Chinese astrology didn’t make much sense to Alan Lum when he was in high school. Looking at his classmates, all born in 1955, the Year of the Sheep, it seemed obvious they were more different than alike. As one of 12 animal signs of the zodiac, the sheep is said to bestow on those born in its designated years a set of sheeplike character traits, which he didn’t believe was true. He dismissed Chinese popular astrology as pure entertainment.

Then in 1996, Lum, a social worker, was considering rebuilding his home and sought advice from a feng shui consultant. The encounter awoke a passion for mastering this body of knowledge that connects an individual’s well-being with the land and one’s surroundings.

Through his study of feng shui, Lum discovered Chinese Four Pillars Astrology, which links people’s fortune not only to their year of birth, but also the month, day and time of birth, much like Western astrology.

He came to view Four Pillars Astrology as a philosophy that helps people adapt and flow with the vagaries of life. In the Chinese view, he explained, there are three aspects of fortune that are tied to the heavens (timing), Earth (place) and man (action) — otherwise known as being in the right place at the right time.

"It helped explain a lot of things to me," Lum said. "If everything seems challenging, it helps to be aware of the energies around you. You can be prepared for difficult times by working a little harder, or if things don’t fall into place, there’s a certain energy behind it."

Lum now works as a consultant and teacher of feng shui, Chinese astrology and religion. He’s the author of "Feng Shui for Lunch" and "Chinese Astrology: A Key for Success and Better Relationships Based on the Four Pillars."

CHINESE popular astrology designates the year beginning Feb. 19, 2015, as the Year of the Sheep, but to be more accurate, it is the Year of the Wood Sheep, referring to the respective energy in the heavens and on Earth. In Four Pillars astrology, each of the animal signs also contains five elements: metal, water, wood, fire and earth. Each element exerts its influence on the sign.

For example, Lum said that metal energy is rigid, structured and control-oriented. Water is fluid, spontaneous and adaptable. Wood is growth-oriented. Fire is volatile, charismatic, unpredictable and unconventional, and earth is stable, stubborn and nurturing.

The sheep is believed to be grounded, stable, nurturing, intelligent and sociable, and bears strong wood, earth and fire influences that Lum says are positive portents for the year in general.

"Wood likes growth, which is related to learning and intelligence," said Lum, who added that with the wood element, there may also be more emphasis on sustainability and green initiatives.

It is the dynamic, unpredictable fire aspect of the sheep that may lead to leaps in technology in 2015. "We’ll see more unconventional thinking and inventions in the areas of technology and science, more thinking out of the box," he said.

Fire energy also applies to media, television and other businesses that are related to electricity.

With the earth element, he said, we may see more growth and productivity in the areas of real estate and the economy, as well as volcanic action or other forces that result in expansion or formation of more land.

Those born in the Year of the Ox may have a difficult time, he said, because the water and metal elements associated with the ox clash with the fire element of the sheep. For the ox, he said, "It may be a challenging year with some conflict."

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ASTROLOGY PREDICTIONS: 2015 YEAR OF THE SHEEP

Find your birth year and prospects for the new year on our Year of the Sheep calendar, with fortunes provided by feng shui consultant and author Alan Lum. Read more about Lum and his generalized forecast on the back of the calendar. Email him at alanlum@hawaii.edu.

SHEEP
1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015
This can be a year for mentors and influential people to come into your life. Power and status may come to the fore. This can also be Sheep’s year to shine and be in the limelight. Support from family and friends also provides a backdrop. Don’t forget to show your appreciation.

MONKEY
1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004
Monkeys may feel a lot of effort is needed before rewards are bestowed upon them this year. However, this may not always be the case. There will be helpful people and useful advisers to lend a hand. Rewards can come when the timing is right.

ROOSTER
1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005
At times Rooster may experience difficulty accomplishing goals, but don’t fret. There may be periods when someone will come to the rescue and help you reach your goals. The challenges can push you to grow toward success. Patience can be helpful.

DOG
1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006
Some conflicts may create tension and pressure. With some guidance you may learn and gain a more favorable position. Working together with others can bring positive results.

BOAR
1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007
This is a time for affinity with friends and/or mentors. This can lead to creative, expressive outlets. There is the possibility for personal and/or career success. Also, don’t overlook opportunities for some financial gain.

RAT
1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008
This can be a year of creativity. You just need to be cognizant of avoiding draining yourself. Channeling creative energy may lead to wealth and achievements. Rat may seek mentors from time to time but may also feel controlled.

OX
1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009
Keep a cool head, as there may be some tension and conflicts in your life. It’s a year of learning. Don’t take friendships for granted. You may experience challenges to prosperity and achievements, but you can end the year on a positive note through mutual cooperation.

TIGER
1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010
If Tiger is able to work with partners, with a balance of expressive outlets, a promotion or position of power could be waiting in the wings. There is also a high potential for wealth.

RABBIT
1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011
There may be helpful friends for the Rabbit but also some competition. Socializing and more bonding with others may occupy your calendar. Don’t be surprised if there is a new or renewed connection to family or a romantic relationship. Prosperity can be lurking around the corner and it is for you to go out and get it.

DRAGON
1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012
Some cooperative relationships may lead to success in the business arena for the Dragon. Mentors and people of influence may be more prevalent this year. Not everything may fall into place this year, but look for positives.

SNAKE
1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013
A year of support awaits, and the Snake may fill both roles of being supported and supporting others. At the same time, the Snake can use this year as a time to explore creative talents. Friends could join in to help tap the Snake’s hidden gifts.

HORSE
1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014
Horse may have spurts of energy that need to be released. Social outlets and business, with some competition for attention, may fuel the excitement. A sense of calm will be restored when Horses can express themselves creatively.