GENERAL PROSPECTS FOR 2012
MANILA, JANUARY 21, 2012 (STARweek) By JVM Franciso - Strike up the
band, get the dragon dance rolling and start the revelry. The Water Dragon has
finally returned!
It is for good reason that astrologers have been waiting for the Year of the
Water Dragon with much anticipation. This year's element, Water, is in harmony
with the Dragon's fixed element, Wood, nourishing it and allowing it to bring
countless opportunities for growth and expansion. For the past 17 years, the
fixed elements of the animal signs have clashed with the years' elements,
thereby bringing destructive consequences. We can now relax and enjoy the
benefits of an exciting, fortune-clad year that will bring luck to most of us.
The Dragon is the symbol of power and good fortune in Chinese astrology.
Unlike the other earthly animal signs, it is the only mythical animal and its
zodiac sign is considered special. It is a known fact that many Chinese couples
all over the world time the birth of their children to coincide with the Year of
the Dragon. Characterized as vibrant, dynamic, colorful and flamboyant, these
Dragon features will therefore figure prominently in our lives this year. We can
expect 2012 to be no ordinary year. It will be an exciting and action-driven
period marked by major initiatives and progress.
General Prospects for 2012
The Year of the Dragon is known to bring the Four Blessings of the East –
wealth, virtue, harmony and longevity. Opportunities will abound throughout the
year and they must be seized as they come. As the Chinese say, "Better do it
than miss it."
But together with the grand developments and events that we expect this year,
there will also be major crashes and failures for those who do not augur well
with the elements. During the past Dragon years, we saw major global, political
and scientific events take place. In 1952, young Queen Elizabeth ascended to the
British throne and this year marks her 60th year as head of the United Kingdom.
In the same year the United States introduced two of the most destructive
weapons in history – the hydrogen bomb and the B-52 bomber.
It was also during Dragon years that Abdul Nasser took power in Egypt by
overthrowing the monarchy, Nikita Khrushchev of Russia was ousted and replaced
by Leonid Brezhnev, and Harold Wilson stunned England by his sudden resignation.
The Polish Solidarity movement which began in the year of the Dragon inspired
the quest for democracy in Eastern Europe. In the area of medicine, penicillin
was invented and introduced for the first time and the first successful
separation of Siamese twins took place at the Mt. Sinai Hospital in Ohio.
2012 is expected to be no different from other Dragon years in terms of the
magnitude of developments and events. In the world of politics, we will see the
emergence of new leaders who will inspire change. They will come into power
through radical means or through elections that will be marred by controversies.
National leaders will continue to focus on improving the economy and
spearheading moral transformation.
We also expect many civic organizations to be more vigilant and come to the
front with their advocacies for human rights, the environment and national
identity. People power will continue to wield its influence in world affairs,
some leading to political change, others leading to major policy decisions.
In business, there will be brisk developments with plenty of opportunities
for growth. Major economic incentives will be launched to stimulate investments
and industries. Favorable areas for growth this year are agriculture, real
estate, building and infrastructure development, transportation, creative
industry and information communication technology. As a general practice,
starting a new business will be favorable during the Year of the Water Dragon.
The field of science will also see some exciting inventions and discoveries.
Astronomers and scientists will be thrilled by a major discovery in the Milky
Way that will revolutionize our perception of the universe. However, we will not
be spared by major natural catastrophes that have characterized other Dragon
years. Some parts of the world will be devastated by major earthquakes, extreme
flooding and volcanic eruptions.
On a more positive note, the Year of the Water Dragon will augur well for
creative expression. In the arts, the fields of music, fashion and film will
lead in the production of ground-breaking and cutting edge works that will leave
a mark in the arts scene. In the Philippines, independent films will begin to
enjoy greater public recognition and box office returns.
In general, the Year of the Dragon will be an exciting year, particularly
during the second quarter of the year. It will be off to a rough and stormy
start during its first month, revving up for a fast-paced and memorable year.
Under the influence of the Dragon, 2012 will be a yang year. Yang water is
flowing rather than stagnant, so expect our lives to flow with the energy of the
Dragon. Ideas will abound, creativity flourish, economies grow and communities
celebrate. So hang on to your dreams. This year might yet give you the
opportunity to see them come true.
