By ELLEN ENDO, Rafu Contributing Writer
Media giant Oprah Winfrey and Japan’s Prime Minister Shinji Abe couldn’t be more different, but they share one thing. Both were born in the Year of the Horse.
While Winfrey began as the daughter of unwed teenage parents, and Abe is the son and grandson of high-ranking government officials, each has had a remarkable career. According to Asian astrologers, they can look forward to more success in 2014.
Similar predictions for a promising new year are made for billionaire Warren Buffett, Stephen Hawking, Jackie Chan, Vice President Joe Biden, Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, TV’s Judge Judy Sheindlin, L.A. Laker Kobe Bryant, designer Calvin Klein, celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay, Howard Stern, and the Today Show’s Al Roker—all of whom were born in the Year of the Horse.
It has been said that Takeru Kobayashi, six-time winner of Nathan’s hot dog eating competition, can eat like a horse. That might be because he, too, was born in 1978, a Year of the Horse.
Horse years have produced leading men like Clint Eastwood, Steve McQueen, Harrison Ford, Sean Connery, Ashton Kutcher, Denzel Washington, and Adam Sandler. Halle Barry and Jerry Seinfeld can be added to the list. Japanese American actress Tamlyn Tomita and actor Dean (Tanaka) Cain are also Horses.
According to Shelly Wu, who teaches Chinese and Mesoamerican Astrology at International Academy of Astrology , the year of your birth is part of a 12-year cycle. Each year named for an animal and one of nature’s elements, such as wood, fire, metal, and water. 2014 is the Year of the Wood Horse.
Those born in 1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990 are Horses, known for their nobility, elegance, and determination. They are said to be sensible, focused, and creative, which may explain why at least four Oscar-winning directors were born in Horse years—Ang Lee, Martin Scorcese, Ron Howard, and James Cameron.
Although they were born in different eras, champion boxers Mike Tyson and Muhammad Ali are both Horses, as are singers Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, Barbra Streisand, Paul McCartney, and John Legend. Kazuo Ishiguro, Japan-born English novelist who wrote “The Remains of the Day,” is also a Horse.
Unlike the 2013 Year of the Snake, which gradually shed its old ways, the Year of the Horse will charge forward with unbridled energy. Seeds planted during the Snake year will enable dreams and goals to finally come to fruition, say astrologers. 2014 could mean a new home, new friends. Everything is possible, and anything can happen.
According to pundits, here are a few 2014 predictions for other animal signs:
• Rat (1996, 1984, 1972, 1960, 1948, 1936, 1924, 1912)
Persons born in the Year of the Rat are hard-working and outgoing. However, they may face some hurdles in the new year and experience lifestyle changes. They are cautioned to take extra care in financial dealings. Romance and work-related travel may await them.
• Ox (1997, 1985, 1973, 1961, 1949, 1937, 1925, 1913)
Overall, prospects for financial improvement, job promotions, and fruitful investments are good. Ox people love music and family and are often down-to-earth, loyal friends. Some Ox people may fall in love toward the end of 2014.
• Tiger (1998, 1986, 1974, 1962, 1950, 1938, 1926, 1914, 1902)
Tigers can expect a steady income stream but are advised by astrologers to be financially conservative. There will be very little excitement throughout the year, but personal relationships will be strong as long as Tigers make peace with their partners. In the meantime, get regular medical checkups and plenty of rest.
• Rabbit (1999, 1987, 1975, 1963, 1951, 1939, 1927, 1915, 1903)
This will be a romantic year full of love for Rabbits, who will also be sought by friends for advice. There may an opportunity for a better job. Health will also be good, with no major health issues foreseen.
• Dragon (2000, 1988, 1976, 1964, 1952, 1940, 1928, 1916)
Dragons can look forward to a happy, healthy 2014. Although challenges in the workplace are predicted, there will be many rewards as well. Dragons that are single may finally find the right person.
• Snake (2001, 1989, 1977, 1965, 1953, 1941, 1929, 1917)
Energetic and intelligent, Snakes are also romantic and have a sense of humor. They like to gamble but hate to lose and can succumb to mental and physical stress. Meditation is recommended. Snakes can expect a rather uneventful year with no serious health problems, say the astrologers. They are advised to complete ongoing projects before taking up new projects.
• Horse (2002, 1990, 1978, 1966, 1954, 1942, 1930, 1918)
Those born in the Year of the Horse are often charming, attractive, and fun. They enjoy being the center of attention but can also be egotistical and hot-tempered. The workplace will present opportunities for promotion, but Horses would do well to adopt a “more work, less talk” policy. A lucky star sets the stage for more money in 2014.
• Ram or Sheep (2003, 1991, 1979, 1967, 1955, 1943, 1931, 1919)
For the most part, 2014 will be rather calm for Rams. Rams are often kind and easygoing, so their strengths may be overlooked. In their careers, no major changes are predicted. Investments made in 2014 could yield financial gains in 2015.
• Monkey (2004, 1992, 1980, 1968, 1956, 1944, 1932, 1920)
Persons born during the Year of the Monkey are energetic and smart but can occasionally be lazy. For this reason, they may find that bosses are unimpressed with their work. While job prospects may be slim, things look promising in the area of romance.
• Rooster (2005, 1993, 1981, 1969, 1957, 1945, 1933, 1921)
Roosters may find improved job opportunities in 2014. Astrologers predict a good year all around, including health. New relationships may develop or a long-time romantic affair will succeed this year. Those who are students may be offered a chance to study abroad.
• Dog (2006, 1994, 1982, 1970, 1958, 1946, 1934, 1922)
Those born in a Dog year are good listeners, loyal friends and honest. They will receive positive public attention in the new year. This may be the year they finally land that dream job. He/she could also be showered with gifts from a new romantic relationship. Dogs are advised to resist the temptation to spend too much money on family members.
• Boar (2007, 1995, 1983, 1971, 1959, 1947, 1935, 1923)
2014 will be full of good news for Boars, according to experts. Boars possess pleasing personalities and do well in business. However, they must remember to maintain humility and avoid being carried away by their successes. Those who are married will remain happy and content. Single people will enjoy their solitary existence. Boars are prone to help others but must make sure they are not being manipulated by con artists.
Donna Stellhorn, who writes a Chinese Astrology blog, states that 2014 “will be a year of great energy and power for those who can grab hold and hang on. The Horse will want room to run, so have big dreams and goals worthy of a powerful steed, and you’ll ride your way to success.”