The Snake in 2016: Your Chinese Horoscope

Copyright

Thorsons

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First published by Thorsons 2015

FIRST EDITION

© Neil Somerville 2015

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About the Author

Neil Somerville is one of the leading writers in the West on Chinese horoscopes. He has been interested in Eastern forms of divination for many years and believes that much can be learned from the ancient wisdom of the East. His annual book on Chinese horoscopes has built up an international following and he is also the author of What’s your Chinese Love Sign? (Thorsons, 2000; HarperElement, 2013), Chinese Success Signs (Thorsons, 2001) and The Answers (Element, 2004).

Neil Somerville was born in the year of the Water Snake. His wife was born under the sign of the Monkey, his son is an Ox and daughter a Horse.

Dedication

TO ROS, RICHARD AND EMILY

Epigraph

As we march into a new year,

we each have our hopes, our ambitions and our dreams.

Sometimes fate and circumstance will assist us,

sometimes we will struggle and despair,

but march we must.

For it is those who keep going,

and who keep their aspirations alive,

who stand the greatest chance of securing what they want.

March determinedly,

and your determination will, in some way, be rewarded.

Neil Somerville

Contents

Cover

Title Page

Copyright

About the Author

Dedication

Epigraph

Acknowledgements

Introduction

The Chinese Years

Welcome to the Year of the Monkey

The Snake

Appendix

Relationships between the Signs

Your Ascendant

How to Get the Best from your Chinese Sign and the Year

A Closing Thought

Other Titles in This Series

About the Publisher

Acknowledgements

In writing Your Chinese Horoscope 2016 I am grateful for the assistance and invaluable support that those around me have given.

I would also like to acknowledge Theodora Lau’s The Handbook of Chinese Horoscopes (Harper & Row, 1979; Arrow, 1981), which was particularly useful to me in my research.

In addition to Ms Lau’s work, I commend the following books to those who wish to find out more about Chinese horoscopes: Kristyna Arcarti, Chinese Horoscopes for Beginners (Headway, 1995); Catherine Aubier, Chinese Zodiac Signs (Arrow, 1984), series of 12 books; E. A. Crawford and Teresa Kennedy, Chinese Elemental Astrology (Piatkus Books, 1992); Paula Delsol, Chinese Horoscopes (Pan, 1973); Barry Fantoni, Barry Fantoni’s Chinese Horoscopes (Warner, 1994); Bridget Giles and the Diagram Group, Chinese Astrology (HarperCollinsPublishers, 1996); Kwok Man-Ho, Complete Chinese Horoscopes (Sunburst Books, 1995); Lori Reid, The Complete Book of Chinese Horoscopes (Element Books, 1997); Paul Rigby and Harvey Bean, Chinese Astrologics (Publications Division, South China Morning Post Ltd, 1981); Ruth Q. Sun, The Asian Animal Zodiac (Charles E. Tuttle Company, Inc., 1996); Derek Walters, Ming Shu (Pagoda Books, 1987) and The Chinese Astrology Workbook (The Aquarian Press, 1988); Suzanne White, The New Astrology (Pan, 1987), The New Chinese Astrology (Pan, 1994) and Chinese Astrology Plain and Simple (Eden Grove Editions, 1998).

Introduction

The origins of Chinese horoscopes have been lost in the mists of time. It is known, however, that oriental astrologers practised their art many thousands of years ago and even today Chinese astrology continues to fascinate and intrigue.

In Chinese astrology there are 12 signs named after 12 different animals. No one quite knows how the signs acquired their names, but there is one legend that offers an explanation. According to this legend, one Chinese New Year the Buddha invited all the animals in his kingdom to come before him. Unfortunately, for reasons best known to the animals, only 12 turned up. The first to arrive was the Rat, followed by the Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and finally Pig. In gratitude, the Buddha decided to name a year after each of the animals and that those born during that year would inherit some of the personality of that animal. Therefore those born in the year of the Ox would be hardworking, resolute and stubborn, just like the Ox, while those born in the year of the Dog would be loyal and faithful, just like the Dog. While it is not possible that everyone born in a particular year can have all the characteristics of the sign, it is incredible what similarities do occur, and this is partly where the fascination of Chinese horoscopes lies.

