HAPPY LUNAR NEW YEAR!

CHINESE LUNAR NEW YEAR … The Year of the WOODEN HORSE Friday, Jan. 31, was the beginning of Chinese New Year and millions of people continue to enjoy the festivities around the world, particularly in China and countries with a sizable Chinese population. The New Year is a spring festival that begins on the second new moon after Winter Solstice, with the sun and the moon in Aquarius. It continues for 15 days of celebration. In Chinese zodiac, each Lunar New Year is linked to an animal and this year welcomes the Year of the Horse , and to be more specific, the Wooden Horse (last year of the wooden horse was 60 years ago, 1954). According to believers of the Chinese form of geomancy, the universe is made up of five elements--earth, water, fire, wood, and metal. There are 12 zodiac animals that interact with the elements. 2014 brings FIRE which brings energy and WOOD that fuels the flames. This particular year may therefore result in regional conflicts and disasters related to WOOD, but also strong gains in the stock market driven by FIRE . So what if you are born in the Horse Year? Those born in the Year of the Horse (2014, 2002, 1990, 1978, 1966, 1954, 1942, 1930, etc.) are popular, fun loving, and enjoy parties. They are highly intuitive like a horse so their natural intuitions often help them make good life decisions. However, experts warn that in 2014, those born in a horse year unfortunately may experience conflict and fluctuations in finance, so beware. You may tend to overspend on entertainment, or going out, so "hold your horses" on your social expenses. For other animal signs, the Lunar New Year will bring good health and prosperity. According to Chinese beliefs, the horse signifies fortune, communication, fame, finance and success. The Wood Horse Year is a time of fast victories, unexpected adventure and surprising romance. Events happen fast in a Horse Year so make decisions quickly when the energy is high, but don't gallop out of control. You need to follow your instincts. This year we hope that you will celebrate the prosperity and fast pace that the Year of the Horse brings by wearing a pair of fun horse novelty socks for extra good luck in 2014!