Happy Lunar New Year!

This year on Friday, February 12th the moon will complete another annual cycle ending the Year of the Metal Rat and starting the Year of the Metal Ox.

Lillian Pearl Bridges gives us a look into the coming year.

"The Ox is the second animal in the Chinese Zodiac and is a respected animal valued for its ability to work hard and endure. The Ox is credited with the values of constancy and cooperation. These are usually slow moving animals, even tempered and placid unless provoked. The element for Ox is Yin Earth as it an animal long associated with farming.

The element of the year if Yin Metal, which is harmonious with the Earth element. This implies a calmer, more stable year with less anger, less contentious behavior and much less potential for violence. Yang behavior will simply not be supported or be sustainable. Yin Metal is about the future and out hopes and dreams, which can inspire us again.

The overall outlook for the year is positive, especially toward the latter part of the year. Harvest comes from the summer and fall months, which also correspond with the elements of the year.  So there is hope that life will get better in many ways for many people as the year progresses."

To read her full prediction, click here.

In celebration I have painted this Metal Ox, based on one of my favorite statues in Kyoto, Japan.

Located in Nishiki Market in central Kyoto, many visitors will suddenly happen upon the beautiful Ninshiki-Tenmangu Shrine in the middle of the shopping mall. Enshrined here is Fujiwara-no-Michizane, the Thunder God or God of Learning and as such, this shrine is popular with those who are taking exams. The cow is considered the divine servant of Michizane and statues of cows are common in shrines dedicated to him. The statue in Ninshiki-Tenmangu is my personal favorite.

​Happy New Year!