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Snake – Cancer

Chinese Name:  SHÉ

Rank:  6th

Hours Ruled:  9am – 11am

Direction:  South – Southeast

Season:  Spring

Month:  May

Western Zodiac Equivalent of Snake:  Taurus

Taurus’ Western Element:  Earth

Eastern Zodiac Equivalent of Cancer:  Sheep

Cancer’s Western Element:  Water

Snake’s Eastern Fixed Element:  Negative Fire*

“You can’t stamp out individuality – there’s too many of us.”

–   Cindy Lauper

 

When the potency of the Snake’s earth joins the Crab’s silent waters, presence meets creativity giving these creatures the nerve to promote themself and their ideas even when they are ahead of their time and out of the norm.  There is much overlap with these two signs; both are cold-blooded creatures that are sophisticated, quietly confident and desire to take charge.  The Snake comes from a more cerebral place and the Cancerian, the more sensual, so with two different types of data flowing, the processed information tends to be broad, full and smart.  Despite both of these signs being quite ambitious in their own right, the Cancerian’s huge heart manages to overrule the more ruthless aspects that often lay dormant, which makes them prioritise romance, love and sensual conquest.  It is for this reason, work only takes precedence when they have found and are happy in a romantic partnership.  In fact, if they can find a Monkey or a Rooster partner, their work life tends to excel prolifically because they will know how to promote their talents perfectly.

 

There are many singer song writers of this combination: Cindy Lauper, Jason Mraz, June Carter Cash, Bebe Buell, even Liv Tyler sings; this combination is a soulful creature that feels alive when it is expressing the contents of its heart.  Cindy Lauper has said, “When I sing I don’t feel like it’s me. I feel I am fabulous, like I’m 10 feet tall. I am the greatest. I am the strongest. I am Samson. I’m whoever I want to be.”  When they feel this empowered, they want to leverage it to lift others to higher state of consciousness.  As Jason Mraz has said, “Music is a weapon in the war against unhappiness.”

 

The women of this combination are soft, sensual and charming.  Their sense of humour comes as a surprise, especially as they look so cultured and sophisticated; nobody expects them to be as spicy as they are.  Of course, there are those Snake-Cancerian women who choose to be as spicy on the outside as they are on the inside.  Singer Cindy Lauper has said, “Humour is a great vehicle for getting a message across. If you get too serious, you could die of starch.”

Model and Singer Bebe Buell dubbed a “legendary beauty” by the industry, she was also the first fashion model to pose for Playboy and was fired by Ford Modelling agency for it.  Not that it stopped her, she signed with Wilhelmina and continued to work.  In fact, Mick Jagger (see Sheep Leo for Mick Jagger) said that she was who he would have accompany him “when I dine with royalty.”  These women are intelligent, classy and have a raw youthful sex appeal something akin to innocence, without being innocent.  Talking about her daughter, Bebe Buell said, “It’s so beautiful to watch her ’cause she loves every second of performing and just glows. She’s so brilliant.”  She takes after her mother in more ways than many may know as she shares her mother’s astrological combination.  Talking about her mother, Liv Tyler said, “…She had all these beautiful clothes and makeup, and in the bathroom all her jewelry was pinned to the wall… When she went out, she would always say, “Don’t get into my stuff!” and the first thing I would do was go mad dressing up.”

 

When these women really fall for someone, they cannot help but put them completely first; when Liv Tyler found out the truth about her parentage, Buell removed herself from the public forum and functioned behind the scenes.  Similarly, when June Carter Cash partnered with Johnny Cash (see Monkey-Pisces for Johnny Cash), she too removed herself.  Talking about this she said, “I’ve been really happy just traveling and being Mrs. Johnny Cash all these years. But I’m also really happy and surprised that someone wanted me to make another album, and I’m real proud of what I’ve done.”  As she should be, the Snake-Cancerian’s talent is such that it cannot be oppressed for long; even Bebe Buell continues to perform.

