2019 Predictions and Advice for the Year of the Earth Pig
Welcome to 2019, the Chinese Year of the Pig!
The Chinese calendar is based on lunar cycles that have their origins in one of the world’s oldest texts, the I Ching, or The Book of Changes. The I Ching encoded the laws of the universe and patterns of change in a binary language that inspired modern computer language and foreshadowed the science of forecasting. Its predictive powers were so esteemed that emperors, farmers, builders, and physicians alike consulted the I Ching to select “appropriate and auspicious” dates and times in order to ensure advantageous, fruitful, and healthy outcomes.
The I Ching’s modeling of cosmic cycles, or changes, is called The Five Phases or The Five Elements. Each year there is a dynamic interplay of elemental forces that may result in upheavals and changes in the world or in one’s personal life. These changes may upset ecological balance, disease progression, and market stability. Below you will find my yearly forecast, which will give you a general forecast of changes in the world and how it may affect you personally, based on your Elemental personality.
To have a deeper understanding of this year’s dynamics, we need to learn about the Five Elements. If you don’t know which Element is yours, take our Infinichi Quiz here in order to find out.
According to Chinese philosophy, everything and everyone is influenced by the Five Elements that make up all matter: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. 2019 is a year of Yin Earth, and the elements at play are earth and water. The imagery is of earth over water, which gives the appearance of stability above while the undercurrent of water below may lead to hidden natural and man-made dangers in situations and one’s health. Be on the lookout for mishaps involving transportation and flooding. The Earth element projects peace and harmony, while the Water element represents hidden sabotage. The lack of Fire also indicates waning optimism, negatively affecting political and economic outlooks.
Let’s examine how 2019 might affect the five areas of health in our lives—physical, emotional, relationships, career/work, and finances. Once we understand the characteristics of an Earth Pig year, it will behoove us to adapt to the new energy cycle in order to achieve a harmonious balance, maximize positive outcomes, and avoid excess:
1. Physical Health
Pay special attention to possible imbalances in Earth Element organs—stomach, pancreas, spleen, and intestines. Be alert for digestive problems like reflux disorders, ulcers, hiatal hernias, small intestine bacterial overgrowth, and colitis. Metabolic conditions like diabetes, obesity, and polycystic ovarian syndrome can occur, as well as muscle injuries, lumps, or bumps. Keep an eye on the kidneys/adrenals, reproductive and hormonal health, and observe heart-healthy practices. Keep in mind that flu and other infectious diseases may also be more prevalent this year.
Digestive System
Guard digestive health by incorporating a mostly plant-based diet of fresh land and sea vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, legumes, nuts, seeds, and an occasional lean animal protein. Avoid fad diets that are costly or difficult to maintain. Eat probiotic-rich fermented foods like sauerkraut or kimchi, low-sugar vegan kefir and yogurt made from coconut, almond or cashew milk, or incorporate miso and tempeh into your diet. Nourish a healthy gut biome with a probiotic supplement.
Metabolic System
Metabolic health is particularly important in a Year of the Pig. Diabetes is a serious threat to your health and longevity, and can lead to heart disease and increased risks for cancer. If you are overweight, pay more attention to increasing lean muscle mass and decreasing body fat than the number on your bathroom scale. Snacking is unknown in many parts of the world and can be a source of weight gain, but you won’t be tempted if you don’t bring snacks into your home in the first place. Stop all sugars. Fasting at least 12-14 hours between dinner at night and breakfast the next morning is another tip to help you lose weight naturally. (Read Robert Barna’s article in our January 2019 newsletter on how he lost 50 lbs with acupuncture and Chinese medicine, along with eating well and moderate exercise.)
Reproductive and Hormonal Systems
Routine screening of reproductive organs is important, including women’s breasts, ovaries, and uteruses, and the prostate and testes in men. Hormonal health can be improved by eating phytohormone-rich plant-based foods like beans (soy, kidney, black, adzuki), seeds (sesame, hemp, flax, chia), and omega-rich walnuts. Practice body/mind balancing exercises like Tai Chi or Chi Gong to stimulate and help restore normal hormone function. Meditation can reduce stress and lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Check out Dr. Dao’s and mine Tai Chi and Chi Gong DVDs and Meditation CDs, and sign up for classes at a Tao of Wellness office near you.
