For thousands of years, the Chinese lunar calendar has been based on a 12-year repeating cycle that incorporates 11 real animals and one mythical one (a dragon). On February 16, 2018, we’ll be entering the Year of the Dog, the 11th animal in the Chinese zodiac.
Each sign is associated with one of five elements: Metal, Water, Wood, Fire and Earth (the specific association changes from cycle to cycle). In 2018, the Dog is paired with Earth— making it, more precisely, the year of the Brown Earth Dog.
The Dog is associated with exuberance, kindness, good fortune, harmony and humanitarianism, and idealism overshadowing materialism. It is also said that Earth Dogs make great leaders because they are trustworthy, dependable, confident and supportive of others.
All things considered, this is a propitious time for the Dog to rise to the top of the wheel. Kindness, harmony and idealism are certainly qualities worth striving for in the new year.
via Whisker Therapy