TAC’s Annual Predictions for the Year of the Goat!
By Kim Boomhower, LMBT, CPES
The Chinese Lunar year begins on Thursday, February 19th. In the Chinese Zodiac, those born in the lunar years (Feb 4- Feb 4 of the next year) of 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, and 2015 are born in the sign of the Goat. Each zodiac animal is paired with one of the Five Elements. This is the year of the Green Wood Goat (Jia Wei, in Chinese). The last year of the Wood Goat was 1955. I’ll begin by giving an overview of general Goat characteristics, then I’ll add in the qualities of Wood to investigate what 2015 will look like. I’ll finish with a brief synopsis of the year for each of the twelve zodiac animal signs.
Those born in the year of the goat are artists in spirit and likely also in practice. Goats are changeable free spirits, who love social gatherings, stimulating conversation and a beautiful environment. Polite, decent and gentle, Goats desire a peaceful spot to exist undisturbed and unhurried. Goats are very creative, sensitive and kind, with the downside of being disorganized and extremely vulnerable. Working when least expected, the capricious Goat is never reached by being pressured from others. Goats are generous to a fault, and have a soft heart towards those less fortunate. Finding it difficult to adapt to change, Goats can be slow to make decisions. The inner circle of the Goat is sacred, and they are very selective about who they let in. Befriending a Goat is an honor, and those who do will be richly rewarded. Family is also a priority, and Goats tend to do well in marriage. Never power crazy or starving for the spotlight, they love the company of others, but prefer to gently mix into the background.
The Wood Element of the 2015 Goat Year
The creative element of Wood is associated with the birth of Yang in Five Element Theory, and just like the Wood Horse of last year, 2015 will be a busy time. However, the hopeful, gentle Goat (who is associated with Yin and Earth) promises a much more favorable time, compared to last year. Stabilization will be a theme for economics, politics and quality of life. Most signs will go into a state of ‘relapse’, taking inventory, doing some damage control, and enjoying a more relaxed year. As the hot-headed Horse year releases it’s hold, the tranquility-loving Goat offers elegance and a focus on the more aesthetic things in life. The organ of Wood is the liver, so it is best to limit alcohol and keep your emotions in perspective for optimum health. The downside of Goat years is the tendency to spend money too freely. This is a year to be mindful in all things: money, self-care, and relationships, and not to make impulsive decisions--for what you do in each of these areas this year will have immense effects in the near future. Goat years also tend to bring rather unexpected shifts, so expect the unexpected this year! Remaining flexible is the key to a successful 2015.
2015 Predictions for this year:
Goat. Born in 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015.
Goats typically have very good luck in their own years, and this year is no exception. Goats should excel in their careers, and promotions are possible. Naturally shy, Goats have the chance to gain more confidence this year. New energy will be injected into existing relationships, and bonds will be strengthened. Those in romantic relationships should see their unions thrive, and new love is just around the corner for single Goats. 2015 is also a harmonious year for friends and familial relationships, and the goat's inner circle will offer tremendous support. The place where Goats are most vulnerable this year in is the health realm. They will be wise to not ignore any signs or symptoms of health problems this year, and should pay special attention to creating and maintaining a healthy lifestyle and listening to their body. Getting plenty of rest, and caring for one’s self should be top priority this year to avoid burnout.
Horse. Born in 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014.
2015 will, overall, be a good year for the Horse, but big changes are also on the horizon, bringing with them some challenges and uncertainties. Horses will chose to face realities head on this year, and can discover new dimensions to their personalities, and engage in deep, passionate relationships. This Goat year, along with its challenges, will bring big rewards for Horse folk in the career realm, as Horses can use their natural patience and attention to detail at work to gain knowledge and perhaps even a promotion. Horses will have many options available to them this year, the hard part will be deciding which path is the right one to take. Finances should be very good this year for the horse. Focusing on saving more than spending, and even investing, can be very helpful this year. The key this year, financially, for Horses is to keep risk to a minimum, and avoid making any big purchases. Because of the abundance of opportunities this year, horses may feel burdened by responsibilities, and this could affect their mental and emotional well being. Making sure to have variety and stimulation will be helpful this year, as Horses are susceptible to boredom, and get restless if life becomes too mundane. Horses must use their naturally strong intuition to notice when pressures or stress gets too much to cope with.