Cardiovascular System
Regular cardiovascular exercise is key to strengthening the heart, as well as improving circulation of nutrients and oxygen throughout the body. A vegan diet can dramatically reduce LDL cholesterol, which is implicated in heart disease and stroke. Exercise at least four times a week at a level and heart rate that is appropriate for your age and level of fitness. Incorporate anti-inflammatory foods and nutrients like tomatoes, olive oil, green leafy veggies, almonds and walnuts, fatty fish, and fruits like strawberries, blueberries, cherries, pineapple, and papayas into your diet. Download the Tao of Wellness Heart Health Diet Plan here and meditate to a happier and healthier heart with the Happy Heart, Healthy Heart Meditation CD.
2. Emotional Health
In an Earth Pig year, it would not be at all unusual to find yourself rooted in worry and fear. Stagnation and stalemate are the attributes of an Earth year, so do your best to cultivate a calm, clear, confident mind. Adapt to circumstances and situations, and do not allow your mind to become an obstacle to achieving your vision. Nurture your vision through the creativity of your mind, and then share your vision with others. Shed anxiety and gain access to your innate creativity through ancient spiritual traditions like meditation, prayer, or invocation. Download an invocation for your Element here, and read my father’s Workbook for Spiritual Development, which is full of practices to help you achieve inner peace. Explore Infinichi CALM and SLEEP Products.
3. Relationship Health
Effective relationships require give and take, but the world in 2019 is filled with Earth energy walls and barriers, as well as hidden agendas and sabotage of Water energy. Misunderstandings and disagreements may require more energy and effort than usual, but we can capitalize Earth’s loyal, caring attributes in order to bring compassion, creativity, and flexibility to the fore. Rather than allowing negativity to rule the day, we can cultivate compassion for others. When we listen carefully and try to understand another person’s point-of-view, we may be able to defuse conflict by injecting reason and understanding into the picture. When we become frustrated, calming scents like lavender, rose, and chamomile can uplift us and enhance our mood. Read my father’s book Harmony: The Art of Life, which contains advice for living a harmonious life, and explore the benefits of Essential Oils for love and connection.
4. Career/Work Health
The Earth Element’s main attribute is caring, so the entire service industry is likely to get a lift in 2019. The unemployment rate for nursing and medical personnel, mental health and social workers, medical research, and biotech will remain low. Wages will rise, providing an opportunity if you think you might want to change jobs, or even your career. Creative professions flourish in Pig years, and paying attention to detail will earn you the respect of your colleagues. Reactivate old networks of friends and mentors, and continue to expand new ones. Remember that Earth pigs are very well-liked and sociable, so no matter what sort of work you do, show your colleagues that you care. Pay special attention to getting along with co-workers and aim for effective interpersonal relationships with people at all levels. Get to know your gifts and natural strengths by learning all about your Element in my book Live Your Ultimate Life, and then set your compass and sail in the direction of your life purpose.
5. Financial Health
Earth energy nourishes the Metal Element, so Metal industries like technology, banking, and manufacturing usually prosper in an Earth Element year. Real estate, normally associated with the Earth Element, should do better than other investments, although it may be affected by increases in interest rates. The stock market, associated with the Fire Element, is headed for a correction as Earth energy stalls its momentum and the pessimism of Water prevails. Earth Pigs love spending money and are generous to a fault, but the best activity to engage in this year will be to protect your financial health. Make a budget, and if you need help, consult with a fee-only, certified financial planner. As an old Chinese proverb says, failing to plan is planning to fail. Download a financial health checklist and explore my Feng Shui course for Abundance and Prosperity.
IN SUMMARY
Many of us share the Earth Pig’s love of the good things in life, and have a tendency to overindulge ourselves and others. We can take heart in the sincerity and friendliness of the Pig in the Chinese horoscope. Pig’s diligence and unpretentiousness can help neutralize conflict and confrontation. This will be a good year to express love, caring, and loyalty toward colleagues, friends, and family. Events in 2019 may cause us to worry, but we can manage our level of stress with exercise, a healthy diet, an adequate amount of sleep, body/mind practices, and surrounding ourselves with supportive and loving people. Avoid monetary gambles as you save, store, and focus on your financial goals. Explore possibilities in a “caring profession,” and bring Earth’s compassion, creativity, and passion to all that you do. To receive advice specific to your Element in our monthly forecast, subscribe here.