Welcome to the Year of the Sheep

Celebrating with hot pot for Chinese New Year in Brooklyn

On the 19^th February 2015, we say hello to the lucky and auspicious Wood Yin Sheep and say good-bye to the Wood Yang Horse as it prances or gallops off into the sunset. Positioned eighth on the Chinese zodiac, the Sheep embodies calmness, solidarity and harmony. As they are farm animals, they do not have to work on the land and as herbivores they eat all the grass they want. This in turn, gives them the freedom to search for the grass they wish to eat.

According to Chinese Elemental Theory, the Sheep has Wood and Earth aspects which makes them herbivores. The Sheep’s hour on the Chinese zodiac is between 1pm and 3pm which is at the time where the ground has absorbed an abundance of heat from the sun. This also gives the Sheep the element of Fire as a quality. Interestingly in Chinese dietetics, the quality of lamb/sheep meat is hot compared to other meats and thus it is commonly eaten in winter to keep warm.

The digestive system (the spleen, stomach and pancreas), cells and muscles all correspond to the Earth element. The Yin Wood looks after liver and spinal column, in particular the neck and spine itself. So what can be done about this? One of the best ways to take action is to be more proactive in eating more fresh fruit and vegetables as well as taking more anti-oxidants. This is done by Omega 3, vitamin C, vitamin E, grape seed extract or Chinese herbs which can assist in these health issues.

Allow the creativity to flow through this year as the Sheep is the symbol of the Arts. This is the time to express calmness to all as well as solidarity to loved ones and strangers alike. The Sheep’s social nature fosters the act of being harmonious with nature and the world in general.

This year is an opportunity to be calm, nurturing with oneself by gently reminding ourselves to eat well and look after our bones. On a broader scale, this year brings us hopefully more peace and harmony as well as solidarity for all.