Introductory astrology starts with the fact that astrology has fascinated humanity for thousands of years, offering insight into personality, destiny, and the hidden patterns that link our lives to the cosmos. Whether you view it as spiritual science or symbolic art, astrology remains one of the world’s most enduring tools for self-understanding and meaning.

Introductory Astrology – What’s All This Zodiac Stuff?

Astrology is the study of how the positions and movements of celestial bodies — the Sun, Moon, and planets — reflect patterns in human life. More than fortune-telling, astrology is a symbolic language that connects the universe’s rhythm with human experience.

The core idea is simple yet profound: as above, so below — the movements of the heavens mirror the inner workings of the human spirit.

 The Ancient Origins of Astrology

The history of astrology stretches back to ancient times with references found in Mesopotamia around 2000 BCE and The Gemara (the body of rabbinic texts within the Talmud that provides commentary, analysis, and debate on the Mishnah between 200 and 500 CE). Early astrologers charted the skies, discovering that planetary cycles often coincided with natural and social events on Earth.

The Greeks later refined astrology into a philosophical system. Thinkers like Ptolemy shaped Western astrology with his famous text Tetrabiblos, defining much of what we still practice today.

I’m betting most people will be surprised that this piece on introductory astrology includes history going back four millennia!

Even during the Renaissance, scientists like Galileo and Kepler studied astrology alongside astronomy, seeing both as ways to understand divine order in the cosmos.

Introductory Astrology – Meet The Zodiac: A Cosmic Map of Personality

At the heart of any article on introductory astrology lies the zodiac, a circle divided into twelve signs representing universal archetypes of energy, character, and life purpose.

Each sign reflects a different expression of human nature:

Each zodiac sign belongs to one of four elements — Fire, Earth, Air, or Water — symbolizing a unique energetic quality. Together, they form a complete circle of human experience.

 Your Birth Chart: Introductory Astrology and Your Personal Blueprint

Your birth chart (or natal chart) is a snapshot of the sky at your exact time and place of birth. It’s a map of planetary positions that reveals your strengths, challenges, and life purpose.  In introductory astrology everything starts with date and time of your birth.

Key chart components include:

• Sun Sign → Your core identity and vitality.
• Moon Sign → Emotional world and inner needs.
• Rising Sign (Ascendant) → Your outer personality and life approach.
• Planetary Aspects → How different parts of your psyche interact.

A skilled astrologer interprets these layers to offer deep insight into personality, relationships, and timing — helping you understand yourself and the cycles of your life.

 Different Types of Astrology Around the World

Even introductory astrology isn’t one-size-fits-all. Cultures around the globe developed their own systems to explore cosmic meaning.

Western Astrology

Based on the tropical zodiac, this system focuses on psychological insight, personal development, and planetary transits.

Vedic (Indian) Astrology

Also known as Jyotish, this form uses a sidereal zodiac aligned with actual constellations. It emphasizes karma, destiny, and spiritual evolution through planetary periods (dashas).

Chinese Astrology

Rooted in a 12-year animal cycle and the five elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water), it highlights personality traits, compatibility, and time cycles.

Despite their differences, all astrological systems share one timeless truth — that cosmic patterns reflect human experience.

 Astrology and Psychology: The Inner Cosmos

In the 20th century, Carl Jung reimagined astrology through the lens of depth psychology. He saw astrology as a symbolic system reflecting universal archetypes — timeless patterns of the human psyche.

Modern psychological astrology uses planetary symbols to explore self-awareness rather than prediction.

For example:

• Mars may represent your drive or assertiveness.
• Saturn may highlight your challenges and life lessons.

This approach turns introductory astrology into a mirror for personal growth, healing, and self-discovery.

 Astrology and Science: Between Symbol and Skepticism

From a scientific standpoint, astrology has not been proven to influence events or personality in measurable ways. Skeptics point to the lack of causal mechanisms between planets and human life.

However, astrology’s defenders argue that it’s not meant to be a physical science — it’s a symbolic language. Like art or myth, astrology offers meaning through metaphor and synchronicity rather than measurement.

In this sense, astrology and science serve different human needs: one explains how the universe works, the other explores why it feels meaningful.

 Astrology in the Digital Age

Thanks to introductory astrology articles this one, the topic has made a massive comeback online. Apps like Co–Star, The Pattern, and TimePassages deliver personalized daily insights based on real astrological data.

