Spirituality Guide

Perhaps you are wondering why I have posted the things I have posted so far. The twelve major religions. Western astrology. Chinese astrology. If I’m supposed to be the spirituality guide, then why am I posting about other established things?

The answer lies in what I consider to be the duty of a guide. While it is true that a guide should guide you on your path, the methods of doing so should vary, in my opinion, depending on the path that is being walked upon. If you’re looking to get from your home to the next city, a direct guide in the form of the map should tell you exactly where to go.

I don’t consider myself a map, though, nor do I consider the path of spirituality one that is straight or easy to map out. It is different for every person, and that is why it’s important to gain as much knowledge as you can so you can apply it personally. No one person, text, lecture, or philosophy should tell you how to live your life in all ways. Broad terms and actions, sure. Exact day to day, hour to hour behavior? No.

What I am trying to do here is to encourage you to look outside the realm of your immediate reality because it is focusing only on your immediate reality that will trap you. True truth and knowledge takes seeking and exploration. It isn’t always comfortable or happy, but that is the way of the path.

I don’t mean to sound like some mystical guru when I’m telling you this, and I’m sorry if I do. But I truly consider my role here… what I want my role to be here…is someone who points and says ‘look there’. It’s up to you to put the pieces together in ways you see fit. For you to accept what you want, deny what you want, and find your personal truths.

Interested in what you have read but still feeling a little less than 100% on your defined sign and element? Well that could be because you have a little secret.

A secret animal that is.

No, we’re not done with signs yet. The Chinese zodiac has one more fun surprise for us in the form of the secret animal.

The secret animal is said to be the truest representation of a person’s being because it is represented by the smallest amount of time – a two hour period. Your secret animal is based on your birth hour:

23:00 - 01:00: rat
01:00 - 03:00: ox
03:00 - 05:00: tiger
05:00 - 07:00: rabbit
07:00 - 09:00: dragon
09:00 - 11:00: snake
11:00 - 13:00: horse
13:00 - 15:00: sheep
15:00 - 17:00: monkey
17:00 - 19:00: rooster
19:00 - 21:00: dog
21:00 - 23:00: boar

So whereas you may have been born in the year of the horse, your qualities may tend towards that of the rooster if you were born between five and seven pm and are true to yourself.

If you have your year animal sign the same as your secret animal sign, then you don’t need to be reading this! You probably identify very strongly with the traits in your year animal sign and don’t have much use for the secret animal sign.

As I mentioned before, you need to be careful with the Chinese calendar because it doesn’t line up with the Western calendar. Be sure to double check the dates of you birth against the calendar provided here.

People born within these date ranges, of the lunar calendar, can be said to have been born in the “year of the Pig,” while also bearing the following elemental sign:

30 January 1911 - 17 February 1912: Metal Pig
16 February 1923 - 4 February 1924: Water Pig
4 February 1935 - 23 January 1936: Wood Pig
22 January 1947 - 9 February 1948: Fire Pig
8 February 1959 - 27 January 1960: Earth Pig
27 January 1971 - 14 February 1972: Metal Pig
13 February 1983 - 1 February 1984: Water Pig
31 January 1995 - 18 February 1996: Wood Pig
18 February 2007 - 6 February 2008: Fire Pig
5 February 2019 - 24 January 2020: Earth Pig
2031 - 2032: Metal Pig
2043 - 2044: Water Pig

Those born under the year of the pig (or boar) is a strong, sturdy person who is always happily there when everyone else I feeling sad and unsure of what to do. Generally a happy person, the pig is also a bit indulgent with her/his specific likes. The pig is a definite good host/ess, though and is happy to share the mud of the pig pen with you.

Pigs have to be careful to not let people take advantage of them. Not only because of the hurt involved but because the pig will not be likely to take revenge. They are more likely to become reserved and step back to think about what happened and why it happened.

If you want a friend who will let you be you and is happy on their own path, then you should start trying to find the pigs in your area.

Remember to refer to this post for information about what your element and yin or yang mean in accordance to your sign.

People born within these date ranges for the zodiacal Dog bear the following elemental sign:

10 February 1910 - 29 January 1911: Metal Dog
28 January 1922 - 15 February 1923: Water Dog
14 February 1934 - 2 February 1935: Wood Dog
2 February 1946 - 21 January 1947: Fire Dog
18 February 1958 - 7 February 1959: Earth Dog
6 February 1970 - 26 January 1971: Metal Dog
25 January 1982 - 12 February 1983: Water Dog
10 February 1994 - 30 January 1995: Wood Dog
29 January 2006 - 17 February 2007: Fire Dog
2018 - 2019: Earth Dog
2030 - 2031: Metal Dog

Nowhere else on the Chinese zodiac will you find a creature so utterly loyal. Like its animal namesake, these are the people you turn to when you need someone to listen, someone to help, or just someone to show you a bit of affection. And why not when they are so generous and modest as well?

