Taoist Astrology
Use the light and return to clear-sightedness.
– Lao Tzu
Classical Taoist theory identifies three realms to describe the influence of universal forces upon mankind: the heavens, man in the middle, and the earth below. Man, situated between the two, is a conductor of life-energy (sometimes called “Chi”) between heaven and earth.
All Taoist sciences, from Chi Quong to acupuncture to meditation, are built upon this principle, which forms the basis for Shamanistic and Taoist religious practices. Operating within this paradigm, Taoist astrology is used as a systemization of the heavenly forces above man, and minerals and animals for the earthly forces below man. These fundamental tools, used by Taoist priests, codify the two realms that bracket man and affect his fate.
While Taoist astrology describes how the forces of the heavens manifest their action upon mankind, the earthly dimension of universal energy exerts equally powerful effects. And the combination of these forces either increases or decreases an individual’s animal power. Animal power reflects the corporeal aspect of existence that, if weakened, makes one vulnerable to physical hardship and disease. Taoist priests perform astrological calculations and then adjust them to factor in the effects of earth’s natural cycles through the use of specific minerals (e.g. quartz and malachite), herbs, and other techniques. They use these procedures to invite the appropriate missing animal power back into the weakened individual, thus restoring balance. The master can also use the power of certain animals to serve as liaisons between guardian spirits and the individual.
According to classical Taoism, each person is born under astrological signs representing a specific configuration of stars. Thus, every individual possesses his own “frequency,” which is associated with inherent Chi energy determined by the star configuration at the time of birth. These celestial alignments serve as channels of the cosmic energy beamed to each person; changing this “beam pattern” affects one’s fate. Thus, the priest’s objective is to realign an individual’s personal Chi with that of the Cosmos, as dictated by astronomical configurations. This technique corrects ill fate that results from “misalignment” caused by internal mental confusion or external metaphysical forces.
Using the sacred knowledge bestowed by masters from several millennia ago, corrective “realignment” is accomplished using prayer, rituals, ceremonies and talismans. For convenience in the calculation process, ancient Taoists developed a system classifying these frequencies into groups of animals, trees and stones. Augmenting this manipulation is a sphere of life-energy radiating from a powerful Shaman or Taoist master, favorably affecting the fate of those within the temple.
Taoist New Year
The Taoist horoscope is based on 60-year astrological cycle and tied to the lunar calendar — the New Year begins at midnight on the day on which the second new moon falls after the winter solstice, and always occurs between January 21 and February 20.
In the Taoist tradition, a new year is understood through the movement of qi that shapes its direction. In the cycle of Heaven and Earth, every year carries its own movement of energy. Some years arrive like quiet water—others rise like wind. And some descend with the unmistakable strength of fire and intention.
Introduction to The Yearly Taoist Predictions
In the Taoist tradition, a yearly prediction is neither a prophecy nor an attempt to foresee fate. It is an examination of the movement of Qi that shapes the coming cycle. Just as the seasons shift with quiet inevitability, the flow of the year also carries a distinct character, direction, and tone.
A Taoist reading focuses neither on good fortune nor misfortune. Instead, it reveals the underlying tendencies that will influence the world, communities, and the individual mind. These tendencies do not bind anyone to a particular outcome. They simply show the currents in which we will all be moving. This is not a matter of superstition or symbolic fortune. It is an observation of the pattern of the Tao. When we recognize the movement, we can align ourselves with it.
A prediction is offered in the same spirit as a meditation: calm, clear, without exaggeration. Its purpose is to help practitioners navigate the new year with proper awareness, correct intention, and an understanding of how to align themselves with the natural rhythm of change.
The following yearly Taoist Predictions are presented in this traditional manner. They reflect the principles of our lineage and the teaching approach of the Temple of Original Simplicity. May it serve as a quiet guide as you enter the new cycle.