On social media, zodiac memes, compatibility posts, and “Mercury retrograde” jokes dominate the conversation. This digital renaissance shows that younger generations are seeking spiritual tools that blend ancient wisdom with modern technology.

Even brands and marketers have noticed — using astrology themes to connect with audiences on a personal, emotional level.

 The Deeper Message of Introductory Astrology: As Above, So Below

The phrase “As above, so below” captures the essence of astrology: the patterns of the heavens reflect the patterns within us. Whether or not planets “influence” our lives, astrology reminds us of our place in a vast, interconnected universe.

It invites us to view life not as random, but as part of a greater, meaningful design.

Why Introductory Astrology is Important

Despite the skeptics, astrology has survived for millennia because it speaks to something timeless within us — our need for connection, meaning, and cosmic belonging.  If more people understood astrology better and put it to use in their own lives, how much better would the quality of life be for everyone?

It may not be science in the strictest sense, but astrology remains one of humanity’s most poetic ways of understanding life’s mysteries. It offers guidance without dogma and invites reflection without judgment.

Ultimately, astrology endures because it helps us see that the story of the stars is also the story of ourselves.

If you want to take introductory astrology to the next level, ESP Lab founder Al G.Manning created an astrology course that everybody can follow in an easy and fun format. Check out Practical Astrology.

As above, so below — the language of the universe lives within us all.

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Mercury and Venus Retrograde Now–Wow!!

HEY NOW, 

as Al Manning would say, illigitimi non carborundum, which was his pet phony Latin Phrase for “Don’t let the bastards grind you down.” As I write this, VENUS is Retrograde… and the good news is we are plodding through it  (Venus is retrograde from March 1 to April 12, 2025). We are making our way through these challenging times! Venus Retro only happens every year and a half, and since the goddess of LOVE affects all life, for her to go on vacation for six weeks is challenging.  The tendency is for folks to be dissatisfied, emotional and want a change.  The admonition is to “stay the course” and not make major changes.  I tell myself to shield my heart, as I strive to stay in my spiritual center and transcend all the   _____________ that comes my way.  This Venus Retro is more interesting as Mercury has joined us in Retrograde motion until April 6th.  One way of counting is that we have broken hearts (Venus Retro) to go along with broken minds (Mercury Retro). I have found such conditions extra challenging and tell myself to shield my heart, guard my mind, and strive to be centered in SPIRIT.  One way of counting is that we will “blink twice” and both these more difficult aspects will fade into the past. The wheel will turn and SPRING will launch tomorrow, March 20th, 2025.

My personal Mercury Retro Survival Plan is also relevant to survival of Venus Retro.  I would add 

that it is important to pray more, meditate more, and strive to be in your transcendent spiritual center during this unsettling time.  If you know what you are up against, you have a better chance to get through it.  I focus on what must be done as I put one foot in front of the other and avoid social complications and wait for a better time!!!  Stay the course… these influences will pass!

My personal Mercury Retro & Venus Survival Plan:

1) don’t panic.

2) say less not more.

3) stay in your spiritual center.

4) be patient with all communications.

5) prune all unnecessary activity – especially travel plans and new projects and social gatherings!

6) avoid new purchases – especially computers, automobiles, and electronic devices.

7) know that this aspect has a beginning, a middle, and an end… keep plodding through it, with PERSEVERANCE.

8) don’t quit your job, change your friends, or your location – save this for better times.

9) emphasize the “better” aspect of Mercury Retro: Plan for a future, see old friends, work on stalled projects & clean out closets. To emphasize spirituality is important to coping with both aspects.  Venus Retro can help with working through unresolved emotions.  

10) Focus on the ORANGE LIGHT to help promote mental clarity.  Focus on the PINK LIGHT and experience SPIRITUAL LOVE…   and keep on keeping on!!!

The post Mercury and Venus Retrograde Now–Wow!! appeared first on ESP Lab.

FYI, Mercury turned Retrograde April 1! The New Moon in Aries with a Solar Eclipse is near, April 8th, 2024                                                                                           

SMILE, AS WE PLOD THROUGH IT & STAY THE COURSE–

HEY NOW, Al Manning would say, ILLIGITIMI NON CARBORUNDUM, which was his pet phony Latin Phrase for “Don’t let the bastards grind you down.” Al’s humor makes me smile! This has become one of my favorite phrases, as I like to encourage myself to keep going. We must persevere, in spite of whatever comes our way. Though it ain’t easy, we still have to do our best to transcend all the __________, if our intent is to survive on our way to thriving. So let us be bathed in the LIGHT & GRACE of SPIRIT which will uplift us above the obstacles.

