Author: Stephanie Stewart

12 Animal Fortunes for the Metal Snake Month

Posted on by Stephanie Stewart

Metal Snake 辛巳 Month
May 5th 09:08-June 5th 13:49

Here are the Animal Fortunes for the month of the Metal Snake. To get the most out of the fortunes you’ll want to know all four of your pillars which are based on your birth date and time.

If you don’t know them get in touch. Each of the four animals of your BaZi correlates with an aspect of your life.

Year Pillar
Has to do with your physical body and what you do with it, ancestors, family traits. In terms of luck the year pillar is said to take the first “hit” of any event, good or bad.

Month Pillar
Relates to career, work environment, training, age mates and peers, siblings, exes and your modus operandi

Day Pillar
Yourself and true partner; your immediate environment and home life.

Hour Pillar
Your innermost self, your children, future, hopes and dreams.

The Fortunes

巳 Snake
Years: 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025
Month: May roughly. If you’re near the beginning or end ask.
It’s all about sincerity and what it will compel you to do. Or not do. It’s okay if your truth is that you don’t know. The world won’t end; just the opposite actually. You’ll be in good company. There are many kinds of sacrifice.
Hint: If you don’t know the facts, don’t fake it.

午 Horse
Years: 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026
Month: June roughly. If you’re near the beginning or end ask.
Remember there’s a future. A former teacher of mine said regarding the Horse: Don’t let all the chi come out at once. The Metal Snake would like to lure you in and compete at the same time. How do they know your susceptibilities?
Hint: If there’s a hidden price you may have to pay it next month. Look before leaping.

未 Sheep
Years: 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027
Month: July roughly. If you’re near the beginning or end ask.
Someone is looking for a new place to hide out with you. Set an end date on it because it might get too crowded – even for you. When your principles are questioned it might be time to review them. Keep up to date with yourself. How have you changed?
Hint: Craving innocence is lovely. Craven innocence kills by proxy.

申 Monkey
Years: 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028
Month: August roughly. If you’re near the beginning or end ask.
Feeling the urge to break free of something painful in your past? Are you moving house? If you’re not sharing your plans about that, ask yourself what you are trying to get out of it. Is it realistic? Don’t miss out on the experience but be aware of what you’re getting into.
Hint: Listen to those you trust. They want you to graduate as much as you do.

酉 Rooster
Years: 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029
Month: September roughly. If you’re near the beginning or end ask.
Roosters hit a peak that comes with some special privileges this year. Identify areas where you might need an assist and make a plan now. Use that good luck in case you need it later. Figure out who is in charge of things you might need. That will save you some time.
Hint: Planning is paramount.

戌 Dog
Years: 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030
Month: October roughly. If you’re near the beginning or end ask.
The Fire of the Snake should be supportive for the Earth of Dog but there are many subtleties in relationships – even amongst the Wu Xing. In fact, this month, the Dog’s knowledge may be compromised by a lack of discernment regarding information from advisors.
Hint: Stay hydrated. It may be best to let instinct and emotion be your guides. Return to first principles.

亥 Pig
Years: 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1994, 2007, 2018, 2030
Month: November roughly. If you’re near the beginning or end ask.
Accusations flying? If you need a place to stay, team up with the Sheep and blend in. For both parties this may be the best way to spend the summer. Some friendships are dictated by timing. Why not? Nothing happens without a clash.
Hint: Try strategic withdrawal. I’m not talking about birth control. You’re too creative to risk that this month.

子 Rat
Years: 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020
Month: December roughly. If you’re near the beginning or end ask.
Heard it from a friend who heard it on the radio? On television? On social media? Information wants to be free and you want to help with that. Be clear about the source and verification of your information. I know you don’t want to be spreading fear. Caution maybe but not fear.
Hint: Being a witness is not the same as being the troubadour.

丑 Ox
Years: 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021
Month: January roughly. If you’re near the beginning or end ask.
Some would say your advantage this year is luck. Some would say it’s unfair. What’s relevant is what you do with it. Look up from your workload for a moment with compassion instead of judgment. Naiveté isn’t much help when dishonesty might be your trigger.
Hint: Give with intention to someone who is struggling. Whether or not it’s “real” isn’t going to diminish you.

寅 Tiger
Years: 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022
Month: February roughly. If you’re near the beginning or end ask.
Tigers will likely be the first to spot the latest round of spin this month. This year Tigers are feeling the Kassandra effect because others are slower to pick up the relevant patterns. Kind of lonely I know but better times are coming next month. Hang in there.
Hint: Spread your message. Fight without putting yourself at physical risk. We need you.

卯 Rabbit
Years: 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023
Month: March roughly. If you’re near the beginning or end ask.
Water on one side, Fire on the other. With the Snake in charge this month, what’s a Rabbit to do? Be aware of your audience. There’s a time and place to speak up to established power but not this month. Make alliances with the like minded. Action comes later.
Hint: Conflicts may be motivated by competition and/or jealousy. Theirs or yours?

辰 Dragon
Years: 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024
Month: April roughly. If you’re near the beginning or end ask.
The Dragon doesn’t want an apprentice but the Snake is always there as the yin to your yang. You may worry about their influence on your reputation but the right Snake, chosen carefully, could actually enhance it. Will you make the investment of trust required?
Hint: Swallow your pride and do some soul searching if you want that. This won’t work without your attention.

I Want to Believe

Posted on by Stephanie Stewart

In a Metal Snake month in a Metal Rat year, conspiracy theories abound. As Stewart Brand is credited with saying in 1984 (a Wood Rat year):

Information wants to be free.

This phrase in itself supports ideas about conspiracy, and since then people have used it to leverage various causes. For example, a librarian might see it as an egalitarian mandate: everyone is allowed to maintain privacy while still having equal access to information. Businesses that profit from selling information may see it as promoting a loss of income, hence the paywalls and “free if you provide your personal information” subscriptions.

