Chinese New Year of the Dog 2018:
This Chinese zodiac animal takes trust and companionship to a whole new level. Consequently, the year of the Dog is one of understanding, faith and devotion. Dog signs see the best in people, and they take great effort in coaxing those good highlights out of people. They are always up for a good time, and enjoy making people laugh. This makes them super-fun to be with. They make excellent friends, and they are the go-to pal when you need a supportive hug or just someone to listen to your woes.
You may note that Dogs and Horses have similar attributes (friendliness, faithfulness, etc). The Dog distinguishes himself by his willingness to serve. Where the Horse is a teacher, the Dog is a servant. Now, in our modern, independent way of thinking – the idea of “servitude” may not sound all that glamorous – but let me tell you – it is. Without the tender-hearted, thoughtful nature of Dog signs, we would not have hospice, charities, soup kitchens, fund-raisers, homeless shelters…you get the idea. The world needs more compassionate Dog signs. Thankfully, the year of the Dog interjects a quality of empathy at a level that is seldom seen in other years.
I want to touch on that word “willingness”. Dogs are ever-willing to fight for a cause. Dog signs act on their impulse – not because they think they should – not because it’s the “right thing to do” – but because they know it’s the right thing to do. They are willing to put themselves on the line for what they feel is decent, humane and honorable. Dogs often sacrifice a lot in order to stand up for their beliefs. They’ll do this even when the odds seem insurmountable. Hence the term “underdog”. Of all the signs in the Chinese zodiac, the Dog is the last one to compromise his morals or values. This sign will fight ‘doggedly’ for what he believes in.
Dog signs are also natural-born guardians. They don’t take on this role in an aggressive way though. They just keep a weather eye out for their loved ones. They tend to watch from a distance…just making sure all is well…just keeping watch – like a sentinel. Of course, they can be on the attack if their loved ones are threatened, but they usually try to resolve conflict in well-mannered, intelligent ways. Dogs are slow to anger – but when they do get mad (especially on a loved one’s behalf) – katy bar the door, because that dogfight’s gonna get intense.
Here again – it’s that “underdog” mentality. Dog signs will fight for the defenseless, the underprivileged, the misunderstood. So, it’s a good thing Dogs are so even-tempered, and a very good thing they handle mistreatment with diplomacy rather than aggression.
The year of the Dog will have that same kind of advocate feel to it. Those who have no voice to speak are somehow able to get their point across in the year of the Dog. Those who cannot stand on their own, will somehow have the support they need. This year is all about acknowledging those we have forgotten, and paying mindful respect to the unspoken heroes who deserve it.
Things to watch out for: Because the Dog is super-sensitive, and ultra-concerned for the well being of others, the Dog contends with a constant element of worry. In fact, Dogs can worry so much, they’ll imagine the most impossible scenarios of threat to their loved ones of areas of value. This behavior may crop up in the year of the Dog too. Be aware of nervousness or excessive worry throughout this year. If you experience that noodling concern – cull examples from your past that prove how things can work out just fine. Remind yourself that your daughter has driven that Volvo a million times, and she’s come home just fine. Remind yourself that thousands of people undergo surgery every day, and they come out just fine. Remind yourself of all the times people have pulled themselves out from adversity – only to become better and stronger for the experience. You get the idea.
More Dog symbolism and meaning here.
Also, Chinese Moon Sign Meanings here.
As always, thank you for reading, and I hope this year of the dog will grant you all the greatest joys.
Brightly,
Avia
