Hope for the Year of the Water Dragon

AP PhotoPeople were judging 2012 long before the year even started. With the alleged Mayan Calendar and the-end-of-the-world conspiracy theories pre-empting what could possibly be a good year for humanity, who can blame them. But in response to such a restless world people still hope by trying to understand the stars. For guidance we prepare for the upcoming Chinese New Year of the Water Dragon taking place on January 23 with some astrological forecasts and cosmic advice by international geomancer Joseph Chau Kam Shing:

Feng Shui particulars:

• 2012 may not be the most auspicious year for the Dragon, Dog, Ox, Goat and Rabbit.  However to bring more luck they can resort to wearing the year’s lucky colors: gold, silver, white, sky blue, green, red, pink, violet, peach, orange, beige, yellow and brown. 
• All signs should avoid wearing pure black or pure white as those colors refer to the dead.  Zodiac signs that should avoid burials are the Yin Fire Ox, Yin Earth Goat, Metal Ox, Earth Dragon, Golden Dog and Fire Dog.
• To attract more wealth, homes should have the following charms (available at Feng Shui stores): Treasure Bowl, Vivacious Prince of Wealth and a Flying Golden Pei Yau.
• To have luck in your career, display a Jade Dragonhead Fish charm in your place of work.
• To be safe at all times, carry a Safety Medallion or a Jade Master Protection Pendant.
• For health protection, wear a Health Medallion at all times.
• To be lucky in romance and relationships, display the Romance Bucket, Brass Happy Couple and Mandarin Duck charms.
• In order to improve overall luck, carry the Benefactor Jade.

Forecast highlights:

Dragon
1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012
Positive traits: Magnanimous, stately, vigorous, strong, self-assured, proud, noble, direct, dignified, zealous, eccentric, intellectual, fiery, passionate, decisive, pioneering, ambitious, artistic, generous, loyal.

Negative traits: Can be tactless, arrogant, imperious, tyrannical, demanding, intolerant, dogmatic, violent, impetuous, brash.

Forecast: Despite 2012 being their namesake year, people born in the year of the Dragon will experience periods of difficulty with work, money and love affairs. (Unfortunately, this is because of the influence of antagonistic stars that are offending the Grand Duke or Tai Suey Pang Tai.) 

Cosmic advice: To rise up to the challenges and stress Dragons should be more cautious, patient and meticulous with their work,  as well as in handling their health and relationships.  A key phrase to remember is “Think before you act.”

Snake
1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001
Positive traits: Deep thinker, wise, mystical, graceful, soft-spoken, sensual, creative, prudent, shrewd, ambitious, elegant, cautious, responsible, calm, strong, constant, purposeful.

Negative traits: Can be a loner, bad communicator, possessive, hedonistic, self-doubting, distrustful, mendacious, suffocating, cold.

Forecast: Despite the cosmic stress of the antagonistic stars, Snakes will not only be able to deal with hardships but will be able to reap opportunities found in work. This is due to their flexible and adaptable character.  Snakes will have one step ahead for 2012, and money luck will come to this year.

Cosmic advice: Maintain good relationships with people at work, avoid isolation and take advantage of the two romantic stars to look for love (as it will most likely grow into a long lasting relationship). However, Snakes may easily get sick this year and should also take care of their lungs as there is risk for respiratory problems under the “Sickness Star.”

Horse
1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002

Positive traits: Cheerful, popular, quick-witted, changeable, earthy, perceptive, talkative, agile both mentally and physically, magnetic, intelligent, astute, flexible, open-minded.

Negative traits: Can be fickle, arrogant, childish, anxious, rude, gullible, stubborn.

Forecast: It’s a good year to be a Horse in most aspects of life except love. While many opportunities will present themselves, Horses must not slack off and continue to work hard to be successful in business and work. They will have financial luck with an abundance of money coming in from all sources.

Cosmic advice: Because Horses will not experience periods of difficulty they should take more imitative to show off their creativity. The “lonely star “will prevent an exciting love life so Horses are advised to pay more attention to their loved ones as communication gaps and misunderstandings will run rampant in 2012. Horses may fall ill and have an operation this year and should avoid dangerous water sports. 

Goat
1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991

Positive traits: Righteous, sincere, sympathetic, mild-mannered, shy, artistic, creative, gentle, compassionate, understanding, mothering, determined, peaceful, generous, seeks security.

Negative traits: Can be moody, indecisive, over-passive, worrier, pessimistic, over-sensitive, complainer, weak-willed.

Forecast: The universe is in the Goat’s favor this year with the blessings of the “Grace Star.” Whether it’s for work or pursuing further studies, life is greener abroad so Goats should take the opportunity to travel or migrate. Money will easily come to Goats in 2012, but they shouldn’t take it for granted and strive to save money.

Cosmic advice: Sometimes taking a risk is scary but Goats should challenge themselves because the jump will pay off. However, they should still be cautious with their finances and be weary of people out to take advantage of their good fortune. Goats should take care of their health or else they could succumb to heart, liver and lung problems.

Monkey
1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004

Positive traits: Inventor, motivator, improviser, quick-witted, inquisitive, flexible, innovative, problem solver, self-assured, sociable, artistic, polite, dignified, competitive, objective, factual, intellectual.