In 1984, the idea that information wants to be free was related to the novelty of the internet, however, it wasn’t new. Politicians, protesters and propagandists have been leveraging this concept since the first graffito appeared on a stone wall. Ultimately, the real value of information relies on the source. Given the speed with which information travels these days we tend to disregard that. If only there was a paywall between us and Trump.

George Orwell’s 1984 was all about withholding information, or force feeding disinformation and fear, as a means of dividing and conquering. We can see the same kind of patterns in Margaret Atwood’s Handmaid’s Tale. The ideas in these books resonate because we sense a possible truth in them. The source of any information, and the intention behind sharing it, is crucial in determining its usefulness. We will often be misinformed without considering that.

Craving Innocence vs. Craven Innocence

I find conspiracy theories more interesting than convincing. Like Fox Mulder, I want to believe. In my life, it’s always been the insights that go against what I thought I knew that allowed the experience of life changing magic. Believing opens possibilities I might normally reject out of hand; things that I want for myself and for the world. We’ve all heard the story of the mother who lifts the car off of her child. On the other hand, like Dana Scully, I don’t want to get duped. I don’t want to have to take responsibility for that. In excess that tendency might be called cowardice.

I’ve been thinking of George Dantzig who became a famous mathematician after he was late for a graduate school level statistics class and thought the two problems that were still on the board were homework. They were actually problems famous for being unsolved. George didn’t know that so he copied them down, went home, and solved them.

It would be counterproductive for us to accept every bit of information we come across at face value, but a little gullibility might be the secret ingredient to success. Like water, it’s only helpful in the proper proportion. If, like George, we let ourselves be easily persuaded at the right time, have done the required preparation or investigation, and are acting in accordance with those things, that’s when everything clicks into place. This is a principle of water placement in Feng Shui too; lessons from a Metal Rat year regarding the nature of Water.

5G : Is Language is a Virus From Outer Space?

Any good conspiracy theory rests upon human tendencies to look for patterns. Much of human survival and evolution is based on our perception of patterns and the innovations they inspire. We don’t just identify patterns, for better or worse we also create them. Maybe the difference between forecasting and gaslighting depends on the intention of the messenger.

This month, we’ll want to remember that patterns are sometimes presented in order to misdirect our attention; to spread disinformation or fear. Some of this may be done for political reasons, nefarious or not. We can’t let that take away our agency. There’s no value in second guessing ourselves into inertia. Let common sense rule unblind.

Speaking of misdirection, I’m still wondering about Bernie Sanders, 1941 Metal Snake, ending his campaign on April 8th, a Metal Snake day with Day Officer Remove. Is it his health? With the Sheep in his day branch is it some kind of strategic withdrawal? I’d like to think it’s the latter because that opens possibilities. We could use some options.

Metal Snake month opens tomorrow on an Earth Monkey day in a Fire Snake hour. There’s a Metal cycle in the first few days. The deception is in play right from the very first minute. There’s an emphasis on truths that are related to illness. What is the truth? How do you know? A certain kind of transparency can be a ruse too. And sometimes big efforts to hide something serve to draw more attention to it. Tricky stuff. All I can tell you for sure is that lies will be told. Be informed, enlightened and optimistic. Vet everything.

12 Animal Fortunes for the Metal Dragon Month

Posted on by Stephanie Stewart

Metal Dragon 庚辰 Month
April 4th 15:48-May 5th 09:08

Here are the Animal Fortunes for the month of the Metal Dragon. To get the most out of the fortunes you’ll want to know all four of your pillars which are based on your birth date and time.

If you don’t know them get in touch. Each of the four animals of your BaZi correlates with an aspect of your life.

Year Pillar
Has to do with your physical body and what you do with it, ancestors, family traits. In terms of luck the year pillar is said to take the first “hit” of any event, good or bad.

Month Pillar
Relates to career, work environment, training, age mates and peers, siblings, exes and your modus operandi

Day Pillar
Yourself and true partner; your immediate environment and home life.

Hour Pillar
Your innermost self, your children, future, hopes and dreams.

The Fortunes

辰 Dragon
Years: 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024
Month: April roughly. If you’re near the beginning or end ask.
In the Dragon month the Dragon is susceptible to the self-clash which is oddly helpful now when solo time may be keeping us safe. Take on some feedback to avoid errors in judgment. You’re calling the changes. Careful not to risk too much or outsmart/overwork yourself.
Hint: Heavy lifting to do and you are made for it, however, you don’t have to save everyone. Save yourself first.

巳 Snake
Years: 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025
Month: May roughly. If you’re near the beginning or end ask.
This year I see the sign of the Snake as a healer which, this month, puts the Snake in a position to disrupt the Ox’s coronation. The Snake can remove blockages. This month is for assisting the Dragon’s changes.
Hint: Look for kindling. Fan the flame with your secret knowledge.

午 Horse
Years: 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026
Month: June roughly. If you’re near the beginning or end ask.
A leader brings an opportunity to direct your energy towards helping those who are at risk but still don’t understand – could be ancestors or descendants. They might not be able to take it in but you have and you’re past the fear now. Do what you can from a distance.
Hint: Stay flexible with plans.

未 Sheep
Years: 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027
Month: July roughly. If you’re near the beginning or end ask.
A competition for companionship has you feeling left out and that’s a tough place for a Sheep to be. You’re not usually one to stir the pot but this month may make you want to. If you feel your safety is at stake go solo – temporarily. Maybe until July.
Hint: Your group will let you back in or you’ll find a better one. This isn’t the end of the story.

申 Monkey
Years: 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028
Month: August roughly. If you’re near the beginning or end ask.
Hands on. What can you repair? What can you do to make people laugh? What do you have to say? This month your work can make a big difference in people’s understanding of you and your important role this year. Try a little tenderness.
Hint: If you want to be taken seriously spread your work ethic to both what you want and what is timely, that is to say, what is needed.