The person born in the year of the Rat is hardworking and thrifty. He
rarely lets an opportunity pass and is constantly involved in many plans and
schemes. Charming, intelligent and sociable, he is easy to get along with and
enjoys parties and social gatherings. He cherishes friends, associates and
family relations and often gets enmeshed in people's lives and affairs.
The Rat usually comes out of the water dry, so he is easily adaptable to a
constantly changing environment. 2012 will therefore be a happy and successful
year for you. Almost all aspects of your life will be favorable but most
particularly your career. Rats involved in business or arts and culture will see
the most favorable results. The year will begin a bit roughly but the second
quarter should be smooth sailing. You must respond to any concern immediately
and old problems must be resolved during the first two months otherwise it will
be difficult to move forward. Business expansion, new partnerships or ventures
will be most favorable during the second half of the year. For Rats seeking
work, this is not the time to hold back. Job openings that interest you must be
grabbed at once.
As a result of your professional success, you will see your financial
situation steadily improve. It will be wise to start a pension policy and pay up
any lingering debt. Save some money as well because there will be exciting
travel opportunities that will suddenly come your way. Grab the chance, whether
work-related or for vacation, and you will find the trip most pleasurable.
The Rat places great importance on family life and 2012 will find him busy
with new home improvement projects, family gatherings and social events. For
single Rats, you will have to be on guard during the second half of the year as
Cupid's arrow could strike anytime. For those with partners, try not to neglect
your loved ones despite your busy schedule during the first half of the year or
it might lead to unwanted consequences. Someone close to you will bring some
interesting news that could delight or startle you. Think twice before doing
anything about it.
The Ox is an animal that symbolizes prosperity through determination
and hard work. A person born under the Ox sign is therefore dependable, calm and
methodical. He is a tireless worker and can be entrusted with positions of
authority and responsibility. Strong-willed and persistent, he can sometimes
exhibit bad temper.
The Year of the Dragon will be a variable year for Oxen. You generally like
to proceed based on a well laid out plan so you will sometimes feel
uncomfortable in constantly changing situations. Your plans will be realized but
with great effort and perseverance. One positive thing this year – you will get
the support of influential people.
At work, you will face new challenges during the first quarter of the year
that will broaden your experience. This may seem daunting at first but with hard
work, patience and willingness to be flexible, you will see good results during
the second quarter. For Oxen seeking jobs for the first time or wanting to shift
careers, March, May, August and November will see interesting prospects. Oxen
who are in business will see good opportunities to start a new venture in March,
April and June. Your income will improve this year but existing financial
commitments will gradually mount. Plan out your expenditures well and avoid
profligate spending. Pay close attention to correspondence and paperwork and
keep your accounting up to date.
Oxen will experience busy and oftentimes pressured lifestyles in 2012. You
will, however, find much-needed support from family members and friends so set
aside some time for them. It will be good to do some regular recreational or
sports activities, creative hobby or an educational pursuit. Single Oxen will
meet a love prospect during the second quarter of the year. Do not jump into a
commitment immediately and allow some time for the relationship to grow. As to
your health, your hectic schedule may lead to some minor ailments. Avoid being
irritable and show some restraint when dealing with problems. It is important to
exercise and go on a healthy diet this year. Visit your doctor for a general
check-up.
The Tiger symbolizes power, passion and daring. A Tiger therefore
usually displays a rebellious, colorful and unpredictable character. He is a
fearless and fiery fighter but on the other hand has a humanitarian and romantic
streak in him. At his best, he is warm, sensitive and sympathetic; at his worst,
he is obstinate, unreasonable and selfish.
For Tigers who had a challenging time in 2011, the Year of the Dragon will be
a rewarding year. But your key words will have to be vigilance and compromise.
The Dragon favors initiatives if carefully planned, so your creativity and
enterprising nature can bring good results.
At work, your heavy load will continue but your successes will be rewarded
and acknowledged better this time. You must always remember the saying "One
soldier does not make a battle," so it's wise to consult, collaborate and
organize things with your team. Tigers seeking jobs or planning to shift
companies will find 2012 a difficult period but with patience and perseverance
you can expect good results in the end. For those wanting to work abroad this is
a good year to do so. Tiger entrepreneurs will find the months of March, April
and May lucky months to start a new venture or expand your business. Some Tigers
might find their business partners becoming difficult to deal with. If you've
been contemplating about it, now is a good time to go solo.