The Great Wheel of Time is always turning, moving into seasons, always with something new and something old… like the ebb and flow of the tides… like the waning and the waxing of the moon… like the rising and the setting of the sun. Winter changes to spring and life is renewed with green fire. Earth blocks the moon from the sun and the night skies are dark with a lunar eclipse. The moon covers the sun with a solar eclipse and the primal man within feels disconnected from the life/light source. And yet the sun comes up in the morning and we have a chance to start our new day, again.

When conditions appear extra challenging, (like today)– I tell myself to shield my heart, guard my mind, and be centered in the GRACE of SPIRIT. With LOVE & PEACE, I retreat into my fortress of inner strength!

Here is this Spring’s Mercury Retrograde Survival Plan… first, it is important for me to pray more, meditate more, and strive for a transcendent spiritual center during unsettling times. If you know what you are up against, you have a better chance to get through it. I will strive to focus on what must be done as I put one foot in front of the other. I will seek to avoid social complications and, as much as possible– wait for a better time! Stay the course… these influences will pass! In the meantime, if the task is urgent then the time is always now.

Mercury Retro Survival Plan:

1) please don’t panic.

2) say less not more,  and strive to be patient with all communications.

3) stay in your spiritual center and know that while the mind is on vacation the spiritual self can soar!

4) prune all unnecessary activity – especially travel plans and new projects.

5) avoid new purchases – especially computers, automobiles, and electronic devices– these can prove unfavorable.

6) know that this aspect has a beginning, a middle, and an end… keep plodding through it.

7) don’t quit your job, change your friends, or your location – save this for better times. Frustration can be high!

8) emphasize the “better” aspects of Mercury retro: Plan a future, see old friends, work on stalled projects, clean out closets, emphasize spirituality– and look towards a better future!

9) Focus on the ORANGE LIGHT—around your head– to help promote mental clarity.

10) Consider things that bring happiness! Count your blessings! Know life is a miracle!

This spring I relish the fruit trees that are about to bloom in my yard. As I experience the pear trees flowering the smell of pears fills me with delight! Seeing grapes begin to grow and roses start to bud and bloom does make me smile. My lilac hedge blooming and sharing perfumed scents adds to the Glory of Nature. Each one of these is a miracle of life, a blessing. Count your blessings and you can never count them all! As you count, miracles multiply. Thank you for the privilege of sharing the LIGHT!

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2023 Fall Equinox

Celebrate the Cycle of Life,

The Fall Equinox is the second of the three major harvest festivals. The Celtic name for it is Mabon: the season of storing food and preserving nature’s bounty for the coming winter months. This year it will be on September 22nd just as the sun enters Libra, the sign of the balancing scales. The term Equinox refers to this balance of day and night. Fall is the time of plants shedding their seeds, going underground until new plants rise up in the Spring.

The most important aspect of this time of year in Ancient Greece, was the honoring of Demeter, the holy goddess of the grain. For several millennia her story inspired the famous Eleusinian Mysteries. Thousands of participants from all over, from high born to low, walked the road to Eleusis in order to experience the rites, their lives significantly changed forever.

The story that inspired so many was specifically about Demeter’s loss of her maiden daughter, Persephone who was taken against her will, screaming for help to her mother (who did not hear her). She also cried for her father, Zeus who did not respond because he had set up this rape to please his brother, Hades, the god of the underworld. Demeter, deeply grieving the loss of her daughter, roamed the world and no one helped her, even if these gods knew where Persephone was.

Finally, Hecate told Demeter she had heard the daughter’s cries and together they went to Helius, the sun god who told her who had taken her child. Many other events happened in this long Homerian Hymn, but the story relevant to the rites of Eleusinian Mysteries is that Hades refused to give up the daughter. Demeter, feeling hopeless and enraged, wandered the world and created a “deadly year:” the soil withered and the seeds would not germinate. Zeus, along with all the other immortals begged Demeter to bring back the abundance to the earth. She relented when they returned Persephone to her. However, since Persephone swallowed some pomegranate seeds in the underworld, the gods decreed that she would have to stay with Hades during the barren winter, and then return to her mother in the spring to stay with her for two thirds of the year. She accepted her fate to return to Hades for the third part of the year and Demeter in turn created seasons which included the barren winter.

