The Chinese New Year which falls on 19 February 2015 this time, is that of the sheep (or goat) and marks the 4712th year according to the Chinese lunar calendar.
Chinese calendars, which use the Stem-Branch system to count the days, months and years, is connected to the Five Element (Yin-Yang) theory - metal, water, wood, fire and earth.
While the stem sequence is Yang Wood, Yin Wood, Yang Fire, Yin Fire, Yang Earth, Yin Earth, Yang Metal, Yin Metal, Yang Water and Yin Water; branches use animal names. Their sequence order is rat, cow, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, chicken, dog and pig.
According these calculations the Chinese New Year 2015 is that of a Yang (female) wood sheep. In recent times the year of the sheep has come in 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991 and 2003. The next sheep year is in 2027.
Those born in the sheep year are said to have a calm and gentle personality, and are creative by nature. Mild-mannered, shy, stable, sympathetic, amicable, they are thoughtful and brimming with a strong sense of kind-heartedness and justice. They win people over with their frankness and honesty. Most of all they never give up and persevere till they succeed.
Because the 'goat people' are generally calm and delicate, it also reflects in their overall well being. They are more likely to take care of their physical fitness and stick to effective ways that keep them healthy.
People born in the year of the 'goat' generally love the company of people and excel at working in groups. The'goat people' are best suited to be paediatricians, teachers, musicians, interior designers, florists, illustrators and actors.
'Goats' are generally private people and while they get along with almost everyone, they prefer to have a few intimate friends. They get along best with the horse people, which include those born in 1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002 and 2014.
The luckiest numbers for 'goats' are 2 and 7, individually or together, like 27 or 72. The seventh and 30th days of every lunar month is lucky for them, while the lucky flowers for them are carnations and primroses. The lucky colours for 'goats' are brown, red and purple. 'Goats' are advised to stay away from green, blue and black.
Prediction for wood sheep year (2015)
2015 is a benmingnian (zodiac year corresponding to one's birth year) for people born in a year of the goat. In Chinese culture, a year of one's birth sign is unlucky.
Health: Stay away from sharp tools as they might lead to an injury this year. Keeping a healthy diet and following a strict exercise regime is also a must. 'Sheep' born in 1943 and 1979 need to be careful while driving and playing sport, especially in June and December.
Wealth: The financial status of 'goats' will remain modest and maintaining a budget must be in the forefront of their resolutions for this New Year. Lending money to others is not advisable, nor is investing in stocks, bonds and real estate. Those living in rental accommodation should stay put and postpone plans of buying a house till after the end of the year. However setting up a fish tank in the west or north of the house may help in improving the financial situation.
Study: Sheep students will not be able to concentrate on academics this year because of emotional turmoil and family problems. Parents of 'sheep' should pay attention to children's behaviour and try to be attentive to their moods and needs. They may also get infected with illness, which will affect their studies.
Career: Promotion and a hike in salary is not in sight for those born in the 'sheep' years. However despite a few low points in the career during March, June, September and December it gets better in February, July and August. As long as they persist at their work, like most 'goats' do, they will gain substantially in the coming year.
Relationships: 2015 is a year of temperamental instability for the 'goats' and hence they may end up in failed relationships. Communication is an essential key for lovers especially this year and avoiding break-ups is a must. While single men may find lovers and single females have a high probability of getting back with one of their exes, this is not a good year to get married.