酉 Rooster
Years: 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029
Month: September roughly. If you’re near the beginning or end ask.
This month supports your partnerships. Someone wants to take care of you. You can be irresistible in a charming way or not – your choice. Try not to take advantage of your favored position by creating frivolous distractions that hinder important work – both yours and that of others.
Hint: Enjoy and appreciate the attention. No need to demand it this month.

戌 Dog
Years: 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030
Month: October roughly. If you’re near the beginning or end ask.
A mountain takes up a lot of space without any reason to consider the impact. That’s the nature of the beast. This month could magnify the close quarters for everyone. If you want harmony with your cohabitants it’s time to think about boundaries. Give room for others to move freely where you can.
Hint: Channel that restlessness into mending fences.

亥 Pig
Years: 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1994, 2007, 2018, 2030
Month: November roughly. If you’re near the beginning or end ask.
Still misty but emotions are less overwhelming this month. If you’ve disappeared off the radar just let yourself come back at your own pace. Let your supportive but firm people know how you’re really doing. You’re getting closer to the reboot.
Hint: Sometimes we just have to wait for the wheel to turn.

子 Rat
Years: 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020
Month: December roughly. If you’re near the beginning or end ask.
Long lasting success and long-term plans are made possible by your actions and choices this month. Tap into the Dragon’s storehouse of magic as only you can. Offer your revelations in return. Make donations as you are able.
Hint: Dream it up! Let patience and persistence follow.

丑 Ox
Years: 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021
Month: January roughly. If you’re near the beginning or end ask.
Being even more sensitive than usual in this Dragon month means that you may feel overstimulated. Sounds are louder. Smells are stronger. It’s not them it’s you. Your intuition and inspirations are in full effect too though. You’re the yin to the Dragon’s yang.
Hint: Retain common sense but don’t let habits get in the way of considering magical possibilities.

寅 Tiger
Years: 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022
Month: February roughly. If you’re near the beginning or end ask.
You’ve got a tight window this month to take on money making projects. At the same time you may be dealing with more complex challenges. The Fire Triple combination of Tiger Horse and Dog are still rushing to assist others as well as figure out what can safely be done to help.
Hint: Keep looking around for answers. Your superior vision can enlighten others.

卯 Rabbit
Years: 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023
Month: March roughly. If you’re near the beginning or end ask.
It could be hard to find your purpose this month. Don’t think that means you don’t have one. You’ve often got good advice about health (and many other practical matters) and it will be valued when presented with your gentle love and commitment.
Hint: Even the slightest force may be perceived as creating a loss; nitpicking or nagging.

Prescience or Pre Science?

Posted on by Stephanie Stewart

When you’re used to walking on Fire, always growing and expanding, it takes a little longer to learn to walk on Water. For some, contemplation is a downer. Even though I had some ideas about what was coming, I didn’t take in the scale. And it has taken me a little longer than I thought it would to get my Rat year legs. How about you?

I like to think that when this is over we will be as sailors just returned from a long journey. Wobbly off the boat; joyful but still cautious. That’s when we will fan the flame together. Oh yes.

Tomorrow we enter the Metal Dragon month. Here in Washington State we’ve been advised to stay home until May 4th. I had already been thinking that certain types of businesses will ask that employees return to their workplaces in the Snake month. First day of the Snake month is May 5th this year. It’s a Metal Snake.

Snakes have been on my mind since 2016. In 2020 Feng Shui forecasters, masters, and others commented on how the Snake was a lucky sign this year. Many of them included people born on a yin Fire day in the same group. One question is: Is the luck for the Snake or does the Snake bring the luck to us?

The yin Fire of the Snake makes it the most unpredictable sign of the Zodiac. Yin Fire is also the tamer of Geng; the yang Metal of the Metal Rat. I’m mostly talking Ba Zi here, but in terms of Qi Men Dun Jia, to paraphrase my teacher Master Richard Ashworth, “Geng will usually tell you where the trouble is”.

The idea is that the unpredictable yin Fire tames the yang Metal problem. I’m always looking for the patterns and this year I see one iteration of the yin Fire as the doctors and first responders. Asclepios comes to mind, because of the Snake.

It’s All Greek to Me

Asclepios was the son of Apollo, the god who drives the chariot of the Sun across the sky each day, and Coronis(!), a mortal woman. Some versions of Asclepios’ birth say he was cut from his dying mother’s womb by Apollo as she lay on her funeral pyre. Coronis was then transformed into the constellation Corvus. Obviously this is sacrificial stuff. It reminds me of Eve’s relationship with the Snake. Both the power and the price of “forbidden” knowledge can be high.

Asclepios was raised for awhile by his father Apollo who taught him about medicinal herbs and healing. He was then sent to live with the Centaur Chiron for further education.

Known as a mythological healer, a doctor, Asclepios ultimately became so good at his work that he was said to be able to resurrect the dead. For that reason, he was killed by Zeus who felt that bringing people back from the underworld was destroying the balance of power. Tyrants often show their sociopathic natures when they are not the ones acclaimed as the givers of the miracles. This is familiar to us.

The myth goes that Asclepios’ abilities were enhanced because he did a favor for a serpent and the serpent “licked his ears clean”. The snake taught him the secrets of healing. After Zeus killed Asclepios he turned him into the constellation Ophiuchus. The staff Asclepios carries is depicted with the snake twined around it.

Coronation

Back to Chinese ideas now. The Snake, Rooster and Ox make up the Metal Triple combination. The Snake starts a new cycle.

If you’ve read my forecasts you’ll already know I have talked about the Ox being in charge this year even though it’s the year of the Rat. The Ox month is most of January in case you didn’t know. That was when we recognized the presence of the virus.

By my calculation the Ox also has a Special Star this year called Wah Koi or Magnificent Crown (I know). It often signifies heightened talents and creativity, but can also indicate a self imposed habit of social distancing: introversion, withdrawal or even celibacy. For those with the Wah Koi star in their Ba Zi, work may seem/be more compelling than intimacy, however, they get lonely too. That sometimes provides the raw material for their work. I’m not making this up.

