The start of a new 60 year cycle (and a new decade), we welcome the Chinese Lunar New Year beginning this Friday January 24th!

This is the year of the white Rat, a configuration of the Yang water year with Yang metal on top. It is predicted to be a good year overall without much tumultuous behavior and hopefully some clarity.

The Rat is also the first sign in the zodiac (as my Ox child reminds me, because the wise Rat convinced the Ox to carry him to the finish line, then the Rat hopped off and finished the race first in front of Ox. But they remain very compatible and good friends, of course). The Rat is also my animal, so I am cautiously optimistic about what 2020 brings to the table for me.

For those of us Rats (see the horoscope below for all Animals and birth years), to protect our health, we are supposed to wear a red string/silk/ribbon around our wrist all year! And as suggested by Lillian Bridges, a Chinese Astrologer/writer/practitioner, wearing an Ox charm can bring better luck to Rats this year in particular. How lucky I am to have my own little 10-year old good luck charm!

To celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year, Alison and I put together about 100 bags of some of our favorite wellness items, so we will hand them out over the next few weeks when you come for your appointments starting Friday. We hope you enjoy the goodies!

2020 Chinese Lunar New Year Horoscope by Lilian Pearl Bridges

Rat* – Water Element: 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020

This is a somewhat stressful year, less so for those turning 60. This is a good year for moving, changing jobs and for starting new projects. Rats will have to work hard but try to save money, as you will spend it easily.

Ox – Earth Element: 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009 and 2021
This is a lucky year, especially for making a return on previous investments of all kinds.Health problems clear up and there is renewed energy and motivation. Oxes will be feeling much more optimistic.

Tiger – Wood Element: 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022
This is a year where there will be financial worries, but it is a very good year for socializing. Tigers have a chance of becoming known for their special talents and this will lead to future rewards.

Rabbit* – Wood Element: 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011,2023
This is not an easy year for Rabbits as they will feel more tired than usual and will need to take good care of their health. There will be more unexpected expenses, but this is a good year for investing.

Dragon – Earth Element: 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024
This is an outstanding year with lots of opportunity available. Dragons will feel healthier and more energized. They can accomplish a lot, especially with new ventures in business and there is luck in romance.

Snake – Fire Element: 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025
This is a stable and calm year for Snakes. Progress can be made in business and finance and debts can be cleared or lessened. It is a good year for making plans and preparing for the future.

Horse* – Fire Element: 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026
This is a somewhat difficult year for Horses, as there will be extra expenses and they will feel less energetic than usual. They will find themselves feeling a bit more shorttempered and need to think before they speak.

Sheep – Earth Element: 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027
This is supposed to be a restful year for Sheep and they need to spend time recuperating and recharging. However, there will be steady progress in business and making money and relationships are harmonious.

Monkey – Metal Element:1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028 This is an excellent year for Monkeys. They will be more creative and inventive. Business will expand, along with income; relationships are happy; and they will feel healthy and energetic.

Rooster – Metal Element: 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981,1993, 2005, 2017, 2029
Roosters will want to retreat this year, as the energies will feel chaotic to them. They will be more reserved emotionally, but they will be more creative. There may be some hidden or surprising expenses.

Dog – Earth Element: 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030 This is an exciting year for Dogs and they will need to remember to rest. They will want to expand their business and will talk more about their dreams, but need to take things slower than they want to go.

Pig – Water Element: 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031 This is a somewhat uncomfortable year for Pigs, as they will experience more change than they like. But it is a good chance for them to re-organize, rediscover and restart things, if they can overcome their resistance.

By Lillian Pearl Bridges –
“A special thank you to Gray Estrada and Kelly Harrington for their contributions to the forecast, based on their knowledge of the Five Elements”.

For a list of lucky foods to eat to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year, please check out Lilian Pearl Bridges blog.

*Rats, Rabbits and Horses will find this Chinese Lunar New Year to be more difficult, so they should carry an Ox charm for protection to bring more luck their way. But remember that this only means that they may have to: work harder; move; travel more; change jobs; start a new job; get married; or have a baby – the Chinese call it experiencing “Good Bad Luck.”