As a result of your success at work, your income will generally improve. But
you need to be cautious with big transactions during the 3rd quarter of the
year. Study them carefully and think twice before making new investments. Your
social life will be quite active and exciting but you need to keep a good
balance between work and social activities.
At home there will be some tensions with your partner during the middle of
the year. Keep communication lines open and resolve the issue as soon as
possible. Single Tigers will encounter a love prospect during the second or last
quarter of the year. There will also be an exciting travel opportunity to a
destination you've not visited before.
To the Chinese, the Rabbit symbolizes graciousness, good manners,
sound counsel, kindness and sensitivity to beauty. The Rabbit is a witty and
intelligent speaker and loves being involved in a good discussion. He is an
efficient worker and has an extremely good memory.
2012 will be a busy but relatively happy year for Rabbits. It will be a year
of birth or rebirth – a new family member perhaps, a new career, a new loved one
or a new lifestyle. You will encounter fewer problems and achieve greater
success in many aspects of your life. This is the right time to correct previous
actions that led you somehow astray. One significant aspect of the Year of the
Dragon – a powerful person will befriend you and will be helpful to you in the
future.
Many Rabbits will choose to stay in their current professions. Your innate
creativity and interest in innovation will push you forward in your work.
However, this year will also be an opportune time for those wanting to pursue
higher education or enter a new profession. Entrepreneurs will find good
business opportunities in April, September, October and November. You'll have to
exert extra effort to improve your finances by always keeping your expenses in
check. A Rabbit is never poor and can live comfortably with little income but
nevertheless you will enjoy the support of Dragon friends.
However, your ambitions should not only be focused on earning a living but
also on a strong motivation for change – your lifestyle, your style of
management, dealing with people, etc. Your domestic life will be special this
year and will find yourself central to your loved ones, providing the impetus to
build a cohesive, strong and happy family. The first two months may be
problematic as far as personal relations are concerned but you will enjoy the
rest of the year with many family and social activities. Single Rabbits will
meet someone special in October or November in a place you've never been to
before. Pay close attention to your health particularly to what you eat.
The Dragon is born under the sign of good luck and will do well in
practically anything he attempts. He is magnanimous, full of vitality and is
constantly on the go. Proud and aristocratic, the Dragon possesses an assertive
personality. He could be egotistical, eccentric, dogmatic, whimsical, terribly
demanding or unreasonable, but is never without a band of admirers.
Dragons will be blessed with the positive energies of the sky and the earth
this year. As such they will enjoy a busy and fulfilling year ahead with lots of
projects and events. Yes, there will be problems along the way but with your
innate wisdom, they will eventually be solved. The year will be particularly
special for Water Dragons.
Your professional life will be satisfying and there will be career and
business opportunities coming your way all throughout the year. The second
quarter will be a turning point of your life when an important decision about
your career or lifelong ambition will be made. With hard work and proper
planning new ideas will evolve into successful undertakings. 2012 will also be a
good time to make friends, establish new contacts and meet possible business
partners. Dragon employees will have the chance for promotion and those involved
in artistic and cultural work will enjoy the most success this year. Businessmen
will encounter some difficulties with colleagues and partners but these
challenges will provide you a new outlook and strengthen your character. The
year will also bring satisfying results for those in education.
Because of your professional success, your financial situation will improve
considerably. It will be wise to spend your disposable income on home
improvement. Your social life will be quite active and put you in the center of
things most of the time. However, there will be family concerns in November or
December that you'll have to sort out. Spend some quality time with your loved
ones and friends. They'll need your support this year. Single Dragons will enjoy
a fateful encounter with someone special during the first quarter of the year.
Put some effort in losing weight and keeping fit to allow you an active
lifestyle in 2012.
The Snake is the deepest thinker and the most mysterious in the
Chinese zodiac. He is endowed with an inborn wisdom and intelligence. He
treasures his privacy and possesses a calm and placid nature. Graceful,
soft-spoken but with a good sense of humor, he loves good books, food, music and
theater.
The Year of the Dragon will be an important but difficult year for the Snake.
You are not used to the razzmatazz that the Dragon usually brings but the
difficulties that you will encounter will eventually be smoothened out through
your natural wisdom. Your buzz words this year should be focus, discipline and
care. The challenges of the next twelve months will be a good preparation for
your year in 2013.
