The unpredictable fire element in 2016’s Fire Monkey year brought a roller coaster of clashes and volatility most evident in the political arena and the strong sentiments voiced by the American electorate.

At a glance, 2017’s Year of the Fire Rooster would appear to add more fire energy to fan the flames of a divided nation.

But there’s no need to duck for cover yet. Feng shui and Chinese Four Pillars astrology specialist Alan Lum said that last year’s fire element was explosive “yang” fire, equivalent to the energy of the sun or volcano.

“This year is also fire, but it’s ‘yin’ fire, more like a man-made flame. It’s not as dynamic; it’s more warm and cozy like candlelight or a fireplace,” he said.

In Chinese astrological belief, the year’s fire energy in the heavens combined is tempered by the earthly yin metal element of the rooster. The rooster’s metal energy suggests rigidity as it’s an animal that “wants to have its way,” Lum said. But unlike sturdy yang metal, yin metal is more pliable and fluid, kept in check by fire.

The metal element supports achievement and growth, particularly in businesses dealing with electricity, technology and metals, whether in jewelry-making, building or manufacturing. Metal is also indicative of wealth, and the soft yin aspect reflects controlled growth.

Before you go rushing off to Las Vegas or put all your cash in risky securities, Lum cautions that while metal can create wealth, fire still has the power to melt it away.

He also said that while the fire element can bring exciting romantic possibilities for singles, the yin aspect will have relationships moving at a slow and mellow pace, with less volatile, starry-eyed, let’s-elope-tomorrow sentiments.

With Donald Trump entering the White House, Lum said the fire element promises certain change.

While Chinese popular astrology is generalized for the masses, Four Pillars astrology is individualized, taking into account the earthly and heavenly energies at one’s day and time of birth to predict their influence on one’s life path. Trump, born on June 14, 1946, the Year of the Fire Dog, is represented by the earth element, and fire supports earth as volcanic energy and ashes, which both create more earth.

Metal also supports earth, and “that’s why Trump builds,” Lum said.

The element’s presence in the Year of the Rooster means Trump will continue his outspoken ways throughout the year. “He already says what he wants, but he’ll have many more outlets to express himself.”

Lum said the Four Pillars system started with geomancers who observed patterns in nature and recorded them, until a system developed that told people the best times to plant, harvest and move their homes.

The year’s impact on individuals will differ because each person’s birth chart contains some of the five elements — metal, water, wood, fire and earth — that are enhanced by or clash with the year’s elements.

Even if your personal energy clashes with that of the Fire Rooster, Lum said it’s no reason to lock yourself away the entire year.

“Even if the year’s energy is not good for you, energy also changes with the days and months,” he said. “It’s best not to worry about it too much. Just live your life and experience the different energies.”