Featured post

Happiness

Its all about traditional Chinese medicine, happiness, inspirational quotes, serenity, humility, compassion and kindness. Its a fun thing really, but it has its serious side.

One cup at a time encourages us to live slowly and savour life. Its a beautiful place when we are awake to observe through the eyes of the wise man or woman that resides in all of us. I love drinking tea, especially with friends or anyone interested in life, but also alone watching the world go by. I’m a good listener to those who suffer because they have yet to awaken to the beauty of the world.

About Me

Welcome and thank you for visiting my online store, or should I say my retirement plan for when my fingers can no longer effectively treat rugby and GAA players and other big muscular patients with acupuncture and Tuina Chinese medical physio. I’m a practitioner and teacher of Traditional Chinese Medicine and I’m a student of philosophy since birth, and still studying. I love the ancient wisdom that allows me to smile everyday.

img_20120620_084933aI’m getting on a bit in age and so, I’ve decided to explore another passion of mine, digital illustration as means of supplementing my income. The subject matter was easy to find because I love wisdom in all is guises. The final products,  a range of stylish posters that I hope will inspire you to live life to the full.

My ambition is that this site will inspire you with some of that wisdom and hopefully you will consider supporting me by purchasing a poster for your living room wall, your study or the back of the loo door, to support my endeavours.

Stay a while and savour the ancient wisdom

A to Zen Quotes
Acupoints
Chinese Zodiac
Five Elements
Lao Zi
Roald Dahl
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Zen Stories

Chinese Zodiac Year of the Tiger

Years of the Tiger: 1926 – 1938 – 1950 – 1962 – 1974 – 1986 – 1998 – 2010.

Tigers are rebels. They are both colourful and unpredictable. Their energy and love of life are stimulating. They love being the centre of attention and never go unnoticed. Tigers are impatient and always look for action. They speak their minds when upset and have suspicious natures.

But in spite of their quick tempers, they are sincere, generous and very affectionate. They also possess a great sense of humour. Tigers like people, involvement, and dedication to humanitarian causes. They seek out adventures, and at certain points in their lives, they will be very rebellious.

They must act out some of their ideals and lash out at the wrongs of society. Tigers are so daring that they acquire many admirers.

Those who disapprove of what Tigers do still will secretly admire Tigers for their actions. When Tigers are injured they need all-out sympathy. Logic does not appeal to them. They want to be comforted.

People born during the year of the Tiger have super egos. Tread lightly and don’t hurt their feelings. They may never forgive you! Tigers are romantic, passionate, and playful. They are also extremely jealous and possessive.

Optimistic, Tigers always bounce back for new and fresh challenges. Tigers are very generous with rewards when you have pleased them. Being delightful hosts, Tigers go all-out to see that you have a good time. They are intense individuals, especially when upset and angry, but Tigers are famous for their ability in influencing others and swaying crowds.

 

Chinese Zodiac Year of the Rooster

Years of the Rooster: 1933 – 1945 – 1957 – 1969 – 1981 – 1993 – 2005 – 2017.

Roosters are the most eccentric of the Chinese zodiac. They are full of dreams and romantic ideas. They are colourful and attractive, radiant and dashing, and they are quite proud of themselves. Roosters are organized, precise, and their sharp eyes seek out fine details in everything. They are perfectionists and leave no room for human error. To Roosters, a difficult task is a challenge.

They dearly love starting controversies. Roosters express themselves very well both in writing and speech. They are knowledgeable in most subjects you wish to discuss. When you challenge them you must be prepared for a long fight. Their stamina is amazing and they win their point at all costs. Even when they are wrong, they will still be right in one way or another!

These beings are a frank, honest lot who do not pull any punches and admire those who are truthful with them. Roosters can be blunt and brutal. Their direct approach to life makes them poor diplomats.