Not much is known about what the participants experienced in the Temple at Eleusis but we do know that they descended into the dark and drank the potion called Kykeon and returned to their lives no longer afraid of death. From Brian Muraresku’s meticulous research over 12 years, we know the brew they drank had psychedelic properties. (The Immortality Key).

A deeper meaning of this story is that our lives have experiences that take us into dark places, and just as there are moments when we may despair, we can find redemption and light. We know the mysteries had a final ascent with a celebration of rebirth, as the light of day returned.

Today, there is Ayahuasca, one of the most powerful plants that also teaches us, through experience: there is darkness and there is returning to light and most folks who return from such ceremonies have a renewed perspective, especially when they make sure to choose their Shaman and the setting wisely. We celebrate the cycles of life during the Fall Equinox and I encourage you to create your own rituals that honor natures’ power, beauty and intelligence.

Much Love, Linda

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We haven’t seen a Full Moon like this one in over 27 years, and we won’t see another one until the 22nd century!

Now, ‘super’ Blue Moons are a little more uncommon.

A supermoon occurs when the Moon turns full at the same time that it is near its closest distance to Earth along its elliptical orbit. Thus, being closer to us, supermoons appear bigger and brighter in the sky. Since we see between two and five supermoons each year, it doesn’t take too long for one to match up with the second Full Moon in a calendar month. The last blue supermoon was a little over 5 years ago, on January 31, 2018, which was also a total lunar eclipse (the Super Blue Blood Moon). The next one doesn’t occur until January 31, 2037, which — strangely enough — will be another Super Blue Blood Moon!

Wednesday night’s Blue Moon is an especially rare one, though. It’s a Perigee Blue Moon.

Of the handful of supermoons we see each year, one is always the closest, biggest and brightest of them all. It’s the ‘superest’ of the supermoons, if you will. This is known as the Perigee Supermoon or Perigee Moon.

There’s one Perigee Moon every year, and they’re spaced apart by around thirteen and a half months. Match this up with the roughly 30-36 months between calendar Blue Moons and the variations in timing make Perigee Blue Moons quite rare.

It’s been over 27 years since the last Perigee Blue Moon, which occurred on July 30, 1996. The next one, though, isn’t until December 31, 2115. That’s over 92 years from now!

So, be sure to get out to see this one, since there’s an awfully long wait until the next one!

Post courtesy of   TheWeatherNetwork.com

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                                             PLOD THROUGH IT!  STAY THE COURSE!!

                                 By Sami MERLYN, DD

HEY NOW, as Al Manning would say, illigitimi non carborundum, which was his pet phony Latin Phrase for “Don’t let the bastards grind you down.” As I write this, VENUS is Retrograde… and the good news is we are plodding through it and since it went Retro July 22nd, we are making our way through these challenging times! Venus Retro only happens every year and a half, and since the goddess of LOVE affects all life, for her to go on vacation for six weeks is challenging.  The tendency is for folks to be dissatisfied, emotional and want a change.  The admonition is to “stay the course” and not make major changes.  I tell myself to shield my heart, as I strive to stay in my spiritual center and transcend all the ____________   _____________ that comes my way.

It is about to get more interesting as Mercury will join Venus in Retrograde motion.  So one way of counting is that we have broken hearts (Venus Retro) to go along with broken minds (Mercury Retro). I have to confess that I have found such conditions extra challenging and tell myself to shield my heart, guard my mind, and strive to be centered in SPIRIT.

Personally, I am looking toward Fall Equinox when the Sun enters LIBRA early on September 23rd.  I will strive for patience and attempt to focus on that which must be done, while waiting for better times for more ambitious efforts.

My personal Mercury Retro Survival Plan is also relevant to Venus Retro.  I would add it is important to pray more, meditate more, and strive for your transcendent spiritual center during this unsettling time.  If you know what you are up against, you have a better chance to get through it.  I focus on what must be done as I put one foot in front of the other and avoid social complications and wait for a better time!!!  Stay the course… these influences will pass!

My personal Mercury Retro Survival Plan:

1) don’t panic.

