The Year of the Rat begins on February 7, 2008. It is symbolized by a Mountain floating on the Ocean, an image that suggests a lack of solidity and security. However, there are opportunities disguised as problems in every situation, and with the right forethought and positioning, they can be golden for you.
ATMOSPHERE
* There will be increased potential for earthquakes, landslides, avalanches, high-rise building disasters, torrential storms, floods, tsunamis, and blizzards.
* It is possible that more of these incidents will occur in the southern and western parts, countries and cities of the world.
* Water pollution problems, as well as innovative water purification methods, may be in the news.
REQUIREMENTS
* If you live in an area with potential for any of the above, take precautions right now to keep yourself safe.
* Purchase a good water purifier to keep your personal water supply healthy.
* Get involved with legislators and grassroots groups to keep your local waterways clean and vital.
POLICIES
* There will be monumental efforts to achieve global stability as strong pockets of subterranean currents attempt to “bring the mountain down.”
* We could see the beginning of a cooling off period in international conflicts.
* There are indications that more women will rise to political power this year.
REQUIREMENTS
* May peace begin with you. Make a personal commitment to create a harmonious atmosphere in your environment and in your heart. It will have a ripple effect on everyone in your personal life and on all of humanity.
* Use the power of Feng Shui to harmonize the energies in your home and work space. Place a symbol of peace and prosperity focus on your desk, such as a photo of the ocean or a waterfall flowing towards you.
* Spend 15-30 minutes a day integrating a spiritual practice or personal development program.
RELATIONS
* In Chinese astrology, the Rat is known as a “Flower of Romance” and therefore for many there will be increased romance and sociability in the air. More public love triangles and sex scandals may abound.
* Depending on your individual horoscope, the focus on romance can bring unexpected challenges
and breakups for some and/or it can trigger an unexpected new love for you this year.
REQUIREMENTS
*Connecting with others is beneficial this year, whether for romantic purposes, business networking, or any other type of social involvement.
*Join a dating site, social networking site, or connect with a special interest group or spiritual congregation. New friendships will be beneficial, and certain types of friendships will lead to romance.
* If you are in a challenging relationship right now, this is a good year to seek counseling to heal your heart and remember the core of the love you once shared.
HEALTH
* There is a “depth” and “hidden” quality to what is buried within a mountain and what lies under the sea and this may correspond to discovering a deeper understanding of health and how what is buried within our subconscious minds powerfully affects it.
* New healing discoveries of plants growing on top of mountains or underwater may emerge.
* In Chinese medicine, “earth disorders” relate to the spleen, pancreas, and stomach, so obesity, diabetes, and digestive system problems may be more common. The emotion of sadness is also related to earth, so depression and problems with antidepressants may be more widespread.
* “Water disorders” relate to the urinary/bladder and reproductive systems and adrenal glands. The main emotion of water is fear.
* The Chinese astrological sign of the Horse (fire element) is directly opposed to the Rat and this clash can lead to an increase in “fire disorders” such as high blood pressure, heart/circulatory/brain conditions, vision problems, fever and inflammation. The emotional imbalance of fire is overexcitation.
* This year may unleash further advances in healing, beauty and rejuvenation through the use of elixirs made from products of the earth and refined treatments with lasers and microcurrent or light waves.
* Spirituality is ruled by the element of fire and that can spark a greater interest in healing from the deepest level of the heart and soul.
REQUIREMENTS
* If you have any weakness in an organ related to earth, water or fire, think about prevention and focus on strengthening and vitalizing before something serious happens.
* Try some methods of “energy therapy” to quickly eliminate sadness, fear and anxiety to avoid resorting to medication, for example, the Emotional Freedom Technique.
* Investigate spiritual healing modalities such as Reiki, Theta Healing, Chi Kung or Prayer.
* Enjoy the healing benefits of organic teas and elixirs. Consider a water or juice fast one day a month.
* Have fun creating your own health and beauty potions with products from the earth such as clays, herbs and essential oils.
FINANCIAL
* The stock market: More unstable in 2008 and, in general, investors will want to play more calm and cautious.
* The commodity market: grains and soybeans should do well.
* Investments related to the earth element are somewhat favorable, but the earth is unstable this year, so the gains made may not be strong: property, mining, hotels, insurance, health care, food businesses and products of the earth such as herbs, oil, metals or gems. Diamonds can be found in unusual places on earth where they have never been found before.
* Indicators are that interest rates will rise.
* There will be tougher competition in water-related industries: shipping, cruise, fishing and beverage industries. Bottled waters should outperform other types of beverages this year
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* Innovative solar energy and environmentally sensitive products, high-tech industries, and Internet businesses will continue to be profitable.
REQUIREMENTS
* Become more practical (earth) about your money and investments by creating a plan: a kind of “sacred budget” that will curb unconscious spending and intentionally channel your income to achieve your dreams and visions of the current year for the future.
* Invoke the power of reflection and wisdom (water) yourself or another person to make the most beneficial decisions for your business and personal financial success. My predictions are for educational and research purposes only. Always seek the advice of your personal health and financial professional.