Roosters are good at handling money and their self-control with keeping budgets is phenomenal. They are not miserly, and in fact, they can be extremely generous and giving. They simply want their finances in complete accord, and yours, too.

If you have trouble, Roosters quickly straighten you out whether you want them to or not. Don’t be ungrateful either, you should be glad they condescended to help you at all. Roosters are careful with their time and you only deserve so much, so plan things well.

Roosters are sincere in their desire to help and no one can carry out important tasks like them. Just be certain your orders are explicit and don’t expect them to improvise for you on their own time.

Chinese Zodiac Year of the Rat

Years of the Rat. 1924 – 1936 – 1948 – 1960 – 1972 – 1984 – 1996 – 2008.

Rats are both charming and aggressive. They appear calm and well balanced on the surface, but underneath, they are restless and a little nervous. Rats are compatible, hard working, and they know how to hang on to a penny. They are never without admirers. They are very appealing.

They have a bright and happy personality, and this keeps them busy socially. They love parties and other large gatherings. They like belonging to exclusive clubs and will often have a close circle of fellow conspirators. They like involvement and are very outgoing. Rats cherish friends and loved ones. For this reason, they often get entangled with others’ problems and lives.

One can always tell when Rats are upset. They become edgy, very nervous, and quite nagging. Rats are always taken by a bargain. They often buy things they don’t need and tend to save everything. Souvenirs and sentimental odds and ends are found tucked away everywhere.

Since they make it a point to know everything about everybody, Rats are excellent writers. They have a good memory and are extremely inquisitive. Rats can be successful in almost everything they try to do. They easily adapt themselves to the situation at hand. They are at their best during any crisis and are great problem solvers.

Rats are very level headed and are also very alert. Their intuition is strong and are always on the lookout for opportunities to better themselves.
One of the Rat’s biggest fault is that they try to do too much at once. They often scatter their energies and get nothing accomplished. Once they learn to finish what they have started, there is no stopping them from being successful.

Chinese Zodiac Year of the Rabbit

Years of the Rabbit: 1927 – 1939 – 1951 – 1963 – 1975 – 1987 – 1999 – 2011.

Rabbits fall under a most fortunate sign! Their sign is the emblem of long life and they possess the powers of the moon. Rabbits are very sensitive to beauty. They are gracious and soft spoken. Rabbits are the diplomats and the peace-makers.

They enjoy a tranquil life and love a quiet evening at home. Rabbits are reserved and very artistic. They are thorough and good scholars. When Rabbits are moody, which is often, they will appear totally indifferent to the world.

Rabbits are lucky in money matters and great at finding a bargain. They may look easy-going, but they are actually quite cunning! Being a strong-willed person, they go quietly but determinedly towards their goals. They don’t like making waves and find other means to get their way.

Rabbits are well-mannered and seldom use harsh words or foul language. Instead they cater to your every whim until they get their way. Before you know it, you have been won over! Although Rabbits appear slow at times, they are actually practicing caution.

They read all the fine print before signing their names. Their uncanny abilities to correctly assess people and situations leave them quite conceited. Rabbits are considerate, understanding, warm, friendly, and easy to be with. They know how to relax.

When everyone is rushing around, Rabbits remind you that there is still tomorrow. Their motto is “live and let live”. Rabbits would never embarrass you in public and they know how to save face. If Rabbits can spare your feelings, they will. For this they are well liked.

Chinese Zodiac Year of the Ox

Years of the Ox: 1925 – 1937 – 1949 – 1961 – 1973 – 1985 – 1997 – 2009.

The Chinese Astrological Ox are powerful, dependable beings that were meant to lead. Oxen may appear docile, but watch out! They also have quite a temper. They are extremely determined and work tirelessly to get what they want. Step by step and piece by piece, they move steadily toward their goals.

People born under the sign of the Ox are dependable and stick to a routine until the job is done. They are fair-minded and good listeners, but they can also be extremely stubborn.