People with the Ox or a Wah Koi in their BaZi may find it easiest to ride this time out by way of productivity. That’s not true for everyone so give yourself (or someone else) a break if you’re not feeling particularly artsy, contemplative or philosophical.

Back on the Horse

So far this has been a year of plans that require changing. That didn’t come as a surprise. The fear first hit me when I was writing this year’s Horse forecast in late December. I wish I had kept the original versions. I’m also kind of glad I didn’t. There’s always a part of forecasting that involves creation so you have to be careful with your projections.

Part of my plan, which I had been working on since September, has been to clash myself; to choose the impact so to speak. And that is why I’m not living in my house now. We moved out to make way for big renovations on March 8th; the day before many Seattle employers sent employees to work from home. That was the beginning of our social distancing. As I write this it’s been 25 days.

I’m kind of homesick but there’s no going home right now because my kitchen and bathrooms are down to the studs. Although I miss my garden there are so many others to enjoy here where I am. If this is my “disaster” I’ll take it and be grateful. In know I’m going to be alright, even if I don’t know exactly what that will mean.

I’ve been helping my parents in Arizona and my children in California and Oregon as best as I can, but going to the post office in order to send toilet paper through the mail is a tangible experience of my helplessness. So is learning how much of my anger comes from anxiety – duh.

Anyway, I’m still here and working, for which I am thankful. I do know that good things are still happening beneath the surface of this epidemic even if we are unable to identify them right now. If I can help in some way please get in touch. My fees have always been negotiable.

Why I am a Diviner

Posted on by Stephanie Stewart

I’m a diviner. I use BaZi (also known as Chinese Astrology), Feng Shui, Qi Men Dun Jia, I Ching and other methods to seek information that’s not available from deductive or inductive models. I love my job. Here are the main reasons I do what I do:

I want to helpfully inform you.
I don’t make predictions just to be right. Although I know I might be more impressive if I did, I don’t consider that mastery.

I want to contain fear.
I don’t make predictions intending to scare you into thinking you need to hire me so you won’t get wrecked. I also want you to know the feelings you don’t want to have are more difficult than the potential outcomes you imagine.

I want to create something with you. Sometimes it’s the future.
I have noticed that caring makes my predictions more accurate. There are more instances of positive/desired outcomes as well. That’s a co-creation with you.

I value truthfulness and respect.
I value honesty and will tell you what I see/receive. For weightier matters, if you don’t specifically ask I’m not going to tell. I respect both physical and metaphysical boundaries.

I want to encourage you.
I employ common sense above all. I know the difference between divination and affirmation, however, I believe there’s always something to look forward to even if it seems far in the future.

12 Animal Fortunes for the Earth Rabbit Month

Posted on by Stephanie Stewart

Earth Rabbit 己卯 Month
March 5th 11:03-April 4th 15:48

Here are the Animal Fortunes for the month of the Earth Rabbit. To get the most out of the fortunes you’ll want to know all four of your pillars which are based on your birth date and time.

If you don’t know them get in touch. Each of the four animals of your BaZi correlates with an aspect of your life.

Year Pillar
Has to do with your physical body and what you do with it, ancestors, family traits. In terms of luck the year pillar is said to take the first “hit” of any event, good or bad.

Month Pillar
Relates to career, work environment, training, age mates and peers, siblings, exes and your modus operandi

Day Pillar
Yourself and true partner; your immediate environment and home life.

Hour Pillar
Your innermost self, your children, future, hopes and dreams.

The Fortunes

卯 Rabbit
Years: 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023
Month: March roughly. If you’re near the beginning or end ask.
The things you have to say are important so allow yourself to find the right time and the right words if you want to be heard. Don’t let your manner of communicating obscure your message. And, as the charmer you are, you already know love and respect can solve any conflict. Bring it.
Hint: Imagine yourself being on the receiving end of what you have to say. We all need forgiveness from someone.

辰 Dragon
Years: 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024
Month: April roughly. If you’re near the beginning or end ask.
In a Rabbit month Dragons are likely to have financial losses. In a Rat year these should be easily made up so try not to worry about it. I hope you’re sticking with the long view and long-term plans. You don’t have to know the end of the story right now. Continue to focus on goals.
Hint: If you’re feeling unsure about the goals you’ve chosen you’re in good company. Lots of uncertainty this year.

巳 Snake
Years: 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025
Month: May roughly. If you’re near the beginning or end ask.
Per usual, your powerful magic is a little unpredictable. Snakes who know how to work the Ox will get the best results. The wind is at your back this month so use it to speed yourself forward. Spread the truth far and wide.
Hint: Deceivers may end up like the Sorcerer’s apprentice in Fantasia. Careful with what you unleash.

午 Horse
Years: 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026
Month: June roughly. If you’re near the beginning or end ask.
The Rabbit month helps to contain the fear you may be experiencing. This is a great month to work on health both mental and physical. Make your environment and routines support that. You’ll be surprised how much difference even small efforts can make. Writing and visual arts give a helpful outlet and fuel optimism.
Hint: Here’s the small break from stress you’ve been looking for.

未 Sheep
Years: 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027
Month: July roughly. If you’re near the beginning or end ask.
Like the Ox, you are in the background this year running things but you’re not really invested in fame. In the Rabbit month you’ll be standing out in the herd. Keep in mind what you want to be remembered for if it matters to you. You’re going to be held responsible for the outcome even if you’re hitching your wagon to someone else’s star.
Hint: Did you know Nina Turner is a 1967 Fire Sheep?

申 Monkey
Years: 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028
Month: August roughly. If you’re near the beginning or end ask.
The Rabbit month brings a compelling offer of partnership. You’ll want to consider what you find attractive about it before you attempt to change it to meet your requirements. The differences between you might be exactly what makes it great.
Hint: Yang Metal day stem people this applies to you too. Soften up.