 

The men of this combination are interesting to know as they present like they are of the aristocracy, upstanding, well-read, authoritative… but more discerning types soon realize that this is just another Snake projecting another image to be seen to have “value” that they don’t actually believe in themselves. In actuality, they are rougher, gruffer and ready to serve their own needs first.  Naturally, introverted, they struggle with how they are going to make an impact whilst maintaining their subtle air of cool.  Milo Ventimiglia has said, “I’m tough on the outside and soft on the inside […] I’m really a shy guy… I don’t drink, I don’t smoke, I don’t do anything … but I bowled like a crazy mother…”  As previously mentioned, this combination prioritizes love above all else, so it comes as no surprise that Jason Mraz said, “I want to be surrounded by women, I want to be snuggled and cuddled and pampered.”

 

All Snake combinations are born teachers, more specifically, mentors.  They get a kick out of altering people perceptions, getting them to believe in themselves and serving as inspirations.  Yes, they like to be looked up to too, it is the best way to serve the Snake’s ego, but that aside, you cannot argue with their results; they inspire people to get out there, get involved and create change.  Talking about her activism, Cindy Lauper said, “”I’m a bra-burner from way back!”

 

With a powerful connection to all things spiritual, concepts such as the law of attraction or cosmic ordering just make sense to them and they are able to use them easily in a concrete way.  Speaking about letting go of one’s physical attachments, Jason Mraz said, “Surrender to life itself and you’ll just be rewarded with so many things.”  Despite all of the ego serving behavior, image projection and materialism that Snake signs indulge in, there is also an intrinsic understanding of the futility of these things; it is only when this realization penetrates the paradigm through which they view their daily lives that they let go and experience true freedom.  This reconnects them to the cosmic flow of life, that stream of well-being that brings them a constant barrage of blessings whilst highlighting the beauty of all the smaller things that they missed before.  Cindy Lauper has said, “You always have to remember – no matter what you’re told – that God loves all the flowers, even the wild ones that grow on the side of the highway.”

 

FAMOUS SNAKE-CANCER’S:

Prince George Alexander Louis

Milo Ventimiglia

Liv Tyler

Bebe Buell,

June Carter Cash

Cyndi Lauper

Jason Mraz

Jeremy Kyle

Jaine Murray

Ashley Scott

Alex Winter

Mindy Sterling

Robert Forster

Robert Pine

George Clinton

David Kelly

Rajendra Kumar

Phyllis Diller

Susan Hayward

Lena Horne

 

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TigerRule of the cosmos changes hands on the 14th February 2010 when the industrious Ox passes the baton to the tempestuous Tiger.

Fiery, wild and dramatic, the year of the Tiger promises excitement by the bucket load. Never content with the quiet life, the Tiger takes action to ensure life is full of glitter and gold, even if it means rocking the boat to get it. Emerging from the quiet and conservative Ox year, the shift to the Tiger influence could come as a bit of shock.

Rebellious, powerful and proud, the Tiger likes to have things his way and sets out to make it so. However, he makes impulsive decisions based upon whims rather than actual needs so is usually quite disappointed once the goal is reached. Even the more logical and emotionally aware signs will find this process in operation in 2010. It creates unnecessary obstacles, wastes time and more importantly, wastes mental energy on irrelevant matters. The Tiger and drama go hand in hand. Rarely will you find yourself bored in a Tiger year; you will be too busy trying to resolve the current palaver you are embroiled in.

Although he is a high achiever and secretly, a perfectionist, his overt priority is to have fun. And this will be a fun year. Lending everyone his magnetic charm and charisma, an environment for creative exploration is formed. How creative you want to be and in which area of your life is up to you. Relationships can be created and destroyed easily in this environment; though it is hard with this sexy Tiger influence, think through the potential consequences before you take any significant action. If your immediate priority is fun, then you’re in for a grand time.

Traditionally, Tiger years are seen as turbulent and tumultuous where disagreements, rash behaviour and collisions occur. It is an extreme sign so extreme conditions are to be somewhat expected. Politically, the atmosphere is charged and many secrets are uncovered that cause uproar. Even the weather tends to be dramatic.

On the other side of the coin, it is a year of innovation. The Tiger is bold enough to tread territory others are not. New controversial ideas are discussed and audacious decisions can be made to improve the lives of many especially those who have stagnated. Avoiding change is difficult in such an unconventional and unorthodox environment.

The Rat year 2008, offered the vision, the Ox year 2009, provided intense labour to lay the foundations, the Tiger year 2010 is the year of Passionate Creativity; it is time to market and sell the product.

