White smoke: Pope Francis' election in astrology

On March 13, at approximately 19:20 CET the Vatican sent up the white smoke proclaiming the new pope. What this reveals astrologically is as follows.

According to the ephemeris Mercury is retrograde and turns direct at 21:04 CET on March 17, in almost exactly 4 days. Projected in years this says that in about 4 to 5 years from now an important change will occur in the papacy, either modifying, or ending the reign of Francis. Mercury in this chart rules the 9th house, signifying the church itself as well as legal affairs. Mercury is also square and in mutual reception with Jupiter in the 9th house showing a great deal of controversy through the reign of Francis. But, the square between Mercury and Jupiter, Being a zodiac square and a mundane trine, shows that the controversy and arguing may be productive.

The Moon in the chart is at 16 degrees Aries forming counterparallel aspects with Neptune and Saturn. The Moon rules the 10th house of the pope himself. Neptune is in the 5th house, and Saturn is in the 2nd house. These show the pope distancing himself from elements connected to financial dealings and the more unsavory elements in the church. Neptune in the 5th house points to vice, immorality, and crimes against children. Saturn retrograde in Scorpio in the 2nd house in mutual reception with Pluto in the 4th points to secretive financial dealings, control of banks, and vast land holdings. The Moon counterparallel to Neptune and Saturn shows the pope distancing himself from these matters. As he appears and what is actually happening are incommensurate, in other words.

The chart has a most interesting aspect. Saturn, Pluto and Jupiter form an apect called The Finger of God. It points to Jupiter in the 9th house. The writing on the wall says that the church must adjust if it is to be a religious institution. Jupiter square Mercury may confuse the meaning. The north lunar node at 19 degrees Scorpio is in the 2nd house. 19 degrees Scorpio is the star Serpentis, the most malefic star in the heavens. The 2nd house, being the house of the future, shows the church steering a dark course into the future with respect to its financial ambitions.

The ruler of the 2nd house also points to the future. The 2nd house in this chart has two rulers, Mars and Pluto. Mars is in the 6th house pointing to stressful conditions requiring adjustments, especially connected with the scandals involving child abuse. The other ruler is Pluto. Pluto is in the 4th house. The 4th house has to do with land and real estate holdings, connected with banking interests. The 4th house also has to do with opposition to the pope. The pope is not able to control what is happening.

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The Pisces new moon of 2013

The new moon occured on March 11 at 7:52 PM GMT. It was in Pisces. There were six planets in Pisces at the time: Neptune, Mercury, Venus, Moon, Sun, and Mars, putting tremendous concentration in one area of the zodiac, thus expressing the Piscean qualities at this time everywhere in the world. Typical Piscean characteristics include trust, subservience, self-sacrifice, unselfishness, confusion, being imposed upon, being burdened by thankless tasks often self-assumed. Pisces gives understanding and sympathy. Pisces is changeable; nothing is certain in it. The new moon in Pisces marks a good time for sensing things out and allowing for possibilities of change in ways that are unanticipated. Nothing is certain in the world at this point. Changes will come nonetheless. Trust intuition.
Mercury at the new moon is retrograde. It is also square and in mutual reception with Jupiter in Gemini. This produces a lot of wasted thinking, plans made and changed, and confusions that will have to be tolerated for the time being.
Mars at the new moon is at 29 degrees Pisces. This shows that Mars is at the end of his tether, and apt to make impulsive moves later regretted. Mercury retrograde guarantees changes of mind and lots of regrets. The best thing is to be flexible and open to new ideas and possibilities while biding time.

The north lunar node is at 19 degrees Scorpio, conjunct the star Serpentis. 19 degrees Scorpio is the most malefic degree in the zodiac. It means that the way things are going we can get into hot water. This is a forewarning. The spring equinox chart shows the moon forming a T-Square with Uranus, Mars and Pluto, a violent aspect pointing to developments in the months ahead.

The new moon in the UK happens in the 6th house, the planets in Pisces spanning the 5th and 6th houses, bringing all this Piscean energy into the areas of diplomacy, services and labor. Saturn is in the 2nd house retrograde and in mutual reception with Pluto in the 3rd, while Jupiter is in the 8th. Jupiter is the dispositor of all of the planets in Pisces resonating in the areas of international finances and debt, with nothing constructive being done, just a lot of noise. Saturn retrograde in the 2nd house sextile and in mutual reception with Pluto has a cooling affect on the economy, but is not altogether bad for it. Rather, it seems to favor some significant real estate deals, Mercury retrograde notwithstanding.

