It’s the Year of the Golden Pig

In honor of the lunar new year (which started on February 5th), we’re switching up astrological traditions from the Western to the Chinese, which uses animals instead of astrological signs. According to the Chinese zodiac, 2019 is the Year of the Golden Pig. As a rule, matching your energy and timing with the energy available during a particular animal year brings the greatest advantages, regardless of your sign. For example, Pigs are kind and gentle; they move more slowly and phrases such as “go with the flow” work very well in a Pig year. And because it is an earth or yin year, it’s best to tend to all things corporeal. Pay a visit to your doctor and dentist. A little indulgence to celebrate and enjoy life is favored. All-nighters in Vegas are not. 

Look for your animal sign (determined by the year you were born) below for a glance at your fortune in the Year of the Golden Pig. 

By Lisa Lisa and the Star Jam*

RAT (1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008) Oh noble, clever and industrious rodent, you will enjoy this year if you focus on tying up loose ends, decluttering your nest, and building a solid business plan. No scurrying ahead just yet; save that for your year, which follows Pig year. As you build toward that exciting year next year, be sure to nourish yourself with only the best foods in keeping with your Queenly and Kingly nature. Avoid the garbage can. 

OX (1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009) Your infamous dedication and determination come in handy this year. Endeavors already begun continue to bear fruit. Keep the momentum going. Your steady-as-you-go attitude will give you the foundation and confidence to turn exciting opportunities into realities. Rest during summer eclipse season; remember, the mind keeps whirring while the body is in repose. For those bulls who step outside their familiar fields this year, goodwill missions to foreign places, performing good works with your herd, prove rewarding. 

TIGER (1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010) Your magnetic charisma is lost on others this year, signaling a good time to relax into your reclining pose. Don’t get discouraged when a few doors shut abruptly and you hear one ‘no’ after another; take no offense, you’re simply being directed elsewhere. This taming energy urges you to slow down; center yourself and move on. While Tigers like to lead, it’s a fine time to ride shotgun and let someone else drive.  

RABBIT (1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011) Humble, gracious bunnies burrowing underground benefit from their elaborate warrens. All those chambers and tunnels connect you to a vast network of support. As you put out what you are trying to attract, you draw to you what you need and accomplish more when you work together with your fluffle. The crepuscular hours, during late summer, prove the most productive for rabbits; trust your instincts. What you need is there; all you need is to ask. 

DRAGON (1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012) Dazzling dragon’s supernatural powers are countered this year by the Pig’s grounding energy. In fact, the energy will feel downright snail’s pace for you dauntless, mythical creatures. Work will likely feel lackluster, which can frustrate any respectable fire-breather. While you’re not fond of taking anyone’s advice, here goes: the antidote: Keep things light and entertaining with travel particularly highlighted during  April and August; dust off those scaly wings and head to parts unknown. As you ascend, drop old baggage to lighten your load. Just remember to travel on the cheap.  

SNAKE (1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013) Intelligent, sophisticated snakes would do well to remain under a rock. Use this much-needed downtime to coil up, contemplate, and create. Snakes are famous for imaging their next moves in their dreams first and striking when the timing is right (like next year, in Rat Year). Pigs can be naive and trusting, but the discerning snakes are not. Venture out when summer comes, sunbathe on a warm boulder, and absorb the sun’s vitality. Keep one eye open whilst you rest, as you will see opportunity where others don’t. Going against the crowd works for you. Next year, you’re ready to strike. 

HORSE (1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014) Chomping at the bit to stampede out of the barn, some venturesome horses may find Pig’s domestic leanings frustrating. If you can steady your environment and tidy up your stable, you clear the way toward the sweeter grass of new pastures. Balance is key for lusty horses, who share pigs’ love of all things sensual. Let the good times roll, but pull back the reins when the party goes past midnight. 

GOAT (1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015) Naturally intuitive, all Goats need do this year is tune in and show up. As you graze the hillside with your tribe, trust the scent on the wind and walk right into advantageous situations. In fact, some of you Goats may be nurturing your creativity with literal pregnancies and sprucing up your home for the arrival of a brand new kid. March and November will be your best months, while September could bring a little anxiety. Just stick with your herd and all will be beautiful. 

MONKEY (1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016) Nimble monkeys, you are ramblers and gamblers at heart, so you’re a bit out of sync with the slow speed of the earth Pig year. How might you place little bets to keep things interesting but not lose the jungle? Luck starts in April but know that there will be some delays. Comfortable jumping from branch to branch, Monkeys are better off waiting until spring to make their move. Planting several seeds at once, the best way to turn up one viable sprout. The end of the year is the best time for your big reveal. 

ROOSTER (1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017) Confident cocks and hopeful hens, finish unfinished business before you strut ahead. This is a yin (or passive) year, all about focusing on health and healing. It behooves you to participate in quiet rituals like observing the rising sun instead of crowing about it all day long. Sharpen your cerebral skills with fellow Ox and Snake intellectuals, and save any petty pecking for another year—or never. As you slow your pace, sift through the seeds that aren’t worth planting. When you do take action, ask for help. Openings in the fence will appear as if by magic. 

DOG (1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018) Full of energy from last year (the Year of the Dog), and with eyes and ears open, you’re ready to bravely move forward with the support of your pack. A peaceful calm washes over you as you shake off the old tail-chasing activity for something softer and more nurturing. In Pig Year, your attention and dedication turn toward family and expanding your circle of friends.

PIG (1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019) Peace-loving pig, this is not the big launch year; instead, organize and finalize. You’re at the end of a 12-year cycle. Catch up on the Marie Kondo series, and get rid of any things (or people) that aren’t supporting you, particularly in May when you’ll need to lay low. Doing so will give you energy, helping you to emerge from this year stronger than ever, finding yourself closer to that proverbial hog heaven. Some boars could inherit or sniff out a helpful reserve of cash. Don’t blow it on a party (you do love to cook and entertain) instead, invest in yourself. Perhaps a yoga retreat to Bali.

*Remember that Chinese new year begins around the first week of February (not on January 1st as in the Western calendar); if you were born in late January or early February of your birth year, check online to see if the animal sign of the previous year is, in fact, your Chinese animal totem.

*Lisa Awrey and Lisa Carroll

illustration by @boccaccinimeadows