In addition to the 12 signs of the Chinese zodiac there are five elements and these have a strengthening or moderating influence upon the signs. Details about the effects of the elements are given in each of the chapters on the signs.

To find out which sign you were born under, refer to the tables on the following pages. As the Chinese year is based on the lunar year and does not start until late January or early February, it is particularly important for anyone born in those two months to check carefully the dates of the Chinese year in which they were born.

Also included, in the appendix, are two charts showing the compatibility between the signs for personal and business relationships and details about the signs ruling the different hours of the day. From this it is possible to locate your ascendant and, as in Western astrology, this has a significant influence on your personality.

In writing this book I have taken the unusual step of combining the intriguing nature of Chinese horoscopes with the Western desire to know what the future holds, and have based my interpretations upon various factors relating to each of the signs. Over the years in which Your Chinese Horoscope has been published I have been pleased that so many have found the sections on the forthcoming year of interest and hope that the horoscope has been constructive and useful. Remember, though, that at all times you are master of your own destiny.

I sincerely hope that Your Chinese Horoscope 2016 will prove interesting and helpful for the year ahead.

The Chinese Years

Rabbit 14 February 1915 to 2 February 1916

Dragon 3 February 1916 to 22 January 1917

Snake 23 January 1917 to 10 February 1918

Horse 11 February 1918 to 31 January 1919

Goat 1 February 1919 to 19 February 1920

Monkey 20 February 1920 to 7 February 1921

Rooster 8 February 1921 to 27 January 1922

Dog 28 January 1922 to 15 February 1923

Pig 16 February 1923 to 4 February 1924

Rat 5 February 1924 to 23 January 1925

Ox 24 January 1925 to 12 February 1926

Tiger 13 February 1926 to 1 February 1927

Rabbit 2 February 1927 to 22 January 1928

Dragon 23 January 1928 to 9 February 1929

Snake 10 February 1929 to 29 January 1930

Horse 30 January 1930 to 16 February 1931

Goat 17 February 1931 to 5 February 1932

Monkey 6 February 1932 to 25 January 1933

Rooster 26 January 1933 to 13 February 1934

Dog 14 February 1934 to 3 February 1935

Pig 4 February 1935 to 23 January 1936

Rat 24 January 1936 to 10 February 1937

Ox 11 February 1937 to 30 January 1938

Tiger 31 January 1938 to 18 February 1939

Rabbit 19 February 1939 to 7 February 1940

Dragon 8 February 1940 to 26 January 1941

Snake 27 January 1941 to 14 February 1942

Horse 15 February 1942 to 4 February 1943

Goat 5 February 1943 to 24 January 1944

Monkey 25 January 1944 to 12 February 1945

Rooster 13 February 1945 to 1 February 1946

Dog 2 February 1946 to 21 January 1947

Pig 22 January 1947 to 9 February 1948

Rat 10 February 1948 to 28 January 1949

Ox 29 January 1949 to 16 February 1950

Tiger 17 February 1950 to 5 February 1951

Rabbit 6 February 1951 to 26 January 1952

Dragon 27 January 1952 to 13 February 1953

Snake 14 February 1953 to 2 February 1954

Horse 3 February 1954 to 23 January 1955

Goat 24 January 1955 to 11 February 1956

Monkey 12 February 1956 to 30 January 1957

Rooster 31 January 1957 to 17 February 1958

Dog 18 February 1958 to 7 February 1959

Pig 8 February 1959 to 27 January 1960

Rat 28 January 1960 to 14 February 1961

Ox 15 February 1961 to 4 February 1962

Tiger 5 February 1962 to 24 January 1963

Rabbit 25 January 1963 to 12 February 1964

Dragon 13 February 1964 to 1 February 1965

Snake 2 February 1965 to 20 January 1966

Horse 21 January 1966 to 8 February 1967

Goat 9 February 1967 to 29 January 1968

Monkey 30 January 1968 to 16 February 1969

Rooster 17 February 1969 to 5 February 1970

Dog 6 February 1970 to 26 January 1971

Pig 27 January 1971 to 14 February 1972

Rat 15 February 1972 to 2 February 1973

Ox 3 February 1973 to 22 January 1974

Tiger 23 January 1974 to 10 February 1975

Rabbit 11 February 1975 to 30 January 1976

Dragon 31 January 1976 to 17 February 1977

Snake 18 February 1977 to 6 February 1978

Horse 7 February 1978 to 27 January 1979

Goat 28 January 1979 to 15 February 1980

Monkey 16 February 1980 to 4 February 1981

Rooster 5 February 1981 to 24 January 1982