That’s not to say our beloved dog-born are perfect. Just like their animal counterparts, they come in a wide variety of personalities which are influenced highly by those around them. They can be quick to anger and defensive, especially if they have been mistreated in the past.

Their loyalty often comes in awesome proportions, though, and you can be assured they will carry out a task you give them well. Be sure you pull your weight and show strength as well, though, because dogs like a functioning pack and don’t like people who leech off others.

Dogs need to be careful not to get too stubborn or be too harsh towards others who need to use the support of other people.

Remember to refer to this post for information about what your element and yin or yang mean in accordance to your sign.

People born within these date ranges can be said to have been born in the “year of the Rooster/Chicken,” while also bearing the following elemental sign:

22 January 1909 - 9 February 1910: Earth Rooster
8 February 1921 - 27 January 1922: Metal Rooster
26 January 1933 - 13 February 1934: Water Rooster
13 February 1945 - 1 February 1946: Wood Rooster
31 January 1957 - 17 February 1958: Fire Rooster
17 February 1969 - 5 February 1970: Earth Rooster
5 February 1981 - 24 January 1982: Metal Rooster
23 January 1993 - 9 February 1994: Water Rooster
9 February 2005 - 28 January 2006: Wood Rooster
2017 - 2018: Fire Rooster
2029 - 2030: Earth Rooster

If it’s possible to be romantic to a fault, then a rooster can do it. Perhaps it’s the love for the spotlight or just the love of love. Either way, these blunt creatures – sometimes blunt to a fault – will be the first to tell you that they are proud of themselves and of what they have done in life.

That’s not to say their pride comes without reason. They like looking good and have talent to spare. That combined with their hardworking personality gets them to places they want to be in a wide range of occupations.

If you want to stick around with the rooster, you have to be careful and uphold the standards that the rooster holds. After all, the people around you are accessories just as are the bangles and other jewelry you wear, and the rooster likes to look good.

It’s this spotlight and attention to detail that helps them brave many situations, though. If you can take being around someone so straight forward, the rooster will be a good, generous friend to have around.

Remember to refer to this post for information about what your element and yin or yang mean in accordance to your sign.

People born within these date ranges can be said to have been born in the Year of the Monkey, while also bearing the following elemental sign:

2 February 1908 - 21 January 1909: Earth Monkey
20 February 1920 - 7 February 1921: Metal Monkey
6 February 1932 - 25 January 1933: Water Monkey
25 January 1944 - 12 February 1945: Wood Monkey
12 February 1956 - 30 January 1957: Fire Monkey
30 January 1968 - 16 February 1969: Earth Monkey
16 February 1980 - 4 February 1981: Metal Monkey
4 February 1992 - 22 January 1993: Water Monkey
22 January 2004 - 8 February 2005: Wood Monkey
2016 - 2017: Fire Monkey
2028 - 2029: Earth Monkey

Quick-witted multi-taskers, monkeys make for great playmates and creative minds on any project. They’re often thinking about multiple things at one time, and if you want to know who said what at a certain party last week, then you should find the monkey who was among the crowd.

Their good capacity for remembering, however, can serve as a negative, as they are not likely to forget when people have acted and treated others badly. While they won’t go after you in obvious ways, be careful not to hurt any monkey you may need as a friend in the future.

Monkeys are determined, charismatic and often like to be everywhere at once. All this charisma and energy can be seen by others as vanity and the monkey should make sure it doesn’t turn into actual vanity. As long as the energy is focused outward (and not toward mischief) the monkey can go far in the world.

Remember to refer to this post for information about what your element and yin or yang mean in accordance to your sign.

People born within these date ranges can be said to have been born in the “year of the Ram”:

13 February 1907 - 1 February 1908: Fire Sheep
1 February 1919 - 19 February 1920: Earth Sheep
17 February 1931 - 5 February 1932: Metal Sheep
5 February 1943 - 24 January 1944: Water Sheep
24 January 1955 - 11 February 1956: Wood Sheep
9 February 1967 - 29 January 1968: Fire Sheep
28 January 1979 - 15 February 1980: Earth Sheep
15 February 1991 - 3 February 1992: Metal Sheep
1 February 2003 - 21 January 2004: Water Sheep
2015 - 2016: Wood Sheep
2027 - 2028: Fire Sheep

Not to be paired with the rabbit – they’ll never get anything decided (even if they do get along fabulously)! – the sheep (or goat) is also often shy creatures. That serves to their (and almost always everyone else’s) benefit, though, because they think before they act. They don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings.

