Welcome to 2018, the year of the Earth Dog. In the traditional Chinese calendar, the days are recorded with elements: earth, fire, metal, wood and water. This year’s heavenly stem is Wu, and its earthly branch is Xu, which means we enter an Earth Dog year.

The Year of the Dog commenced on 4 February, 2018. The Dog is the eleventh Chinese zodiac sign and represents loyalty and friendliness. Dogs are forthright, honest, have a sense of justice, and are fair and studious. They are full of energy, and often win over hearts. Despite their seemingly high spirits, their inner world may be pessimistic. At times, they can be impatient, stubborn and reckless. Dogs also have a tendency to be passive and worry, and can be taken advantage of.

In feng shui, the Year of the Dog is strong in wood and earth. The fire is unstable, constantly fluctuating; the water and metal are weak. While this year’s element imbalance will cause the economy to stagnate and is less favourable for those working in trading, retail and banking industries, the Year of the Dog will flourish with art, education and culture. It’s also a good year for religion and spirituality.

Like every year, the Year of the Dog will promise great potential and pose challenges, but for different animals different futures await.

Rat

With an Academic star in focus, it’s a bright year for Rats. It’s a year of learning new things: enrol in study or develop new skills. In work, it’s looking particularly prosperous for those working in leadership, military or sports. Relationships can be challenging: you need to be patient and remember that problems can always be resolved. Your finances have the potential to become unstable, so make sure to review and manage them carefully. In relationships, clear and open communication is more important than ever. The outcome of your relationship depends on your level of care for your other half. An unlucky star that affects health is hovering. Be prepared for small injuries, surgery, digestion issues or circulation problems.

Lucky symbols: ox, money

Ox

The Ox and Dog have a Penalty Relationship,* so there are likely to be challenges at work. Thankfully, there are some positive stars to help you out. Lucky star Tai Yin makes it a prime time to look to older women in your life for advice. Finances will remain stable for those with a conventional income; however, money won’t be easy to manage, so watch out for fines or other unexpected bills. For the male Ox, there’s a strong chance of meeting a loving partner, while for the female Ox, relationships will remain stable. You’ll have no major health concerns, but minor sickness may come and go.

Lucky symbols: rabbit, rat

Tiger

It’s a positive year ahead for Tigers, particularly for your career. You’ll thrive at work and are likely to be recognised for your efforts, potentially even promoted. However, with the influence of a few negative stars, keep your wits about you when it comes to lawsuits, legal matters and interpersonal conflicts, and be thorough when it comes to documents and administration. Your finances are looking positive, but not necessarily smooth. People may say or do negative things behind your back, so make sure to take care of your relationships and steer clear of troublemakers. Tigers sans stable partner will find it difficult to settle down, but for everyone else, your romantic life seems steady. In terms of health, the nervous system may be weak. Don’t visit negative places: seek sunshine and exercise outdoors to enhance your yang energy.

Lucky symbols: horse, dog

Rabbit

Rabbits will have a harmonious relationship with the Grand Duke Dog, filling their lives with helpful people. Everything will improve for you this year. Lucky star Yue De-One will bring good fortune in work and love. It will be a rewarding year with new opportunities and sources of income. However, outgoings will also be high, so keep an eye on expenditure if you want to have financial success. In love, single Rabbits are likely to find a soulmate, but those in relationships must be wary of love triangles. Look after your health and keep an eye on your diet. Also, take care of older male relatives who may struggle with health issues.

Lucky symbols: goat, pig Lucky symbols: horse, dog

Dragon

It’s an important year for Dragons: a year of change as the Dragon clashes with the Grand Duke Dog.* It’s the perfect time to change jobs, move house and travel. It’s also a great year for marriage, babies or ceremonial events. These life experiences will help reduce the negative impact of the clash with the Grand Duke. At work, it’s looking to be a colourful and creative time. There will be lots of spending, so be sure to carefully manage your finances and avoid investing in shares. Your relationships will be fragile and tumultuous, which will naturally increase the likelihood of a break-up. Try to control your emotions, but be aware that a short-term separation may not necessarily be a bad thing. Your digestive system may be weak and require extra attention, so tend to your health when you can.