2) say less not more.

3) stay in your spiritual center.

4) be patient with all communications.

5) prune all unnecessary activity – especially travel plans and new projects.

6) avoid new purchases – especially computers, automobiles, and electronic devices.

7) know that this aspect has a beginning, a middle, and an end… keep plodding through it, with PERSEVERANCE.

8) don’t quit your job, change your friends, or your location – save this for better times.

9) emphasize the “better” aspect of Mercury retro: Plan for a future, see old friends, work on stalled projects, clean out closets, emphasize spirituality. 

10) Focus on the ORANGE LIGHT to help promote mental clarity.

The post  Venus is RETRO!!  until Sept 4th, 2023 ; Mercury goes Retro Aug 23rd to Sept 15th 2023 appeared first on ESP Lab.

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As many of us get through the challenges of extreme winter weather, Al Manning would say, “this too shall pass.” It is important to stay positive and forward thinking. Al knew that Life is Change.  Now, for those of us in the North American continent, Spring is just around the corner.  Let us welcome the pending Spring into our hearts and minds and then, before you know it, Spring with all its glory of renewal and rebirth returns.

Recently I received a copy of the book, THE I-CHING, which is also known as THE BOOK OF CHANGES.  Some fifty years or so ago, I became exposed to its teachings, which offer oracles and ethical teachings since the dawn of time.  One of my favorite principles I have gleaned from its ancient texts is the idea that “perseverance furthers!”  And as someone who is determined to get through the many issues of life with some style and a smile, this saying has served me.  

Nature, the Great Teacher is always changing… and thus She gives us the opportunity to begin again.  We have recently celebrated Winter Solstice (the beginning of the solar year), New Year’s day, Chinese New Year (celebrating the softer bunny year) Imbolc (which is the half way mark of winter), and now we are solidly moving towards the beginning of Spring, which the Greeks and Romans regarded as the beginning of the year.  

Like the seasons, Al Manning was “always new and exciting,” which is a great positive attitude as we approach Spring Renewal. Positive attitudes can lead you to a better day and a more successful life.  In addition to positive attitude, persevering furthers your personal progress.  We also like to plan as we approach the true beginning of the new year.  I will look at the seasons, the moon and solar cycles.  I also watch Mercury and Venus, and plan around their cycles.  During their Retrograde motions, it especially is a time to plod through life and persevere as these periods challenge the mind and the heart.

FYI, we have three more Mercury Retrograde periods in 2023 as follows:

April 21st 2023 to May 14th, 2023

August 23rd to September 15th, 2023

December 13th 2023 to January 1, 2024

AND a VENUS Retro period July 23rd to September 4th, 2023.  While Mercury Retro can seem to break the mind for a bit, Venus Retro breaks the heart.  Mercury Retro is a time of mental challenge while Venus Retro is a period of emotional disfunction.  Let’s have FUN, anyway, as we smile and Win!  Blessed be with LOVE & the Power of the LIGHT, shining upon your trail.

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Connect with plants during Spring Equinox,

This year in the Northern Hemisphere, March 20th is the Spring Equinox when day and night will be equal in length at the equator.  Also known as Ostara or Eostre (the origin of the name Easter) light and dark will be perfectly balanced. It is also the New Year for Persians as well as the Earth Honoring spiritual traditions that follow the ancient ways.

In these ancient traditions the Vernal Equinox is considered the time of Green Fire. It refers not only to sap rising, but also to the electrical energy pulsing through the growing plants. This is not a metaphor. My electrician husband told me that the green fire is literally electrical, just like our nervous systems. Humans and plants have the same oscillation frequency, which is why we can align with the energy of the plants when we pay attention. I have long felt that this mutual receptivity is a survival strategy for humans, which enabled us to heal ourselves with plants as medicine, long before modern medical interventions. 

“Remember, the plants have been here since Mother Earth became Mother. We came later . . . They contain the sacred memory of our roots.” This quote is from an anonymous source, and it has always felt like a deep truth for me. You will benefit when you spend time with our green cousins especially during this season of Green Fire. 

There is a special kind of listening you can experience when you immerse yourself in a grove or forest, or spend time with a favorite tree, or replenish soil and plant your garden. When you put your hands on a plant, you will feel the rising energy and you may even perceive the images that these sentient beings send to us. We need plants that have not been genetically altered for our continuing health and presence on the planet. Trees are known to give extra oxygen when humans come into their neighborhood, certain important medicinal plants start to grow in an area where they are needed. A great example is that once Lyme’s Disease was recognized as a serious infection, the Japanese Knotweed plant began to grow in areas, such as parts of Colorado, where they were needed. 

