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Jill Lander

July 7 marked the start of the Water Goat month in the Chinese lunar calendar.
In the northern hemisphere, we are now in the hot early afternoon of the year. Nature has taken over, and we surrender to it. In the southern hemisphere it’s the reverse, so midwinter.
The Goat (or Sheep) is predominantly yin earth in nature, suggesting a shift is approaching. This should be a smooth-sailing month. However, avoid being complacent, which may result in missed opportunities. Do be alert to potential changes in relationships, both personal and professional.

The sixth solar month in the Chinese calendar is the Water Goat (July 7 to August 4) – Gui Wei. The elements of the month are yin water and earth. The summer solstice on June 21 marked the peak of the year's yang, but also the birth of yin, as the days when the qi starts to draw in.
We will be reconnecting with stillness and simplicity, while grounding ourselves as a safeguard. This is the Goat month concerned with family and teamwork. In Chinese mythology, the Goat stole seeds from heaven and distributed them on Earth. Now is the start of the seed harvest. The seeds are also a metaphor for original ideas (Heaven = the mind, Earth = the body).
How Goat-like are you?

People born in Goat months are known for their inner life, insights and inspiration from the “Heaven” of higher consciousness. A Goat’s nature is typically spontaneous, fiery, outgoing, charismatic, expressive and lighthearted.
Strong and resilient, their gentleness might be misleading as they have a high tolerance and will to get where they need to be and achieve what they wish to achieve through sheer determination and motivation. In essence, the goat is a herbivorous farmland animal whose main nourishment comes from grass; its primary intake corresponds to the element wood, nourished by the earth.
Those born under the Goat sign can develop complacency if not presented with constant stimulation. Goats have the freedom to look for any kind of grass, never having the worry about running out of nourishment. They have mild personalities and are friendly to humans; therefore, the Chinese treat the Goat as an auspicious animal, which is why you will often see an image of three goats at temples.
All Goats have their own personalities, preferring to show their independence by remaining on the edge of a group. Born with wonderful, trusting natures, they can sometimes fall prey to others because they like to please. Their desire for material gains can make them prone to becoming overemotional, which can lead to acting on rash instinct.
Quiet observers, the Goat will always consider all aspects of a subject before deciding on a course of action. Far from the risk-takers of the zodiac, Goats enjoy social activities that involve puzzle solving.

Goats tend to be sensitive, compassionate, gentle, loyal and reflective, loving and craving peace and harmony. They are also predisposed to be artistic, creative and friendly, and like to see the best in everyone.
Famous Goats include George Harrison, Nicole Kidman, Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, Bruce Willis, Kurt Cobain, Ed Sheeran, Michael Palin, Mick Jagger, Coco Chanel, Noel Gallagher, Barry Manilow, Michelangelo, Rupert Murdoch and Jim Morrison.
If you were born on a Goat day, you are honest and prefer to work smarter rather than harder! You make a good and lasting partner. If you were born in the Goat hours (1pm-3pm), you take your duties very seriously and attend to your responsibilities with a disciplined approach. You like order and structure. Ideal career choices for Goats include ceramicist, primary teacher, HR manager, counsellor, jewellery designer, and careers that involve working with others in a large organisation.
How compatible are Goats with other signs?

The Goat is compatible with the Horse, Rabbit and Pig. Challenges occur with those born in Ox years. The Ox is the nemesis of the Goat as the latter doesn’t appear to have to work so hard – unlike the Ox, which is considered the most hardworking of all the zodiac animals.
This is why, in Chinese astrology, the Ox and Goat form an astrological clash. Like all the six astrological clashes, it is caused by opposing directions on the Chinese compass, indicating that these animals are natural opposites.
How Goat-like are you? If you were born in the Goat year, the nature of the Goat is dreamy and compassionate. It is always willing to listen and see every angle of a situation before acting, which sometimes is too generous when it comes to dealing with human nature.
Goats can often be left disappointed after they have been too trusting, especially in business. If you were born in the Goat month (July), you may be super creative and have great vision. You think outside the box, and when the stars align for you, unexpected and inspiring results can come about.
What does July hold for your astrological sign?
These generic forecasts carry different nuances depending on whether the animal in question rules your year, month, day or hour.
√ Lucky
∞ Neutral luck
X Not so lucky
∞ Rat – communication will be key

Avoid being overly opinionated or deliberately cutting in your remarks just to make your point. Action speaks louder than words and this will be your best asset in gaining respect from your peers and colleagues. If you find yourself being challenged, step away, giving distance to the situation. Make diet a priority, and avoid eating raw or cold food to prevent stomach chills.
X Ox – your clash month of the year

Numerous obstacles could block progress, so it is advisable to avoid investing and be cautious with finances. You may feel on a low vibration, resulting in a lack of motivation and drive to complete projects and daily tasks. Take note of any symptoms, especially circulatory issues such as numbness in the limbs. Avoid being tempted to make rash career decisions, as it’s best to remain stable this month.
√ Tiger – enjoy what you have right now