The sheep are some of the most creative and artistic people of the zodiac. They admire beauty in almost all its forms and appreciate people as well – especially those who give the sheep the precious attention it desires. This want for attention can turn into demand and self-focus if the sheep isn’t careful.

The sheep has a lot of empathy and is generous to a fault, so if you know a sheep who has money troubles, be sure to let him/her know that his/her love is enough to make you feel special. Encourage the creative side of the sheep you know, listen and be strong, and you will have a sheep friend for life.

Remember to refer to this post for information about what your element and yin or yang mean in accordance to your sign.

People born within these date ranges can be said to have been born in the “year of the Horse,” while also bearing the following elemental sign:

25 January 1906 - 12 February 1907: Fire Horse
11 February 1918 - 31 January 1919: Earth Horse
30 January 1930 - 16 February 1931: Metal Horse
15 February 1942 - 4 February 1943: Water Horse
3 February 1954 - 16 February 1955: Wood Horse
21 January 1966 - 8 February 1967: Fire Horse
7 February 1978 - 27 January 1979: Earth Horse
27 January 1990 - 14 February 1991: Metal Horse
12 February 2002 - 31 January 2003: Water Horse
2014 - 2015: Wood Horse
2026 - 2027: Fire Horse

Ah, the horse. Independent, confident and very quick in both intelligence and other areas. Like horses love running, the horse can get carried away by new ideas and discoveries. This can be a problem, though, when all you would like them to do is sit there and listen to what you have to say. They are good listeners, though, and genuinely care about what is happening with other people.

While the horse displays plenty of energy and outward confidence, you might be surprised to find that the horse is harboring inner demons. Doubts and fears can often plague the horse, which is part of the encouragement for the horse to keep ever going so s/he doesn’t have to focus on those negative things. (The horse often knows s/he can’t truly outrun these things, but it doesn’t stop him/her from trying.)

Horses should also be wary of rats, as it’s said that of all Chinese zodiac relationships, that between the horse and the rat is the worst.

Remember to refer to this post for information about what your element and yin or yang mean in accordance to your sign.

People born within these date ranges can be said to have been born in the “year of the Snake,” while also bearing the following elemental sign:

4 February 1905 - 24 January 1906: Wood Snake
23 January 1917 - 10 February 1918: Fire Snake
10 February 1929 - 29 January 1930: Earth Snake
27 January 1941 - 14 February 1942: Metal Snake
14 February 1953 - 2 February 1954: Water Snake
2 February 1965 - 20 January 1966: Wood Snake
18 February 1977 - 6 February 1978: Fire Snake
6 February 1989 - 26 January 1990: Earth Snake
24 January 2001 - 11 February 2002: Metal Snake
10 February 2013 - 30 January 2014: Water Snake
2025 - 2026: Wood Snake
2037 - 2038: Fire Snake

Many of those in the West have an intensely negative view of the symbolism surrounding snakes. However, in the Chinese zodiac, the snake can be even wiser than the tiger or the mighty dragon. Even so far as shunning rumors and foolish speaking and actions, the snake is intelligent as well as wise and is an observer by nature.

The snake enjoys partaking of the finer things in life and doesn’t let new ideas or possibilities slip by without notice. Like a snake on the hunt, once they have a scent, they will pursue it relentlessly and with confidence. However, it is this intensity that can become a negative both for the snake personally as well as for those intimidated by it.

Like the slithering snake, those snake-born are a good being to have around because of their flexibility in combination with determination. They are often patient and compassionate and can deal with the worst of news with an air of calm.

Remember to refer to this post for information about what your element and yin or yang mean in accordance to your sign.

Persons born within these date ranges can be said to have been born in the “year of the Dragon,” while also bearing the following elemental sign:

16 February 1904 - 3 February 1905: Wood Dragon
3 February 1916 - 22 January 1917: Fire Dragon
23 January 1928 - 9 February 1929: Earth Dragon
8 February 1940 - 26 January 1941: Metal Dragon
27 January 1952 - 13 February 1953: Water Dragon
13 February 1964 - 1 February 1965: Wood Dragon
31 January 1976 - 17 February 1977: Fire Dragon
17 February 1988 - 5 February 1989: Earth Dragon
5 February 2000 - 23 January 2001: Metal Dragon
2012 - 2013: Water Dragon
2024 - 2025: Wood Dragon

Strong and protective, dragons often decorate doorways and rooftops to help keep away demons from those inside. People born under this sign often show the same power that the dragon holds, taking advantage of what is often considered a lucky life.