I imagine that our ancient ancestors were far more attuned to the images that the plants send as messages. In fact, in the vast region of the Amazon, where Ayahuasca was used for healing in ceremony, thousands of years before South America was carved into colonized states, the elders say that it was the plants who taught them how to make it. The ‘tea’ which has become a popular quest for certain tourists, requires two very specific plants: one the Ayahuasca Vine, and the other the leaves of the Chacruna plant, in order for the brew to become psychoactive. 

Various Shamans have their own ways of creating the brew, but these two plants are essential.

May you feel our plant ancestors’ love, 

Blessings, Linda

The post Spring Newsletter appeared first on ESP Lab.

What Is the Lunar New Year?

Lunar New Year (also known as Chinese New Year) happens this year on Sunday, January 22, 2023. Why does the Lunar New Year start at a different time each year? How is this important holiday celebrated? What does the Year of the Rabbit symbolize? Learn all about this holiday!

When Is Lunar New Year?

Lunar New Year begins on the date (in East Asia) of the second new Moon after the winter solstice, which always takes place in late December. This means that the first day of the Lunar New Year can occur anytime between January 21 and February 20.

In 2023, this new Moon occurs in China on Sunday, January 22, marking the start of a new lunar year.

Year Lunar New Year Chinese Zodiac Sign
2023 Sunday, January 22 Rabbit
2024 Saturday, February 10 Dragon
2025 Wednesday, January 29 Snake
2026 Tuesday, February 17 Horse
Why Are There Different New Years?

The traditional Chinese calendar is a lunisolar calendar, which means that it is based on astronomical observations of the Sun’s position in the sky and the Moon’s phases. This ancient calendar dates back to 14th century BCE (whereas the Gregorian calendar was introduced in 1582). The Chinese lunisolar calendar shares some similarities with the Hebrew calendar, which is also lunisolar, and it has influenced other East Asian calendars, such as those of Korea and Vietnam.

Because the Chinese calendar defines the lunar month containing the winter solstice as the 11th month, Lunar New Year usually falls on the second new moon after the winter solstice.

Just like New Year according to the Gregorian calendar (January 1), Lunar New Year celebrations start on the night before the first day of the new year.

(Note: China follows the Gregorian calendar for daily business, but still follows the Chinese calendar for important festivals, auspicious dates such as wedding dates, and the Moon phases.)

Who Celebrates Lunar New Year?

Although this holiday has commonly been called “Chinese New Year” in the West, China is not the only country to observe it. Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is the most celebrated and longest of all Asian festivals, and is observed by millions of people around the world.

A number of other countries in East Asia, including Vietnam, Korea, Japan, and the Philippines, hold their own new year celebrations at this time. (Occasionally, the date celebrated may differ by one day or even one moon cycle due to time zones and other factors.)

How Is Lunar New Year Celebrated?

As with many winter solstice celebrations, the symbolic darkness of night is banished by the light of fireworks, lanterns, and candles. Man-made paper lanterns are hung by the hundreds in public areas, bringing good luck to the new year.

There are dragon dances, performances, and festival parades with music and acrobatics. The festivities continue for two weeks, finishing with a special lantern festival, which signals the end of the New Year celebration period.

Of course, much delicious food is made and served! For the New Year, it’s traditional to serve long noodles, symbolizing a long life. See our recipe for Longevity Noodles.

Another popular recipe for New Year is Chinese Dumplings, symbolizing good luck and wealth. Families wrap them up and eat them as the clock strikes midnight.

“Good Luck” is also a common theme of the New Year. Many children receive “lucky money” in red envelopes. Sometimes offerings are made to temples.

People clean their homes and open their door to let good luck enter. According to tradition, no one should pick up a broom, in case you sweep the good luck for the New Year out of the door!

What Is the Animal for Chinese New Year This Year?

In 2023, we ring in the Year of the Rabbit, one of 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac. The animal designations of the zodiac follow a 12-year cycle and are always used in the same sequence.

What Qualities Does the Rabbit Represent?

