"Keeping your body healthy is an expression of gratitude to the whole cosmos - the trees, the clouds, everything."

- Thich Nhat Hanh

Since February 18, 2007, we have been experiencing the Chinese Lunar Year of the Fire Pig. The Chinese calendar year is a 60 year cycle, the 12 animals of the zodiac each cycling through all of the 5 elements (fire, earth, metal, water and wood.) The Pig is the last of the twelve animals in the zodiac and is considered to be a good time to take care of any unfinished business before a new cycle begins. It may be a time to reflect on how far you have come the last 12 years, set your sights on new desires and maybe wallow for a minute in a few regrets. But don't wallow for too long because this year is the year to party!

Imagine yourself at a luau and you begin to get a sense of the energy of the year. A pig year is a time for fun with friends and family, and for self-indulgence. Harmony, peace and easy living are values that are predominate in 2007.

In a pig year we will all be under the influence of its characteristics. This year is another fire year so look for added qualities of excitement, drama, and passion. Pigs are known to be patient, honest, thoughtful, and compassionate. They appreciate fine food, luxurious surroundings, art and travel. Challenging traits of the pig can be a tendency towards over-indulgence of the good things in life like food, drink and spending money. They tend to be gullible and easily swindled, willful, lustful and depraved.

Health-wise, the cardiovascular and nervous systems are especially vulnerable this year. Remember to indulge in healthy diet and exercise habits as well. Good self-care may feel extravagant at first, but this is the year to try something new and exciting. In the pig year, the most revolutionary changes will come from recreational sources.