The new moon in the US puts Mercury, Venus, Moon, Sun, and Mars all in the 8th house of debt. Mercury in the 8th house is square to Jupiter in the 11th. There is a lot of bickering and lying, and useless quibbling in Congress, none of which will accomplishing anything but wasted time and money; the country is at a loss.

The new moon in Bruxelles, therefore the EU has Neptune, Mercury, Venus, Moon and Sun in the 5th house of diplomatic dealings. Mercury in the 5th house is square Jupiter in the 8th showing useless discussions about the debt with no solutions. Saturn rising in the 1st house in Scorpio shows a a lot of frowning characters unable to figure their way out the mess they made.

The new moon in Moscow has Neptune, Mercury, Venus, Moon and Sun in the 4th house of the land itself. Mercury in the 4th house is in zodiac square and mundane trine with Jupiter in the 8th showing that all the confusion about money is being used to Russia's advantage. Russia is developing her resources, most probably in the area of oil and gas. Saturn in the 1st house is in mutual reception with Pluto in the 2nd. The outlook is restrained, secretive, and seriously involved in financial plans for the future.

The new moon in Beijing has Mercury, Venus, Moon, Sun, Mars and Uranus in the 2nd house with Mercury square Jupiter in the 4th house. Big financial developments are afoot, and they involve a precarious housing bubble that is beginning to implode. Neptune in the 1st house says that the outlook is confused. Saturn in the 9th house in mutual reception with Pluto in the 12th shows trouble behind the scenes involving foreign interests overshadowing the Government that may be running into possible trouble, as shown by the north node conjunct the star Serpentis in the 10th house.

The new moon in Sydney has the Moon, Sun, Mars, and Uranus in the 1st house. The new moon is conjunct the Ascendent, marking a new beginning in Australia. Mars in the 1st house shows the mood impatient especially with regard to finances, possibly involving international dealings. Mercury in the 12th house is square to Jupiter in the 3rd showing misleading news from the media and Government connected with land and real estate. Could be tricky dealings going on behind the scenes.

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A Chinese astrological portrait of Hugo Chavez

Hugo Chavez died on March 5 of cancer. He was 58. Born on July 28, 1954 the Chinese astrological signs for the year, month, day, and hour of his birth are Wood Horse, Metal Sheep, Wood Rooster, and Earth Tiger, respectively. Wood Horse shows him to have had many points of view and the ability to relate to countless people with equal interest and enthusiasm. He was always restless, imaginative and exuberant, and he acted freely. Wood Rooster shows him to have been naturally curious about many things. He was critical, and had excellent managerial instincts. And he loved to attract attention and was quite the show-off. He was self-disciplined, flexible and sociable. His chart having the sign Peach Blossom also shows that he was charismatic, and strongly attractive to women.

He was born in the year of 1 Water Star, the month of 3 Wood Star and his tendency was 3 Wood Star. This made him strongly idealistic, and capable of expressing himself in a surprisingly aggressive manner that, at worst, offended others and opened him to personal attacks that he took badly. He was not the most patient man. Because he drank copious amounts of coffee, smoked cigarettes, and lived under extreme emotional stress his health was adversely affected.

Born on a day of Yin Wood and in the year of Horse, Chavez always thought for others whenever doing anything; he was considerate, but controlling. Born on a day of Yin Wood and in a month of Sheep Chavez had many helpful friends. Born on a day of Rooster Chavez was highly respected. Born in the hour of Tiger, Chavez had a knife blade. Knife blade in the hour of birth gives a surprising character, capable of suddenly destructive actions and words. Knife blade in the hour of birth also tells of poor relations with children, a spouse who is prone to illness, and surgery toward the end of life.

The chart shows unstable conditions in Chavez' early years. He came from a humble background and learned to be independent early. He lacked family support and tended to distance himself from his siblings.