Rat. Born in 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008
Rat people can expect a year of transformation where they may want to redefine, not only themselves, but perhaps even their entire lifestyles. Prospects for financial security and a better job are excellent this year. Rats and Goats are complementary horoscope signs, and this means that 2015 will be a time of great promise and high rewards for the people born under the sign of the Rat. They may want to end relationships they feel are no longer working for them this year, and it’s a good time to take stock in all types of relationships. There is much luck for new relationships for Rats this year, particularly romantic ones. Rats have a wonderful ability to analyze complex situations, and, in the career realm this year, they will need to do just that. Hard work is the name of the game this year for Rat people, and they must carefully watch their stress levels, and rest as much as possible to prevent burnout and fatigue. Financially, minding their savings, and watching spending will be important, and, if they are disciplined in doing so, they can reap big rewards for their diligence. The natural adaptability of the Rat will be their advantage this year.
Ox. Born in 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009.
Big change is the theme of this year for the Ox. They will be required to adapt and embrace these changes, which can be challenging for the stubborn Ox. The lesson of being flexible will be what 2015 has in store. This Goat year brings with it many opportunities for self-improvement, which the hard-working Ox can welcome with anticipation. The Goat year is a good year for new relationships, and the Ox may find his or herself in a new, serious one this year. In 2015, relationships of all kinds will be deeper, and Oxen will find themselves impatient with any superficiality. There are notable improvement for finances this year, with money flow more stable than last year. Using this time to pay off debts and consolidate finances will be a wise move for the Ox. Healthwise, Oxen will see a positive turn for the better. This is a good year to take a serious look at your diet and overall health, and get your house in order. The self-discipline and determination of the Ox will prove to be a rich asset this year, and Oxen will reap the rewards.
Tiger. Born in 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010.
For Tiger people, the Year of the Goat will bring lots of challenges, stresses, worries and frustrations, but also great and lasting success in new ventures. These men and women will crave a new creative outlet, and will strive to make huge changes in their working environment. Many of them will be driven to work for themselves, either full-time or part-time. Either way, there will be some sacrifices needed to make their dreams become reality. Tigers thrive when they have something to achieve, for which great focus and effort is required, and this year will provide them with just that. Tigers will need to tread carefully when it comes to finances this year. Tigers always dream big, and taking a few risks later in the year, in order to turn dreams into reality, is well worth it. Tigers should consider a much needed vacation in the Spring. Tigers are advised to ‘go with the flow’ in affairs of the heart. There will be many demands placed on the Tiger’s time this year with work, which may make getting new relationships off the ground difficult. If it feels like it’s too much work, it probably is. Because of this busy time in the Goat year, Tigers, who are known to be very independent and aloof, will be wise to learn to open up, and graciously accept the support of family and friends.
Rabbit. Born in 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011.
Going with the general trend of the Goat year for all signs, Rabbits will find 2015 to be very productive, with lots of changes. Sensitive Rabbits can easily be pulled into too many directions this year, so being proactive and mindful of priorities is the name of the game. Rabbits may be working very hard this year, but should take some time to re-assess their career, and make sure it is in line with their true desires. 2015 is an excellent year to switch to self-employment. The Wood Goat year is a tempting one for Rabbits to make financial decisions on impulse, but it is wise to ignore this temptation.
Relationships have the potential to be challenging for Rabbits this year, so they should take care to nurture current relationships, and cut ties with ones who have become stagnant or negative. This may seem a little out of character for the gentle Rabbit, but it is ultimately best. Rabbits in long term relationships will find great comfort in their partners this year, as all the changes can be physically and emotionally exhausting. Taking plenty of time to rest is a great idea, and Rabbits, normally very sociable creatures, may find this year better spent with a chosen few versus the social masses.
Dragon. Born in 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012.
The year of the Goat will be dominated by a career focus for Dragons. Being meticulous, and forging ahead with new ideas will bring them much success. This year will be fast and furious, and that’s just how Dragons like it. During the busyness of this year, Dragons should be careful not to neglect family and friends. Stress may be higher this year due to the fast pace, so the passionate Dragon should be mindful of self-care as not to lose their tempers with loved ones. Health for Dragons looks to be excellent in 2015. Dragons tend to deal with the stress and strain of fast-paced life fairly well, but would be wise to take occasional time-outs to unwind and recharge. Yoga, meditation, or another form of mindfulness or breath-based activity could be most beneficial this year.
Snake. Born in 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013.
