Part of the Sky Above Earth Below Oracle Deck I created in 2014. Mixed Media

Rooster (Flamboyant, Watchfulness)
Rooster crows at the approaching dawn. Roosters are male chickens known for their loud calls. Although roosters are thought only of cawing at the approaching dawn they can, and will, caw at anytime during the day. The action of perching aloft is known as roosting. This is done by roosters as a protective behaviour. Roosters will guard all the hens under their charge and will attack other roosters. They will cry a warning if predators approach. It was this behaviour that made rooster synonymous with watchfulness. One rooster can fertilize, and serve as a protector for an entire brood of hens. The distinctive ‘waltz’ of a strutting rooster is an aggressive display meant to show dominance. Though they eat grain and seed, roosters are omnivores, and will happily eat worms, slugs, and insects. A rooster’s upright, and often bright red, comb may be why roosters are linked with flamboyance (some varieties are brightly feathered as well). Their comb can often serve as an indication of health.

Because of their ability to father and fertilize so many hens, roosters are often seen as a symbol of sexuality. The misconception of roosters crowing at the sun has linked it to that celestial body. Cockfights, that pit one rooster against another, still persist to this day. In certain cultures this ritual fighting carries more religious meanings, often about sacrifice and fertility. Roosters are often linked to the Celtic god Lugh. In Greek mythology Ares turns a young man into a rooster when the youth fails to stop Helios (the sun) from catching Ares in an affair with Aphrodite. The youth is cursed to forever herald the arrival of the sun as punishment. In Chinese myth a rooster’s caw is thought to dispel evil spirit the same way that light from the sun dispels darkness. In Norse myth it is a rooster that will warn of Ragnarok; that the end times has begun. Both France and Portugal use roosters in emblems.

When rooster crows at you from your cards it may signal a need to be watchful. What do you need to be watchful of? Is it time to strut your stuff, or are you just putting on airs? What are you crowing and cawing about? Rooster is connected to the sun card.

Astrology- (Chinese 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029, 2041, 2053 or Sept 8- Oct 7) This Chinese sign is enthusiastic and flamboyant. Honest Rooster is down to earth but with a plucky flair. This metal sign is flexible and will easily adapt to new information. Rooster people need to be wary of becoming vain, cranky, and even cynical. Witty Rooster likes to be on time and is an excellent communicator. Those born under this sign need to use the bravery within them to allow their multi-talented natures shine.

Stars and Constellations
Crow with Confidence, Protector, Plucky, Timekeeper, Strut