Because of their trustworthy character, Oxen will often hold positions of authority and responsibility. They always get ahead in the world. They must be careful not to become slaves to their jobs or profession.

Ox people are neat and punctual, honest and hard working. Oxen make ideal mates since they always do more than their share. They have a long memory and remember the little details others miss. Once Oxen are angry with you, they will carry their grievance a long way.

When they are unhappy or upset, they will bury themselves in their work until they feel better. They always remember a favour, and though they don’t use flowery words, they will show their appreciation in other ways. Their actions speak louder than words.

Oxen hate to ask for help. If it takes them twice as long to accomplish something, they still prefer working alone. They want things to last and build them with care. Oxen love their home and family and provide well for them. They do well at long term investments with stability and firm foundations. They are definitely not gamblers. Oxen earn their success by their own merits and don’t expect any free rides.

Chinese Zodiac Year of the Horse

Years of the Horse: 1930 – 1942 – 1954 – 1966 – 1978 – 1990 – 2002 – 2014.

Horses are warm and friendly and dearly love social gatherings with plenty of people. They are perceptive and enjoy talking. They have a high spirited nature and are changeable. This makes them hot- tempered, rash, and headstrong.

Horses are adventurers at heart, but they do have sharp minds and good abilities for managing money. They are self-reliant and energetic. They love exercise, both mental and physical.

Their movements are rapid, yet graceful; their speech is quick, yet elegant. Horses want things their way and they will become aggressive when all else fails. They value their freedom above all else. They are not possessive or jealous of others.

Being moody creatures, Horses depend on the feel of things. They possess the ability to improvise while events are in motion and can handle several things at once. Horses find it difficult to unwind. They keep strange hours and suffer from insomnia. When they stop, it is usually from exhaustion. It is hard for them to follow a schedule for they have no respect for routine.

Horses are full of new ideas to solve tricky problems. When they have an idea, they want to get right to it. They work around the clock until they finish. Horses want you to come to the point quickly since they don’t have time to spare. They will not care if you are blunt, just don’t waste their time.
Horses don’t mind starting over. They maintain their determination and enjoy new successes. They belong in careers where they are surrounded by people. They sway crowds and love being flattered.

Horses enjoy fighting their own battles. Colourful and lively, they make many friends.

This poster makes a great gift

Chinese Zodiac Year of the Goat

Years of the Goat or Ram or Sheep: 1931 – 1943 – 1955 – 1967 – 1979 – 1991 – 2003 – 2015.

Goats are the good Samaritans of the Chinese zodiac. They are gentle mannered and on the shy side. Being very sincere they are easily taken by a sob story. Goat people are compassionate, understanding of others’ faults, and quick to forgive.

Goats like to set their own hours and will not tolerate too much discipline. They are also very offended if they are criticized. They cannot work well under pressure and must be allowed to do things at their own speed. Goats need somebody to discipline them, though, in order to utilize their talents. They usually find someone to look after and care for them.

Good fortune smiles upon the Goat. They benefit from wills and inheritances. Even in the roughest of times, the Goat always acquire the basic needs. Goat get their own way without force or violence.

They have that passive endurance that drives you mad. Eventually they wear you down with their pleas. You just can’t break them!

Goat never come right out and discuss what’s bothering them. You pry it out of them bit by bit. When all else fails, yell at them, and bang things around. They should be impressed and might unfold all their secret woes; then, you can clear the air. Goats are family people. They never forget anyone’s birthday, and you had better not forget theirs! Goats worry, too. They want others to cheer them up and tell them everything will be okay.

Romance is a part of the Goat’s being. Moonlight and roses, soft music and candlelight will get them every time. They tend to view the world through rose-colored glasses. Goats do not usually have to work hard. Good things just happen naturally.

Chinese Zodiac Year of the Dragon

Years of the Dragon: 1928 – 1940 – 1952 – 1964 – 1976 – 1988 – 2000 – 2012.

