Rule of the cosmos changes hands on 31st January 2014 as the scandalous Snake, reluctantly, passes the baton to the humanitarian Horse.

The Snake year (2013) is over, so the Snake’s short cuts just do not work anymore; instead, work will be undertaken at an exceptional pace without a song and dance and the outcomes will be that much more satisfying; add to that, the Horse’s joie de vivre, everyone will be having a blast at the very same time.

Fun, frisky and fearless the Horse’s energy picks us up, carrying us along as if caught in a sort of Horse hurricane. This sign knows how to work hard and most definitely plays hard. Horses do both by the book; work adhering to the rules, dotting the i’s and crossing the t’s and then they go party like hedonists! That sets up what this year has in store for everyone. There is a focus on quality as well as quantity and everybody feels obliged to come up to the bar; when they do, it gives them a sense of accomplishment and positive self-esteem.

Lending its humor to all situations, the Horse entertains whilst drawing attention to issues that require notice. This is the sign of the humane rebel advocate who uses its intelligence, audacity and nerve to unsettle the established powers to push them to extend their boundaries and force them open to change. As the academic, satirist and rebel, the Horse’s opinion holds clout with the masses despite attempts by political machines to undermine it. However, because of the Horse’s unwavering pursuit of the truth, underdogs emerge victorious. That is why Horse years are famous for political upheavals, protests and riots.

With a strong leaning towards social activism, unification and general humanitarian concerns, it comes as no shock that the women’s vote was earned by the Suffragettes in 1918, the reunification of Germany occurred in 1990, the Euro became the sole currency in most part of Europe in 2002, the international Criminal Court was established and many other major movements for equality occur during Horse years. Horse sign Nelson Mandela was released in 1990, which was also the year of the Horse. Unfortunately, the other side of the coin is that to instigate these changes, often times, some chaos is required and Horse years are known for this too. Leaders and important people are assassinated in Horse years.

Feminism, gay rights and sexual liberation are also given freedom of expression. It was in 1954 that the first issue of Sports Illustrated was published, Robert Maplethorpe’s homoerotic artwork was given the go ahead in 1978 despite public outcry and Horse sign Harvey Milk was assassinated in Horse year 1978 which, although a negative event, ultimately heralded in a period of greater acceptance for the LGBT community. Horse years favor politics that are left of the centre, inclusive environments and free speech for all, however disturbing one’s views may be.

With the copious amounts of daring and energy of reckless abandon, this is a great time to make dreams a reality. Taking on the Horse’s casual and detached nature encourages a carefree attitude that is conducive to creating powerfully romantic connections. Neither projects desperation and both are happy to let go and see where the chemistry leads. That is a wise strategy this year as the winds can change direction very quickly so it’s better to go by your instinct than any conventional wisdom. Grab on to something though, for the storm inside this stallion is stirring and he is ready and rearing to go; riding with this impulsive, responsive and confident creature, this much can be guaranteed, it is going to be one hell of an adventure. 2014 is the year of the Horse.