酉 Rooster
Years: 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029
Month: September roughly. If you’re near the beginning or end ask.
If you’re thinking the grass is greener on the other side of the fence that’s because it’s spring. Those questions you have about the loyalty of others might be better recognized as feelings. Your feelings. You’ll know the difference if you pay attention. You are loved.
Hint: If friends and family are not showing up as you like consider that they aren’t happy about that either.

戌 Dog
Years: 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030
Month: October roughly. If you’re near the beginning or end ask.
This is the month to make home a better place to be through actions, maintenance and improvements. Explore your domestic side. Sniff out those who could use some protection or assistance while you’ve got the power to provide it yourself or make the proper connections. Do it for yourself too. You deserve it!
Hint: You’ve got support this month. No need to go it alone. A helpful person is right there with you.

亥 Pig
Years: 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1994, 2007, 2018, 2030
Month: November roughly. If you’re near the beginning or end ask.
Rabbit month will anchor you in the rushing water if you want that. There’s someone present who supports your expression and makes you feel at home. Just talk. It doesn’t all have to be deep. This month is perfect for finding whatever kind of assistance you need so don’t waste the opportunity to get it.
Hint: Everybody wants their Mother at some time. What could be more natural?

子 Rat
Years: 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020
Month: December roughly. If you’re near the beginning or end ask.
It could be that your past actions are under scrutiny from someone close to you. Be ready to listen. Show that you care if you do. The trick is not to let the accusations that may come turn into fault finding and blame. This applies both to you and whoever is questioning your definition of support.
Hint: Keep doing your best. If you think you’ve made mistakes it may be helpful to acknowledge them.

丑 Ox
Years: 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021
Month: January roughly. If you’re near the beginning or end ask.
The Rabbit month brings an open conflict and how you handle it will either directly impact your authority for better or worse. If you’ve taken on the transformation or completion of another’s work this is the month to be open about that. Listen up or you may not realize how you are perceived in that regard.
Hint: Whatever cause you are committed to, make it known and focus on the desired outcome in your behavior.

寅 Tiger
Years: 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022
Month: February roughly. If you’re near the beginning or end ask.
Meh. Not as rock and roll as last month. Now it’s time to deal with job and domestic stuff which could seem boring in comparison. Back to routines. The bills are coming in; money is going out. Competitors are present. This too shall pass. Make family/home/health the priority.
Hint: It’s not that bad; it’s that your standards are high.

12 Animal Fortunes for the Earth Tiger Month

Posted on by Stephanie Stewart

Earth Tiger 戊寅 Month
February 4th 17:18-March 5th 11:03

Here are the Animal Fortunes for the month of the Earth Tiger. To get the most out of the fortunes you’ll want to know all four of your pillars which are based on your birth date and time.

If you don’t know them get in touch. Each of the four animals of your BaZi correlates with an aspect of your life.

Year Pillar
Has to do with your physical body and what you do with it, ancestors, family traits. In terms of luck the year pillar is said to take the first “hit” of any event, good or bad.

Month Pillar
Relates to career, work environment, training, age mates and peers, siblings, exes and your modus operandi

Day Pillar
Yourself and true partner; your immediate environment and home life.

Hour Pillar
Your innermost self, your children, future, hopes and dreams.

The Fortunes

寅 Tiger
Years: 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022
Month: February roughly. If you’re near the beginning or end ask.
If you want a housing upgrade I hope you’ve already been looking. You will need to be ready to move quickly on that. Travel if you can – even if it’s just a day or weekend excursion. Don’t stress about finances. You’ll have enough work this year to keep up even if it doesn’t feel that way now.
Hint: Get some sleep.

卯 Rabbit
Years: 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023
Month: March roughly. If you’re near the beginning or end ask.
Rabbits are emboldened as we get further into the Tiger month. There are delicate matters to be discussed this year. Start the process by acknowledging your progenitors. Go gently from that starting point.
Hint: Could be growing pains.

辰 Dragon
Years: 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024
Month: April roughly. If you’re near the beginning or end ask.
The beginning of your process may be clashed this month but it’s a temporary setback and probably the only significant one of the year. Don’t sweat it. Definitely don’t give up. Stay the course.
Hint: It’s possible that you could turn this clash into increased authority or a promotion within a couple of months. Think about it.

巳 Snake
Years: 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025
Month: May roughly. If you’re near the beginning or end ask.
Disappointingly, the subtle empowerment you had in January has gone underground temporarily. If you get too frustrated about it, you’ll put yourself at risk of an accident or injury. Patience. It’s coming back in April.
Hint: Progress is progress. No matter if it’s slow.

午 Horse
Years: 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026
Month: June roughly. If you’re near the beginning or end ask.
The Tiger month may tempt you to take the dare. If it’s an “informed dare”, i.e. one where you have gathered the facts needed to visualize the outcome, go for it. If not? Nay.
Hint: You can influence any outcome with more lead time.

未 Sheep
Years: 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027
Month: July roughly. If you’re near the beginning or end ask.
You think your power comes from your group and you’re not wrong. This month you’ll want to consider the possibility that through your loyalty and support you are empowering a predator; a wolf (Tiger?) in Sheep’s clothing. Seducers are seduced.
Hint: Elementally speaking you’re the yin to the Tiger’s yang.

申 Monkey
Years: 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028
Month: August roughly. If you’re near the beginning or end ask.
Petty and juvenile conflicts could bring bigger consequences than they are worth so refrain. With so much work to do and money to be made it shouldn’t be hard. You’ll probably be traveling. Drive carefully and patiently.
Hint: Careful with words too. For better or worse they’re going to leave a mark.

酉 Rooster
Years: 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029
Month: September roughly. If you’re near the beginning or end ask.
Like the Monkey you’ve got lots of work to do. This month should bring a good financial return for it. Keep an eye out for ways to spread the wealth through introductions and referrals.
Hint: Communicate to connect people with jobs and money.

