Source: Lew Rockwell | VIEW ORIGINAL POST ==>
It’s the second of five New Years here on the Far Side, and yet another national holiday. I’ve changed the bed linens, trimmed my hair and nails, put on my new red shirt, stuffed ang pao (red envelopes) full of cash for the youngsters, baked bread and brownies, put up the paper lanterns, and helped with Mrs. FarSide’s spring cleaning (stayed out of the way).
Welcome to the year 4723, or the Year of the Yin Green Wood Snake. If Chinese astrology has anything to say about it, this will be an exciting year. As you will see in a moment, it’s no mistake that China has announced DeepSeek and sustained fusion at this particular moment.
The Lunar New Year is something to behold. I say “lunar,” because it is based on a lunar calendar, and also because it is not limited to China. Most if not all of the Orient celebrate this event in some form or another.
Chinese astrology is a very complex thing. While the West has an annual cycle of 12 signs representing the zodiacal constellations, the East has 12 animal characters (Earthly Stems) each representing one lunar year, or a cycle of 12 years. The animal symbols have unique characteristics based on the 10 Heavenly Stems of Eastern cosmology. It appears the 12-year cycle may be based on the orbit of Jupiter, which is 12 years long.
But that’s not all!
Each 12-year cycle falls under one of the five elements: fire, water, wood, metal, and earth, with each element having a yin and yang polarity (10 Heavenly Stems). We are currently in the wood cycle, representing growth, vitality and renewal. This pattern results in a longer 60-year Ganzhi Cycle, as each element gets its own 12-year cycle. Each element also has its own color, with wood being green, that figures into the mix.
Just to make things more fun, each day is divided into 12 segments ruled by one of the signs, and each month is dominated by one of the signs similar to the Western system.
Furthermore, each year is polarized as either yin (feminine) or yang (masculine). Yin represents the Moon, passivity, darkness, intuition, coolness, rest and inward focus. Yin symbolizes the nurturing, receptive, and yielding aspects of life.
All of these influences are taken into account when scheduling meetings and events, special occasions and even choice of mate. The Chinese are an especially superstitious lot, and I’ve had to amend plans to accommodate the stars when setting meetings, negotiating contracts, and launching projects. Knowing all this can be a useful tool when doing business particularly in China.
How all this affects the individual depends on one’s compatibility with the Snake and Wood. For example, I am a Metal Ox. Metal controls (cuts) Wood, and Wood refines Metal. The Ox and Snake are compatible signs. Thus, this year should be beneficial to me, with balanced energy and focus.
Chinese mundane horoscopes reveal trends, benefits and challenges on a global and societal scale.
On the plus side, the Wood element represents growth, flexibility, and renewal. It encourages creativity, strategic thinking, and opportunities for collective development. However, as a Yin year, this growth is more gradual, introspective, and methodical rather than fast-paced or forceful (Trump take note).
The Snake is associated with intelligence, adaptability, and secrecy. This could mean a year of careful planning, thoughtful actions, and subtle shifts rather than bold moves. People may need to rely on intuition and strategic foresight to navigate challenges.
The color green, tied to Wood, symbolizes harmony, renewal, and healing. It may also bring an environmental focus, encouraging natural practices and nurturing relationships.
On the minus side, the Snake’s shadow nature involves hidden motives and potential manipulations. There may be an atmosphere of intrigue or secrecy, requiring vigilance in personal and professional relationships.
Yin Wood energy is flexible, but can also be overly passive or indecisive. It may take effort to avoid stagnation or missed opportunities.
The Western mundane horoscope highlights technological innovation via the trine of Uranus, Neptune and Pluto; Uranus retrograde in Taurus suggests financial reform; the North Node transit into Pisces highlights a collective move toward spiritual growth and cultural renewal.
Notice that in both systems, the themes of growth and renewal are key aspects for the year. How do two wildly different systems arrive at the same conclusions? Curiouser and curiouser.
So, what we can glean from all this is the Chinese view 2025 as a year for strategic planning and subtlety. Whatever you think of astrology, I guarantee this system is influencing Chinese national and individual actions and decisions. Folks doing business in or with Chinese entities can use this information to guide interactions toward successful outcomes.
Regardless of what you think about all this, and my own views are rather complex, it is embedded in the culture. To some extent, these ancient concepts sit at the core of our collective thinking and behavior.
An interesting line of inquiry in this regard is whether astrology prompts us to see non-existent patterns, or is there actual influence via electro-magnetic forces on individuals and societies? There are compelling arguments either way.
In any case, there is advantage in knowing what guides an opponent.
恭喜发财 (gong xi fa cai)!
This originally appeared on Radio Far Side.
