Chinese Almanac Forecast

Year of the Dragon - 2012

January 23, 2012 is the start of the Year of the Water Dragon. Dragons are powerful Earth and Cosmic creatures, but this is a Yang Water Year and these elements are in opposition, but mercifully not in a direct clash. Earth can muddy water, hold it in as a dam or direct it as the banks of the river, but water can wash away earth or make it very unstable and the Water Element is stronger then Earth this year. Plus, Cosmic Dragons are the harbingers of storms and bring transformation to landforms and societies. So, this will not be a calm year for the environment or for societies!

Politically, the massive demonstrations of the previous Rabbit Year should bring about desired societal change across the world. However, many of these projects will be controversial and expensive. It is going to be difficult for long-term leaders to stay in power. New ideas and bold actions will be valued and will spread. Therefore, many new leaders will be elected or leaders already in power will have to start implementing reforms. There will also be intense competition between people, countries and companies and an increase in uncompromising attitudes. However, the strongest warring energies between countries will subside. There could be problems with territorial waters and military ships, shipping lanes and clashes involving drinking water and/or fishing rights. There may also be problems with the Arctic and Antarctic regions, as ice-covered earth will also be impacted by the energies of this year.

There will be many great acts of courage that will inspire others and many manifestations of strong wills and stamina. This bodes well foe the 2012 Summer Olympics and this is considered a healthy form of competition. It is a good year for strong, physically powerful or intellectually gifted people and many heroes will be made.

In 2012, there will still be a lot of fear about money. It is a mixed year for business with some financial gains expected, but people will continue to have to spend more then they save. Eccentric and unusual businesses will do best. It is also a year where astronomy and space exploration should get a big boost because of new discoveries (or competition with other countries) and these programs can get more funding. The year will also benefit multinational corporations, import and export businesses and shipping. It is also a good year for research, psychology and philosophy. Science and scientific discoveries such as in Quantum Physics will also become more valued.

The stock market will be unstable and the best investments are long-term ones with calculated risks. Real Estate values will improve slightly, but many homes, particularly those on flat land in the middle of countries or in plains and valleys will continue to remain “underwater” in value or become flooded literally. It will be particularly difficult for those countries have joined together to create a common currency like the Euro, as the saying “all rivers become one ocean” means that a problem with one will affect the others quite strongly this year.

Wood industries will benefit from the strong Water energy. These include publishing, environmental businesses, forestry and the building industry. The High Tech industries, the airlines and banking will all be troubled as Metal businesses are not supported by a strong Earth Element this year, but will not suffer much harm. Earth Element businesses such as farming will suffer, but primarily due to natural causes such as the weather. Prices for food will increase and food shortages are expected. The entertainment industry and businesses involving glamour and communications (except print media) will suffer most, as there is a lack of the Fire Element in this year’s chart. Many performers will act more flamboyantly trying to achieve more attention, but they will not be as successful at shocking people as in previous years. Live performances will do better than movies and television.

Unfortunately, this will also be a year with the potential for some devastating natural disasters involving large bodies of water like the ocean, large rivers and lakes. This could involve rogue waves or tsunamis from shearing icebergs and strong earthquakes, or there could be some large landslides from too much sodden earth. As Chinese Dragons are associated with mountains, it could also involve liquefied earth such as volcanic eruptions with lava flow or lahars or mudslides. Many homes may be lost or damaged due to water this year and pipes are likely to break from freezing. There may also be an increase in intense rainfall or big snowstorms with large accumulations of snow and massive snowmelts. Any storms that involve snow and rain are expected to intensify this year as it is a Yang Water year and the Dragon itself is associated with rain. Therefore, massive flooding is expected in many places and dams may break.

In addition, there may be serious problems with seawater intrusion into fresh water or salt harming farmland. Sewage spills are also a concern. Stagnant water and water pollution is likely and fresh drinking water or desalinization will become important causes. Water borne diseases such as cholera could potentially become epidemics. Or diseases like Malaria and the West Nile Fever caused by mosquitoes are likely to be problematic because of an increase in stagnant water and extra precautions should be taken. Deserts are expected to get increased precipitation and rain may be very heavy in many places. There is also a danger of capsizing boats and an expected increase in drowning deaths. But it is a very good year for those people who have experience handling the big waters – surfers, sailors, rafters and boat captains. But others may experience more diving and swimming accidents and need to be extra cautious.