This is a month to stay still and enjoy what you have right now, rather than chasing rainbows. It will be a sociable month to strengthen friendships by being out and about in nature and enjoying the company of those who make you feel comfortable and valued. You may encounter some influential people who offer you solutions to recent issues. Delegate and enjoy any support that is offered.
√ Rabbit – avoid burning bridges

Your luck continues on an upwards trajectory, making you impressive to others. Embrace new challenges and opportunities – you are sharp and intuitive, making it easy to pick up new information and become adept at new skill sets. Show gratitude to those who have been instrumental in the past, helping you get to where you are today, and maintain stability to avoid burning bridges. You are in a position to pave the way for better situations – the future looks rosy.
X Dragon – be alert to accidents

This is not the most productive of months; you are advised to lie low and put distance between yourself and others who may not be on the same page right now. Being reactive may lead to unexpected problems and disruptions to plans. Stick to clear goals and firm beliefs as you are still on track to excel in your tasks. Be alert to accidents!
∞ Snake – avoid making major changes

You may look forward to good progress, helping to overcome and resolve any obstacles due to a heavy work schedule. Avoid making major changes, especially if you are feeling impatient; lean on your network for encouragement and assistance. Be careful of accidents involving sharp items.
√√ Horse – possibly your luckiest month of the year

You can expect good progress and you may be given more responsibility, which you will be able to manage well enough to gain recognition. Your career looks positive and the future, bright. With any success comes jealousy, so be prepared to encounter individuals who may try to undermine your efforts. Keep ideas to yourself until they are secure enough to be tamper-proof. Maintain good health to maximise your luck.
√ Goat – a perfect time to move forwards

Your astrological month of potential growth is when you may be keen to improve your talents to harness greater confidence. You draw to you like-minded individuals who will open up your network. If you have been considering collaborating with certain colleagues, now is the perfect time to move forwards. Do be aware though that walls have ears, to avoid unnecessary conflict.
∞ Monkey – try to remain optimistic

You may feel sensitive and indecisive, which may lead to slow progress; try to remain optimistic. This phase will pass. Health will determine your mindset, so ensure you have enough time to deliver on certain tasks. Although not the most action-packed month, you can look forward to a harmonious period.
∞ Rooster – beware of potential relationship issues

This will be a full-on month when keeping on top of things could take all your resolve. Ensure you get some early nights and sufficient rest to manage all your tasks as your energy will need to be kept topped up. It will be easy to drop the ball and fall into errors when dealing with detailed paperwork. Beware of potential relationship issues, and be open to making a conscious effort to communicate with loved ones to prevent unnecessary tension.
∞ Dog – being impulsive could lead to major upsets

You may be easily irritated, which leads to friction and frustration. Be aware that you may come across as harsh and hurtful in your actions with loved ones; being impulsive could lead to major upsets that are difficult to come back from. Avoid being tempted to use retail therapy to lift your spirits as money could be tight. The good news is that this may prove to be a sociable month when sharing your thoughts with friends can ease the pressure.
√ Pig – avoid being tempted into overspending

This is a potentially interesting month when you could find yourself on the move, both professionally and personally. If so, make sure you choose an auspicious day to do so to maximise a smooth transition. This could also be an expensive month, so avoid being tempted into overspending on items that are not necessary. Generally, a positive month, so let your spirits soar.
Whatever your astrological sign, good luck – and here’s wishing you good health, success and prosperity in the Goat month of 2025!


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Horoscopes

What’s your luck like for July 2025, the Water Goat month? Chinese horoscopes for a time concerned with family and teamwork – and what this period can mean for your astrological sign

How does the Water Goat affect your luck in July 2025? Illustration: SCMP Graphics


Water Goat month began on July 7. Photo: Sam Tsang

A Goat’s nature is spontaneous, fiery and outgoing. Photo: Sam Tsang

As a Goat, Nicole Kidman may enjoy social activities that involve solving puzzles. Photo: Bauer-Griffin/GC Images

The Goat is most compatible with the Horse, Rabbit and Pig. Photo: Sam Tsang

Rat years include 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984 and 1996. Illustration: SCMP Graphics

Ox years include 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985 and 1997. Illustration: SCMP Graphics

Tiger years include 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986 and 1998. Illustration: SCMP Graphics

Rabbit years include 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987 and 1999. Illustration: SCMP Graphics

Dragon years include 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988 and 2000. Illustration: SCMP Graphics

Snake years include 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989 and 2001. Illustration: SCMP Graphics

Horse years include 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990 and 2002. Illustration: SCMP Graphics

Goat years include 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991 and 2003. Illustration: SCMP Graphics

Monkey years include 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992 and 2004. Illustration: SCMP Graphics

Rooster years include 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993 and 2005. Illustration: SCMP Graphics

Dog years include 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994 and 2006. Illustration: SCMP Graphics

Pig years include 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983 and 1995. Illustration: SCMP Graphics