The balance of elements in Chavez' chart are 5 Fire, 4 Earth, 2 Metal, 0 Water, and 4 Wood. Metal is the weakest element. His vital element is Earth. No Water in the chart shows that whenever Water comes up in the chart's progressed cycles Chavez faced big challenges. We see that Water was strong from his age 7 to 27, and then from 37 to the end of his life. He lived under stress most of his life. Water denotes enemies in his chart. Born with no Water, he felt no fear. His cycle of age 17 to 27 in which he went through the military academy and found his life's calling was pivotal. Chavez was assigned at age 27 to teach in the military academy, and alarmed his superiors by the extent of his influence over the students. This brought them to send him to Apure, a remote area. But the contact he had with the indigenous people there informed his policies that he implemented when he ultimately came to power. In 1992 at age 38, the beginning of a long stressful period shown by Water element coming up, Chavez led an attempt to overthrow the government of President Perez over unpopular economic austerity measures and landed Chavez in jail for two years. But, after a complex rise to prominence, Chavez won the Venezuelan presidential elections in 2000 at age 46. Age 47 to 57 for Chavez was a period of maximum Water in which he won the enmity of the Bush Administration, and contracted his cancer. There may or may not be a connection between these. But, Chavez was most prone to making enemies between age 47 and 57.

Metal, being his vital element, is what protected Chavez' health. It was present in his chart from birth up to age 37. After that it faded out. His cycle 57 to 67 is Fire Ox. The Fire kills his Metal. He was too weak to go on. Chavez' chart has Heaven medicine star with no Water element. This means that he was in danger throughout his life of coming down with a disastrous illness. Had he cared for his physical health he might have gone on for a long time. Metal comes back again in his chart at age 87. He could have lived past 100.

The years 2012 and 2013 are both Water years, 2012 being Water Dragon, and 2013 being Water Snake. Snake for Chavez is the death star. He died in the year of Snake. Had he continued, Snake would have come up again in his cycle of age 97 to 107.

Chavez died at the threshold of his greatest period of power. 57 up to 77 would have brought him up to his pinnacle. Because of this, despite his early death, it is not unreasonable to say that his spiritual influence will continue long into the future of South America.

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Van Cliburn: a Chinese astrological portrait

The great American pianist Van Cliburn died of bone cancer on February 27, 2013 at age 78. He was born at the new moon of July 12, 1934 at 11:45 AM. The Chinese astrological signs at the date and time of his birth are as follows. The year was Wood Dog, the month was Metal Sheep, the day was Wood Monkey, and the hour was Metal Horse. This shows Van Cliburn to have been a very hard working, ambitious, clever personality with high aspirations. As shown by his birth stars, Cliburn was a sanguine personality, and believed that his work was of benefit to the whole world, and, considering that his winning of the Tschaikovsky piano competition in Moscow in 1958 signaled a turning of the tide in US/Soviet relations, his work was, indeed, of benefit to the world. Capable of great vision and humanitarian works, Cliburn's artistic and humanitarian achievements also won him the US Medal of Freedom in 2003, and the Order of Friendship of the Russian Federation in 2004.

The balance of elements in Cliburn's chart is 4 Fires, 4 Earths, 4 Metals, 1 Water, and 3 Woods. Water is extremely weak. Water rules bones. Cliburn's Vital Element was Metal; Metal protects Water. Metal in Cliburn's chart was very strong from birth all the way up to age 39. Between 39 and 69 Water became vulnerable, but was strong enough to carry him through. But from age 69 to 79, most noticibly from 74 to 79 Water was totally exhausted, and it was in this period that Cliburn contracted the cancer that ended his life. The age cycle of 69 to 79 has very strong Earth, Wood, and Fire, all which combine to kill Water, in other words, Cliburn's bones. This year, 2013, the year of Cliburn's death, is the year of Snake. Snake in Cliburn's chart is his death star. Had Cliburn not gotten this cancer, his death star would have come up at age 99. If this situation were looked at in the light of traditional fenghui, it would show that to have prevented his death in this period of his life, it would have been recommended that he move to a cold, dry climate at age 69. Cliburn was living in a hot, humid climate. Hot and humid exhausts Water element. Water element is cold. Metal, which protects Water is mountain air. Had he moved to a place like Switzerland or to Colorado, and had proper care earlier, he would have been able to live longer. Cliburn's chart shows strong Metal emerging again at age 89. Metal is what protected his life.

With Metal so strong up to age 39 Cliburn rose to meteoric fame in his early 20s. In 1958 at age 23 he won the Tschaikovsky competition. 1958 was the year of Earth Dog. It shows a huge gain for Cliburn. In 1962 at age 28 Cliburn set up the Van Cliburn International Music Competition. 1962 was the year of Water Tiger. Tiger for Cliburn is traveling star. It signifies a major development and change in his career.