戌 Dog
Years: 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030
Month: October roughly. If you’re near the beginning or end ask.
Your predatory side is stimulated this month. This may be best recognized as an opportunity to change your reputation by the way you handle it. In the long run this is how Dogs will maintain or regain authority.
Hint: It’s a good month for you so use it to shape your future.

亥 Pig
Years: 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1994, 2007, 2018, 2030
Month: November roughly. If you’re near the beginning or end ask.
You’re going to want some space and there’s nothing wrong with that. If you feel pressured to conform or go faster just feel it. It’s not required that you do it. It could be a break up is coming regardless.
Hint: Be gentle with yourself. Talk does help like it or not.

子 Rat
Years: 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020
Month: December roughly. If you’re near the beginning or end ask.
It’s going to be a good month for writing and other creative efforts so use it up. You may find a helpful partner that speeds you along. Others may see you as putting a damper on things so your word choice is crucial to being heard.
Hint: Nothing wrong with aggression which is just about stepping forward. It’s the intention behind it that makes it useful or not.

丑 Ox
Years: 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021
Month: January roughly. If you’re near the beginning or end ask.
In a Rat year, the Tiger month could bring a promotion or other increased authority for the Ox. The Tiger helps to solidify your reputation. Expect a new partnership forming near the end of the month.
Hint: Ride the Wood energy; go with the flow. Be more spontaneous.

12 Animal Fortunes for 2020 ~ Metal Rat Year

Posted on by Stephanie Stewart

How To Use The Animal Fortunes

If you already know your Four Pillars click on the animal name or your birth year in the table below to go straight to your Zodiac Animal character and forecast. You’ll want to read the fortune for all four of your pillars. The position of each pillar will tell you how the fortune relates to your life.

Year Pillar

Has to do with your physical body and what you do with it, ancestors, family traits. In terms of luck the year pillar is said to take the first “hit” of any event, good or bad.

Month Pillar

Relates to career, work environment, training, age mates and peers, siblings, exes and your modus operandi.

Day Pillar
Yourself and your partner; relationship.

Hour Pillar
The innermost you, your children, future, dreams.

If you don’t know your four pillars please ask me. These forecasts are somewhat superficial as they don’t take into account the dynamic interaction of the Four Pillars that make up your particular chart. If you are interested in a BaZi reading or personalized forecast email me.

All of the 2020 Zodiac Animal characters were written by my teacher Richard Ashworth. If you’re looking for a Feng Shui master who is also a great teacher I can’t recommend him enough. Richard’s courses are the real thing.

Each Zodiac Animal character is followed by the 2020 Animal Fortune written by me – Stephanie Stewart. If you would like to read my forecast for 2020 (the year itself) click here. Enjoy!

2020 Animal Fortunes

Rat 1936 1948 1960 1972 1984 1996
Ox 1937 1949 1961 1973 1985 1997
Tiger 1938 1950 1962 1974 1986 1998
Rabbit 1939 1951 1963 1975 1987 1999
Dragon 1940 1952 1964 1976 1988 2000
Snake 1941 1953 1965 1977 1989 2001
Horse 1942 1954 1966 1978 1990 2002
Sheep 1943 1955 1967 1979 1991 2003
Monkey 1944 1956 1968 1980 1992 2004
Rooster 1945 1957 1969 1981 1993 2005
Dog 1946 1958 1970 1982 1994 2006
Pig 1935 1947 1959 1971 1983 1995

The Pig in 2020 ~ Metal Rat Year

Posted on by Stephanie Stewart

Who is a Pig?

Years: 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007.
Month*: November
Hour: 09:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Day: ask us

* Caution: the start of the Chinese month can be as early as the 4th & as late as the 9th, depending on the year. I can let you know this too.

What is a Pig?

The weakness and the strength of the Pig (who is inherently yin Water and therefore often reluctant to communicate) is that they think they know what is good for them. And they are actually right often enough to make advice close to impossible. By extension this means you Pigs may believe you know what is right for everybody else.

Technically the Pig is a cocktail of Water, Wood and Earth. This makes for extraordinary versatility. But this combined with the Pig’s weakness at emotional disclosure can mean that they lack a support system just when they most need one. Consider Fire Pig Hillary Clinton and her rogue email account; the story goes that she simply could not master her Blackberry and could not bring herself to seek appropriate help. That’s a Pig.

Versatile and wilful, gifted at whatever they do, the Pig is the sign of the inventor. Edison was a Pig and Elon Musk, as is Wikileaker Julian Assange. Perfectly-balanced Pigs can literally do almost anything but they don’t much like reflective advice from others and they are liable to hate uncertainty. Remember Fire Pig Elton John in “Tantrums and Tiaras”? And Elon Musk’s social media tiffs?

Vagueness is uncomfortable for the Pig: Edison was of course an obsessive patenter, Hillary determined to both get Wall Street onside and retain her liberal credentials and Assange, confident that he knows better than anyone else what the world needs to know. Brexit and the Trumpreich might have fallen differently but for some of these guys. This does not make them mistaken but the truth can be a moveable feast.

A balanced Pig (perhaps March birth around mid-afternoon) is a great audience and typically gets the listening/talking ratio just right. An unbalanced one can shoot off at the mouth and give (or take) away the farm before she knows it. Does any of this sound like – to pluck a name from nowhere – Earth Pig Simon Cowell?

More likely, you are prone to withdrawing into silence. Sometimes the Pig sulks but more commonly withdraws out of pure disinterest and can be perfectly cheerful when challenged on the withdrawal.

The Pig child needs just the right mixture of carrot and stick. Too much disincentive and he is suppressed or resentful. Too much carrot and he can be smug. The balanced Pig is the most sensitive of the animals; the unbalanced one has undergone an empathy bypass. As the parent of a Pig, just remember you are instrumental in this process. Your Piglet does not need to become a boor.