4 designer beach towels to help you make a splash by the pool this summer: from Hermès’ cheerful prints and Bottega Veneta’s jacquard fish, to the classic Louis Vuitton monogram

Turn heads by the pool this summer with a stylish designer beach towel. Photo: Dioriviera 2025 collection

Hermès Paddling beach towel (HK$5,900). Photo: Handout

Bottega Veneta fish jacquard beach towel (HK$5,700). Photo: Handout

Louis Vuitton LVacation beach towel in gris bleu (HK$4,200). Photo: Handout

Dior Dioriviera Toile de Jouy Sauvage beach towel (HK$7,300). Photo: Handout

Summer 2025 exhibitions: Rick Owens’ unforgettable aesthetic, Jenny Saville’s striking self-portraits, a focus on the history of kimonos, and Wolfgang Tillmans asks: are we prepared?

Visionary at work: Rick Owens directs a fitting for the Babel spring/summer 2019 show at Paris’ Palais Bourbon. The designer’s avant-garde designs are the subject of an exhibition in the city during the second half of this year. Photo: Handout

Rick Owens’ autumn/winter 2023 Luxor runway, one of the designer’s unforgettable shows at the Palais de Tokyo in Paris. Photo: Handout

Jenny Saville took the art world by storm in the 1990s with paintings such as Propped (1992), which features in the current retrospective of her work. Photo: Gagosian

A calendar by Yoshu Chikanobu (1910) is part of the exhibition “Kimono” at the National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne, Australia. Photo: Handout 

Echo Beach (2017) from the exhibition “Wolfgang Tillmans: Rien Ne Nous y Préparait – Tout Nous y Préparait”, showing at the Centre Pompidou, Paris. Photo: Handout

Pickle your fancy? From Pamela Anderson to Harry Styles, and from Jimmy John’s and Zabar’s, to Hobbs Pickles and Amo Ago, these celebrities and businesses have a thing for preserved cukes

From Pamela Anderson to Harry Styles, and from Jimmy John’s and Zabar’s, to Hobbs Pickles and Amo Ago, these celebrities and businesses have a thing for pickles. Photo: Shutterstock

Kosher Dill Chips are just one of the many varieties made by Hobbs Pickles in Vancouver. Photo: Handout

Buckets of preserved cukes at Hobbs Pickles in Vancouver. Photo: Handout

Dill pickles are the favourite variety at Zabar’s in New York. Photo: Handout

Pickles are low in calories and, thanks to being a fermented product, are beneficial to gut health. Photo: Handout

Crunchy, tangy, and bursting with flavour, pickles are an irresistibly addictive snack. Photo: Shutterstock

Pickle brine martini at Amo Ago in Hong Kong’s SoHo district. Photo: Handout

Top of the pots! Improve your kitchen wizardry with the right cookware: keen cooks Stanley Tucci and Gwyneth Paltrow like GreenPan, while traditionalists swear by old faves Le Creuset and Zwilling

Popular with Gen Z consumers, GreenPan has collaborated with celebrities including Stanley Tucci and Gwyneth Paltrow on stylish sets. Photo: Handout

Le Creuset cookware has long been a favourite with serious cooks. Photo: Handout

Our Place titanium cookware. Photo: Handout

Mauviel copper pots provide quality and class in the kitchen. Photo: Handout

GreenPan cookware is available in a range of hues. Photo: Handout

Chef Olivier Elzer from Clarence restaurant in Hong Kong advises choosing cookware that is durable and retains heat. Photo: Handout

Our Place pans in chic shades are aesthetically pleasing, as well as nice to use. Photo: Handout

GreenPan’s high-sided pan is great for sautéing. Photo: Handout

Discover Aman Nai Lert Bangkok, a true urban sanctuary nestled in the tranquil surroundings of lush Nai Lert Park – itself an oasis rich in historical architecture as well as exotic greenery

A true urban sanctuary, Aman Nai Lert Bangkok is nestled in the tranquil surroundings of lush Nai Lert Park. Photo: Handout

Aman Nai Lert Bangkok is located in Nai Lert Park, a green oasis in the heart of the city. Photo: Handout

The ninth-floor swimming pool is shaded by a tree rising all the way up from the ground floor. Photo: Handout

The ninth-floor lobby features a sculpture, adorned with more than 6,000 gold leaves, inspired by the hotel’s century-old rain tree. Photo: Handout

Arva, the Italian restaurant, is a signature of many Aman properties. Photo: Handout

A suite at Aman Nai Lert Bangkok. Photo: Handout

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Famous names born in the Year of the Goat include Ed Sheeran, Nicole Kidman, Bill Gates, Steve Jobs and Coco Chanel. Here’s a look at what the current Goat month has in store for you


Famous names born in the Year of the Goat include Ed Sheeran, Nicole Kidman, Bill Gates, Steve Jobs and Coco Chanel. Here’s a look at what the current Goat month has in store for you.