In 2012 Cliburn performed his last concert, and was diagnosed with advanced bone cancer. The year 2012 was Water Dragon. Dragon is called the grave of Water.

Born on a day of yang Wood, the signs of Cliburn's year, month, day and hour of birth show him working very hard in his earliest years, the sign of Cliburn's year of birth being Dog. Sheep, being the sign of Cliburn's month of birth shows him to have been a lucky man, but when Water was wiped out between age 69 and 79 he became sick. Monkey, the sign of Cliburn's day of birth shows Cliburn, even with his ambition, to have been easy-going. Many people loved him. Horse, the sign of Cliburn's hour of birth, shows him to have been lucky and wealthy.

Had his cancer been discovered and stopped earlier, and the right precautions been taken, Cliburn would have reached his life's pinnacle at age 79 to 89. The Chinese astrological chart shows his illness starting at or right after age 69. It was not diagnosed until he was already 77.

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Chinese solar new year

While the Chinese lunar new year begins at the second new moon after winter solstice, which, this year, is on February 10, the solar year always begins exactly midway between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. It corresponds in western astrology with 15 degrees Aquarius, and usually falls on February 4. The Chinese solar new year always marks the beginning of Chinese spring season.

In Chinese astrology the solar years and months are always marked in the 9 star system. The 9 stars are called 1 Water, 2 Earth, 3 Wood, 4 Wood, 5 Earth, 6 Metal, 7 Metal, 8 Earth, and 9 Fire. This year, 2013 is the year of 5 Earth. The nature of 5 Earth is to establish perfect balance. In the year of 5 Earth all of the stars return to their original houses, 1 Water star returning to house of 1 Water, 2 Earth to the house of 2 Earth, and so on. This means that all of the elements in this year are back home, and we are at the beginning of a new nine year cycle. All of the forces in Nature are now returning to their original harmony.

The 9 star system is the oldest Chinese astrological system, said to have been discovered by the first king of China, Fu Hsi, about five-thousand years ago. The 9 star system was based originally on observations of the stars in the Big Dipper, the North Star and the star Wega made at regular intervals, and was used as a calendar for agricultural purposes. It also found its way into the Chinese compass systems used in fengshui as seen in fengshui compasses made during the Han dynasty over two thousand years ago. By the Han dynasty this was already known to be a very ancient system.

The 9 Star system came to be linked with the Eight Immortals and realm of the Jade Emperor. The correspondences are as follows.

1 Water Star corresponds with Chang Kuo-Lao, a recluse who has, and can grant magical powers including the power of invisibility. He travels on a mule that takes him great distances, and when not needed the mule is folded up and put away in a wallet. When Chang wants to ride the mule again, he puts water on it and it returns to its original form. Chang always rides his mule backwards.

2 Earth Star corresponds with Ho Hsien-Ku, a lady who, having eaten a supernatural peach, became a fairy. She loves to wander alone in the mountains, and lives on powdered mother of pearl and moonbeams. She brings harmony and joy to people's homes.

3 Wood Star corresponds to Chung-Li Ch'uan, the chief of the immortals who keeps the alchenical secrets of the elixir of life and the powder of transformation. He is depicted as a fat man with a bare belly. He holds a peach and a fan with which he revives the souls of the dead.

4 Wood Star corresponds to Han Hsiang-Tzu, a famous scholar who has the power to make flowers grow and blossom instantly. His emblem is a flute, and he is the patron of musicians. He does not care about money, and, if given any, scatters it on the ground.

5 Earth Star is the central star. It represents the pole star, the palace of the Jade Emperor who rules over the entire operations of the heavens. The Jade Emperor has a minister called Tu Ti Gong, meaning the working of the relations of Earth and Heaven. Tu Ti Gong is also commonly known as Grandpa. Shrines to Tu Ti Gong are always placed low on the ground. He is a very popular deity. Tu Ti Gong brings petitions from the people to the Jade Emperor. The year of 5 Earth Star is auspicious for everyone because 5 Earth Star is in the center of the world this year, and the connection to the Jade Emperor's palace is direct so that this is a very good year to put away old troubles and start new ventures to ensure long lasting success.