Those born in the Year of the Rabbit are said to be talented at many things. They are affectionate people, often excelling at forming close relationships. However, they also appreciate tranquility and seek out peace.

How the Chinese Zodiac Works

The traditional Chinese lunisolar year has 12 months and 353 to 355 days (or during a leap year, 13 months and 383 to 385 days).

Therefore, the Chinese year usually begins several weeks into the western 365-day year (usually between January 21 and February 20), not on January 1 of the Gregorian calendar.

As is ancient tradition, the Chinese zodiac attaches animal signs to each lunar year in a cycle of 12 years. The animal designation changes at the start of the New Year.

A Deeper Look

On a broader scale, the Chinese lunisolar calendar counts its years according to the stem-branch system, which is a 60-year rotating name system also known as the Chinese sexagenary cycle. By this, a year’s name actually contains two parts: the celestial stem and the terrestrial branch.

The celestial, or heavenly stem, is taken from a rotating list of 10 terms concerning the yin/yang forms of five elements.
The Stem (wood, fire, earth, metal, and water): jia, yi, bing, ding, wu, ji, geng, xin, ren, and gui.

Stem/Element

jia = yang wood
yi = yin wood
bing = yang fire
ding = yin fire
wu = yang earth
ji = yin earth
geng = yang metal
xin = yin metal
ren = yang water
gui = yin water

The terrestrial, or earthly, branch is taken from a rotating list of the 12 animal names of the Chinese zodiac.

Branch/Animal

zi = rat
chou = ox
yin = tiger
mao = rabbit
chen = dragon
si = snake
wu = horse
wei = sheep/goat
shen = monkey
you = rooster
xu = dog
hai – boar/pig

So, putting the stem and branch terms together, the first year in a 60-year cycle is called jia-zi (Year of the Rat) as jia is the celestial stem and zi (rat) is the terrestrial branch. The next year is yi-chou (Year of the Ox), and so on. The 11th year is jia-xu, etc., until a new cycle starts over with jia-zi.

Which Chinese Zodiac Sign Are You?

Below are the 12 animal designations of the Chinese zodiac. (Please note: If you were born before the Chinese New Year began for the year listed, then you were born under the previous Chinese zodiac sign. For example, the Chinese New Year began on January 28 in 2017; from that date onward, the sign is the Rooster. For those born between January 1 and January 27, 2017, the sign is the Monkey.):

Rat (Zi)

Ambitious and sincere, you can be generous with your money. Compatible with the dragon and the monkey. Your opposite is the horse.

1900, 1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020

Ox or Buffalo (Chou)

A leader, you are bright, patient, and cheerful. Compatible with the snake and the rooster. Your opposite is the sheep.

1901, 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021

Tiger (Yin)

Forthright and sensitive, you possess great courage. You have the ability to be a strong leader capable of great sympathy. Compatible with the horse and the dog. Your opposite is the monkey.

1902, 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022

Rabbit or Hare (Mao)

Talented and affectionate, you are a seeker of tranquility. Compatible with the sheep and the pig. Your opposite is the rooster.

1903, 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023

Dragon (Chen)

Robust and passionate, your life is filled with complexity. Compatible with the monkey and the rat. Your opposite is the dog.

1904, 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024

Snake (Si)

Strong-willed and intense, you display great wisdom. Compatible with the rooster and the ox. Your opposite is the pig.

1905, 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025

Horse (Wu)

Physically attractive and popular, you like the company of others. Compatible with the tiger and the dog. Your opposite is the rat.

1906, 1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026

Sheep or Goat (Wei)

Aesthetic and stylish, you enjoy being a private person. Compatible with the pig and the rabbit. Your opposite is the ox.

1907, 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027

Monkey (Shen)

Persuasive, skillful, and intelligent, you strive to excel. Compatible with the dragon and the rat. Your opposite is the tiger.

1908, 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028

Rooster (You)

Seeking wisdom and truth, you have a pioneering spirit. Compatible with the snake and the ox. Your opposite is the rabbit.

1909, 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029

Dog (Xu)

Generous and loyal, you have the ability to work well with others. Compatible with the horse and the tiger. Your opposite is the dragon.

1910, 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030

Pig or Boar (Hai)

Gallant and noble, your friends will remain at your side. Compatible with the rabbit and the sheep. Your opposite is the snake.

1911, 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031

Post courtesy of Durango Downtown

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