Another year has come to completion in the Asian lunar zodiac as well, and on the new moon of January 28, 2017, we passed from the year of the yang Fire Monkey  to the year of the yin (still Fire) Rooster.
In the western zodiac this would be the equivalent of passing from the influence of Leo to that of Virgo. So from the vivacious, creative and fiery characteristics of last year, full of risks, exuberance and determination – which may have been intense and even tiring for us – we are entering into a new year that is more rhythmic and stable, characterized by communication, brilliance, loyalty, honesty and punctuality.
In the Tibetan and also the Nepalese zodiac, this sign is generically represented as the Bird. The colors of the year associated with the Rooster are gold, yellow and brown, and the flowers are gladiolus, impatiens, and celosia – beautiful, colorful flowers that draw attention, just as the Roosters of this sign do. It is a year to be with others, to listen and to share. Roosters like to tell about themselves and their achievements, to be at the center of attention.
It is a year of power, moving forward quickly, where the impression that you give to others is very important: style, beauty. It is also important to be clear with chosen intentions in projects and relationships.
The challenges of the year will require intelligence and practical solutions, as well as capacity for observation. We need to go beyond the tendency to start things with enthusiasm but then become passive. Faith and patience are necessary in order to move in a direction with perseverance. Generally, it is better to stay with practical and secure activities rather than embarking upon risky operations.
Make the most of the characteristics of this year: motivation, commitment and effort, active energy, self-confidence, courage, charisma, resources and talents, opportunities to improve your health and exercise… and be cautious about diving too deep into criticism, impatience, egoism or closure.
Happy New Year everyone!
Quaglia CoccoThe Befana