6 Metal Star corresponds to Lan Ts'ai-Ho, a woman who wears a blue gown, with one foot shod and the other foot bare, waving a wand and begging in the streets. She sings a song about the fleeting delusions and vanities of this life. She carries a flower basket, and is the patron of gardners and florists.

7 Metal Star corresponds to Lu Tung-Pin, a scholar and recluse. He overcame ten temptations for which he won a sword of supernatural power with which he traveled the earth for 400 years slaying dragons, freeing the world of evil spirits, and healing diseases. He is worshipped by the sick.

8 Earth Star corresponds to Ts'ao Kuo Chiu, a nephew of the empress Ts'ao Hou of the Sung dynasty. Ts'ao Kuo Chiu appears in court costume and holds castinets. He is the patron of the theatrical arts.

9 Fire Star corresponds to Li T'ieh-Kuai, a beggar leaning on an iron staff, carrying a beggar's gourd in which there is a scroll that is flying out and away. Li T'ieh-Kuai is a powerful magician who has the ablity to leave his body and fly into the heavens. His emblem is a pilgrim's gourd, and he is sometimes represented riding on a crab, or accompanying a deer. He brings great luck and prosperity.

If you don't know your birth star, here is how to find it. The cycle of the nine stars repeats every nine years. The stars for men and women are opposite and complementary, the Taoist understanding being that women and men are mirrors of one another. Find your year star either by adding or subtracting 9 or multiples of 9 to or from your birth year until you come to one of the following.

1952 for men and women is 3 Wood Star
1953 for men is 2 Earth Star, and for women is 4 Wood Star
1954 for men is 1 Water Star, and for women is 5 Earth Star
1955 for men is 9 Fire Star, and for women is 6 Metal Star
1956 for men is 8 Earth Star, and for women is 7 Metal Star
1957 for men is 7 Metal Star, and for women is 8 Earth Star
1958 for men is 6 Metal Star, and for women is 9 Fire Star
1959 for men is 5 Earth Star, and for women in 1 Water Star
1960 for men is 4 Wood Star, and for women is 2 Earth Star
1961 for men and women is 3 Wood Star.

If, for example you are a woman born in 1980, you would subtract 27, a multiple of 9, and come to 1953, or 4 Wood Star. Or, if you are a man born in 1980, you would find that your birth star is 2 Earth.

The beginning of the solar new year can be reduced to an I Ching hexagram to tell us something about what the year means. Using the year, month, day and hour of the beginning of the solar year this year, we get Hexagram 11. Hexagram 11 is called Peace. Small things are fading away, great things are coming. Great profits can be made on small investments. This hexagram is very fortunate when it comes in the spring, and this is the beginning of spring. The line in the hexagram given by our computation is the 5th line. It says "The emperor gives his daughter in marriage. Good fortune." The meaning is "to rule is to serve." Carry out what is right in a simple manner and you will enjoy good fortune.

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Obama's Inauguration as seen in astrology

President Obama was inaugurated in two ceremonies, the first and more important being January 20 at 11:56 am, and the second being January 21 at 11:56 am. The first ceremony done privately was the start of his second term of office, and the second one was a public display. Charts made for both ceremonies reveal very different things. The first chart is the more important. It tells what is going to happen. The second chart is also important. It modifies to some degree what the first chart shows.

The first chart is simple. The Moon is exalted in Taurus in the first house, forming only one aspect: a square to Mars. Mars rules the 7th house and is in the 10th house in mutual reception with Saturn. Saturn is just below the horizon in the 6th house opposite the Ascendent. These are the most significant aspects in the chart. In a nutshell they point to conflict. Moon in the first house denotes the public. Square to Mars denotes public discontent continuing through Obama's second term. Mars in the 10th house ruling the 7th is a classical sign of much military activity and possible war. It also shows illness and death of major figures in the highest circles in the country, also much trouble in the Government. Mars in mutual reception with Saturn casts an opposition with the Moon, denoting that there is no way around trouble. The mutual reception point of Mars is in the 7th house, showing grave dangers of international disputes and war. While the President tells the nation that the wars are ending, the chart strongly points toward more war. It may be that new wars will develop. Time will tell.

