In the Chinese solar calendar, Goat month is the seventh month and it is the last month of the summer season. In late summer, the earth energies are said to be at their strongest for the whole year. Goat month starts on the 7th July, on the day known as ‘Xiao Shu’, Lesser Heat. It just so happens this year, that there is also a full moon on the 7th. The new moon, marking the start of the sixth lunar month, is on 22nd July.

In the Northern hemisphere, July is often the hottest month and the mid-point of the solar Goat month on 23rd July is ‘Da Shu’, Greater Heat. Traditionally, Goat month is considered hot, hot, hot!

The hot dry earth of the Goat will mix with the cold wet earth of the Ox year when they come together in what is known as a clash. When we are selecting auspicious dates for weddings, opening new businesses or any other special occasion, we tend to avoid dates where the month clashes with the year. That does not necessarily mean that it will be an inauspicious month all round, it does rather depend on your individual Four Pillars chart. However, it would be wise to take extra care and pay more attention to making decisions, for all that extra earth energy can hinder clear thinking.

Like breaking open two covered clay pots by hitting them against each other, a clash such as the one between the Goat and the Ox can also uncover something that has been hidden. As well the strong earth in the Goat there is also some fire energy and wood energy which is released as a result of the clash. Will there be some secrets to be revealed or hidden treasure to be found during this Goat month?

In many places around the world, schools and universities start the summer break in July and all that extra earth energy around this year makes it a good time to take things easy and to slow down. Spending time outdoors and enjoying the sunshine is the order of the days during the summer holidays, which seems to suit the gentle Goat sign. So will Goat month bring you pleasant surprises, will you find out something you didn’t know or will taking it easy be just the right thing for you?

Check your animal sign and see what Goat month has in store for you:
Rat 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984
Ox 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985
Tiger 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986
Rabbit 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987
Dragon 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988
Snake 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989
Horse 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990
Goat 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991
Monkey 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992
Rooster 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993
Dog 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994
Pig 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995