Lucky symbols: rat, monkey, rabbit

Snake

This year, Snakes have many lucky stars. With someone helpful on your side, the year ahead will thrive. You’ll achieve great things at work with potential for a promotion or pay rise. It’s a fitting year for changing jobs, especially if you work in a large organisation or company. If you work in sales, trade looks prosperous, so consider investing. Keep in mind that if you offer a helping hand and nurture relationships, good opportunities will arise. It’s a colourful year for relationships. Marriages will be strong, but with all the excitement, watch out for love entanglements.

Lucky symbols: monkey, rooster

Horse

For Horses, it’s going to be a year of hard work that will pay o in the long run. The General star shines and represents courage, persistence, leadership and positivity; a collection of characteristics that make for a good career. While obstacles will arise, with your tenacity each can eventually be resolved. It’s a year to learn and to perform. Money won’t come easily, but save what you can. Tune in to new information and opportunities, and make conservative investments. Your love life will remain much the same, while friendships will flourish. The unlucky star White Tiger indicates that an injury or minor surgery may occur. Keep an eye out for sharp items, animals and thieves, and take care of your own mental and physical health.

Lucky symbols: dog, tiger, goat

Goat

With a Penalty Relationship* with the Grand Duke Dog,* Goats are not looking to have the best year. Thankfully, you have Heavenly Virtue and Fortune stars— two lucky stars—on your side. With these, your career will thrive and you can overcome some challenges you’ve been facing recently. Lie low and work hard; there’s no need to make too many changes. The Fortune star will also boost finances, making it a good time to invest. Unfortunately, your love life isn’t looking spectacular. There will be instability and, at times, feelings of loneliness. Learn to let it be and focus on self-improvement. Injuries and digestive problems may occur, so eat well and rest to keep your energy levels high.

Lucky symbols: horse, rabbit

Monkey

It’s going to be an adventurous year for Monkeys, with the Travel star and Academic star in sight. At work, it’s a great time to travel and earn an income from a distance. It’s a year to work on yourself, be creative and potentially even study. Money won’t be easy, but finances look stable. While some Monkeys will face challenges, others are looking lucky with investments. Although it may be short- term, if you’re single there’s a chance you’ll meet a soul mate while travelling. If you’re in a relationship, opportunities for a airs may arise, but it’s important to consider the consequences before acting. Your energy will be low, so there’s a chance you might become sick. Take the medicine you need and make sure to adequately prepare before any travel.

Lucky symbols: snake, rat

Rooster

The relationship between the Rooster and Dog is never a smooth one, but at least it looks better than last year. You need to be strong and prepare for the challenges ahead. Work looks stable, but be careful with relationships and how you portray yourself. Try not to boast or draw too much attention to yourself. Money won’t come easily, but your finances should be relatively stable. If you’re male and single, there will be a chance to meet an older partner. If you’re female and single, there’s a chance you may even meet a potential spouse. If you’re married, it’s a time to focus on family, stability and happiness. Your energy may be low, so look after yourself: have your health checked, eat well and exercise regularly to prevent sickness.

Lucky symbols: snake, ox

Dog

Since it’s the Year of the Dog, you will face your own fate as you confront the Grand Duke Dog.* It is an important year for Dogs: a year of change. Be aware of what you say and do. In work, a lucky star called Hua Gai will drive artistic thinking. You’re a quick learner and you’ll excel in design and creative endeavours. It’s a year of hard work and spending, but make sure to spend wisely. Romantically, you’ll be unlucky in love. Senior relatives may need attention, so make sure to spend quality time with family. With a chance of sustaining an injury, avoid dangerous sports. You may find yourself stressed and low in energy, so remember to look after yourself and have your health checked regularly. But, despite the challenges, new opportunities will arise. Keep your eyes open, and be ready for them.

Lucky symbols: horse, tiger

Pig

With many positive stars in your zodiac, it’s going to be an exciting year for Pigs. The sun will shine brightly and joyous events will fill the calendar. At work, new opportunities will arise, which may involve travelling and the possibility of a helpful male companion. Make the most of your clarity of thought: reach out and speak openly. If you work in sales, you’re likely to receive a promotion. But for all Pigs, extra income is on the horizon and it’s a good year to invest. If you’re single, there’s a strong chance you’ll meet someone new. If you’re in a relationship, it’s a great year to get married. For those already married, the year ahead looks to be a colourful one—suitable for having kids or improving your existing relationship. To keep your health strong, avoid wild nights that deplete your energy. This will also help prevent any chance of depression.