Looking more deeply into the chart, we see the Moon at 19 degrees Taurus exactly opposite the malefic star Serpentis. Moon is in the 1st house and rules the 4th. The Moon here clearly represents the people, and opposite Serpentis shows that the people are facing the most evil star in the heavens. Serpentis is in the 7th house, denoting trouble brewing abroad. There is one mitigating aspect; the Moon is trine to Venus in the 9th house. This means that international figures are working for peace, and may succeed to some degree in preventing the undesirable. On the other hand, Pluto, who is conjunct Venus in the 9th house and square Uranus in the 12th, shows the international community in considerable tension and exerting pressure from behind the scenes on the American Government. There is no way that the US Government will not be deeply entagled in the developing international turmoil. Looking further, we see Jupiter in the 1st house trine Mercury and the Sun in the 10th. This is very positive. It protects the people, and strongly favors the Administration, its difficulties notwithstanding.

Looking at the second chart, made for January 21, we see the Moon still in the 1st house but now in Gemini square to Neptune, and trine the Sun, Mercury and Mars, and Sextile to Uranus, mostly very good aspects. The chart is sanguine and strongly favors the Administration. Mars in the 10th house in mutual reception Saturn still points to international trouble, possibly to war, but trine to the Moon tells a different story. It says that if there is military conflict we can expect victory.

In both charts the ruler of the economy is Mercury. Mercury is in Aquarius combust the Sun, and trine Jupiter. This says that while the economy is weak it is being boosted, and should improve. The second chart has Moon conjunct Jupiter and trine to Mercury and the Sun. This gives tremendous encouragement for improvement of economic conditions through this Administration.

 

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The Year of Water Snake in Chinese Astrology

Chinese new year always begins on the second new moon after winter solstice. The Chinese new year in 2013 begins on February 10 at 15:21 in Beijing, or 7:21 GMT, or 2:21 AM EST.

The Chinese astrological chart for the new year, first month and first day has the following signs. The year is Water Snake; the first month is Wood Tiger; and the first day is Fire Sheep. The different hours in the different regions of the world yield different hour signs. Charts for China, Australia, the UK and EU, and the US were examined. All of the charts show a predominance of Wood element. Compared to 2012, 2013 is going to be a far more active year.

The nature of Water Snake is very subtle and deep. It favors secrecy, and is at its best in quiet conditions. Because of the predominance of Wood this year, the Water Snake will be creatively active, and, when conditions become tumultuous, will strike clandestinely. Lots of cloak and dagger activity will be happening this year.

2013 is also the year of 5 Earth Star. 5 Earth Star favors putting everything in order. Combined with predominant Wood, the year favors making plans, standing your ground, and being decisive in your actions.

Wood conduces to unrestrained growth. If blocked it displays violent anger. Turmoil and conflict will increase this year. The new year chart shows a very interesting combination of elements that tells us that the period of maximum probability for turmoil will be during the two lunar months of June 9, and July 8, in other words, between June 9 and August 7. The area in the world that shows the most Wood element is Europe and the UK, where we can anticipate increasing conflict, especially in the summer months.

The strong Wood element of the new year chart also tells of stormy conditions. The summer will bring severe wind and electrical storms. Wood also tells of volcanic and seismic activity increasing. In addition to the two lunar months indicated above, there is a maximum of Wood element from February 10 to April 10, and then from next December 3 to January 31, 2014. Added up, we have three two month periods during which there are big upsurges in C'hi that may affect weather, seismic, and human activity in the world (2/10 - 4/10; 6/9 - 8/7; and 12/3 - 1/31); summer in the northern hemisphere may be the most active.

On the darker side, the chart has a unique configuration called Knife Blade, or Star of Aggression. It shows that certain people in positions of power will become more arrogant, unbending, obstinate, inclined to not listen to reason, and prone to taking risks, and squandering the wealth. The chart also has Robbing Star, and the Robbing Star is involved with the Star of Aggression. This means that crime is on the increase in the whole world, and this includes aggressive, criminal behavior among people in leading positions.

On the brighter side, the chart strongly favors creative activity. It especially favors fields involving philanthropical activities, education, research, publishing, and the arts. In the US this will be a highly creative year.

The chart has what is called Tien Yi, or Sky Medicine Star. Tien Yi helps mitigate the negative signs. Tien Yi is said to be a deity whom all demons fear. She is the luckiest of all the stars, and she resolves most predicaments. Tien Yi is complemented in the US chart with another star called Heaven Medicine, which points to an advancement in the understanding the nature of healing, especially in the US this year. Heaven Medicine Star favors the traditional paths of healing that involve spiritual work. It is a strongly positive sign for shamanistic healing, all of which tells us that the most effective way to overcome the forces of evil that we see this year is by working for universal spiritual awakening and healing.