Negative traits: Can be egotistical, vain, selfish, reckless, snobbish, deceptive, manipulative, cunning, jealous, suspicious.

Forecast:  For those born in the year of the Monkey the only thing to look forward to is their auspicious love life where the “Romantic Star” shines bright. This year will be a lucky year for lovers and those looking to get married. However, in areas of work and money, 2012 is expected to be an unfavorable year.

Cosmic advice: The key to surviving adversity will be constant hard work and humility. There should be no space for greed or else it risks damaging any opportunities for success. Monkeys should watch their diet this year, and avoid going to funerals or visiting the sick. 

Rooster
1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005

Positive traits: Acute, neat, meticulous, organized, self-assured, decisive, conservative, critical, perfectionist, alert, zealous, practical, scientific, responsible.

Negative traits: Can be over zealous and critical, puritanical, egotistical, abrasive, opinionated, given to empty bravado.

Forecast: Change will be evident for Roosters this year so they should be able to adapt to sudden changes. They must be aware of how to harness change in order to pursue new directions in business while at the same time being cautious of swindlers. Romance will come to Roosters this year as they are considered attractive and will be quite popular this year.

Cosmic advice: Financial luck will accompany Roosters in any direction they choose to go so they don’t have to worry about bad fortune. Building good relationships with people will help make the transition smoother.

Dog
1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006

Positive traits: Honest, intelligent, straightforward, loyal, has a sense of justice and fair play, attractive, amicable, unpretentious, sociable, open-minded, idealistic, moralistic, practical, affectionate, sensitive, easy going.

Negative traits: Can be cynical, lazy, cold, judgmental, pessimistic, a worrier, stubborn, quarrelsome.

Forecast: 2012 is a cosmic clash between Dogs and the Year of the Dragon because of the presence of the Grand Duke. Disputes from love and relationships to progress in work will be constant throughout the year.

Cosmic advice: Dogs must be extra sensitive to their surroundings and keep a low profile so they can prevent further disputes. It’s not a time for indulgence so Dogs should be more selective on their expenditures.

Pig
1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007

Positive traits:Honest, gallant, sturdy, sociable, peace-loving, patient, loyal, hard-working, trusting, sincere, calm, understanding, thoughtful, scrupulous, passionate, intelligent.

Negative traits: Can be naïve, over-reliant, self-indulgent, gullible, fatalistic, materialistic.

Forecast: The pigs will bring home the bacon in areas of work and business. It’s a good year for the Pig if they can keep their personal and private life separate.

Cosmic advice: Relationships are in bloom for the pig so expect their love life to flourish. Pigs should take the opportunity to be a ham and show off their skills and capabilities.

Rat
1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996

Positive traits: Forthright, tenacious, systematic, meticulous, charismatic, sensitive, hardworking, industrious, charming, eloquent, sociable, artistic, shrewd.

Negative traits: Can be manipulative, vindictive, mendacious, venal, selfish, obstinate, critical, over-ambitious, ruthless, intolerant, scheming.

Forecast: 2012 is the year for the Rats to use their popularity to advance their careers, especially those involved in politics, media and television. A promotion or a change in jobs is in the air for Rats.

Cosmic advice: On the love front, Rats will find 2012 to be a roller-coaster of a year: they will face many ups and downs, and obstacles in their relationships.  Rats will also have a busy work schedule this year and should manage their health well.

Ox
1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009

Positive traits: Dependable, calm, methodical, born leader, patient, hardworking, ambitious, conventional, steady, modest, logical, resolute, tenacious.

Negative traits: Can be stubborn, narrow-minded, materialistic, rigid, demanding.

Forecast: “Don’t do to others what you don’t want others to do unto you” is a key phrase for the Ox this year. It’s a sensitive year for the Ox as their actions might illicit unfavorable and unexpected responses from people.

Cosmic advice: The Ox must be extra careful in how they handle their relationships because it will be a source of potential conflict. Extra doses of humility and patience are needed to prevent problems.

 

Tiger
1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010

Positive traits: Unpredictable, rebellious, colorful, powerful, passionate, daring, impulsive, vigorous, stimulating, sincere, affectionate, humanitarian, generous.

Negative traits: Can be restless, reckless, impatient, quick-tempered, obstinate, selfish, aggressive.
Forecast: 2012 proves to be tough for the Tiger in matters of the heart and money. Both their relationships and businesses need more hard work to be put in order to survive. 

Cosmic advice: Tigers must be more conservative with their actions. Talking too much might is synonymous with trouble so Tigers must be sensitive of how they handle their affairs.

Rabbit
1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011

Positive traits: Gracious, good friend, kind, sensitive, soft-spoken, amiable, elegant, reserved, cautious, artistic, thorough, tender, self-assured, astute, compassionate, flexible.

Negative traits: Can be moody, detached, superficial, self-indulgent, opportunistic, stubborn.

Forecast: While neither good nor bad 2012 is a steady year for the Rabbit. Whether their luck will bring them fortune depends on their initiative to step up while still remaining grounded.
Cosmic advice: The trick is to stay balanced this year by aiming for opportunities that are just within the Rabbit’s reach and enables growth. They should not be too greedy or else it will jeopardize their luck.