According to the Chinese Zodiac, on February 19, 2015 we will enter the Year of the Sheep (Ram/Goat). While Korea and Vietnam celebrate New Year on roughly the same day as the Chinese, Japanese follow the Western calendar, celebrating the New Year on January 1st. They all, however, share the Chinese Animal Zodiac.
The Year of the Sheep is generally a smooth year following that of the energetic whirlwind of the Horse. The Sheep's love of harmony and keen sense for co-existing with enemies will preserve the Year from many upheavals. Moderators are able to obtain results through subtle hints, rather than through brazen wars, force or violence or being blunt. The Year of the Sheep is traditionally associated with feelings of peace and contentment. International conflicts and mutual animosities usually end in the Year of the Sheep and world conflicts and political upheavals are also diminished.
Globally things should be more subdued, the pace of life may slow some, progress slow, and production more along the line of imaginative, artistic and aesthetic ventures than high powered wheeling and dealing. Overall prosperity is more in the form of internal unity. New inventions or innovative ways to enhance existing products or services abound. Focus turns to education as a way toward future peace and prosperity, with special attention on artistic endeavors, and volunteer work with the less fortunate. However, pessimistic vibrations bring about oversensitiveness and fretfulness over small issues resulting in discouragement and hypercritical attitudes when things don't go according to the desired plan. Traditionally, the Year of the Sheep is a time for introspection,a time to make peace and to concentrate on relationship building. Financial frugality is advised.
People born in the year of the Sheep (1907, 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015) are said to have a pure nature and kind heart, to be righteous, sincere, Samaritan types easily taken in by sob stories. Being gentle, compassionate, understanding of others' faults they strongly dislike strict schedules, causing constant appointment rescheduling for those with whom they do business or have contact. Known not to be able to take much discipline, even less criticism, ridicule or rejection, they find it impossible to work under pressure and to be objective. As a manager you should NEVER stop showing that you care about them, even if you need to be forceful and demanding, enticing with rewards brings out their best and avoids their worst.
Celebrities Born in the Year of the Sheep (Ram/Goat)
Michelangelo, Christopher Columbus, Mark Twain, Thomas Alva Edison, Van Gough, Bill Gates, Rudolph Valentino, Rachel Carson, Pierre Trudeau, Mikhail Gorbachev, Barbara Walters, Orville Wright, Muhammad Ali, Nicole Kidman, Julia Roberts, Kate Hudson, Amy Lee, John Wayne, Bruce Willis, Mel Gibson, Robert Deniro, Jamie Foxx,Gene Hackman, Matt LeBlanc, George Harrison, Benicio Del Toro, Claire Danes, Jamie Lynn Spears, and Brandy.
Best Wishes for a healthy and successful Sheep Year! Let's hope, true to its reputation, that the international upheavals are calmer this year!