The Water Element in Chinese Medicine involves the kidneys, the brain, spinal column and reproductive organs. It is therefore a particularly good year for fertility and there will be a large number of babies born – most likely because Asian people like and plan on having many lucky Dragon children! It is also a good year for longevity research, gains in treatment for spinal cord injuries and breakthroughs in malaria prevention. However, there will be an increase in edema and fluid retention and more brain tumors diagnosed. It is a difficult year for the Earth organs – the spleen, stomach and pancreas. People may gain weight easier and there may be problems with food contamination – especially with beef and root vegetables. Cancer diagnoses may increase and more people will develop diabetes. As Fire is missing this year, heart disease may be a problem and in particular, pooling of blood may cause clots and there will be more heart attacks or more people will suffer from congestive heart failure.

It is wise to be cautious this year and conserve energy. It is important to sleep longer at night and take more naps. Many people will find themselves having dreams that forecast the future. The occult arts will become more popular, particularly astrology. All things exotic, foreign and mysterious will be valued and people will want to travel to unusual places. People will be more open about sexuality and be there could be more gender equality and increased tolerance of sexual differences. Many people will become more religious or spiritual and there may be some recognition of the commonality of beliefs, which will subdue some of the conflicts, but other people will become inflexible and intolerant and stubbornly cling to their beliefs. Some new cults may form or gain recognition or publicity. But, a great benefit of a Water Year is that most people will become more intuitive and creative.

The traits most valued in 2012 are:

· Wisdom

· Innovation

· Strength

· Flexibility

· Tolerance

· Courage

· Creativity

· Intuition

· Innovation

· Extravagance

· Boldness

So, hang on for an “interesting” ride on the powerful Water Dragon!

Individual Animal Forecasts for 2012

Rat - Water Element: 1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, and 2008

This is a good year for having adventures. Rats have a greatly increased chance for success. They are likely to get promoted at work and they have the ability to make a lot more money.

Ox – Earth Element: 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, and 2009

Oxes will be uncomfortable in this Dragon Year. Their innate practicality will not allow them to enjoy the big schemes and massive changes. They will try to wait patiently for calmer times although they will be disgruntled.

Tiger – Wood Element: 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, and 2010

This year will not be dull! It is not an easy time as there are blockages it the Tiger’s path, but those who persevere will do well. Be careful of accidents and dangerous love.

Rabbit – Wood Element: 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, and 2011

This is a year where rabbits need to be very careful, particularly with money. Avoid speculative investing or gambling. Don’t make any big changes in home or love.

Dragon – Earth Element: 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, and 2012

This year can be fantastic or dangerous. Many will succeed and achieve financial success. Others have to guard their health very carefully. Romance both illicit and serious beckons.

Snake – Fire Element: 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, and 2013

It is time for Snakes to become ambitious. Avoid overworking and keep your plans secret for now. There are definitely going to be some adventures this year.

Horse – Fire Element: 1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, and 2014

This is a year of travel and change. Horses will be more active than usual and can get offered new jobs or a better position. Romantic offers will also be coming.

Sheep – Earth Element: 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, and 2015

This is not an easy year as it is a year of change. Family life and romance will be unstable, but relationships will remain good. It is an important to be up to date technologically.

Monkey - Metal Element: 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, and 2016

This is a year of opportunity and stability. Monkeys finally get recognition and reward. Monkeys with new products will succeed, new romance is likely and health is good.

Rooster – Metal Element: 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, and 2017

This is a much better year. Roosters will feel more creative and confident. A new romance is possible or an existing relationship will deepen. Roosters need to have some fun!

Dog – Earth Element: 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, and 2018

This is a difficult year for Dogs. Relationships will be strained and finances will be tight. However, it is a good year to travel a lot, particularly for long journeys or to move.

Pig – Water Element: 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, and 2019

This is a stable year with steady progress and occasional drama that will keep things lively. Pigs will feel more creative and will enjoy decorating, dressing up and going out more.