Astrology Predictions

Chinese astrology signs

Whatever our background or interest in Feng Shui is, it is always useful to take time and reflect on what may be coming in our direction over the horizon in the New Year. Here I would like to share with you my insights using different perspectives and formulae that look at the influence of time, both on us as individuals and also our space.I like to think of the annual influences in Feng Shui rather like the seasons. In that sense, they are predictable but not right down to the wire. For example, knowing that Spring is on the way, be prepared for it and take advantage of it. If you know your front door is weak and the winter is going to bring strong winds, then be prepared. For me it has been a fascinating study simply to be prepared.

What Chinese Animal are you?

Chinese Astrology dates back some 2600 years BC. Unlike Western Zodiac Astrology, which is made up of 12 months, Chinese Astrology is made up of 12 year cycles. Each year is given the name of an animal Buddha summoned all the animals to bid him farewell before he died, and only 12 showed up. He then named each of the years after these 12 animals.

The Chinese believe that the animal of your year of birth actually hides in your heart and in your very being.

Discovering your Animal

Chinese Astrology years begin on new moons and hence their new year does not coincide with the Western one. If you are born in January of February, then the animal of the year below may not be correct. It may well mean that you belong to the year before. You can check out your correct sign click here
  • The Rat - 1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008
  • The Ox/Buffalo - 1913,1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997
  • The Tiger - 1914, 1926,1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998
  • The Rabbit/Cat - 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999
  • The Dragon - 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000
  • The Snake - 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001
  • The Horse- 1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002
  • The Sheep/Ram - 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003
  • The Monkey - 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004
  • The Rooster - 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005
  • The Dog - 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006
  • The Boar/Pig - 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007

The Water Dragon Year 2012 - 23/01/2012- 09/02/2013

Overview

This is one of those exciting, turning point years. In Chinese Astrology it’s known as the Dragon Year, and these show up every 12 years. However, each one is prefixed by one of the Five Elements and this particular year is a Water Dragon Year. Somewhat calmer than, for example, a Wood or Fire Dragon Years. Water in Chinese Medicine, Healing and Astrology, represents the colour black. Hence it is often known as the Black Dragon. Water brings with it a sense of new beginnings as well as the resolution and sorting out of issues. The combination of the Dragon and Water brings power, leadership and courage. 2012 sees presidential elections on the cards in the following countries:
  • Russia
  • USA
  • Yemen
  • France
  • Palestine and more!

Previous Water Dragon Year – 1952

Events
  • The death of King George VI.
  • The UK developed the atomic bomb.
  • The ceasefire in Korea was postponed.
  • Mau Mau uprising in Kenya.
  • The great smog in London (December ’52).
  • The US detonation of the first hydrogen bomb.
  • The establishment of the European Parliament.
  • US Special Forces are created.

Famous Water Dragons

Martin O’Neill, Viv Richards, Bernard Stiegler, David Byrne, Dan Aykroyd, Jimmy Connors, Mickey Rourke, Vladimir Putin, Jenny Agutter.  

The Year Ahead for the 12 Chinese Animals

The Rat

If there is one animal within the Chinese zodiac that will survive or ride out a storm, then it is most definitely the Rat. The Rat is famous for their instinct regarding self-preservation. Since this is a Water Dragon Year and the Rat is born out of the element Water, they will feel quite at home. The adaptability of the Rat to the changing world and unexpected issues that will show up, will make them one of the greatest leaders this year. They’re likely to be successful in anything commercial and that requires the skills of being an entrepreneur.

The Ox

I admire the Ox for its steadfastness and resilience under any kind of pressure. There is likely to be some stress for them this year regarding finances or business affairs, but at least the prospect of either hard work or more work will not upset the Ox. Of all the signs of the Chinese zodiac, the Ox is the one who soaks up a challenge and just keeps going. I always admire their powerful and stoic attitude to the work ethic. This is a wonderful year for the Ox to develop a new business or project early on in the new Water Dragon Year: something fresh, different and particularly innovative. Any challenges will easily be offset as the Ox always rises to the challenge and simply gets on with it.

The Tiger

This could be a tremendous year for anyone born in the year of the Tiger regarding finances and long term investments. Deep down the Tiger is resilient and takes any kind of challenge or even provocation very lightly. 2011 was likely to have been reasonably tough, but now the new Water Dragon Year will prove far easier. An important piece of advice for all Tigers this year is to communicate very clearly with any business partners or colleagues. They should also avoid being too demanding or assertive. They are best suited in 2012 if they focus in to one or two key projects and avoid being sidetracked.

The Rabbit

2011 was the Rabbit’s year, but if it was not as successful as they’d wished, then the Dragon Year can also be useful to sort or complete any unfinished business. The Rabbit is very diplomatic, kind, thoughtful and generous. They know exactly when and how to communicate in a gentle and fair manner. They also have a very deep love of their friends and family. The Dragon admires, supports and encourages any Chinese sign that is family or home orientated. Therefore, provided the Rabbit avoids getting embroiled in some political or economic argument, they are likely to succeed greatly in 2012. Rabbits are also famously romantic and the autumn could prove to be a very powerful time on that front.

