The Year of the Horse

Hello Everyone,
Welcome to our new members this term and to those of you who are continuing to support us
and enjoy the benefits Tai Chi and Qigong. Without you we would have no school so thank you. Our weather is warming up and I think, in this Year of the Fire Horse, the fiery nature an uncertainty in the world is far from calm.
I often think how lucky we are to live in Australia and that we have the Chinese art of Tai Chi and Qigong to balance us in what promises to be another unpredictable and volatile political year
.
For those of you not familiar with the Chinese Calendar, the horse is is one of twelve
creatures which make up the sixty year cycle. Why sixty years? Each year we have a
different symbolic creature and every twelve years the element relating to each symbol
changes. There are five elements, Wood, Earth, Fire, Metal and Water. The horse is one of
the three most dominant signs in the Chinese zodiac, together with the tiger and, to a lesser
degree, the monkey.

It is interesting to note that the hour of the horse is at noon and the horse month in China is
when the summer solstice occurs, making it very yang. Usually the Year of the Horse is one
of consolidation, but it could also be a time of increased commercial activity in the world
markets.

The Horse personality is cheerful, independent and charming, although sometimes impatient
with others. The Horse is a keen traveller and enjoys the active, outdoor lifestyle. Social
contact is most important therefore, whatever career is chosen, there is sure to be close
liaison with others. Tai Chi and Qigong are ideal choices of exercise for the active horse as
it has a calming, therapeutic effect and helps to balance the very yang temperament.
The 25th April (Anzac Day) is also World Tai Chi and Qigong Day. We have decided to run
our park session as usual on this day as it sends the message of peace and love around the
world. There are more details further in this newsletter.

Best regards, Rosemary