What does the horse mean for you?

The year of the horse is well underway and is expected to bring powerful and dynamic energy. Of course, this power must be harnessed in the right way to bring success, and the year of the horse may bring unpredictable results. But, according to Chinese experts, what does it mean for you?

Those born in the year of the horse (check here) are considered energetic, bright and intelligent. However, if that’s you, 2014 may bring friction and fluctuation: you are entering your birth year and offending Taisui, the god of fortune. This might mean instability in your financial fortunes and suggests keeping a low profile at work may be wise. At least you’re in good company: Aretha Franklin, Paul McCartney and Genghis Khan are/were all horses.

For the rest of us, the year ahead ushers in health and prosperity. It will be an excellent time to travel: you should take the opportunity to mingle with the locals, savour authentic cuisine and discover new cultures. You might enjoy reading these predictions by the Feng Shui Society, based on your own animal sign and how it interacts with the horse.

The twelve year cycle of animals which make up the Chinese zodiac interact with the five elements: wood, metal, fire, water and earth. 2014 is the year of the wood horse, taking over from the year of the water snake. Wood is seen as providing fuel for the energetic horse sign, meaning a fast year with the possibility of conflict. The later part of the year is ‘yin fire’, increasing the potential for clashes even more.

If you have a business involving wood or fire you will do well. Property and financial companies won’t be so lucky, and as the horse is a galloper, the potential is for prices and markets to gallop up and down through the year. Oh, and strong fire energy may mean countries in the southern hemisphere, like Australia and South America may experience heat from gunfire as well as volcanoes.

In Chinese culture, horses have always been significant. Terracotta statues of horses were considered a key part of the ‘mingqi’ or models of their possessions with which noblemen were buried. Many of the finest horse statues were created during the Tang dynasty (the ‘golden age’ of Chinese art). Fashioned in bronze or glazed in green, brown or cream, these graceful figures were created with great attention to detail with flaring nostrils and powerful arched necks.

The horse was thought to possess magical powers by the early Chinese and was second only in significance to the dragon. The horse carried the deceased through to the afterlife and the number of horses owned by an individual guaranteed his ongoing status in the next life.

Shimu stocks a number of stone, bronze and ceramic horses of all sizes, and you can see some of them here. If you’re looking for a particular piece, just get in touch for some advice.

With thanks to Travel China Guide, IB Times and The Independent.