The Pig harbours the Wood of creativity so they can be as adept with the written as the spoken word as well as the yang Earth of deep concentration. Many Pigs prefer to study in noisy rooms and many are effortless A-students as tutors of first and second year postgraduates of 2020 may notice. Bear in mind though that there is a near-epidemic of depression and anxiety among millennials and that Water is the associated element. Don’t ever take a 1995 or 2007 Pig’s good cheer for granted.

The Stevie Smith poem “Not waving but drowning” is about a Pig. They look so competent. And they are. Until they’re not. If you care for a Pig beware of their apparent endless confidence. There are crucial gaps.

The Pig does not tend to like the Snake; one way or another they immobilise each other. And the Monkey, the Snake’s intimate, can be a source of annoyance also. The Pig’s most natural team is with the Rabbit and the Sheep. This alliance is quintessentially domestic; together these three can make anywhere home. A perfect family might be Pig father, Rabbit mother and Sheep first-born. Once home, the Rabbit entertains while the Sheep ensures compatibility and the Pig skilfully performs the tasks that are beyond the scope or interest of her partners.

Traditionally the Pig also enjoys the company of the Tiger as Elton John’s husband Water Tiger David Furnish can attest. You might think they’d be more cautious but they know that the Tiger is uninterested in conquering anyone he considers easy meat. Of course he’s missing something here but the Pig’s fearless approach often disarms the Tiger before they realise. And by the bye, Pig’s literary ambition often burgeons in a Tiger year and flourishes in a Rabbit one.

Although she may herself be more adventurous, the Pig also understands the loyal and consistent Dog. She respects the fact that every home needs its guardian. These two will tend to develop a camaraderie with its own distinctive banter. The Pig respects the Dog’s diligence and the Dog knows the Pig will compensate for his weakness.

The Pig also operates well as factotum for a group consisting of the Snake (whose company she can’t otherwise stand for long) the Monkey (see above) and the Tiger. For these she is, interestingly, the peacemaker and setter of standards. Without the Pig this grouping whose common interest is travel and mobility, can’t get off the ground. Taron Egerton interestingly who impersonated Elton so effectively in Rocket Man, is a 1989 Snake.

One final note: the Pig suffers what is called the self curse. That is to say that she has limited patience with other Pigs. And as Rocket Man illustrates, a huge capacity for self-loathing. The Chinese character for a house is one Pig under a roof. Just the one. Approach them gently and listen.

Richard Ashworth © 2020
www.imperialfengshui.info

The Pig in 2020

That was the river. This is the sea.
The Waterboys

In a Pig year, there’s a nearly constant demand for the Pig to change shape. Even Pigs with solid plans, experience and the best of intentions may have found all they could do was to try to keep up with the next iteration. As a result, some Pigs may think all they want is to be done. You’re not.

Pigs would like some recovery and quiet but there’s still work to be done. Your year of shape shifting is over, but the Rat year is an aftermath and further changes are inevitable. For the Pig, 2020 will be a year of movement and learning. Embrace the coming changes early in the year or they will tend to overload you near the end. You have the most options available now.

The Rat year demands completions and endings of the events set in motion in 2019. The biggest success for the Pig often arrives after lessons have been learned. Expect some of those wins in 2022. Now is the time to prepare so finish your homework. Make your goals for the year public to reinforce your accountability.

Throughout the year the Ox may fruitlessly try to block your flow while the Rat tries to speed it up. This dissonance results in awkward pacing and confusion. Interpreting it as an emergency will be a self fulfilling prophecy. Haste could result in breakage, chaos and injury. Go at your own pace. Take care with bathing and swimming.

Trust that good decisions and actions will lead to good results. A set of rules, of your choosing of course, will keep you going in the right direction especially when you are impatient. Base them on where you want to be two years from now. Stick to them. Rely on your own counsel as much as possible.

If you must have an advisor you can probably find one in March. Don’t expect too much. Even the advice of well meaning maternal types could be tainted by past disappointments or power plays. If rebellion or revenge is recommended you’ll know you’re in the wrong place. Seek the quiet places where you can hear yourself think. This could be a balm for the impatience and anger you may be experiencing.

The restlessness that began in December could become irresistible in February and November. It isn’t unfamiliar but this year it runs deeper than usual, making you question whether or not you are in the right place. It’s only natural that you’ve changed and now you want your environment and those in it to reflect that. Let those feelings provide the impetus for making a job change. Find your true calling. Pigs who are already in the right place job wise are probably due for moving house or travel.

Pigs have the Scholar Star in 2020 which is supports furthering education. Most of all you are meant to learn. Start investigating the programs that interest you now. Take small steps. With so much Water element in play there will be multiple opportunities to further your expertise or learn something new. All you have to do is make your selection.

The Dog in 2020 ~ Metal Rat Year

Posted on by Stephanie Stewart

Who is a Dog?

Years: 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006.
Month*: October
Hour: 19.00-21.00
Day: Ask Us

* Caution: the start of the Chinese month can be as early as the 4th & as late as the 9th, depending on the year. I can let you know this too.

What is a Dog?

The Dog is yang earth and a byword for faith and consistency. Terriers and Rotweilers are both fierce as well as loyal. In mediaeval heraldry and Renaissance painting, the greyhound symbolises constancy. The downside of this is that like Donald Trump and two of his three predecessors (ie not Obama – naturally), they can take some moving on. And the primary force in the world today is the eclipse of the post-war era which opened in the Fire Dog year of their birth 1946, and the search for a new beginning in which humanity has some chance of survival.

A Dog can be expected to revere tradition and have a strong family background. If a Dog commits to something they can generally be relied upon to see it to completion – for better or worse. The difference between male and female Dogs can be that the female gets the message quicker. Interesting to note that Kate Middleton and Prince William are twin Water Dogs of 1982; a very solid match because as a yang earth sign, the Dog is pretty immovable, an ideal best friend or protector. These two are first and foremost, good friends.

