In Hawaii, dogs are used by hunters to chase wild boars, but in the 12-animal Chinese zodiac, the boar follows the dog.
Given the popularity of pork in many celebratory feasts, will the Year of the Boar, which starts Monday, be a happy one?
That depends on several factors, said Alan S. F. Lum, a Honolulu consultant in Chinese astrology. The 12 animals of the zodiac are based on 12 earthly elements, or “branches,” whose traits vary every 12 years in combination with five heavenly energies, or “stems”: metal, water, wood, fire and earth. Each energy is either yin (subtle, refined) or yang (bright, bold).
In general, the boar is a happy, resilient animal: “Its natural instinct is adapting to different types of environments, so it can be content wherever it lives,” Lum said.
But not all pigs are created alike, and 2019 is the Year of the Earth Boar. The main heavenly energy is yin earth, and the other energies are yang water and yang wood, Lum said. “Yang water is a rapid-flowing river, but as you go deeper, it can be very still, quiet and mysterious,” he said. Similarly, a boar on the surface “may seem just a simple animal, but can actually be very wise and deep.”
As for yang wood, think of a great forest tree. “The trunk can be very firm and rigid, yet its branches can bend.” Thus, while the boar can be very stubborn and hold its ground, it also has some flexibility.
What might this portend for all creatures on the ark called Earth in the coming year?
>> In politics: There could be more stress for President Donald Trump, who was born in the Year of the Fire Dog (1946), Lum said. “If you look at the energy in the heavens on the day he was born (June 14), his earth element is very strong.” This could be too much earth energy: “Earth blocks water, and he has power over things, so he may be stronger and even more hyped up, high-strung and competitive, and he may push things.” At the same time, because wood controls earth, “He might feel like he’s being controlled.”
Political strife may continue in the Middle East and other arid lands.
>> In the economy: Because wood controls the earth, there could be less rapid growth in real estate than in 2018. Growth may be more controlled, with more regulations.
>> In the environment: There could be more growth in nature, such as forests, because water supports wood, and more environmental consciousness about preserving nature.
>> In the spiritual realm: “Water represents the spirit side, so people may be reflecting more on their spirituality and inner growth.” There may also be more interest in ghosts.
Overall, it’s best to seek balance, advised Lum, a Ram married to a Rabbit for going on 22 years. The two animal signs are complementary, while opposite signs generally clash, Lum said. But affinities are also influenced by the energies in one’s chart. “Her energies oppose mine and I drain her energy,” he said with a laugh, noting that, in the end, the year we have will largely depend on what we make of it.
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YEAR OF THE BOAR: LUNAR YEAR HOROSCOPES
The Earth Boar presides in 2019, signifying potential for a year of inner reflection and spirituality that can lead to growth and understanding. There may be some conflicts and challenges, but the Boar can help us adapt. Be open to an interesting year with both stability and change.
Earth Boar year 2019 will energize the zodiac animals as follows:
1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019
Boar: Far from a boring year, a promotion or more powerful position could be just around the corner. There may be obstacles, but let your mentors and natural adaptability help you. The energy will be high for creativity, but don’t go hog-wild: You are deep and mysterious; let your inner spirituality and spontaneity unfold. Romance awaits, especially for female Boars.
1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008
Rat: You are charming and charismatic in a mysterious way. Make time for socialization and let good friends be helpful and supportive.Stronger friendships may develop with those of the opposite sex. Some conflicts may develop, but let someone you can trust help guide and advise you. Tap into your intuition for inspiration and to nurture your energies.
1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009
Ox: Don’t be so stubborn; stay grounded, but be open to new adventures. There is high energy for you to gain wealth through a windfall; previous investments may also come to fruition, and you may have a bigger circle of friends. Find a balance between work,family and relaxation.
1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010
Tiger: Alluring and volatile, you can prosper this year, which offers lots of resources and help. Take advantage of the supportive energy that can propel you to reaching your goals. Male Tigers have a high potential for romance. Get together with friends but don’t let your competitive side overwhelm things.
1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011
Rabbit: You adore learning and grow flexibly, like a plant that can withstand high winds. A dynamic lucky wealth star shines behind the scenes for you this year. Wealth could also come from a past investment. Be thankful and show appreciation to those who have supported you.
1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012
Dragon: Firm and resolved, yet adaptable, you’ll have more friends, but also more competition at work or in the social sphere. If you can overcome these obstacles, there is positive energy for gaining some success and prosperity. Be open to advice, but not too much.Find balance with new endeavors.
1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013
Snake: It can be a challenging year, but if you’re open to learning from your challenges, you can improve in self-realization. On the road to reaching your goals it may exhausting, but keep in mind there is light at the end of the tunnel. Find time for yourself to keep your energies strong by having creative and relaxing outlets.
1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014
Horse: Naturally unconventional and fiery, don’t let the advice of mentors smother the fire of your dynamic energy, but use it to steer you on the path to success. The key is to find the right channel to express your creative and dynamic self. Romantic sparks may fly for female Horses this year.
1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015
Ram: Friends of your gender may more be abundant this year. Be aware there may some jealousy and competition, but don’t lose sight of what is important. With your continued efforts there is good potential for some wealth and success. A key is to find time for friends, family and romance.
1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016
Monkey: You naturally feel the need to control yourself and your environment, but this year, support from the opposite sex can open up the path to expressing your inner, creative, spiritual self. Resources for your success may be consistently within reach. A nice windfall may be imminent.
1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017
Rooster: Always fond of a little flash or bling, you may receive lots of support this year from those of the same sex, but they may not be able to always be there for you. This also applies to physical and/or technical resources. However, don’t be discouraged and your hard work and leadership could come to fruition and bring wealth. Love may also come to the fore.
1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018
Dog: More friends of the opposite sex may enter your life this year. The potential for success in your career is very high. Enjoy your good fortune! And show appreciation when you gain prosperity and reach your goals.
Note: Based on general principles of Chinese astrology, these horoscopes are for entertainment purposes only.
Alan S.F. Lum does individual horoscopes and feng shui for homes and businesses; contact him at alanlum@hawaii.edu.