Lucky symbols: goat, rabbit, tiger

*Penalty Relationship is a conflict relationship between a sign and the year: in this case, the Ox and the Goat with the Year of the Dog.

*Grand Duke Dog, or more commonly known as Tai Sui, is a position in the celestial heavens that is in power for this particular year.

4.2.30—5.2.31, Metal Horse
5.2.31—5.2.32, Metal Goat
5.2.32—4.2.33, Water Monkey
4.2.33—4.2.34, Water Rooster
4.2.34—5.2.35, Wood Dog
5.2.35—5.2.36, Wood Pig
5.2.36—4.2.37, Fire Rat
4.2.37—4.2.38, Fire Ox
4.2.38—5.2.39, Earth Tiger
5.2.39—5.2.40, Earth Rabbit
5.2.40—4.2.41, Metal Dragon
4.2.41—4.2.42, Metal Snake
4.2.42—5.2.43, Water Horse
5.2.43—5.2.44, Water Goat
5.2.44—4.2.45, Wood Monkey
4.2.45—4.2.46, Wood Rooster
4.2.46—4.2.47, Fire Dog
4.2.47—5.2.48, Fire Pig
5.2.48—4.2.49, Earth Rat
4.2.49—4.2.50, Earth Ox
4.2.50—4.2.51, Metal Tiger
4.2.51—5.2.52, Metal Rabbit
5.2.52—4.2.53, Water Dragon
4.2.53—4.2.54, Water Snake
4.2.54—4.2.55, Wood Horse
4.2.55—5.2.56, Wood Goat
5.2.56—4.2.57, Fire Monkey
4.2.57—4.2.58, Fire Rooster
4.2.58—4.2.59, Earth Dog
4.2.59—5.2.60, Earth Pig
5.2.60—4.2.61, Metal Rat
4.2.61—4.2.62, Metal Ox
4.2.62—4.2.63, Water Tiger
4.2.63—5.2.64, Water Rabbit
5.2.64—4.2.65, Wood Dragon
4.2.65—4.2.66, Wood Snake
4.2.66—4.2.67, Fire Horse
4.2.67—5.2.68, Fire Goat
5.2.68—4.2.69, Earth Monkey
4.2.69—4.2.70, Earth Rooster
4.2.70—4.2.71, Metal Dog
4.2.71—5.2.72, Metal Pig
5.2.72—4.2.73, Water Rat
4.2.73—4.2.74, Water Ox
4.2.74—4.2.75, Wood Tiger
4.2.75—5.2.76, Wood Rabbit
5.2.76—4.2.77, Fire Dragon
4.2.77—4.2.78, Fire Snake
4.2.78—4.2.79, Earth Horse
4.2.79—5.2.80, Earth Goat
5.2.80—4.2.81, Metal Monkey
4.2.81—4.2.82, Metal Rooster
4.2.82—4.2.83, Water Dog
4.2.83—5.2.84, Water Pig
4.2.84—4.2.85, Wood Rat
4.2.85—4.2.86, Wood Ox
4.2.86—4.2.87, Fire Tiger
4.2.87—4.2.88, Fire Rabbit
4.2.88—4.2.89, Earth Dragon
4.2.89—4.2.90, Earth Snake
4.2.90—4.2.91, Metal Horse
4.2.91—4.2.92, Metal Goat
5.2.92—4.2.93, Water Monkey
4.2.93—4.2.94, Water Rooster
4.2.94—4.2.95, Wood Dog
4.2.95—4.2.96, Wood Pig
4.2.96—4.2.97, Fire Rat
4.2.97—4.2.98, Fire Ox
4.2.98—4.2.99, Earth Tiger
4.2.99—4.2.00, Earth Rabbit
4.2.00—4.2.01, Metal Dragon
4.2.01—4.2.02, Metal Snake
4.2.02—4.2.03, Water Horse
4.2.03—4.2.04, Water Goat
4.2.04—4.2.05, Wood Monkey
4.2.05—4.2.06, Wood Rooster
4.2.06—4.2.07, Fire Dog
4.2.07—3.2.08, Fire Pig
4.2.08—4.2.09, Earth Rat
4.2.09—3.2.10, Earth Ox
4.2.10—3.2.11, Metal Tiger
4.2.11—3.2.12, Metal Rabbit
4.2.12—3.2.13, Water Dragon
4.2.13—3.2.14, Water Snake
5.2.14—3.2.15, Wood Horse
4.2.15—3.2.16, Wood Goat