all important this month. In fact, your own problems will seem less significant in this light. Look for positive results!

11th Lunar Month – Beginning December 9
This month you may feel as if you can achieve anything, but you will need to make some choices about what is important. Trying to “do it all” may become exhausting!

12th Lunar Month – Beginning January 8
While you may be elated at your own cleverness, you may become careless and create problems. Share your wonderful ideas with others.