Keep your own counsel and use the Tiger’s self-assurance to go it alone rather than joining with others in business ventures. This excess of energy can also be utilised to reinvigorate seemingly lost causes or failing industries. With the economic downturn slowly easing, an infusion of Tiger energy is exactly what is required to increase productivity and boost general confidence. A lot can be achieved in a short space of time but do not expect results immediately.

The Tiger likes to play and ultimately doesn’t take life too seriously; if you keep this attitude too, the Tiger year could be a party of excessive indulgence. Just remember to consider the potential consequences.
2010 is the year of the Tiger.

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The traditional Chinese zodiac has enamoured people all over the world for centuries and its origins are widely disputed. Some say Buddha laid on a farewell dinner to celebrate leaving Earth and sent an invitation to all animals but only twelve turned up. In gratitude, he assigned a year to each animal in the order they arrived. Another version is that Buddha was calling a meeting to reorganise the state of the Chinese nation, and another still purports that it was in celebration of his birthday.

Perhaps the most common legend is that of the Jade Emperor who invited all the animals of the universe to take part in a race to see who could reach him first.

When the Cat was told about the race he became very excited and asked his neighbour, the Rat to awaken him at dawn so that he could start his journey. The Rat agreed to the request.

Of course, at first light, the Rat was away leaving the sleeping Cat behind. He knew he was the smallest animal taking part but he was also the most determined. Being fast and versatile, the forest, the plains and grasslands were no problem and he was the first to reach the river stream. However, now he was at a loss. He knew he couldn’t cross the stream by himself.

At that moment, the Ox arrived. He surveyed the river wondering how he was going to get across this muddy stream with his poor eye sight. The Rat offered to navigate if he would let him ride on his back. The Ox felt that was fair and let the Rat onto his back and they both entered the river. That is when the Cat arrived at the river bank angry at not being woken up. The Rat apologised saying he was so excited himself that it had slipped his mind. Knowing that the Cat also couldn’t swim, he asked the Ox whether his friend could also ride on his back. The unassuming Ox was happy to help. The Cat climbed on board somewhat placated by the Rat’s actions.

As the Ox slowly made his way through the muddy waters, a dragon flew over them effortlessly taking the lead. She looked down from her superior vantage point and noticed that a tiny Rabbit who had been hopping from one stone to the next had become trapped; the Rabbit had no more stones left to hop onto. Noticing a passing log, she made a leap for it but now found herself being dragged downstream on the log.

Meanwhile, the Ox was halfway across the stream and listening to the Rat sing him directions to get them across. However, the Cat was getting increasingly annoyed at the noise and asked the Rat to be quiet. As he was busy preening himself, the Rat crept up behind him and pushed him overboard, then returned to direct the Ox. By that point, the Dragon had disappeared but there was a mighty roar that came from behind them. The Rat saw the mighty Tiger enter the river. He told the Ox to swim as fast as he could otherwise they would be overtaken. They were nearly there.

Not far behind the Tiger was the noble Horse who leapt into the water with a huge splash. The Rooster, Ram and Monkey reached the river stream at the same time. They agreed to work together to get across. The ever vigilant Rooster noticed a small raft and ordered that the Ram obtain it and set it on the water which he did. She then told the Monkey to clear off its weeds which he did. Then all three jumped on board, tugged and pulled and worked together to get through the stream.

The Rat encouraged the Ox to keep going and both could see that they were nearly there. Suddenly, the Dog, being one of the best swimmers passed by and overtook them. She got near the end first but instead of coming out of the stream, she remained in the water to clean off all of the mud and weeds. Just as the Ox reached the river bank, the Rat climbed onto the Ox’s head and made it to Jade Emperor first. The Ox followed thanking the Rat for all of his help. The Tiger came next bemused at the Dog still washing herself.

A huge gust of warm wind blew the tiny Rabbit’s log to the riverbank and she made it into forth place. Seconds later, the Dragon landed on the bank. As the Horse emerged from the water, the Snake uncurled herself from one of the Horses hooves which gave him a fright. The Snake slithered over the bank and made it into sixth position, the Horse made seventh. At this point, the little raft made it to the other side. The Ram climbed off first helping the Monkey off next, followed by the Rooster. They approached the Emperor together making eighth, ninth and tenth positions respectively.

