I was taught this system by my mother Blv. LaVeda, who represented it as being Traditional. I cannot say for certain where she learned it, but I believe I recall her saying she got it from The Witches’ Almanac sometime in the early ‘70s. Who wrote it and where it actually originates I have no further idea.
I have found the system to be relatively accurate, but as we have said God/dess will use any system that you believe to speak to you and so all divinatory forms are accurate in theory.
The qualities given pertain to both the year itself and the people born in it. Remember that the first quarter of the year actually belongs to the previous year, since the system uses the Spring Equinox as New Year.
I have always thought whichever sign rules the first and ninth year of a decade also colors the whole period, as for example Earth rules the ‘60s and Air the ‘70s.
Sun
(Years: 1922, 1931, 1940, 1949, 1958, 1967, 1976, 1985, 1994, 2003, 2012)
This year is marked by pride, ambition, and large-scale plans, but also generosity and loyalty. Egos are liable to be inflated, and people must be careful not to lose their sense of proportion.
Moon
(Years: 1923, 1932, 1941, 1950, 1959, 1968, 1977, 1986, 1995, 2004, 2013)
This year is marked by emotionality, compassion, and humanitarianism, but also over-sensitivity and moodiness –people may find themselves feeling vulnerable and sometimes seek refuge in rigidity as a result. Psychic and spiritual issues are strong.
Earth
(Years: 1924, 1933, 1942, 1951, 1960, 1969, 1978, 1987, 1996, 2005, 2014)
This year is marked by a desire to be in tune with natural cycles and with the Earth, a desire to set aside masks and get to the heart of things. Freedom, independence, and growth are accented, and impatience with restriction. Honesty and truth are regarded as of paramount importance, but are not always kept in perspective.
Air
(Years: 1925, 1934, 1943, 1952, 1961, 1970, 1979, 1988, 1997, 2006, 2015)
This year is marked by new ideas, new directions, insight and innovation –breaking with the past. Mind and intellect are strong, but not always practical in approach. There is much restlessness and it is hard to focus on just one thing.
Fire
(Years: 1926, 1935, 1944, 1953, 1962, 1971, 1980, 1989, 1998, 2007, 2016)
This year is marked by passion, ambition, and drive. It is a time of focus and determination, and clear-cut goals. It also tends to be self-centered, even selfish, with difficulty in considering the needs of others.
Water
(Years: 1927, 1936, 1945, 1954, 1963, 1972, 1981, 1990, 1999, 2008, 2017)
This year is marked by an easy-going, compassionate, and adaptable nature. Water is flexible and always seeks out the best way to get where it is going. Plans are fluid, changing where necessary –practicality is important, but not at the expense of humanity. Psychic issues are strong.
Animal
(Years: 1928, 1937, 1946, 1955, 1964, 1973, 1982, 1991, 2000, 2009, 2018)
This year is marked by passion, commitment, willingness to fight for ones ideals. Courage and determination are strong, but self-satisfaction and over-confidence can be problems.
Plant
(Years: 1929, 1938, 1947, 1956, 1965, 1974, 1983, 1992, 2001, 2010, 2019)
This year is marked by growth in all directions, prosperity and an emphasis on personal pleasure. Experimentation, new ideas and directions, novelty and innovation are important. Sensuality and self-centeredness can be an issue.
Stone
(Years: 1930, 1939, 1948, 1957, 1966, 1975, 1984, 1993, 2002, 2011, 2020)
This year is marked by examination of how things work and why they work (or don’t) and attempts to make them work better. It is a conservative time, concerned with security, structure and organization. Thoroughness and hard work are emphasized.