Happy Chinese New Year!
This last Friday, February 16th, marked the Chinese New Year.
Welcome to the year of the Earth Dog.
I don’t know about you all, but I’m happy to know we are entering a year with the familiar energy of our friendly household companion – the dog.
Americans are obsessed with dogs - and all the characteristics you associate with your loyal companion apply to this year.
Think trustworthy, loyal, territorial, devoted & when necessary, fiercely defensive.
This year follows the intensity of the past two years – Fire Monkey & Metal Rooster – both characterized by delusion & trickery (think Fake News) – but also by our increasing awareness of inequality (think Women’s March) and our intentional dismantling of oppressive power structures (from Harvey Weinstein to Donald Trump).
Think fiery transformation.
In contrast, in its grounded stability, this year of the Earth Dog invites maturation and promises fruition.
The best advice I've read about this year comes from Gregory Done who writes:
“if you want to make the best of the Dog year, work to strengthen, heal, and solidify your alliances...
...welcome everyone into the pack...
...some sniffing and growling is okay; I know we are all a little guarded after the chaos of the past two years.”
~|~
In our little neck of the woods, the Earth Dog energy has really manifested in the last month or so.
Now, admittedly, I don't spend a lot of time with dogs at this point in my life. Yet, in typical fashion, the universe reminds me to not think so literally...
Amusingly, the goats I acquired this year to keep my now solo horse company perfectly exemplify the Earth Dog (also known as the Mountain Dog).
Many a friend has exclaimed, “they act just like big dogs!”
My partner and I have started taking our “whole pack” – the horse, two goats, and ourselves – on day hikes.
Yes, that is a goat packing saddle on my goat...
Our Mountain Dog goats stay close, wag their tails excitedly as they trot down the trail & even attempt to defend us against actual neighborhood dogs (& deer...).
Becoming a pack in this way has opened new doors – to goat packing around our corner of Washington, to overnight mountain biking – horseback riding – goat expeditions, and to a lot of fun day hikes.
In a simple way, it has reminded me that meaningful connection with other animals (human and otherwise) fills our Hearts and reminds us of our place in the greater scheme of things.
I wish you all the best in the year of the Earth Dog and I invite your comments below!
Warmly,
Arista