how to create the success you want in 2009? start now!

Let’s fast-forward through the holidays for a moment.  Today I want to talk about the Chinese New Year. 

Isn’t that over a month away? you might ask.

Yes, 2009 will be the Year of the Ox, which will begin on January 26.  Currently, we’re in the Year of the Rat.

Usually, when I speak to groups about the Chinese New Year, I do so in January or February around the time the change takes place.  This year, however, I find myself talking about the change earlier—because this year, the difference in energies between the two years will be significant.

While the changes you experience as the year turns from Rat to Ox will vary based on your individual astrological affiliation and the unique circumstances in your life, the bigger picture changes will affect just about everyone.

Let me explain.  The year we’re in now, the Rat, is a fire sign.  It corresponds to Aries in the western zodiac (although its characteristics don’t exactly match Aries).  The fire years in general tend to bring more expansiveness—and oftentimes, along with that, more excess.  Fire years, particularly Rat years are good for starting new ventures and developing new habits.  The rat likes to scurry around a lot and be social.  Networking, parties and other gatherings, speaking, learning new things, going into a new business or expanding an existing one, as well as expanding one’s comfort zone, are all favored activities during this fire year.

In love and romance, the rat year generally favors keeping things light and dating several people rather than jumping into a relationship with both feet.  While it’s possible to meet the love of your life during the rat year, there are more favorable years to settle down--although this can also depend, to a great extent, on your own and your partner’s Chinese astrology.  (If you’re both fire signs, go for it!)

Speaking of more favorable years for settling down, and settling into a task, project or business that has already been successfully launched, let’s turn our attention to the Ox Year.

The Ox is an earth sign which corresponds to Taurus in the western zodiac.  Ox and Taurus have a lot in common.  The Ox year motto might very well be 'slow and steady wins the race.' 

As I mentioned, the Ox year is a great time for taking the next step in relationship or career.  It is a year of slow and steady growth.  (Yes, I do think the stock market and the housing market will eventually start to enter into growth phases in the Ox year, but remember, the keyword is slow).  Generally, things tend to return to their actual values in these and other earth years.

During Ox years, there is a return to the work ethic.  It is a year that favors and rewards hard work and endeavors connected to land, property and physical objects.  It is a year for building what has already been envisioned, planned and started. 

However, the Ox year can be a year of deepening ruts.  If you feel you are stuck or moving too slowly in any area of your life, it would behoove you to start creating the habits that will bring you the changes you want to see NOW!

If you have used the Rat year effectively--and continue to do so—to plant the seeds of the life you want to build and see growing in the Ox year, you’re heading down the right path.  Keep doing as you’re doing.  If you see that you need to change course, do so now, using the more expansive energies of the current fire year to envision what you want to create and develop the habits that will help you forge ahead in the coming year.

*        *        *

If you absolutely know you want 2009 to be the year of realized dreams for you, Transformational Life Coaching is the way to go! I am taking a limited number of new coaching clients--only those who are absolutely committed to doing the work to make at least three of their dreams come true.

If this sounds like you, call me at (619) 275-1731 to learn more!