This flying horse was discovered in a Han Dynasty tomb (212 B.C.) in 1972. Inset, Chinese paper-cut horses copied from the paintings of the classical artist Xu Beihung.
The Year of the Horse has arrived on the global scene just in time. It comes around every 12 years and in Chinese astrology is considered a year of luck, which is what the world obviously needs now. The Chinese Goddess of Mercy, Kwan Yin, has a magical Celestial Cloud Horse who, like Pegasus, can fly and has supernatural powers. Cloud flies through the heavens, bringing blessings and good tidings. White Cloud is a hero in China because many crucial battles were won due to the power, strength and bravery of the horse.
The Year of The Horse is also a time of unexpected adventure, victories and romance. It’s about freedom, returning to nature and enjoying life’s explorations. According to astrologers, we can expect some world economies to become stronger while others will experience economic chaos and collapse. But in general, the Year of the Horse brings peace, prosperity and all good things. Energy is high and production rewarded. Astrologers predict it will be a good year for travel. But our world and its events are moving at such a fast pace that we must be careful not to gallop off in the wrong direction. Decisive, thoughtful action brings victory.
Those born in the Year of The Horse – 2014; 2002; 1990;1978, which saw the last Triple Crown champion, Affirmed; 1966; 1954; 1942; 1930; 1918; 1906 are lucky people. They have sunny dispositions and are bright, cheerful, popular and fun-loving. The horse is a highly intuitive animal, so people born in Horse years often follow their hunches. They also have natural charm and keen judgment that lead to the right decisions.
Horses have carefree natures and need room to run and play for self-expression. When contained by rules, watch out. Proud horse people will rebel. Those born in horse years say exactly what’s on their minds. They are honest and dislike hidden agendas. The time for secrecy was last year, 2013, in the Year of the Snake. Horse people – and others – are being easily distracted by fun, good times and parties in the sexy horse year.
The origin of the Chinese Zodiac is associated with both astronomy and astrology. Astologers claim that back in the mists of time, the Jade Emperor chose the 12 animals to represent the months of the year. During the Han Dynasty (202 B.C.-220) astronomers actually observed and recorded that there were 12 full moons in one year. Therefore, the number 12 was used to divide years and times of the day so the zodiac was based on a 12-year cycle. Each year in that cycle is related to an animal sign that some believe subliminally influences people’s lives. These animal signs are the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and pig. The selection and order of the animals in the zodiac were based upon each animal’s worthy character and living habits, which in turn shape the characters of humans born in those respective years. Each animal is also associated with an “earthly branch,” such as fire, water, metal or wood. The horse is associated with wood so the Chinese call it the Year of the Wood Horse.
Horse energy can be wild, willful and free-spirited. The horse acts fast, unlike the rat, which is the opposite. The rat thinks and plans, while the horse follows its instinct and takes a leap. Even if they miss the mark, horse people will have next year, 2015, the Year of the Sheep, to slow down and enjoy life’s comforts in all their artistic forms.