Dragon people are full of vitality and love of life. Always on the run, they drag their faithful band of admirers behind them. Dragons are egotistical, eccentric, demanding, and giving. They are proud, direct, and loaded with high ideals which they always try to live up to. Having a zeal for life, they want to live it on a grand scale. They have the potential for accomplishing many great things as long as they don’t get too far ahead of themselves.

When dragons do something, good or bad, you can be certain their deeds do not go unnoticed! Dragons are always making the news.
It is next to impossible to win an argument with Dragon people. They intimidate anyone who challenges them. Once you arouse their anger, they keep after you for a very long time. Dragons are extremely loyal to friends and family. When really needed they always come to the rescue.

Not being secretive themselves, they can’t be expected to keep a confidence for long; but Dragons speak from the heart and are always sincere.

Dragons need purpose in their lives, causes to fight for, and goals to reach. An uninvolved Dragon is a sad sight indeed.

Dragons consider themselves very strong. They will often bite off more than they can chew. When this happens, they are too proud to ask for help and exhaust themselves. Dragons can do many things well. They may be artists, politicians, doctors, or ministers. When Dragons choose the right profession, they will be successful and devoted. They just can’t help winning!

Chinese Zodiac Year of the Dog

Years of the Dog: 1934 – 1946 – 1958 – 1970 – 1982 – 1994 – 2006 – 2018.

Dogs are honest, straightforward, and friendly. They are extremely protective of themselves and their loved ones. With a passion for fair play and justice, they never fail to rescue you time after time. They may rant and rave, but they never rest until they right the wrong.

They are true humanitarians and suffer with the world. In spite of their concern for others, social graces and fancy parties do not impress them. Having sharp eyes, they will see through people’s motives. They are quite private about their personal lives and someone prying into their affairs make them secretive and withdrawn. Once you gain their confidence, they open up freely. Once Dogs classify you, they rarely change their minds. There are few in-betweens.
Dogs are tolerant of their friends. Before they approve of you, the friendship must develop slowly with a variety of meetings and conversations.

If they look you over and decide they can trust you, you remain in their hearts forever. If you need them, Dogs will be there. When the time is right, Dogs work long and hard, but they know how to relax, and enjoy their home and loved ones. The Dogs have playful moods and a great sense of humour. They have quick emotions and if you offend them, they will snarl and insult you with expertise.

They forgive with the same speed. Dogs are intelligent and well-balanced. With their stable minds, they make good counsellors or psychologists. They endure during any crisis situation. They are trustworthy people and know how to keep a secret.

Chinese Zodiac Year of the Boar

Years of the Chinese Zodiac Boar: 1935 – 1947 – 1959 – 1971 – 1983 – 1995 – 2007 – 2019.
Boars are self-reliant, very sociable, dependable, and extremely determined. Boars are peace lovers and don’t hold grudges. They hate arguments, tense situations, and try to bring both sides together. In life they make deep and long-lasting friendships. Boars enjoy social gatherings of all kinds, and look for parties to attend.
In fact, Boars must watch themselves so that their incessant pursuit of pleasure doesn’t interfere with other aspects of their lives. Boars belong to clubs and they make terrific fund raisers. They have a real knack for charity and social work. Boars always listen to problems. They won’t mind getting involved and try to help.
Boars have big hearts. A problem that Boars have is that they are too innocent and naive. Being honest and trustworthy themselves, they have a hard time understanding the motives of those with less scruples. Boars do not dazzle or shimmer. They possess the old-fashioned chivalry that grows on you until you totally depend on it. It is so easy to trust Boars.
They have a calm expression and a sincere manner. They are blessed with endurance and work steadily at tasks with great patience until completion.
Boars will always be looking for ways to work off all their extra energy. They work and play hard. Even if they lose everything, Boars manage to bounce back. Their life path supply them with all they need. The Chinese believe Boars own the Horn of Plenty.