Dog 25 January 1982 to 12 February 1983

Pig 13 February 1983 to 1 February 1984

Rat 2 February 1984 to 19 February 1985

Ox 20 February 1985 to 8 February 1986

Tiger 9 February 1986 to 28 January 1987

Rabbit 29 January 1987 to 16 February 1988

Dragon 17 February 1988 to 5 February 1989

Snake 6 February 1989 to 26 January 1990

Horse 27 January 1990 to 14 February 1991

Goat 15 February 1991 to 3 February 1992

Monkey 4 February 1992 to 22 January 1993

Rooster 23 January 1993 to 9 February 1994

Dog 10 February 1994 to 30 January 1995

Pig 31 January 1995 to 18 February 1996

Rat 19 February 1996 to 6 February 1997

Ox 7 February 1997 to 27 January 1998

Tiger 28 January 1998 to 15 February 1999

Rabbit 16 February 1999 to 4 February 2000

Dragon 5 February 2000 to 23 January 2001

Snake 24 January 2001 to 11 February 2002

Horse 12 February 2002 to 31 January 2003

Goat 1 February 2003 to 21 January 2004

Monkey 22 January 2004 to 8 February 2005

Rooster 9 February 2005 to 28 January 2006

Dog 29 January 2006 to 17 February 2007

Pig 18 February 2007 to 6 February 2008

Rat 7 February 2008 to 25 January 2009

Ox 26 January 2009 to 13 February 2010

Tiger 14 February 2010 to 2 February 2011

Rabbit 3 February 2011 to 22 January 2012

Dragon 23 January 2012 to 9 February 2013

Snake 10 February 2013 to 30 January 2014

Horse 31 January 2014 to 18 February 2015

Goat 19 February 2015 to 7 February 2016

Monkey 8 February 2016 to 27 February 2017

Note

The names of the signs in the Chinese zodiac occasionally differ, although the characteristics of the signs remain the same. In some books the Ox is referred to as the Buffalo or Bull, the Rabbit as the Hare or Cat, the Goat as the Sheep and the Pig as the Boar.

For the sake of convenience, the male gender is used throughout this book. Unless otherwise stated, the characteristics of the signs apply to both sexes.

Welcome to the Year of the Monkey

Whether swinging from branch to branch, playing chase with other Monkeys or observing his surroundings, the Monkey has great character and verve. And his energy can be seen in his own year.

Almost as soon as the Monkey year starts, its exciting and innovative nature will be apparent. On the world stage, events will erupt which will take some authorities by surprise. Factions and minorities will strive to be heard and their actions will lead to change. Particularly in more authoritarian areas, developments this year can be significant, even changing the geographical borders of some regions.

In view of the volatility that is being seen, throughout the year world leaders will frequently confer and in some cases put past animosities behind them and forge new alliances. Monkey years can be dramatic both politically and culturally. Past Monkey years have seen the birth of the Polish Solidarity movement, which ultimately led to so much change in Europe, students taking to the streets in Paris, rioting in Los Angeles and revolution in Hungary. This Monkey year will continue to shape history and leave a far-reaching legacy.

The United States celebrated the start of its nationhood in 1776, a previous Year of the Fire Monkey, and in this one, much attention will be focused on the presidential election. There will be great debate over the direction of domestic and foreign policy as well as increasing focus on American identity, and the campaign will be passionately fought, with some issues proving divisive and sometimes even causing rifts between party supporters. The campaign – its significance, its drama, but also its hope – will be an ongoing feature of 2016 and ultimately the newly elected president will promise ambitious reform.

The year’s political gyrations will also have an effect on stock markets around the world. There will be some major swings and some dramatic currency fluctuations. It was in a Monkey year that Black Wednesday occurred, an event forever marked in the annals of British fiscal history. Investors this year will require strong nerves, but despite the fluctuations, there will be major success stories and significant fortunes to be made.

Helping drive growth will be the launch of innovative products and inventions. Monkey years favour progress and this one will see some industries abuzz with new ideas. It has been said that Monkey years are times when anything can happen, and certainly in business, events will proceed at a swift pace.