Eventually, the Dog approached the Emperor looking flawless. The Cat was still splashing in the water but was picked up by the compassionate Boar as he slowly but steadily swum across. By the time the Boar reached the Emperor, the Cat had passed out. The Boar was awarded twelfth position and as the Cat, coming thirteenth was not assigned a year at all.

The Emperor then asked why the Tiger didn’t come first being the strongest, he said he had the furthest to travel. The Dragon was asked why she didn’t come first considering she could fly, she said she had to stop to create rain to help the creatures of the earth and returned to help the Rabbit reach the shore. The Emperor blessed the Dragon for her good deeds. Then the Emperor asked why the Dog didn’t make first position if she reached the bank first, she replied that she was no state to be in the presence of Royalty and needed to clean up.

The Emperor assigned the first year to the Rat and he was celebrated for his ingenuity. When the Cat regained consciousness, he swore revenge on the Rat and it is believed this is why Cats chase rodents even today.

There are many variations on this story. Some say it was Buddha who did summon them to race. This story, in its various guises, has been told since 2637 B.C. during the reign of Emperor Huang Ti when the Chinese Lunar calendar was introduced. The ancient Chinese used to count the years with 10 celestial stems and 12 terrestrial branches but most people were illiterate at this time so an animal was assigned to each terrestrial branch which symbolised the ethereal influences of that particular year.

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OxAs the creative and entrepreneurial rule of the Rat comes to an end on the 26th January 2009, we are ushered towards the comforting presence of the paternal Ox.

Strong, humble and industrious, the next twelve months promise to offer huge rewards to those who apply themselves diligently and go the extra mile. Just don’t expect a pat on the back. The Ox is the strong and silent type; superfluous gestures are not a part of his physical vocabulary. If you have been given an important job, then you can assume you are in his good books.

The Ox influence will have everybody taking on more responsibilities, working hard and staying on the long narrow road rather than opting for short cuts. Those that do go off in search for an easy way out will find dead end after dead end. Stick to the road and trudge along. It might not be easy, but it’s worth it.

Interestingly, the credit crunch that we saw in 2008, the year of the Rat, created an environment ripe for bagging bargains, house prices came down and if you were prepared, you could profit greatly. It perfectly reflected the opportunistic Rat. 2009 will see many people trying to increase the value of their assets so may plan extensions or redecorations of their homes with this in mind. This perfectly reflects the Ox’s love of cost effective home improvements. Many Ox signs, male and female are extremely capable DIY enthusiasts and spend much of their free time pursuing such activities.

The projects started last year in the instigating phase of the Rat may need a strong infusion of persistent hard work and prudent resource management to see them through to the next level. That is where the Ox takes over. The vision has been decided, now the Ox provides intense labour without complaint.

Even though they can be the nicest, most genuine of all signs with the best of intentions, there tends to be something autocratic about the way Ox signs work. Most people make allowances for this as it is just the way they are. In the year of the Ox, this trait is magnified and its influence may spread to other signs also. Even so, it is not wise to choose this year to try and do something about it. Wait just one year for the rebellious Tiger influence to fall upon us, then, say what you want. For now, say, “Yes Sir” and get back to work.

If you can imagine this Ox influence at home, in the context of a family or social network, it is harder to keep your opinions in check when your livelihood doesn’t depend on it. It is for this reason that there tends to be many arguments, misunderstandings and confrontations in a non-professional arena.

Financially, people automatically begin tightening their purse strings. There isn’t an abundance of resources in 2009 although the list of little jobs that need doing keeps getting longer and longer so careful planning and wise money management is advised.

Although it will be a busy year, the Ox doesn’t like to be rushed so a pleasant surprise is that you might have more time to do things then you’d expect. And be patient with everyone around you, the Ox influence is a strong and confident one which could imbue anybody with audacity. Interesting isn’t it? Considering this is the one year not to be audacious especially with authority figures? Just have a look at how many dictators were born in this year.

In order to excel in 2009 you should remain respectful and diplomatic even if nobody else is, work hard without expecting praise and keep the finish line in your minds eye. Because actually, that big oaf is much more loving than he would have you believe and he always rewards hard work handsomely. A slow and steady year with no great perks as such, just amazing spirit and a big heart. 2009 is the year of the Ox.