Year of the Persistent Dog

Last updated on: February 15, 2018 at 7:21 am by Liz Fisher

Year of the Persistent Dog 2018-02-15T07:21:45+00:00 Liz Fisher

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Influence of this Eclipse

The new moon that eclipses the sun establishes this holiday as special this year. Because it is the second eclipse this month, it is part of an eclipse season. Its position in the zodiac calls for us to feel more freedom of expression and individuality. These qualities are quite compatible with the mythology related to the expressive capabilities this Year of the Earth Dog promises.

It also relates to the eclipse last August that was called the Great American Eclipse which was visible across the United States. We are now at another turning point politically and culturally. Keeping a persistent focus on our values and beliefs will help us to decide what actions to take throughout the coming months that will serve up multiple challenges. The next eclipse season is six months from now.

Being aware that this is the Year of the Earth Dog can influence how we take advantage of the unseen energy present. Is this just a fun game, or a superstition, or an indicator of old ways of knowing that relate to our current endeavors? For me this lore provides a rich set of metaphors and psychological opportunities that embolden me to seek to expand my possibilities. I hope this gourd shaped, brass vase featuring the auspicious Chinese lions will bring to you a year of patience, perseverance and yes, luck.

In closing, I want to honor another taste of Asian culture. From February 8-25, the 2018 Winter Olympics are being held in South Korea bringing together participants from 92 countries, and through the power of technology, draws an estimated five billion viewers. While the cultures of Asia vary markedly they also have common traits. One is honoring Nature in an animistic way.

The opening ceremony was quite relevant to this discussion. Since we are just leaving the Year of the Phoenix (Rooster) I was struck by the interpretation the commentator provided when an artful depiction of a Phoenix came onto the stage. She reminded those listening that this is a chance to reflect on the difference between Western and Eastern cultures. She pointed out that images can have diverse meanings across cultures making it important to acquire cross-cultural literacy. I would add that by valuing knowledge of varied cultural traditions, we can learn from and enrich one another.

She noted westerners might look at the Phoenix and think it was a symbol of the Koreans rising from the ashes after the end of the Korean War. But actually in Korean culture Phoenixes are not what rises from ashes but what appears at points of great hope. The Phoenix appears at moments of material prosperity and spiritual peace. While this past year has been a mix of many emotions, remembering this interpretation can give us a lift for our future endeavors. The shows of unity at these revered sporting contests remind us we can have another vision which includes all beings living in harmony while respecting one another.

Art credits:

Happy Chinese New Year greeting in public domain

Chinese Dog Paper Cut by tee’s work
United States Postal Service, Happy New Year Stamp, Year of the Dog
Chinese embroidery from ceremonial robe, in the collection of Liz and Bob Fisher
Dragon Parade, Chinese folk art lithograph, in the collection of Liz and Bob Fisher
Chinese Lion, collectible souvenir, in the collection of Liz and Bob Fisher
Blue Dog, Original Artwork © by Michael Wertz, Oakland California
Original Brush Painting entitled Play Ball by Nan Rae, www.nanrae.com
Image of Solar Eclipse in the public domain
Gourd-shaped, brass vase featuring auspicious Chinese lions, in the collection of Liz and Bob Fisher
Winter Olympics art Courtesy of Behance, https://www.behance.net/gallery/13653457/2018-Winter-Olympics

Photos by Bob Fisher.

Previous Post

February 14, 2018

A Lesson from Braiding Sweetgrass

Next Post

February 22, 2018 A Working In Florida

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Current Events CUUPS Press Release Interfaith liturgy Media Review podcast Religious Education Seasonal Reflection Spiritual Practice Summary Uncategorized

Select a Month July 2026 June 2026 April 2026 January 2026 December 2025 October 2025 August 2025 July 2025 June 2025 April 2025 March 2025 February 2025 December 2024 November 2024 October 2024 August 2024 July 2024 June 2024 May 2024 April 2024 February 2024 December 2023 November 2023 October 2023 September 2023 August 2023 June 2023 May 2023 April 2023 March 2023 February 2023 January 2023 December 2022 October 2022 September 2022 August 2022 July 2022 June 2022 May 2022 April 2022 March 2022 February 2022 January 2022 December 2021 November 2021 October 2021 September 2021 August 2021 July 2021 June 2021 May 2021 April 2021 March 2021 February 2021 January 2021 December 2020 November 2020 October 2020 September 2020 August 2020 July 2020 June 2020 May 2020 April 2020 March 2020 February 2020 January 2020 December 2019 November 2019 October 2019 September 2019 August 2019 July 2019 June 2019 May 2019 April 2019 March 2019 February 2019 January 2019 December 2018 November 2018 October 2018 September 2018 August 2018 July 2018 June 2018 May 2018 April 2018 March 2018 February 2018 January 2018 December 2017 November 2017 October 2017 September 2017 August 2017 July 2017 June 2017 May 2017 April 2017 March 2017 February 2017 January 2017 December 2016 November 2016 October 2016 September 2016 August 2016 July 2016 June 2016 May 2016 April 2016 March 2016 February 2016 January 2016 December 2015 November 2015 October 2015 September 2015 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz