What will the Year of the Goat bring?

Today marks the start of the Chinese New Year celebrations, and ushers in the Year of the Goat. After the tumultuous Year of the Horse, many Chinese astrologers are predicting a calmer atmosphere, with a theme of renewal and creativity.

Those familiar with the Chinese Zodiac will know that as well as the 12 year cycle of animals,  there are five elements (wood, fire, earth, metal and water) which are each associated with their own ‘life force’ or ‘chi’. In 2015, the corresponding element is wood, associated with spring and the renewal of life.

If last year was the horse’s year to gallop and take off, this year will be the year for contemplating and appreciating what has already been accomplished, to think about bringing goodness to others, to take a deep breath and calmly look at what’s ahead. A steady path, generosity, and keeping the peace are this year’s mantra, say many.

However, it’s not all good news. Couples are taking heed of a popular Chinese folk saying – ‘Only one in ten people born in a year of the goat finds happiness’ – and many have taken steps to avoid conception or to give birth in the year of the horse.  Although only a superstition, many believe that goats are destined for failed marriages, unhappy families and bad luck, and that babies born in a goat year will grow up to be followers rather than leaders.

There is also some confusion in the English-speaking world as to whether it’s actually the year of the goat at all. The symbol for the new year starting on February 19 is the ‘yang’, which is a generic term, and can refer to a sheep, goat, ram or even antelope. For example, a goat is a ‘mountain yang’, a sheep is a ‘soft yang’ and a Mongolian gazelle is a ‘yellow yang’. Both goats and sheep appear in Chinese new year paintings, paper-cuts and other festival decorations.

It is thought that the people born in the year of the goat are calm, gentle, polite, intelligent and kind, as well as artistic and creative. They are economical and approach business cautiously, taking great care to consider the feelings of others. Famous goats include inventors Thomas Edison and Steve Jobs, both known for creativity and perseverance. However, goats can also be overly-sensitive and insecure, as they often misinterpret situations. Their need to be loved means they are sometimes unable to stand up for themselves. They tend to shy away from confrontation and are not confident decision-makers.

According to Chinese astrologers, luck within careers will fluctuate for those born in the year of the goat and their financial fortune will only be average. However, they are said to possess a power to turn their fortunes around – so when things seem bleak, their luck may change. This year looks good for health.

Whatever you believe, we wish you a happy and prosperous New Year!

Sources: Yahoo News, International Business Times