MANILA, Philippines–Certainly not a wolf in sheep’s clothing.
The Wooden Sheep makes its unique entrance—as the Wooden Horse makes its quiet exit—on Feb. 19, Thursday, 7:47 a.m.
This marks the third year of the dawning of the age of Aquarius, which began on Dec. 21, 2012. This also indicates the ending of the Mayan calendar, a development that has unleashed a lot of predictions that the world would come to an end. As usual, the doomsayers are wrong.
The Mayans never claimed that the world was going to end—not physically. They just said that 90 gods were going to descend on Earth. The number nine in numerology is a symbol of spirituality and universal love, with the added zero simply implying an increase of spirituality in man’s heart and mind.
This expanding spirituality of man will surely go beyond organized religion, which only produces conflicts. It will be the beginning of humankind’s personal relationship with the God-within. It is known in esoteric learning as the second coming of Christ—Christ, meaning enlightenment, not Jesus.
Beauty in all things
After a pulse-raising Year of the Wooden Horse comes nature’s child that is truly special in many ways. It is the Year of the Wooden Sheep—good humored and wholeheartedly trusting, and is trusted in return. It is also blessed with gentleness and generosity because it is able to perceive beauty in all things.
This is a year of relative calmness, where inner harmony reigns and making peace with oneself and others is the theme. However, the wheels of progress could turn much slower in the year of the meek sheep than that of the galloping horse.
The sheep’s important contribution would be a newfound closeness to home and family. People will all find themselves to be more caring about those close to them. There will be more time to share and spare, including good fortune. That is how generous it gets in the year of the Wooden Sheep.
Expect the wood sheep to be steadier compared to its other elements like the metal, water, fire and earth sheep. It is also more giving and will surely stand on higher moral ground. But for the sake of peace, it may sometimes make unwise decisions and sacrifices.
This type of sheep is best known for its compassion. It will probably end up with a large number of people to care for and feed. But because of its kindness, it can expect money to flow in its direction whenever needed from the most unexpected places and unlikely sources.
Good period to invest in art
The sheep being a patron of the arts, all forms of art are expected to prosper because everyone’s creativity is stimulated to its utmost expression. It is a good period to invest in works of art and collectible antiques.
The Year of the Sheep will find more sentimental and emotional people, oversensitive over petty irritants or the smallest problems, easily discouraged when things do not turn out the way they are expected to be.
The world will be more tranquil and subdued this year, with more time to entertain fantasies and whims. It is a good year to make new friends and visit new places. There is a tendency to overspend, though, so a bit of restraint is recommended.
The sheep’s desire for harmony and its “live and let live” attitude will mean less conflicts and upheavals in the world. If there be wars, international misunderstandings and animosities, they are usually all settled in the Year of the Sheep.
Alas, a year of introspection and getting to know oneself is here. This is a wonderful chance to learn to truly love oneself and sincerely love others.
Peaceful, happier world
Here is a little prayer this author has composed that promises to uplift spirits, not to mention the encouragement and empowerment it will bring. Share this with as many people as possible and help create a more loving, peaceful and happier world. Then expect blessings way beyond your fondest dreams.
In the Year of the Wooden Sheep, my body enjoys perfect health in all its organs and functions.
It is also the year that my income comes from expected and unexpected channels.
It is also the year when my relationships bring improved communication, intimacy and deeper understanding.
This is the year I learn to accept my being human and my being God in me.
This is the year I succeed in all my endeavors.
This is the year I receive accolades for making a difference in my community, in my country and in the world.
This is the year that Infinite Intelligence guides and directs me to the perfect expression of all my talents and abilities.
This Year of the Wooden Sheep will open doors to unconditional loving of myself and all others. And so it is!
Different animal signs
How would the different animals fare in the year of the Wooden Sheep?
Dragon: This is a good time for the dragon to focus on improving one’s health and to give in to the demands of the home and family. Affirm: I am perfectly healthy, loving and kind.
Snake: This is the time for the already wise snake to pursue even greater understanding of his fellowmen and move on to greater heights of success and achievement. Affirm: I move to greater success through my deeper understanding of those around me.
Horse: A year of clearing up matters that have been left unresolved and then move on to something more enjoyable and fulfilling. Affirm: I now let go of worn out things and worn out conditions to make room for the new and good.
Sheep: Whatever you are desiring cannot be forced to manifest very much like the seed one plants in the soil. All you can do is to simply water it, fertilize it and give it sunshine and all else will follow. Affirm: I am patient knowing God is in charge.
Monkey: You have the tendency to focus on the problems rather than the solutions. Focus on solutions, they are at hand. Affirm: God knows, God shows.
Rooster: Rejoice in every opportunity to begin anew. Success and prosperity are assured. Affirm: I am receiving all the blessings of this abundant universe.
Dog: In the Year of this Sheep, those born in the Year of the Dog should fill their lives with laughter. They will find that this is the best solution for all their challenges, not barking nor growling. Affirm: I am cheerful, harmonious and benevolent.
Pig: The pig will find itself moving forward successfully in what direction it has chosen. Everything fares well for them. Affirm: I am flourishing, prospering and successful.
Rat: Make choices that support your vision. The very best is what you deserve and this is the year to really get moving. Affirm: The very best is mine now.
Ox: Do your share in bringing joy to others. Create a circle of love and happiness by showing appreciation, gratitude and paying as many compliments as you can. Affirm: There is so much in my life to be grateful for.
Tiger: The child in you needs both love and discipline for there is no love without discipline and no real discipline without love. Give both and all will be well. Affirm: My heart has its reasons but my mind knows what is right.
Rabbit: Your impossible dreams that have come true inspire you to achieve even greater heights. Affirm: I am rich, well and happy and every phase of my life is in Divine Order now.
Additional insights
For additional insights, one can combine the Western equivalent of the Eastern sign as indicated in the chart below:
Note that the Sheep is the equivalent of the Western sign of Cancer and the Dragon is the equivalent of the Western sign of Aries.
Thus, if you were born in the Year of the Dragon and you are a Capricorn, you can read the indications for both the Dragon and the Ox.
Take President Aquino, who was born in the Year of the Rat. Being born on Feb. 8, under the Aquarian sign—the equivalent of which is a Tiger in the Eastern zodiac—he could read both the Rat and the Tiger to get a more extensive version of what’s in store for him in the Year of the Wooden Sheep.
For those using mantra beads as I have recommended in my Inquirer Lifestyle column on Jan. 25, you may use any of the above-mentioned affirmations as your mantras.
The winning year
Remember that 2015 is our winning year. It is also the third year of the Aquarian dawning, which promises significant and positive manifestations. Kung Hei Fat Choi!
Western/Eastern:
Cancer/Sheep: 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015
Leo/Monkey: 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016
Virgo/Rooster: 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017
Libra/Dog: 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018
Scorpio/Pig: 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019
Sagittarius/Rat: 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020
Capricorn/Ox: 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021
Aquarius/Tiger: 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022
Pisces/Rabbit: 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023
Aries/Dragon: 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024
Taurus/Snake: 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025
Gemini/Horse: 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026
Editor’s Note: The writer is a life coach and the author of the bestsellers “A Miracle Awaits You,” “I Am a Winner: Feng Shui of the Mind” and “Soul Spa: 24/7 Meditations.
