The Sheep (Ram)

1919, 1931, 1943,1955,1967, 1979, 1991,2003,2105

The sheep is the eighth sign of the Chinese Zodiac. Its intrinsic element is earth. The compass direction of the sheep is between 187.5 degrees to 217.5 degrees. This falls in the direction of the south-south-west.

You will find that this sector of the house occupies an angle of 30 degrees. This sector is said to be the part of the house deemed most lucky for those residents who are born in any of the years of the sheep. The years of the sheep are listed in the table above. These years have not been adjusted to take account of the lunar new year. Thus if you were born in any of the above years but say in the month of January, chances are, you might not belong to the sheep year but instead to the year prior to the sheep year but instead to the year prior to the sheep year which is the year of the horse. In the same way you could still be a sheep year person if you are born in the January of the following year. To check your date of birth against the lunar calendar please refer to the 100 year lunar calendar at the back of the book.

The Sheep (RAM)

One autumn in the early days of humanity, the heavenly ram came down to earth. He saw that the people seemed depressed and sickly, and soon realized that the cause was the lack of crops. In heaven, the gods were accustomed to vast fields of grain, butt none grew on earth by decree of the Jade Emperor himself.

The ram thought this was unjust and decided to steal the crops for humanity. When he went back to heaven, the sneaked into the fields and plucked up the grain seeds. Returning to earth, he gave the seeds to the people and explained how to sow them. The first planting reaped a bumper harvest; the people were ecstatic, and thanked the ram for his generosity.

New of this drifted back to the Emperor, and in a rage he ordered that if the ram wanted to feed the people so much he should be slain and his body fed to the humans. This was done, but the next year a new ram appeared on the same spot where the heavenly ram had been killed, the first of the rams as we see them today. When the people heard that the Emperor wanted to select twelve animal signs, the ram was one of the first to be suggested. Bowed by the people's will, the Emperor was forced to forgive the ram and offer him a 4 place.

Personality of the people born in the sheep year

You are a considerate person you think before you act, and are troubled if you think you have unknowingly hurt someone else. If you have caused unforeseen problems or accidentally let someone else down, the chances are you will step forward to remedy the situation and re-establish the troubled friendship. It is this gentle and trustworthy side of your character that not only helps you to maintain a good social circle, but also enables you to deal with life's ups and downs.

You are sensitive to the world around you, perhaps even too sensitive, as you often minister- pret situations, when faced with the unexpected you can be hesitant and nervous, since you are a peaceful person who tries to avoid unnecessary conflict. You also have the nature of wanderer and are happy to set off on journeys to meet people and to see the world. As long as you do not head into strife-form territory or are confronted by trouble-markers, you travel confidently. Your journeys also have a more unconventional, spiritual dimension; you hold strong beliefs yourself, and are stimulated by the beliefs that guide others.

It is often the simple things in life that give you the most pleasure; a wonderful view, a beautifully created object or an inspiring piece of music will keep you happy. This dreamy side of your character could account of the fact that you do not like to make rules any more than you like to live by them. The last thing you want, or need, is to be held to a strict timetable. The urge to follow your instincts also reveals an obstinate streak, and this desire to find your dream can make you dissatisfied with what you already have. Sometimes good opportunities do come your way but you hold back, as it is hard for you to make a quick decision. Life's comforts are important and you do not want to put them at risk.

ROMANCE

You need to feel secure in love and if your partner behalves indifferently it can leave you feeling very unsure of yourself. You have an emotional nature and are easily moved to tears, although it is often hard to explain why. Despite this, however, you lack the confidence to express your emotions, and as a result you may miss good romantic opportunities. The pressure of approaching strangers or making conversation with new acquaintances makes you uncomfortable, and you are more likely to meet a partner through friends. You do not like to feel overpowered in a relationship, nor do you relish having to abide by strict terms or conditions. You are gentle and romantic, in need of protection, but equally your creative spirit should not be suppressed. On the other hand, your partner may find your unconventional nature or hesitancy irritating but often this is forgiven because you have a kind heart. At times your absent-mindedness can be interpreted as thoughtlessness, but it is not in your nature to upset others intentionally.

Career

You have an ability to turn your fortune around just when everything seems bleak, something or someone turns up to help. Try to avoid routine jobs or ones that demand continual decision making. You have a relaxed approach to life, and although you can take responsibility, giving orders is not your strong point. Rigid schedules make you feel trapped, and your easy sense of time keeping could land you in trouble in a strictly regulated job.

It is likely that you have a flair for art and design and enjoy creative work that also gives you flexibility. The idea of having to fight for a position or compete with others induces worry and stress, so choose something that gives you an element of freedom and peace.

When you are both comfortable and stimulated you can adapt well, and once you have found the right niche your talents will flourish.

You are suited to a career in the arts, advertising or research. You would also be a good designer, writer, librarian or philosopher.

The Sheep (Ram) Associations

Element

Earth :

In Chinese philosophy the five elements are types of energy that affect all life. It is their interaction that creates change from a global level to a personal level. The ram is associated with the element of earth, which works in harmony with the element of metal but is overwhelmed by the element of wood.

Colour

Yellow :

The ram is linked to the colour yellow, which was the imperial colour of China-the colour reserved for the emperor. Yellow is associated with progress, fame and achievement. It is also linked to the element of earth since the fertile soils in many areas of china have a yellow hue.

Energy

Yin & Yang :

Yin and Yang are the two great cosmic forces which influence and balance all life. yin is cool, watery and still while yang is hot, heavy and dynamic. The ram is associated with the element of earth in which yin and yang are equally balanced, a combination that is linked to thought and care.

Direction

South-South-West :

Each of the twelve animal signs is matched to a direction of the compass. The ram is linked to a south-south-westerly direction, which in turn is associated with the early hours of the afternoon. This direction is also linked to the end of summer, as yang begins its decline and yin starts to ascend.

Balancing of energy for person born in sheep year

Sheep (Ram) :

People born in sheep year are advised to observe the following :

In the years of the Snake (2001) :

The sheep's confidence returns in this suspicious year. Place the wish fulfilling cow in the living room.

In the years of the Horse (2002) :

A serene year when money luck improves considerably. place coins and the three-legged toad anywhere in the living room but looking at the front door.

In the years of the Sheep (2003) :

A period of good social luck. Relationships bring joy. Place the double happiness symbol and good fortune calligraphy in the living from. For marriage and happiness have images of a pair of geese in the bedroom.

In the years of the monkey (2004) :

A good time to further your career. Introduce a water feature into the north of your living room and keep nine goldfish.

In the years of the Rooster (2005) :

Conflicts and hostilities characterize this year. Best to bring in to Fu dogs and a tortoise for protection. Place crystal balls in the south-west to protect against hostility of friends and colleagues.

In the years of the Dog (2006) :

A year of some major setbacks. Place strong Taoist amulets to temper bad luck. Also display the dragon horse or Chi Lin.

In the years of the Boar (2007) :

Place a 6 rod wind chime in the north-west corner of your living room and bring in the Laughing Buddha and place him in the north-east to absorb problems that are coming your way this year.

In the years of the Rat (2008) :

A year of good fortune. Money luck comes easily with the 3 legged toad and coins tied with red thread. A gem tree is also excellent.

In the years of the OX(2009):

Money luck of previous year dissipates. Place the Tortoise to reduce losses and make sure you have Fu dogs by the door. More important, place wind chimes in the North to control the deadly 5 yellow there.

In the years of the TIGER(2010):

Family difficulties this year will be reduced with the presence of the Fu Luk Sau.