This power is matched only by the dragon’s interest in the world around him/her. Vibrant and full of life, the world notices the dragon just as much as the dragon notices the world. With all this attention, though, it is easy for the dragon to become arrogant and pompous. After all, who wouldn’t when the whole world seems to take notice?

Dragons and those who know dragons should take special care to notice the demanding tendencies of the dragon. The world occasionally has other interests, and that doesn’t always sit well with the dragon.

With all this energy and potential surrounding it, the dragon can achieve many wonderful things if s/he simply learns to harness that energy and put it to good use.

Remember to refer to this post for information about what your element and yin or yang mean in accordance to your sign.

Persons born within these date ranges can be said to have been born in the “year of the Rabbit,” while also bearing the following elemental sign:

29 January 1903 - 15 February 1904: Water Rabbit
14 February 1915 - 2 February 1916: Wood Rabbit
2 February 1927 - 22 January 1928: Fire Rabbit
19 February 1939 - 7 February 1940: Earth Rabbit
6 February 1951 - 26 January 1952: Metal Rabbit
25 January 1963 - 12 February 1964: Water Rabbit
11 February 1975 - 30 January 1976: Wood Rabbit
29 January 1987 - 16 February 1988: Fire Rabbit
16 February 1999 - 4 February 2000: Earth Rabbit
3 February 2011 - 22 January 2012: Metal Rabbit
2023 - 2024: Water Rabbit
2035 - 2036: Wood Rabbit
2047 - 2048: Fire Rabbit

Ideal for positions of royalty or diplomatic pursuits, the rabbit is someone who does well in social situations. Kind, well-mannered, and intellectual, the rabbit can be quite timid. They often prefer scholarly activities and safe places as opposed to riotous parties and situations where they are forced to act out of their nature.

It is because of this desire for safety that they can miss opportunities that would benefit them. Because of the risks involved, they prefer to sit back and let the world pass sometimes. This can lead to good things, however, in that they are responsible and take issues seriously.

Rabbits need to remember to focus on the outside world as well as what is going on in their immediate world. They can be indecisive, so making a big decision – as painful as it may be – every now and then will probably be for their overall life benefit.

Remember to refer to this post for information about what your element and yin or yang mean in accordance to your sign.

People born within these date ranges can be said to have been born in the “Year Of The Tiger,” while also bearing the following elemental sign:

*8 February 1902 - 28 January 1903: Water Tiger
*26 January 1914 - 13 February 1915: Wood Tiger
*13 February 1926 - 1 February 1927: Fire Tiger
*31 January 1938 - 18 February 1939: Earth Tiger
*17 February 1950 - 5 February 1951: Metal Tiger
*5 February 1962 - 24 January 1963: Water Tiger
*23 January 1974 - 10 February 1975: Wood Tiger
*9 February 1986 - 28 January 1987: Fire Tiger
*28 January 1998 - 15 February 1999: Earth Tiger
*15 February 2010 - 3 February 2011: Metal Tiger
*2022 - 2023: Water Tiger

As the West sees the lion as the king of beasts, so the East sees the tiger. Seen as a symbol of not only royalty but the things that come along with it – like power and wealth – the tiger is indeed a good, intelligent protector.

Where the ox is patience, the tiger is impatience. Sometimes reckless and often moody and restless, the tiger can be a force to be reckoned with be you friend or foe. Still, it is always better to be friends with this wise creature for all the good fortune and faithful friendship s/he will give you.

The tiger is a strange, shifting creature, often ferocious when needed but soft, caring and loving in other moments. A natural leader, the tiger may also seek out quiet cool places to be alone with their thoughts away from the press of others.

Tigers – and those who know tigers – need to remember that moods flux but good relationships will always be there if you treat them right.

Remember to refer to this post for information about what your element and yin or yang mean in accordance to your sign.

