Gong Hay Fat Choi!
"In this year of the goat, may you
be proud and exalted in life,
revel in your business success,
have a smooth career path,
and be free from worries.
May you become rich,
and be happy every day!"
February 19, 2015 begins the year of the Goat. Goat/Sheep years include: 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015. The Goat is the 8th of the 12 animals in the Chinese Zodiac, which go (in order): rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig. There are many legends as to how these animals were chosen and in why in that order. One such story is called Legend of the Chinese Zodiac, and is found in the book Identities, An Anthology, published by Calvert Education.
Goat people tend to be calm, gentle, creative and thoughtful. They are persevering and honest. Goats tend to have fewer health problems and eliminating meat from their diet, focusing instead on fresh fruits and vegetables is very healthy for them. Fresh air, trees and sunshine suit goats very well.
Recently we read In the Year of the Boar and Jackie Robinson, by Bette Bao Lord. In this book, set in 1947 (the year of the Boar and the rookie year of Jackie Robinson), a young Chinese girl leaves China for a new beginning with her parents in America. In January we see her celebrating Chinese New Year with her extended family in China, in February she travels to America by boat, in March she begins public school in Brooklyn New York, as the only Chinese girl in the school, who does not speak any English.
For the best health in the year of the goat:
- Get plenty of fresh air and exercise
- Eat lots of fresh vegetables and fruits
- Acupuncture for balancing energy during the change of seasons and when symptoms appear
May the coming new year bring you joy, health and peace.
Good luck, good health and good cheer for a happy and healthy new year!
~ David Sokulski, L.Ac. and Melissa Sokulski, L.Ac.