Favorable planetary positions will give you a good headstart during the first
quarter of the year. The stars will favor business activity at this time so take
full advantage of opportunities that will come your way. A significant business
deal or negotiation will crop up during the second quarter. Snakes seeking work
or planning on shifting professions will find May a good month to do so. The
period of September to November will also bring good news, perhaps a new
partnership or business expansion plans. Snakes involved in health therapy and
creative work will be most successful this year. Your financial situation will
only improve a little so avoid extravagant spending. Watch out for unscrupulous
persons out to take advantage of your good nature and bankbook. Lending money is
also not advisable at this time.
This year you will be blessed with extra charm and charisma so your personal
life will be pleasurable and rewarding. You will enjoy many family and social
gatherings and celebrations. But be wary of malicious gossip and intrigues. Do
not be drawn to them or else there will be dire consequences. You will be
revitalized by a new love relationship or a returning old flame in December and
early January 2013. Married Snakes will receive delightful news from relatives
during the last quarter of the year. The closing months will also bring an
unexpected travel opportunity.
The Horse is cheerful, popular and quick-witted. He is very perceptive
and loves to talk. He is quite physical and exudes raw sex appeal – the type who
will fall in love easily and fall out of love just as easily. Impulsive and
stubborn, he will want to have things done his way.
True to your nature, you will enjoy the events, celebrations and fanfare that
the Dragon will bring but this will be a mixed year for you. Past troubles and
problems are going to worry you and may lead to stress related ailments. Try to
confront these problems once and for all and in the end you will experience a
successful and rewarding year.
On the whole your work will be fruitful this year and quite a number of
opportunities will arise – a promotion, change of career, chance for extra job
or consultancy work. There will be difficulties at first but in the end you will
enjoy the new challenge. Horses involved in arts and culture will achieve
maximum success. As a result, your financial situation will improve
considerably. Those in business will enjoy substantial profits during the second
quarter of the year. However, you should avoid risky investments.
As to your personal life, you may initially feel lost and lacking direction
but that situation will be temporary. You should endeavor to undertake positive
activities – making new friends, learning new skills, engaging in creative
hobbies, and going into spiritual pursuits. This year's solid earth energies
will be good for a new exercise regimen and healthy diet to relieve you of work
stress.
If you're planning to relocate house or settle abroad, plan it well. It is
also advisable to pay close attention to how you communicate with your family,
friends and colleagues and be attentive to their concerns. Otherwise, it might
lead to unnecessary consequences. During the third quarter of 2012 you will be
in a romantic mood and will have the chance to meet a new love interest. Couples
will have a stable, happy time in 2012. A long wanted vacation could be good for
refreshing personal relationships.
The Sheep is the most feminine sign in the Chinese zodiac. Known for
his gentle and compassionate ways, he is considered the good Samaritan in the
cycle. He is righteous, sincere and is easily affected by sob stories. Although
he enjoys being with nature, the Sheep is usually a homebody.
The Year of the Dragon will be a hectic but inspiring year for the Sheep. You
will have marginal gains in many aspects of your life. This will not be a time
therefore to make drastic changes in your life. You will encounter some disputes
along the way but there will be no major ones to worry about. You just need to
remain calm and not allow your mistakes to turn into personal tragedies.
In your work, you'll need to use your creative and innovative talent and
ideas to succeed. March, May, September or October will be favorable for those
seeking jobs or planning to shift careers. For businessmen and entrepreneurs,
this is the year to adapt and take advantage of new systems, technologies and
regulations in order to move forward. As to your financial situation, you'll
have modest gains. With mounting expenditures the Sheep will find it difficult
to save. You'll have to exercise restraint with your purse strings. If you're
planning on moving house or renovating your present domicile, do so with care as
there will be the tendency to go over the budget.
Your social life will be active and oftentimes fun, particularly during the
first few months of the year. You can even join a contest and surprisingly win.
But you'll need to be cautious about your relationship with your partner. Learn
to give and take and avoid dominating the relationship. Chill out with your
friends often and arrange a special holiday with your family. Single Sheep will
be popular among the opposite sex this year. In July or August, the Star of
Romance will appear on your horizon and bring you an exciting love interest.
Overall, your personal life in 2012 should focus on nature and spirituality. You
can even join interest groups for these advocacies.