People born within these date ranges can be said to have been born in the “year of the Ox,” while also bearing the following elemental sign:

*19 February 1901 - 7 February 1902: Metal Ox
*6 February 1913 - 25 January 1914: Water Ox
*25 January 1925 - 12 February 1926: Wood Ox
*11 February 1937 - 30 January 1938: Fire Ox
*29 January 1949 - 16 February 1950: Earth Ox
*15 February 1961 - 4 February 1962: Metal Ox
*3 February 1973 - 22 January 1974: Water Ox
*20 February 1985 - 8 February 1986: Wood Ox
*7 February 1997 - 28 January 1998: Fire Ox
*26 January 2009 - 14 February 2010: Earth Ox
*2021 - 2022: Metal Ox
*2033 - 2034: Water Ox

Those born in the year of the ox truly personify the animal sign they were born under. Patient, strong and dependable, the ox is a good friend to have. That is, if you are a more peaceful, quiet type.

The ox is an intelligent creature, but it doesn’t take kindly to a lot of outrageous behavior and can be extremely stubborn when it comes to proving that point and others. But when the ox is relaxed and peaceful, s/he can truly shine as the caring, smart individual s/he is.

It is this want for relaxation and peace that makes the ox-born among us driven by things other than money and material wealth. All that drive and competition in stocks, marketplaces, and whatnot makes the ox uncomfortable and long for predictable and patient things.

The ox-born need to remember that even though they don’t like people telling them what to do, other people do have valuable ideas, so they should try to listen.

Remember to refer to this post for information about what your element and yin or yang mean in accordance to your sign.

People born within these date ranges can be said to have been born in the “year of the Rat,” while also bearing the following elemental sign:

*31 January 1900 – 18 February 1901: Metal Rat
*18 February 1912 – 5 February 1913: Water Rat
*5 February 1924 – 24 January 1925: Wood Rat
*24 January 1936 – 10 February 1937: Fire Rat
*10 February 1948 – 28 January 1949: Earth Rat
*28 January 1960 – 14 February 1961: Metal Rat
*15 February 1972 – 2 February 1973: Water Rat
*2 February 1984 – 19 February 1985: Wood Rat
*19 February 1996 – 6 February 1997: Fire Rat
*7 February 2008 – 25 January 2009: Earth Rat
*2020 – 2021: Metal Rat

The rat is often known as the sign that brings material wealth. Hoarding and saving away becomes easier when there is more to be found. However, the rat is an opportunist in that way and can often be found where there is war, famine, and other strife.

Truly knowing how to get things and how to use what s/he has, the rat can be very practical and useful. Even using people falls under the rat’s knowledge, but this can be taken too far into manipulation. The rat needs to be careful of ego and of using others.

And yet, that is all part of the rat. With lines kept firmly in check, the rat’s ambitions and intelligence along with his/her practical nature can get the rat far in the world. If the rat in your life isn’t enjoying wealth and material gain right now, you can be well assured that s/he is working on plans to get there or even executing the plans right now.

Remember to refer to this post for information about what your element and yin or yang mean in accordance to your sign.

As I mentioned yesterday, you can tune more personally into your sign by narrowing down what element you are born under and whether that element is yin or yang. In this post I’ll briefly touch on what the elements and yin and yang mean in your Chinese zodiac.

When you think of the Chinese elements of the zodiac, you must think about what they are literally. Often the characteristics carry over into the personas of the people born under those elements.

People born under the wood element are expansive and seek growth. They can often get lost in the anonymity of being one more tree in the forest of millions.

Fire element people are dynamic and natural leaders. This inner spark has to be cultivated carefully, though, so the fiery personalities don’t lead others down dark paths.

Earthly people are deeply rooted in their morals and sometimes even in their physical environments. They often have wisdom beyond their years due to observation, but because of this, they aren’t always keen on spontaneity.

People born under metal can be quite demanding and want it all. Still, they are those we can rely on and those we look to with a bit of awe.

Water babies are adaptable, mostly quiet, and can be quite strong. They need to relish in the power of freedom instead of letting others set the directions and dams.

Each of the elements plays part in a circular cycle, keeping balance in all the elements with both helping qualities and power qualities.

Generating: Wood feeds Fire; Fire creates Earth (ash); Earth bears Metal; Metal collects Water; Water nourishes Wood.

Overcoming: Wood parts Earth; Earth absorbs Water; Water quenches Fire; Fire melts Metal; Metal chops Wood.

Each of these elements can be narrowed down further into terms of whether the element is yin or yang in the given year.

Yin qualities are soft, slowness, substantial, water, cold, conserving, tranquil, gentle, and corresponds to the night.

Yang qualities are hot, fire, restless, hard, dry, excitement, non-substantial, rapidity, and corresponds to the day.

More to come on the animal signs…