Humboldt Acupuncture

Happy New Year of the Wood Horse 2014!

The year of the shrewd, calculating and contemplative Snake, having shed its last skin, has given the reins to the optimistic, carefree and enthusiastic Horse! The Horse is comfortable moving fast, is active, energetic, playful and spontaneous. We want to know how can we “harness” the Yang energy of this powerful ruler of the year, so that we may thrive and prosper in good health.

The Horse embodies the Yang energy of summer, the element Fire, and the hour of the Horse is 11AM-1PM, the most Yang time of day. This year, the Horse is paired with the element of Yang Wood, which is represented by a tall tree, firmly anchored by strong roots, waving and dancing in the wind. The Fire, of the Horse, is fueled by the Wood, and so we have a harmonious relationship of elements this year. The Fire of the Horse also relates to the Sun, which illuminates all, and gives us warmth that we may emerge with optimism. Horses are said to have sunny dispositions and dislike hidden agendas. Fire also relates to the Heart, and Joy. When we are on the path of our Heart, we can be confident and spontaneous.

Here are some interesting ideas from astrologer Susan Levitt:

“The new Moon on January 30 at 11:20 pm PST (but listed as January 31 in many calendars) begins the year of the Wood Horse…”

“Decisive action, not procrastination, brings victory. But you have to act fast in a Horse year. If you are not 100% secure about a decision, then don’t do it. Events move so quickly in a Horse year that you don’t want to gallop off in the wrong direction…”

“In Chinese astrology, Horse year is considered a fortunate year that brings luck and good things. Magical Horse has supernatural powers, is heroic, strong, and can even fly! A white celestial cloud Horse is sacred to the Chinese Goddess Kwan Yin. Her white Horse flies through the heavens, bringing peace and blessings…”

“…The impulsive way of doing things in a Horse year is not the best year for everyone. For example, the spontaneous energy of Horse year may bring challenges to the thoughtful Rat who is Horse’s opposite.”

“Fast action flows just right for you if you are compatible with Horse energy by having Horse, Tiger, Dog, or Sheep in your Chinese Four Pillars chart of animal year, month, day, and hour…”

“But if you do not have lucky animal signs in your Four Pillars birth chart, maybe for you in this Horse year it might be better to just…let others be the risk takers or whistle blowers… For you, stay smart and thrifty, hang on to what you already have, and not rebel like spirited Horse…”

“The time for pondering and planning was 2013 Snake year. Horse year is time to act fast, buy that home, launch that business, travel the world, make a big purchase, get a promotion at work, have a breakthrough – take a leap and fly.”

“If it’s right, then there’s nothing to think about. Just follow instincts. Even if you miss the mark, you’ll have all of Wood Sheep year 2015 to get cozy and enjoy life’s comforts in all their artistic forms.”

“…Horse year is about freedom, returning to nature, and enjoying life and life’s adventures. You won’t always want to focus on work because it’s easy to be distracted by fun, good times, and parties in sexy Horse year.”

“Because Horse can be impulsive, act now and think later, avoid the mistakes of overspending, enabling others, and denying when there is a problem.”

“Overspending is easy in a Horse year because if you feel you deserve something or want a reward, the impulse to buy is strong. Horses often buy what they feel they deserve without realizing how their purchases effect their long-term planning because Horse rarely plans for the future.”

“Also in Horse year, it’s easy to make a snap decision, especially business decisions that are not planned but ‘just feel right’ Denial that there is a problem is another Horse trait. It’s easier to move on to the next adventure than face reality or clean up a mess. So don’t ignore details this year while being an optimist that things will all just work out on their own.”

“Horse doesn’t care about money and lives large, so in Horse year you might be tempted to overspend on entertainment, going out, fun festivities – anything to keep up with the Horse good times and spirit of live today. Horse year ends in triumph or tragedy, and more businesses will fail than succeed. So learn from what you see around you.”

The Wood element of this year does help the Horse with patience and planning. The Wood Horse can finish projects and achieve goals. Watch out not to get habituated to an anger response. The Wood, when well hydrated, can bend in the wind of change. Idealism, creativity, imagination and competitiveness are hallmarks of this exciting year. The energetic and carefree Yang Horse, happily pushing the limits of stamina, needs the Yin of rest, rejuvenation and care. Take good care of yourself.

Please contact us at Humboldt Acupuncture with any questions about how we may help with your rejuvenation. Happy New Year and Happy New You!

Best Wishes,
Jeffrey Haloff LAc.
Chelsea Colby LAc.
(707) 268-8007