words emily cheng

A new year brings thoughts about the unfolding of destiny

At Chinese New Year, good wishes are passed around, special foods are prepared and shared, the lucky colour red rules and everyone looks forward to a year of wealth, good health and many friendships. That may be our wish but perhaps our experiences in the coming year lie in the laps of our feng shui. With an eye on what the future holds, bc approached feng shui master Peter So’s protégé Teren Lam for a new year forecast, which he made for each animal of the Chinese zodiac. Some of his projections inspire dreams of bathing in milk and luxury while others – well, it may not be so good for a few of us to get out of bed this year. What will it be for you and your loved ones? Take a look but remember that, on a system developed by Master So, Master Lam gives two predictions for each zodiac sign, one hot and one cold. Those born between March 5 and August 7 inclusive are in a hot cycle, the others in a cold. Master So’s system elaborates on the eight characters theory (everyone has a series of eight characters based on the year, month, day and hour of their birth, which are used by fortune-tellers to work out a person’s fortune). The cycles are affected by the weather of the month in which one is born and so, for instance, those born in July (summer) are considered ‘hot’. It is best to try and keep a balance between hot and cold and, as 2008 is a ‘cold year’, those born in the hot cycle will be more fortunate.

Rat
Although this year has been declared yours, it does not necessarily mean it’ll be smooth sailing. This year you have ‘fan tai sui’, meaning you have offended the Grand Duke of Jupiter. Throughout the year you’ll probably get the jitters and feel short tempered, so it may be a good idea to blow off steam with a bit of travel. Those in the hot cycle will be glad to hear it’s not all bad, though – your living standards will improve, but fan tai sui will still affect your temper, inhibiting your progress. Also, be prepared to encounter unexpected changes – but don’t get all wound up, be like water in that old Chinese proverb: the wise adapt to circumstances as the water moulds itself to the pitcher. Coldies, you are among those who need a lot of good books and a sturdy bed for the coming year. You had a good past 12 months (even though you worked hard for it) but the same is not headed your way in the next dozen months. Forget happiness and satisfaction for, especially in the second half of the year, fan tai sui will change your life so much you won’t know what hit you. Just take it minute by minute and go easy with the flow.

Ox
Busy, busy, busy. As oxen, you should be used to always draggingthat cart. However, this year, after all that hard work, you can look forward to spending time with a loved one – yourrelationships are looking good. Hotties should really be aggressive and use persistence and their horns to earn a fortune. Those born in the cold cycle, on the other hand, might do better just chilling out asthey may not get out what they once put in. They will really be left to freeze if not careful with their money – biginvestments could lead to big regrets.

Tiger
Although you’re not quite the king of the jungle, you might as well take it easy this year because hot-cycle tigers will be reeling in the money without putting in much effort. With the help from the right people, your year is going to be a breeze, so just sit back and relax. Don’t get your hopes up though, cold tigers, this does not apply to you. Don’t even think about licking your paws as this year you’ll really have to work hard – so get out of that lazy feline state you’re in and start hunting. Unless you work harder than those around you, you may find yourself losing your job.

Rabbit
The peach blossom is in full bloom for rabbits this year; romance is definitely in the air. Hot rabbits will have great relationships – with a chance of getting married. Because you are so cute and fluffy, many people will be drawn to you and will want to lend you a hand, making you financially prosperous. Cold-cycle rabbits, on the other hand, are advised to act a bit more frigid when it comes to relationships – don’t hop into anything unless you’re willing to deal with the consequences. Although you will find romance, this is your year to be independent, as asking for help from others will make things harder for you. Financial problems will also arise if you don’t look after your money and cut back on the spending. Concentrate on looking after yourself this year.

Horse
This year is not so stable for horses but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Don’t resist the changes in your life and you’ll be surprisingly happy with the results. Hot horses can expect many good things – a promotion, a new house, and some extra dough. Don’t be aggressive though, think any action through before you decide what to do and you’ll be galloping through the paddocks without a worry in the world. Horses in the cold cycle will also experience changes, especially in the love department, but they don’t look so good. Still, as long as you take it like a Clydesdale – slowly and carefully – you will be fine.

Snake
Snakes still studying will be happy to hear that this is a good year for you. Your intelligence really shines through and, in addition to your grades increasing, you will also see yourself slithering up the social ladder. You may, however, encounter occasional quarrels with co-workers. Hot snakes should make investments this yearand learn as much as possible. Rumours and clashes will break out all around you but don’t bare your fangs, just ignore them and they will go away. Cold snakes should not eventhink about investing – although you may feel pretty high at the beginning, the signs say you’ll easily lose it all in the end. And be very careful, you may face lawsuits not easy toslide out of.

Dragon
The dragon fire will be a bit of a fizzle in a year that will be both physically and mentally exhausting. But that doesn’t mean the scaly ones should start huffing and puffing yet. Fiery dragons should get into a business that collects money in installments as they can expect to gain a reasonable profit from each take. Business will be good but you hot ones must remember to take a breather and relax – you’ll need it for the stamina to keep earning. It looks like a busy year for you as well, dragons of the ice. The list will seem to be never-ending, probably making you feel a little bit anxious and depressed, and you may encounter financial difficulties. But keep that chin up, it is only 12 months and anyway it will all change.

Goat
Goats are headed for a good year, similar to the last one. Those in the warm foothills will have an extremely satisfying year – your dreams will come true, work will be pleasant, and you’ll be making a fortune. But it won’t just fall from the sky – you will have to put in some effort and be aggressive or you won’t see those results. Goats in the higher, colder regions of the mountain will be involved in many difficult projects but their hard work will eventually be appreciated. Also, they could indulge a bit – what’s the point of having money if you don’t spend it?

Monkey
Hot monkeys can play as much as they like this year but cold macaques should be more diligent – others are getting sick of their laziness. Sizzling simians will be financially prosperous and satisfying results from work could lead to a luxurious vacation. Their cold climate cousins are not so lucky though: they are likely to become stuck in financial difficulties due to their lazy behaviour. The feng shui says work hard and be patient – which shouldn’t be so hard for monkeys: as Edison said, everything comes to him who hustles while he waits.

Dog
Dogs must take care of themselves because this year they’re going to be working like… well, dogs. Hot hounds will find themselves working many jobs with little rest and cold curs will be having an even tougher time of it. Family issues are likely to arise, though with patience they will pass. Also, be careful with your money and don’t make big investmentsor you will be digging holes in search of something to pay off your debts.

Pig
After a year of fan tai sui in 2007, consider this the year of a fresh start. Hot-cycle porkers will be leaving the sty for something better after promotions at work and a steady growth of income. Pigs in the cold won’t be so fortunate – those who act on impulse will gain more enemies than friends. Be prepared for bad times but you will get through them with a calm mind and careful trotters.

Rooster
Roosters can crow loud and clear this year – great good fortune is coming their way. In particular, relationships look good – perhaps there will even be the tinkle of wedding bells in the henhouse. For you hot roosters things will be better than expected: you will have the opportunity of learning from some very wise people, giving you knowledge you will keep for life. Chilly boy-chicks need to slow down a bit though and put brakes on the partying. It won’t be a very progressive year at work so control yourself or it could get worse.

Predictions courtesy of Teren Lam, find out more at www.terenlam.com