This year will be a journey of self-discovery for Snakes, as the events of this year will make Snakes turn inward to reflect on the big changes happening around them. Although most all other signs should be averse to taking any chances with money this year, financially, Snakes stand to gain the most by taking calculated risks. This is typically out of the Snake’s comfort zone, but, if they do manage to overcome this fear, the rewards can be great. Embracing change, and not fearing it, is the key to being in a strong financial position this year. Though new relationships are certainly possible, the likelihood is high for single Snakes this year to prefer their own company, and enjoy peace, quiet and serenity. That inward turning of the Snake this year will provide those in long term relationships a deeper level of meaning and emotional engagement. Health looks good for Snakes in 2015, but they should be mindful of diet, and drink plenty of water to maintain their good health.
Monkey. Born in 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016.
Like all signs for this year of the Goat, change is the theme for Monkeys in 2015. The hard working Monkey may be more focused on personal growth this year, and, as such, may be less inclined to work as hard as they have in the past. Many Monkeys may start or extend their family this year, and, as such, may want to coast along, and not take on any new projects. Highly intelligent and inventive, Monkeys will be using their skills to solve problems that arise in a creative way. 2015 is all about setting goals in preparation for the future--setting themselves up for success later down the road. Travel this year would be good to soothe the wander-lust of the restless Monkey. With all the changes abounding this year, Monkeys are wise to restructure finances to ensure long-term stability, especially for those Monkeys having children. This is the time to keep careful watch over spending, and avoid frivalty. In relationships, the Monkey’s inner circle will be very close and meaningful, with most of the Monkey’s focus turning here. As Monkeys tend towards restlessness and fidgeting, they should take extra care this year to keep their nervous systems calm and balanced.
Rooster. Born in 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017.
A natural worrier, the Rooster will have his or her work cut out for them in this year of changes. Extra demands and responsibilities (or even a change of job) could be placed on Roosters that could lead to unwanted stress. The good news is that, in 2015, Roosters will have many people around them who are more than willing and happy to help and support them--the lesson here is for Roosters to learn to accept help. Leadership positions are possible this year, but Roosters should be mindful of any additional stress this creates. The Rooster’s incredible communication skills will shine this year, with lots of opportunities for them to speak and share their views, which can be a major stress relief. There will be a lot of enjoyable socializing this year. The ever hard-working Rooster will be rewarded well this year for their efforts, and finances look to be more stable than they’ve ever been. Communication rules the roost (pun intended) in the area of relationships as well this year. Single Roosters will find many like-minded people gravitating towards them within social settings, and partnered Roosters will find this year good for deepening their communication. Friendships made in the year of the Goat could be significant, lasting for many years to come. Roosters are one of the most health-conscious signs and, as such, will have no major problems, but, in 2015, stress-related issues will be on the forefront, healthwise. Roosters will be wise to remember to not take themselves (or others) too seriously, and that laughter sometimes really is the best medicine.
Dog. Born in 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018.
A joyful and pleasurable year is in store for Dogs in 2015, with many opportunities to spend happily with family and friends. This is a year of abundance for Dogs in many ways. Like Roosters, communication and social interaction are key this year to personal development. The year of the Goat is also an excellent year for Dog women to conceive. Career opportunities will abound, and creative Dogs will need to flex their artistic muscle,s and use their diplomacy and tact at work. By remaining calm and dealing with any challenges head-on, Dogs will be fortunate career-wise. If there are any travel options, in regards to work, Dogs are encouraged to take every opportunity that arises, which will build their self-confidence. Finances should be reasonably stable this year for Dogs, but, as for almost all signs, they should be careful with their spending. Dogs can reap big rewards in future cycles if they invest wisely this year. Relationships will flourish with mutual happiness for Dogs, their partners and loved ones this Goat year. There will be many opportunities on the social front to get out and meet new people. Health is expected to be excellent for Dogs this year, however, with all the opportunities and social engagements Dogs may find themselves in, they should be mindful of overindulging in food and drink.
Pig. Born in 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019.
The year of the Goat promises significant change and opportunity for the Pig. As such, Pigs may find themselves extremely busy. It is wise for Pigs to delegate more in 2015, and conserve their energy. Relationships can come to a head this year, with Pigs realizing it may be time to move on or change the nature of the relationship significantly. Having the courage to address a situation that is not working, regardless of the outcome, will be monumental for Pigs this year. Money-wise, Pigs will be happy to find they can relax a little. All the hard work Pigs have put in the last few years is coming to fruition. Freedom from some financial constraints are on the horizon, which will make Pigs more positive and optimistic about the future. Health looks smooth for Pigs in 2015, with their new-found positivity bringing with it well-being, but they should take care to nurture their digestive systems this year.