The Dog’s thinking may not always be flexible but when he gets an idea, he really gets it. His natural grouping is with the hunters, the Horse and Tiger. The apportionment of tasks here is obvious: the Horse provides pace and the Tiger ferocity while the Dog watches the rear. If more people studied Chinese metaphysics, more workplaces would zing: in business the Horse will tend to be the sales person, the Tiger the closer or credit controller and the Dog the provider of after-sales service or er…HR department.

The Dog excels at service because he never gives up. He will return your phone calls and keep that appointment. He’s the friend who sends a card every birthday and the spouse who remembers every anniversary. He’s also the charming employer and the Tweeter at dawn.

The Dog perhaps surprisingly, also mixes well with the gentle diplomatic Rabbit. The Rabbit schmoozes while the Dog ensures that her openness is not abused. The Dog makes a wonderful bodyguard and middle manager. A Dog employer will generally have achieved that position by sheer hard work and will demand the same from all around.

The Dog doesn’t like the Dragon because he’s such a smarty pants. Also the Dog hates success without effort and he sees the Dragon create with such apparent ease. Consider Trump’s man-crush on Dragon Vladimir Putin in this light. The Snake too; she’d resent the Horse as well, except that the balanced Dog is scrupulously loyal to her own team. And just as an aside, it’s a principle of yin and yang that opposites co-exist. So some Dogs will express these qualities in the omission rather than the observance. This may make sense of both George W Bush and Donald Trump.

An unbalanced Dog is a bit of a shop steward. He knows his rights and the way things should be – often the way they always have been. An unbalanced Dog (such as one with an October or mid-evening birth) is rigid. Those recent US Presidents in a downward progress of de-evolution bottoming out at Donald Trump, have been champions of stuck, male, white, wealthy privilege. Make no mistake: it may not be clear very soon but the Fire Dog is over. The smart Fire Dog has already become mentor and confessor. That’s a pursuit at which he can often excel, and in 2020 it has become appropriate.

The Dog will often have a strong spiritual agenda and if he has a blind spot it may be an inability to tell the difference between religion and spirituality or spirituality and therapy. Because this means he sticks to his guns, the Dog is suited both to new age therapy and religious persecution. He will not be thrown off by the opinions of others once he has committed to a line of action. In fact the unbalanced Dog can be thick skinned in matters of belief; this Dog would be ideally suited to being a Grand Inquisitor. The problem is that their motto ought to be “Do as you would be done by,” and he thinks it already is. Resentment is a trap that is so easy to fall into.

The Dog can work well with other Dogs and even with the Pig. With the Pig he shares a love of home and team and they are so different they don’t crowd each other. Sometimes the Dog and Pig can be telepathically close; this is because they are adjacent signs in the calendar linked by the yang Earth that is a feature of both. Sometimes this Earth is expressed by banter or earthy humour, sometimes by complimentary delusions; consider Trump and Earth Pig born-again misogynist Mike Pence. They can have a lot of fun together while getting the job done. Or not. Beware though: the yang Earth and the yin Water have to mix just right or it can all end in tears.

But the most powerful and most demanding role the Dog can play is in a creative team including the irritating Dragon, the autocratic Ox and the soft Sheep. If the Dog acts as conscience and bookkeeper, the Ox will relax, the Sheep toughen up and the Dragon acknowledge someone else for a change. If you are a Dog recruiting for non-executive directors take note. What is great about the Dog is that if he finds advice that works he will adopt it as if it were religion. Bless. As for the unbalanced Fire Dog – watch this space.

Richard Ashworth © 2020
www.imperialfengshui.info

The Dog in 2020

Following on the hooves of the Earth Pig, the Metal Rat of 2020 brings further losses for the Dog. With the Ox in charge you may not see your competitors coming but they are. Dogs can expect to continue to lose money.

The Dog has plenty of work opportunities in 2020. It’s not earning money that’s the problem. It’s holding onto it. If you want to mitigate the money drain, give up something you value in the form of a charitable contribution.

Setting new boundaries for yourself is what will set you free. Step away from a position of authority to put your strengths at the service of others and you will be pleasantly surprised at the result. Don’t expect them to be immediate. You’re going to need to pack your patience.

Since last year your emotions have been running higher than usual and for good reason. If this is extremely uncomfortable, just let it be. Take a deep breath. If you made errors in judgment, forgive yourself. Forgive whoever you think gave you bad advice. Forgive your accusers. The Rat is giving you the perfect timing to start over. Return to your core values of loyalty, stability and guardianship for guidance. If you can do that, you’ll transform potential bitterness into a benevolent legacy. What is required to negotiate this year is already within you.

The Metal Rat is going to bring your attention to the fact that the events of the Pig year have put a strain on your relationship. It’s not just you that feels it. As we pass into the second half of the year potential is high for an affair. You’re really only in jeopardy if you haven’t been honest with your partner. It’s not too late, but without communication the unstable Fire of the summer could convince you that you’re justified in deception. Redefine loyalty and commitment through your actions. The timing is perfect for that lesson. Looking for advice from your usual sources will likely back up erroneous ideas and lead to regret.

In February the Tiger may encourage your predatory side. In March your closest friends may egg on your bad behavior, even setting you up with prospective dates. Have you noticed they are in a state of rebellion that taints their advice?

Dogs who have gone too far and/or too long in crossing boundaries with their power may experience repercussions in April. In August a neighbor is struggling with commitment in their own relationship. If you don’t listen to your courageous heart, you might see this reinforcing your own poor choice.

Let your byword be honesty. Write a new mission statement. Seek new experiences that humble you. Find new friends, the kind that are willing tell you what you don’t want to hear. Be wary of fans. Take time to hear out those who feel they’ve been wronged. Help the ones who have.

Remember: caring and approval are not the same thing. That applies not only to how people feel about you but also to how you feel about them.

Study your craft which is to maintain safety; to guard and protect. We still need you. Invite attention to what you are learning. Test the changes you think you’ve made by way of the feedback you receive.