Tien Yi in this chart is linked with a star called Nobleman star. This means that when you show good will, others will come to help. The way is to be of service to one another, and not to follow the dark paths of the Knife Blade and Robbing Stars. In China, Nobleman Star is joined by Tai Chi Nobleman Star. This is most fortunate. China will be able to make far-sighted, and important reforms this year.

Another star shown in the new year chart is Traveling Horse Star. This favors moving or renovating your home, and making significant changes in business. On a large scale, it favors changes coming in international relations. Traveling Horse does not tolerate stagnant conditions. With the predominance of Wood element this year, stagnation will be blown away. This is a year for big changes. The tensions between those in power and the people can reach explosive conditions if those in power assume a rigid position. Traveling Horse with Knife Blade and so much Wood is a recipe for uprisings around the world.

The balance of elements in the chart is more yang than yin. This means that this year people will tend to be proactive, not passive.

Water Snake Year for each of the 12 signs

 

 

To get a completely accurate and detailed reading for yourself it is, of course, best to have your own personal Chinese astrological chart read. The descriptions below are general.

 



1. Rat. This year brings some discord, but you can take advantage of discord and turn disadvantage to your favor. The year favors creative activity, building up your career, and prospering. It also strongly favors romance.

 

2. Ox. While the year brings stressful conditions it will also bring good opportunities if you yield to outside pressures. Friendly people come to your aid and help you resolve whatever predicaments you might have. The year favors creative activity, puttting money away, taking care of your health, and finding contentment in yourself. If you experience obstacles in love, be patient.

 

3. Tiger. This is an active year with tensions building up into the summer. The lunation period of 8/7 to 9/4 will be most challenging for your interactions with others. Nonetheless, the year encourages you to increase your circle of friends and acquaintances, and build up your work and finances.

 

4. Rabbit. This is a good year to move or redo your home, travel, and/or start some new work. It favors increasing your circle of friends. Friendly people will come your way to help you if needed. This is a year for you to take charge of your affairs and improve your conditions.

 

5. Dragon. This year requires that you take the lead, and conquer untoward conditions as they appear. Go against the stream, swim upstream. Rely on yourself. You will be fortunate and able to provide for more secure conditions. The year encourages you to learn something new.  

 

6. Snake. This is your year. It favors moving or rearranging your house, changing your work, or some aspect of your work, and/or traveling. It also favors learning something new. Others will come to your aid to help resolve whatever predicament you have. Be careful to avoid unnecessary conflict. Your patience will be tried.

 

7. Horse. This is going to be an extremely active year, the most active period appearing to be the lunation of 10/5 to 11/2. The year brings you romance, and increased prosperity.

 

8. Sheep. This year advises to yield to outside pressures to avoid enmity. Get out of the way of danger by letting it pass. The year strongly favors moving or redoing your house, changing, or developing a new aspect of your work, and traveling. The year also favors all artistic, creative activity.

 

9. Monkey. This year strongly encourages you to develop your work, to rely on yourself, and be patient especially in matters of love. Conditions earlier in the year may be more stressful than later. While you may be attractive to others, you may feel discontentment. Work vigorously to carry things through. You may see an increase in money. The year favors you resorting to divination, astrology, and spiritual practices to help find your way through whatever current conditions you don't like.

 

10. Rooster. This year strongly favors making money, and/or taking up new studies. Conditions are harmonious. You are in command, and other people are there to help you. Whatever difficulties you have you will be able to resolve successfully.

 

11. Dog. This is a year for you be self-reliant, to stand up and meet your challenges head on. The year favors making and saving up money, and engaging in creative activity. If you are an artist, this is a fortunate year for your work.

 

12. Pig. You will overcome your opposition, and will receive help if and when needed this year. The year favors building up your work and making money. It also favors moving or redoing your house, traveling, and starting up new work or some new aspect of your work.

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Raphael is available for personal Chinese astrological readings. To find out more visit www.trs-fengshui.com.

 

Raphael's book Feng Shui Step by Step is reprinted and available at Amazon.com and at www.createspace.com/3472024.