Welcome to the Year of the Earth Dog, 2018
The mighty Mountain Dog year is here! On February 16th, 2018, we enter the yang Earth Dog Year. The truth-telling, service-oriented Dog energies are coming in for a landing in their most powerful yang Earth form. Dog energy is egalitarian and altruistic, fiercely dedicated to humanitarian action and social justice for all. This brings us into a year of deeply inspiring social transformation. The yang Earth element adds onto this a powerfully prepared ground for many needed environmental and philanthropic improvements to grow. We can anticipate steady progress this year in any endeavor that holds the highest good for all concerned as its end goal.
We have waited a long time, 60 years, for the return of this Mountain Dog year. The search and rescue dog teams are here at last, to pull us out of the avalanche of what appeared on the surface to be an unstoppable downward plunge in addressing humanitarian needs. Dog years bring a fierce drive for honesty, integrity and protection of the weak. Any social institutions and businesses that, for the sake of profit, have buried countless sustainable solutions to global misery and pollution, will be thoroughly dug into and the buried bones of their manipulations will be exposed.
Earth Dog years are acknowledged as major social and cultural turning points,with a reassuring twist–the Dog is the one sign which can call for revolution while holding steadfastly to a pacifist position. Combined with Yang Earth, we see the best possible support this year for turning revolutionary ideas into solid, stable innovation and progress. Break-through discoveries in science and medicine, and bold innovations in technology and sustainable living systems that have been waiting on the back burner for years can manifest this year because of the Earth Dog’s strength of character and devotion to service.
There is also a fascinating duality to the Dog’s energy–carefree, trusting affection versus guarded, snarling wariness. Living in the innocent “now” moment versus prowling around past wrongs. How this plays out energetically this year will depend on how well we communicate with each other, across our highly sensitized boundaries. Yang Earth can manifest as either a calm mountain of stability or a rigid immobility, depending on how we work with it. The sage advice is to stay away from pissing contests. Resist becoming “dog”matic about your opinions. Practice the trusting side of the dog’s character–the desire to share, play and just get along in life. Stay carefully focused on your own goals and priorities this year or you may get overly harassed by the clamoring barking for attention around you.
This is one of the best years to move forward on achieving your most cherished dreams. Pull those wispy “some day” longings out of the ethers and plant them into the fertile ground of 2018’s strongly focused energy. Walk, don’t talk your Dogma! Choose a few goals this year and get action-specific with them. Align your thoughts with your goals through affirmations and supportive daily routines. This year favors every stage of a project’s development and completion. New business launches, home improvements, social group connections, health projects, fresh endeavors or old faithfuls alike–now is the time to harvest successful accomplishments in many fields. The more planned and tailored to your needs you make the process, the better. No need for expensive embellishments. Dog energy is pragmatic and economical. “Just git ‘er done, so we can go play!” calls the dog.
Since this promises to be a physically, mentally and emotionally active year, maintain good balance in these areas for yourself. Along with yoga and meditation, “Earthing” is a helpful activity to add into a daily routine this year. Stand barefoot on actual earth for 5 or more minutes each day. Focus on experiencing earth energy rising up through the soles of your feet. You may do this in your yard, in a park, on a beach, or even in a tub of dirt brought into the house. Earthing rebalances the ionic charge in the electro-magnetic field of our bodies, serving to reground us and reconnect us with the nurturing, harmonious pulse of Mother Earth.
At the heart of it all, this year could actually feel comfortably familiar. Unlike the more exotic astrology creatures like the dragon or the tiger, and the more volatile elements like Fire and Water, the dog is a beloved, devoted family pet, and the earth is our terra firma, our touchstone. We can relate to their qualities and enjoy their quirks with an innate understanding. This year brings out the simple, basic, honest pleasure in both work and play. Any sincere, steady effort will net an equivalent amount of progress and result.
Here is an inspiring mantra to consider this year, by Marianne Williamson: “We come to see at last what is necessary: that we change our lives, that we shed our illusions, that we regain our connection to love as the only reason why we are living our lives.”
I think that the Mountain Dog, with a great playful heart and the soul of service, would echo these words with a mighty bark of joy.