The areas of science, technology and communication will be particularly prominent. Interestingly, it was in a Monkey year that Marconi launched the first public broadcasting service, which helped pave the way to much of the communication we enjoy today. Monkey years are pioneering and, perhaps surprisingly, it was only 12 years ago that Facebook was launched, an event which helped give rise to the social networking phenomenon.

In space, too, pioneering developments will take place. More will be discovered about the universe as probes reach new areas and reveal more about distant planets and galaxies. Again, humanity’s quest for knowledge will be greatly advanced this year.

Monkey years are also trendsetting. In fashion, bright new styles could catch the imagination of many, while in entertainment, music and cinematography there will be exciting developments. It was in a Monkey year that Elvis Presley came to prominence with ‘Heartbreak Hotel’ and in the process opened up a new musical genre. This year will again witness pivotal cultural moments.

Sadly, however, no year can escape tragedy, and this one will be no exception. The vagaries of weather systems will continue to cause havoc, with the year being marked by some horrendous disasters. Some of what occurs will lead to even greater attention being given to climate change and new actions will be agreed. But not all misfortune will be the result of natural catastrophe. Unfortunately, Monkey years have been marked by violence and some high-profile assassinations. These include those of President Doumer of France, Senator Robert Kennedy, Martin Luther King, Archbishop Romero and John Lennon, and while it is hoped that 2016 will be free of such acts, the portents are not promising.

A major event of the year will be the summer Olympics held in Brazil. The games will be colourful and a visual feast. For a few weeks at least, billions around the world will enjoy following the fortunes of athletes as well as marvel at some mesmerizing performances. Quite a few long-standing records will be broken.

For the individual, Monkey years can be regarded as times of great possibility. They favour enterprise and progress. They also contain the seeds of personal growth and making more of the potential that lies within. Each of us has the ability to put our talents to greater use. In the Monkey year, aim to make this year special – whether by nurturing your talents, working on an idea or contributing more in some way. Monkey years have energy and opportunity for us all. Enjoy what this year brings.

Good luck and good fortune.

The Snake

23 January 1917 to 10 February 1918 — Fire Snake

10 February 1929 to 29 January 1930 — Earth Snake

27 January 1941 to 14 February 1942 — Metal Snake

14 February 1953 to 2 February 1954 — Water Snake

2 February 1965 to 20 January 1966 — Wood Snake

18 February 1977 to 6 February 1978 — Fire Snake

6 February 1989 to 26 January 1990 — Earth Snake

24 January 2001 to 11 February 2002 — Metal Snake

10 February 2013 to 30 January 2014 — Water Snake

The Personality of the Snake

I think

And think some more.

About what is,

About what can be,

About what may be.

And when I am ready,

Then I act.

The Snake is born under the sign of wisdom. He is highly intelligent and his mind is forever active. He is always planning and always looking for ways in which he can use his considerable skills. He is a deep thinker and likes to meditate and reflect.

Many times during his life he will shed one of his famous Snake skins and take up new interests or start a completely different job. The Snake enjoys a challenge and he rarely makes mistakes. He is a skilful organizer, has considerable business acumen and is usually lucky in money matters. Most Snakes are financially secure in their later years, provided they do not gamble – the Snake has the distinction of being the worst gambler in the whole of the Chinese zodiac!

The Snake generally has a calm and placid nature and prefers the quieter things in life. He does not like to be in a frenzied atmosphere and hates being hurried into making a quick decision. He also does not like interference in his affairs and tends to rely on his own judgement rather than listen to advice.

At times the Snake can appear solitary. He is quiet, reserved and sometimes has difficulty in communicating with others. He has little time for idle gossip and will certainly not suffer fools gladly. He does, however, have a good sense of humour and this is particularly appreciated in times of crisis.

The Snake is certainly not afraid of hard work and is thorough in all that he does. He is very determined and can occasionally be ruthless in order to achieve his aims. His confidence, willpower and quick thinking usually ensure his success, but should he fail it will often take a long time for him to recover. He cannot bear failure and is a very bad loser.

The Snake can also be evasive and does not willingly let people into his confidence. This secrecy and distrust can sometimes work against him and these are traits that all Snakes should try to overcome.