Chinese Year of the Pig: What does 2019 have in store for you?

It’s almost Chinese New Year, with February 5, denoting the beginning of the Year of the Pig, defined by the Chinese zodiac cycle.

While millions will gather to mark the occasion with the giving of gifts and the enjoying of a feast, its also a chance to consider what the sign of the Pig will mean for the year ahead.

What is Chinese Astrology?

“Chinese astrology is a fascinating topic and much deeper than it looks!” explains Laurent Langlais an international Feng Shui consultant who also specialises in Chinese astrology.

Like Western astrology, Chinese astrology gives each person a sign of the zodiac to each lunar year in a cycle of 12 years.

“Those 12 animals: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig are a different form of energy we can all be born under,” Laurent explains.

Your animal is determined by your date of birth and is said to reflect your strengths, weaknesses and character traits.

“But have you ever wondered how bizarre it is that everyone born in a Monkey, Dog or Ox year have the same horoscope?” Laurent continues.

“Well they actually don’t as the Chinese animal of our year of birth is only a fraction of our astrology!”

According to Laurent we also have a different animal for: the month, day and time of our birth.

“And on top of those, there is some energy called the 5 Elements. They are: Fire, Earth, Metal, Water and Wood.

“Altogether those 4 animals and the Elements form a personal chart called the 4 Pillars of destiny, or Bazi (“Bat-tzeu”). There are almost 13 millions of combinations possible for the 4 Pillars, and the placement of each animal and element can accurately describe our lives, ideal career, relationships, personal timing etc.

But that doesn’t mean that the famous sign of our year of birth doesn’t offer some guidance about our overall personality.

Characteristics of The Pig

As a full cycle is 12 years, an animal sign comes back every…12 years! Therefore you are born under the Pig sign if you are born in: 2007 (Fire Pig), 1995 (Wood Pig), 1983 (Water Pig), 1971 (Metal Pig), 1959 (Earth Pig) and so on…

Though only your full chart will reveal your life story, there are some general characteristics that those born in the year of the Pig might share.

“The Pig has some nomadic qualities and is also a lover of life,” explains Laurent. “A traveller at heart, it is a sign that can take you on a real adventure.”

But that hedonism doesn’t come without a shadowy side and Laurent warns that those born in the year of the Pig often forget about discipline which can hold them back from fulfilling their own potential.

So what does the year have in store for those born in a year of the Pig?

“A common misconception is that being in “your year” is good luck,” Laurent explains. “Actually being in the year of your sign brings a close to a 12 year cycle, and your luck becomes largely dependent on the karma you have generated during this time.”

Here’s what else year of the Pigs have to look forward to.

“Love. If you are partnered, you could feel frustrated and more impatient and this would reflect on your relationship. If you are single, the year can help you meet someone who will mirror your own energy but you’ll need to step up your game,” says Laurent.

“Work. It is a time when you are evaluating how far you have come up so far. Some of you might be frustrated by the results (or lack off), especially if your hard work has not been acknowledged enough. The best advice this year would be to sit still however, or to train to evolve in your career.

“Personal evolution. It is a great year for personal development, to delve into some form of spirituality, and to take some therapy if you need to get rid of some luggage. But for the Pig who wants to procrastinate and not better who they are, the year could be harsh.”

What does the year have in store for other signs?

“In the logic of Chinese astrology we can group the animals through the combination they form, or through their opposition,” explains Laurent. “The animals that are combining with the Pig – namely the Rabbit and the Goat – are doing well this year. The one clashing directly with it – the Snake – is not having too much fun.”

The Rat (1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020)

According to Laurent those born in the year of the Rat should be mindful of confusing situation in love, such as love triangle or losing the spark with their partner. “The confusion can extend to your work and it is not the best time to change career,” he says.

The Ox (1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021)

The Ox is predicted to benefit most from this year’s energy and see interesting developments in all areas of their life. “While the first half of the year helps them to think about their plan, the second half should give them real career opportunities,” Laurent explains.

The Tiger (1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022)

“The Tiger is rather in luck in 2019,” Laurent says. “The year is favourable to new friendships and one of them might evolve into something much deeper. There is also a chance that you could move for your work, or get a position that involves travelling,” he adds.

The Rabbit (1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023)

After two difficult years in a row, particularly in 2017, the Rabbit finally sees a supportive year. “This sign should make more money this year, and men have higher changes to find love too.”

The Dragon (1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024)

The storm has passed for the Dragon as its opposite sign, the Dog, is now out of sight. “Altogether, this year is really helping you to build bridges and be part of a community,” Laurent says. “Go out, network, socialise and meet as much people as you can. During the second half you can travel and have meaningful experiences.”

The Snake (1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025)

The Snake must be very cautious all year long. “You are “under attack” by the energy of the year, and feel that you are losing your mojo,” Laurent warns. “Keep a low profile in all things and avoid risky schemes or major life changes.”

The Horse (1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026)

2019 is an excellent year to undergo therapeutic work, explains Laurent. “If you accept to do this work early on, you should then undergo a personal transformation during the second half,” he explains. “The right people and offers could come to you more naturally.”

The Goat (1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027)

As the Pig supports this sign, it could be a good year for those born in the year of the Goat. “If you are willing to step up your game and accept to evolve,” Laurent says. “It can be a wonderfully playful year for travelling, spiritual discoveries, and self-exploration. Challenge yourself and don’t hesitate to try new adventures.”

The Monkey (1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028)

Those born in the year of the Monkey could see 2019 as a year of two halves thanks to an unusual dynamic. “The first half of the year blocks you a bit and the second half brings much movement to your life,” Laurent explains. “Try to identify your blockages and frustrations, work on them, and make the necessary changes from August onward.”

The Rooster (1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029)

For Roosters 2019 is a year of opportunities. “The planets are lining up for you to evolve in your career,” says Laurent. “If you have been waiting for a promotion, this year’s energy is on your side. You are also very likely to address your home base with either a move or remodelling/redecorating, and will have a desire to take roots and build new foundations.”

The Dog (1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030)

For those born in the year of the Dog, 2019 will be more challenging. “While your love life can remain supportive, you absolutely should avoid being confrontational at work, especially for men with a strong ego,” Laurent warns. “The key is to not try imposing your will, and accept what the Universe throws at your with humility.”

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