Calendar & Zodiac

First in the zodiac and guardian of midnight, the Cat leads us into the new year as well as the new day on quiet paws, often hiding in plain sight unless wanting attention. A skilled hunter, the cat represents dexterity, the ability to act quickly and to be driven by your instinct, but also possessiveness and the seeking of comfort.

Third in the zodiac and observer of the quiet hours before dawn, the Horse grazes while waiting for its masters to wake. Powerful, elegant and a hard worker whose life is lived entirely in the service of others, the horse represents strength, obedience and sturdiness, but also bonds of service and being being taken for granted.

Fifth in the zodiac and caretaker of the awakening flowers, the Bee works ceaselessly during the sunlit hours, flying from one flower to the next to collect their sweet nectar. Never slacking in its duties, the bee represents endurance, dedication and accountability, but also obsession and self-sacrifice in the service of a higher power.

Seventh in the zodiac and guardian of midday, the Snake curls up in the sunlight to drink of its warmth. Admired for its brilliant colors yet feared for its poison bite, the snake represents eloquence, a beautiful exterior and sensitivity to change, but also poverty and the telling of lies.

Ninth in the zodiac and watcher of the rivers, the Otter is known as a playful fisher who shares with its family. Considered a good omen when spotted playing on the riverbanks, the otter represents charisma, light-heartedness and joy, but also childishness and an inability to take things seriously.

Eleventh in the zodiac and wanderer of the seas, the Salmon travels far and wide, but never forgets to return home to give life to the next generation. A free explorer, yet anchored to its place of birth, the salmon represents balance, grounded ambition and positivity in the face of adversity, but also stubbornness and excessive self-reliance.

Weaving through the zodiac according to its whims, the Fox enjoys putting people on the spot. Known to many as an irresponsible trickster, but to others as an insightful riddle-maker, the fox represents the soul, spirits and the unforeseen, but also trickery and uncomfortable questions.

Second in the zodiac and watcher over the dead hours, the Owl is patient, rarely seen but always there. Traditionally considered a keeper of knowledge, the owl represents wisdom, silence and watchfulness, but also hidden intentions and a reluctance to step forth when called

Fourth in the zodiac and guardian of the morning light, the Falcon circles high above the busy streets searching for its prey. A proud master of the skies, the falcon represents perception, attention to detail and rising to great heights, but also aloofness and focusing on something to the exclusion of everything else.

Sixth in the zodiac and watcher of the harbors, the Cormorant dives through the waves to provide sustenance for all regardless of the risks below, yet welcomes the world with open wings. Chosen as Song-Lu’s emblem animal, the cormorant represents courage, community spirit and maternalism, but also gossip and emotional reliance.

Eighth in the zodiac and wanderer of the lakes, the Crane stands solemnly on guard soon after the sun has reached its peak. Often seen dancing with its life-long partner, the crane represents grace, commitment and letting actions speak for themselves, but also disdain for others and a lack of empathy.

Tenth in the zodiac and guardian of the evening skies, the Raven speaks with the spirits and serves them as messenger. Distrusted by some and worshipped by others, the raven represents intelligence, skill with magic and the supernatural, but also death and the bearing of bad news.

Twelfth and last in the zodiac, found sheltered within its self-made abode, the Silkworm is a creator of opulence and wealth for many. Whether sacrificed for the longer, high-quality threads or allowed to complete its transition in peace, the silkworm represents resilience, wealth and safety, but also ignorance and being trapped by your own decisions.

Rare and incredibly fortuitous, the Jade Rabbit is a mythical creature whose legend has attributed to it many different qualities over the centuries. Believed to be living among the stars, nesting in the moon itself, the Jade Rabbit represents luck, healing and freedom, but also exaggeration and forgetfulness.