THE YEAR OF THE HORSE
from Susie Cox, Astrologer
as reported by Leslie Shumate 2-12-2002

The Metal Snake and all it stands for has slithered under the nearest rock as the Year of the Water Horse comes thundering to the rescue.

Snakes, horses and earthly elements are all part of the Chinese calendar on which a New Year began with the new moon of February 12.

To Tucson Astrologer/Astronomer Susie Cox the difference between 2001's Metal Snake and the Water Horse of 2002 is very clear. To see it, she recommends first taking a look at what the word "snake" brings to mind, then picture what "metal" represents. Next, think of sensations produced by the word "water" and proceed to what mental visions are presented by the thought, "horse." Cox stated, "The overall feeling I am getting from this 'Water Horse' is gentleness, looking at others in a caring way but still moving full speed ahead because there are changes that need to happen."

In Chinese Astrology there is an animal symbol for an entire 12 months as compared to western astrology where there are 12 symbols per year. In addition, the ancient eastern study joins a rotating element with each year-long symbol and features five elements to our four. The five are; Fire, Earth, Metal, Water and Wood. Five times twelve equals 60. An element is in place for two years, the first year representing the element's yang and the second the yin. Because of the independent animal/element rotation cycles a combination such as Water Horse only occurs once every 60 years. Western charts are more fixed as a month of birth symbol is permanently linked to either Earth, Air, Fire or Water.

Cox said the Chinese definitions of each symbol tell the story. She said personality traits associated with the Snake include: does not communicate well with others, are loners and will seek to settle scores. The Snake personality is fortunate with money and shrewd in business. Cox commented, "…this is the part I thought was interesting, 'He can be generous with money but is known to be ruthless when he wants to attain an important objective.'" Cox said the Snake has no qualms about eliminating anyone who stands in his way and that the more lethal types will crush their enemies totally. In deference to those born in the year of the Snake there are some good traits, too. The Snake can be a philosopher, theologian, political wizard, wily financier and mystic. Women Snakes are the femme fatales and men Snakes are powerful.

According to Cox the devastating intensity comes when the Snake and Metal are combined. Chinese astrology first began matching symbols with cycles over two thousand years before Christ and throughout the many centuries a Metal Snake has always been known for shrewd dealings to the point that if things can't be settled to the Snake's satisfaction, war will be declared. Looking for any possible good in last September's attack on this country the astrologer said there is one positive, "The Snake will give us faith in our convictions."

Cox said the effects of 2001 will linger into this year like a hangover but things will be shifting towards a more common sense approach.

In contrast to symbolism of last year, characteristics attributed to the Horse sign are; high spirited, adventurous, delightful, action oriented, nicely coifed, cheerful, talkative, open-minded and with a good sense of humor. "Boy does that feel better than 'sneaky' and 'eliminating enemies!'" With a word of caution about trying to take on too much and becoming exhausted, Cox sees the Year of the Horse as busy and hectic with the economy on the upswing and good opportunities for entrepreneurs. Her advice is to be brave and bold.

Properties attributed to Water include communication, wanting to advance ideas, wanting to infiltrate rather than dominate, emotional consideration and a perseverance known to wear away stone. Cox translates Water Horse to mean, "This whole energy of year 2002 will be our assertive powers of persuasion to make decisions on action for advancement. 'Action' is the key but, instead of the horse galloping across the field, he's swimming. There's a sense of ease and you can't rush it too much." She identifies water as the force to slow things down and look for a smoother way. "Everything has a positive balance. What I got out of 911 was global unity…people working together like they never have. There is a sense of unifying people in a very humanitarian way as a result." Cox finds great healing aspects about, "….having this wonderful Water-calming, elegant, proud animal after such a brutal year."

In the aftermath world, where things will never be the same, Cox notices many checks and balances between 911 and the present Enron debacle as people are looking more carefully at how things are presented and feeling the need to place more emphasis on home and family. "It's a wonderful year to have compassion for ourselves and others…to be with family and close friends and groups, helping each other." She said there is also a sense of inward self-healing along with an adventurous time for advancement.

Cox said she has been very busy as an Astrologer with many clients asking, "Where do we go from here?" She is telling them, "Now may be the time to write that book." She also recommends allowing whimsy and fun to be part of life.

East can meet West in the two astrological approaches by combining all the symbols, for example, Gemini-(Western) and (Eastern)Earth-Ox…or whatever animal represents the year in which you were born. Cox recommends "The Handbook of Chinese Horoscopes" by Theodora Lau as a good reference source. There are also informational sites on the Internet that can be found with the keywords, "Chinese horoscopes."

The Chinese horoscope symbols and cycles have been revolving for well over four thousand years, in 60-year cycles. That cycle rings true in view of the more recent past. The last time the year of the Metal Snake appeared was 1941, the year of Pearl Harbor and this country's entry into World War II. 911 was a tragic reminder there are repetitive cycles however, encouragement can be found in the fact history also shows that after Pearl Harbor, "the sleeping giant" was awakened and with a united commitment towards the goal of victory this country and its people endured, surmounted and healed.