Chinese Almanac Astrology February 19 - 22, 2016

In honor of Liu Ming, my teacher

CHINESE ALMANAC ASTROLOGY

YEAR of the FIRE MONKEY 4714

(Native Yang Metal) Imaginative/Clever/Playful

"Charged: curious, capable, funny, adaptable, intelligent, resourceful, innovative, playful, imaginative, responsive and heals fast.

Deplete: manipulative, deceptive, unfocused, cunning, erratic, crafty, frantic, nervous, compulsive, anxious and possibly criminal.

Image: The Monkey talked about in Chinese Astrology is well known to the Chinese peasant as a god. The Tibetan and Zhou people both have fables of a Monkey ancestor. The most famous Monkey in China is the wily Monkey who aids a monk in bringing the Buddhist sutras from India. All the images portray the Monkey as godlike but with the weaknesses commonly associated with humans (desire). This is the perilous balancing act that gives us an understanding of the Monkey character. Poised between the profound and the mundane, Monkeys are capable of a broad awareness of their environment. Nothing is left to convention. For Monkeys the greatest danger is selfish fantasy, the evil sister of visionary wisdom. Monkeys fluctuate between materialism and austerity. Material possessions must not block a Monkey’s need for flexibility.

Fire Monkey (1836, 1896, 1956, 2016, 2076) ‘Mountain Monkey’

Fire Monkey’s are organized, industrious and frank characters. They have strong sexual energy and work on their appearance. They are late to settle down. Their fortunes are good (though their motivation may be inspired by escaping hardship) and they are successful in business. They are particularly capable of avoiding negativity, but they will unfortunately need this skill. Though vigorous they are susceptible to wind disorders and may have coronary problems."

LUNAR MONTH: YANG METAL TIGER

"Metal Tigers are demanding, candid and vigorous characters. They are contentious, aggressive, sensual and yet forgiving. They are generous to temples and to their friends. To avoid anxiety they do not hide their feelings or thoughts, but regret it later. When young they are wasteful and their fortune is limited and obstructed but as they age it consistently improves without reversal. They are physically strong and more likely to be injured than ill. They are susceptible to pernicious wind when depressed." LM Notes

QI NODE: 2 Rain Water

New Yang and Old Yin

"Rain Water is the gentle, first yin response to the new, emerging yang. Heaven and Earth renew their active relationship. The moisture of the first spring rains refreshes the Earth. This Yin rain gives the Yang trapped in Earth (seeds, grains) nourishment. If the response of the Yang of Earth is weak, or if rain does not come, decay, rot and mold may occur. If yang responds well seed break open under ground.

Yang is ‘jump started’ in this wi node, but there may still be very few signs. Yang has survived another winter. Though Spring Festival is over, fresh offerings are made at ancestor and Earth altars to support Yang. This is the gan ying principle. Yin is weak and yang is still unformed, effort or exertion must be avoided.

During this qi node qi is best at 4am. One should practice neigong just before dawn facing the sun as it rises in the northeast. Do not exert yourself, but let the yang and yin play - this renews us and gives us longevity. When the sun is up walk about the courtyard with arms akimbo. Loosen up. The environment is becoming very ‘friendly’ and ‘yangish’ - it is no longer pernicious, but it is our own impulsiveness (inner yang) that is dangerous. Impulse is the renewal but caution, rather than enthusiasm, makes it work.

Yang is also beginning to move on its own. Mild and inspired, new actions are auspicious and rewarding. Avoid being ‘very productive’. Cultivate the qi of spring by reading new fiction, watching the latest film, go for short walks outdoors and enjoying and/or playing music."

LM The Way of Three Treasures

LUNAR HEXAGRAM 62 Xiao Guo: Small Succeeds

"The qi of 'small success' is not only in prolonging influence near the end but also in preparing for the inevitable loss of power (retirement).

LM Changing: Zhouyi

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FRIDAY February 19, Yin Metal Goat 12

Hexagram 18 Gui: Contamination

Lunar Mansion: The Neck/Dragon

Solar Indicator: Maintain

“Gu indicates that life is a continuous flow, not just an individual personal experience. Success is not simply a matter of personal control. Unseen environmental forces do affect us.”

LM Changing: Zhouyi

Plan, seek council and gather education. Postpone any major decision/contract and instead, refine ideas.

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LUNAR HEXAGRAM 53 Jian: Gliding

“Jian follows the flight pattern of migrating birds that glide and settle, and glide and settle on their long intuitive journey home. Jian has no shocking revelation, no catharsis and ends with no vainglorious hero’s parade. It is the routine, monotonous work of a migrating bird’s instinctive return to an alpine lake.”

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SATURDAY February 20, Yang Water Monkey 13

46 Sheng: Ascending

Lunar Mansion: The Root/Badger

Solar Indicator: Destroy

Eat nourishing food today and keep your focus on the root. Distractedness is epic today. Follow the protocols of yesterday, seek education and advice rather than finalizing contracts and industry.

SUNDAY February 21, Yin Water Rooster 14

Hexagram 6 Song: Disputing

Lunar Mansion: The Room/Hare

Solar Indicator: Danger

A good day to make offerings, negotiations, trial plans and make fengshui adustments.

“Defeating an enemy is not a good day to create an ally.”

LM Changing: Zhouyi

MONDAY February 22, Yang Wood Dog 15

Hexagram 47 Kun: Beset

Lunar Mansion: The Heart/Fox

Solar Indicator: Complete

Pay attention to whom you encounter today, tend to your ancestors and conduct routine work. If things feel rough, consider the situation at odds, and know this too shall pass.

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With playful reciprocity and gratitude for our connection, please know that I offer the following:

• Polestar Astrology Readings
• Almanac Astrology Consultations
• Fengshui Consultations  

In resilient relations,

Jamie Shulander

jshulander@gmail.com

415-450-7884