Astrology 2005 for all signs - the Year of the Wood Rooster

by Robert Wilkinson

Begins February 8, 2005, ends January 28, 2006

Usually, what you read here is what is termed "Western Astrology," i.e., astrology generally derived from the Greco-Roman-Babylonian model established thousands of years ago in those empires. Of course, astrology has greatly evolved beyond its roots in that era, so that most of what we now know to be "Western Astrology" bears absolutely zero resemblance to what our ancestors studied and practiced. That being said, every culture has had its form of astrology, and there are also many other types of astrology practiced in our world.

The two most prominent forms of "Eastern Astrology" are Vedic Astrology, derived from the teachings of the Vedas, the Holy books of India, and Chinese Astrology, supposedly the elaboration of the twelve creatures who first made obeisance to the Buddha, indicative of the twelve types of natural human characteristics. Eastern systems are more based in Lunar cycles, whereas Western Astrology has a much different focus and is primarily a Solar based system. In this article we will elaborate on the Chinese Astrological indicators regarding the quality of the year to come, said to be the year of the Wood Rooster.

In Chinese Astrology, there are twelve "signs," and five elements, rather than the four elements of Western Astrology. In Chinese Astrology, people born in years ending in 0 or 1 are said to be Metal; those born in years ending in 2 or 3 are Water; those born in years ending in 4 or 5 are Wood; those born in years ending in 6 or 7 are Fire; and those born in years ending in 8 or 9 are Earth. This gives a natural cycle of 60 years, which is a very significant number in both Chinese and Vedic Astrology, and symbolizes the halfway point in an archetypal human life. Each element plus animal gives a specific quality to that human characteristic, and so the possibilities are quite extensive. That being said, let's explore some qualities of the Wood Rooster, in the context of Chinese Astrology, that we might understand the year that's ahead.

This year is similar to last year, but different in some important ways. In 2004, the Wood Monkey made for sociability and high spirits of a very emotional nature, with a lot of insecurity, carelessness, and ego-driven behavior. It was a somewhat playful year, where distinctions became acute and the urge to learn was strong. In 2003, the Water Goat helped with feelings and associations, and offered a special talent for intuiting the most subtle aspects of situations and people. We learned to pick up on nuances and hints of how things and people are, as well as recognize subtle impressions and instinctive knowledge. We sharpened our inner radar, found those who would appreciate our creativity, and had opportunities to show appreciation for self and others. We overcame hurdles despite hesitancy, explored pleasant forms of fantasy, and put our genius to practical use. We learned how to avoid any sense of martyrdom or accepting guilt that we weren't taking care of others the way they wanted.

In 2004 we went through plots and games, learned how to manage things, and cultivated our memories to become more autonomous and faithful to our inner nature. We saw where we needed more discipline and organization and found forms of originality and inventiveness. Sorting out challenges quickly was natural, and we learned what we really cared about. We had some fun, and in the process saw how we were unnecessarily confined. We learned how to adapt, move quickly, and learn diplomacy, courage, and devotion to what we believe in, refining our sense of timing through patient, careful observation. Refer to the article at this link to explore more of the Wood Monkey.

We're now entering the time of the Wood Rooster. The Wood Rooster is distinguished by perseverence in working hard to achieve results. Here vitality and meticulousness give the power to carry out complicated tasks, but only those that are short-term. Cultivate efficiency, and get jobs done ASAP with focus. This year favors youthfulness in spirit and approach, as well as hanging out with friends and swapping stories. Show yourself and others a good time, and pay attention to looks this year. It's about getting into the mainstream to be in the know, and styling, in the fashion sense. Put on the show!

Don't allow people to waste your time in the coming year. You'll know it's time to split when they're chattering to cover up deeper feelings. So loosen up, help others to loosen up, and don't avoid feelings, since it's the year when they'll be strong, at least for the first half of 2005. When you encounter anger or resentment, it's probably a result of disowned or avoided feelings. Name what you have to, but realize others may be "crowing" about things yet to come, or as a compensation for feeling more deeply.

This will be a tough year for iconoclasts and progressives, since the Rooster loathes messing with the status quo. May be time to go under the radar for 12 months. Since the Rooster is the cosmic cop and the announcer of the status quo, there may very well be abuses of police or military power. To remind you, perseverence in hard work and getting results is paramount. These are serious years. There is a lot of natural vigor and attention to details in these years, but again, long term tasks and extensive research are not Rooster qualities.

The Rooster announces that which is coming, but not yet in view. Though the crowing may be annoying (since it happens in the darkness preceding the dawn), maybe it's a year to see what's coming, but not yet obvious or visible. Be practical, sense what's coming even if you can't see it yet, and name the law dawning in your life and affairs.

It will be a year requiring dispersion of all that keeps us feeling separated from our dharma, our lives, and others. Sacrifice whatever you need to in order to brings things to completion quickly and efficiently. Find a greater idea that can serve as a rallying point for you and your allies, and put danger at a distance, however you need to. There is a possibility of great successes this year, but the movement requires effort and directed focus. Keep doing a host of minor things to achieve a great success. Grow slowly but surely around obstacles, and see this year as building your personality vehicle that will be suitable for much greater things when we move into the year of the Fire Dog in 2006.

Wood Rooster strengths: Forthrightness, brave, outspoken, loyal, enthusiastic, resilient, adventurous, meticulous, down to earth, communicative, sensible, generous, charming. Weaknesses: Crabby, fussy, self-involved, egotistic, overzealous, vain, materialistic, heavy-handed, presumptuous, cynical, tilting at windmills.

Famous Wood Roosters are Bette Midler, Diane Keaton, Dolly Parton, Goldie Hawn, Michael Douglas, Rob Reiner, Pricilla Presley, Eric Clapton, Bob Seger, Peter Townshend, Carlie Simon, Nobel Laureate Aung San Sun Kyi, the Prophet Bob Marley, and Celtic shaman Van Morrison.

© Copyright 2006 Robert Wilkinson. Last update: 8/27/2006; 10:51:57 AM.