The Dragon

Despite this being the Year of the Dragon, most Dragons will go through a fair amount of ups and downs this year. It is in essence a kind of rebirth that will occur for the Dragon. Dragons usually work through any disputes or misunderstandings, they are hard-working, they are wonderful to be together with, and many are colourful and extrovert. Dragons are generous and love to entertain their family, their friends and their colleagues. Sometimes this natural desire to entertain and be amongst guests leads them into contact with some individuals who are less than trustworthy. Dragons really need to be on the look-out for these kinds of characters this year and make sure they avoid them. For Dragons who work as an employee, there’s a chance of a raise this year; while for those who run their own businesses, it’s a time of success. All Dragons need to be careful not to be too dictatorial this year.

The Snake

Of all the animals in the Chinese zodiac, the Snake is endowed with the most incredible intuition and natural wisdom. The Snake can also see through most individuals and can spot and highlight the more spiritual qualities in others. The Snake tends to be deeply trusting of those that appear sensitive, fair and just. It would be wise for all Snakes this year to push forward their vision and dream. Traditionally, in the spring in a four seasons climate, the Snake would come out of the cave, having hibernated all winter. Therefore all Snakes in the Year of the Dragon need to be alert and ready for action early on in this year. Unnecessary procrastinating will lead to being either left out of the game or they may fall prey to difficulties or gossip or conflicts. Remember also that 2013 will be the Year of the Snake.

The Horse

Deep down, the Horse in Chinese Astrology has an inner core and spirit from the Fire element. This is also shared, in many ways, by the passionate and outgoing Dragon. Therefore any razzmatazz, parties, fun and excitement that the Dragon brings into play will be enjoyed and indeed revelled in by the Horse. It is not unusual for the Horse to be distracted or sometimes ‘scared’ by major distractions. This is true of the horse in the natural world as well. Therefore there needs to be a certain amount of caution this year from the Horse in terms of taking on any complicated financial or emotional situations. The best time of year ahead will be in the summer, since this represents the peak of Fire energy which will support and strengthen the Horse. Romance is very much on the cards for any single Horses in 2012.

The Sheep

This animal in Chinese Astrology is sometimes known as the Ram or the Goat. They love their independence, while at the same time it is vital for them to have a certain sense of security. It’s not unusual for the Sheep to want to be centre-stage and for many, they are very artistic and sensitive. There is a true contradiction sometimes where they would love to be independent and travel, while at the same time know that there is some kind of back-up or security. This year their finances look good. All Sheep need to be careful this year of not being critical of others who they believe are not as hard-working or as talented as they are. The spring is a wonderful time of year for the Sheep in 2012.

The Monkey

In Chinese Astrology the Monkey is the most skilful, playful and in many ways optimistic. They are very, very clever. Any situation that’s a challenge can easily be turned around by the Monkey’s foresight and skills. In the digital world in which we now live, the Monkey (and to a degree the Rooster) find the latest gadgets the easiest to understand. In the Water Dragon Year the Monkey is likely to learn even more. In fact, it’s good that they narrow down this and make it more yang and even specialise. A very good time to start to learn something fresh and new. This particular year will also be excellent for the Monkey to undertake and be involved in some generous action, especially around charity. 2013 looks especially hot.

The Rooster

The Rooster and the Monkey in Chinese Astrology share the inner core element of Metal. The Rooster is ambitious and feeds off new ideas and loves a goal to work towards. When the Dragon comes into view, it will demand of the Rooster real clarity and communication and this would be especially true in terms of teamwork. The Rooster in 2012 really must cooperate and respond very quickly to issues as they arise. Being quick-witted and in many ways a natural genius, it’s not good enough this year to go it alone. The presence of the Dragon will demand that the Rooster play a team game rather than work quickly and intuitively in isolation. A changeable year, but also one where work and finance are on the up and up. If the Rooster is smart there’ll be a new avenue that could pay far better and be even more beneficial than the job they have at present.

The Dog

In Chinese Astrology the Dog shares the deep inner core of the Earth element with the Dragon. However, they are opposite in terms of the Chinese zodiac and for this reason they are seen to clash. In my experience, I always find that clashes or opposites can also prove to be an attraction. Dogs are immensely loyal and are pack animals. Dogs need to be quick-witted and decisive this year because the Dragon will demand that of them. Dogs are the most honest and the most communicative of the animals in Chinese Astrology. The first few months of 2012 could be quite arduous, but after that the year opens up to be magnificent for them.

The Pig

By nature, the Pig is happy, helpful and the best host, in terms of Chinese Astrology. They’re also sometimes known as the Boar. Hard-working, loyal and fairly materialistic. They know how to have a good time and they make sure that others around them do as well. Deep down, the Pig has the Water element and therefore the Water Dragon Year is no hindrance to them. However, the element Water can sometimes prove to be slow and sluggish. With the presence of so much of this element this year, people born in the year of the Pig need to make a little more effort than usual to move forward. Otherwise stagnation could occur and this could affect finance in particular. Anybody born in the year of the Pig who works for someone else is in an excellent position to go it alone this year. At the end of 2012 the way ahead will look very clear to them.