The Monkey has the closest affinity to man and therefore inherits most
of his intelligence. He is quick-witted, clever and innovative, and can solve
intricate problems with ease. The Monkey is innately warm, natural and
spontaneous. He exudes self-confidence and has an enviable joie de vivre.
You can now relax because this is going to be a good year for the Monkey. The
Year of the Dragon will be a progressive one in practically all aspects of your
life. 2012 is especially lucky for gaining knowledge, expertise and experience.
It is therefore advisable for you to learn something new for this will be
beneficial to you in the years to come.
You will enjoy a productive year in your workplace and will see your current
status rise within your company or organization. Even finding solutions to
problems will give you the chance to show your talent and expertise. 2012 can
also be the right time to train in a new aspect of your profession or even for a
new career. September and October are good months to launch a new project or
start a business. You will also be blessed with a favorable financial situation,
but it is advisable to spend only on regular living expenses and settling
previous debts. The rest of your income should go to savings. The Year of the
Dragon is not a good time for Monkeys to lend, invest or speculate but do set
aside some amount for charity.
Monkeys will have a busy and enjoyable social and family life. You will be
the focal point of many family activities this year, organizing celebrations and
important milestones. Romantic relationships may feel like a burden to you, so
it is wise to be patient and keep communication lines open. But for those
seeking permanent liaisons, the second quarter is a lucky time to propose
marriage. For single Monkeys, romance will appear unexpectedly towards the end
of the year, perhaps meeting someone special in a social gathering. For those
who have definite plans of moving to another area, 2012 will be a favorable time
to do so.
The Rooster is the most misunderstood of all the animal signs.
Outwardly, he exhibits self-assurance and aggression; but at heart, he could be
conservative and old-fashioned. Rooster men are usually attractive, even
dashingly handsome. On the whole, the Rooster is sharp, neat, precise,
organized, decisive, and is good at handling money. He loves to budget
everything he could lay his hands on.
Time to celebrate! After a challenging 2011, this is going to be a very good
and prosperous year for you. You will have the power to shape your own destiny
and surmount past problems and burdens as well as deal with your current
challenges with panache.
The Year of the Dragon will be one of professional triumph for you. If you're
part of a company or organization, you will be able to demonstrate to your
superiors that you are able to perform complex tasks and deal with difficult
situations. As a consequence there will be good opportunities for promotion. But
in order to succeed, your key word this year is teamwork. The second quarter is
good for business and you will encounter promising opportunities. The third
quarter is favorable for making new investments or getting business loans.
However, entrepreneurs should avoid starting a new business within the period of
September to November. Those seeking work will find March to May abound with job
opportunities.
As a result of your professional success, your personal finances will improve
considerably. Now is the time to settle old loans or finance a long-standing
domestic project. However, your personal relations will not be as smooth sailing
compared to the other facets of your life. Misunderstandings with your loved
ones may arise. Try to be patient and flexible with your romantic relationships.
A major vacation with your family or friends will be good for your well-being
and relations. You will celebrate a birth or marriage in the family. Cupid will
shoot many arrows in the single Rooster's direction during the months of April,
July, August and December. As to your health, be careful of stress-related
ailments. Visit your doctor for that much-needed general check up early in the
year.
The Dog is honest, genuine, loyal, sincere and respects law and order
– qualities of an ideal citizen of the country! He is not materialistic and
possesses humanitarian instincts. He is the type who will lay down his life for
a friend or relative. However, he can suffer bouts of melancholy or when the
situation calls for it, show flashes of temper.
2012 will be a difficult year for you. The Dragon does not jive well with the
Dog so you will have to work hard to maintain the gains of previous years.
People may seem uncooperative and competitive and may take advantage of your
weak position. Do not act independently but rather join forces with others in
your workplace or with friends. The favorable position of the stars during the
last months of the year will bring welcome news.
Your professional work will achieve modest gains this year. During the second
quarter of the year you should watch out for misunderstandings with colleagues
as these may lead to protracted conflicts. If you're in business, arts or social
work, it is crucial to work with your team. Entrepreneurs planning to start a
new business venture should plan and organize it well. October and November will
be a good time to launch this business. The last quarter of the year will
present good opportunities for those seeking new jobs. Your financial condition
will improve but you need to postpone major purchases or risky financial
transactions and save for any emergency that may come during the year.
Your personal life will be busy and sometimes stressful. Rely on your partner
or friends for support. Spend quality time with them and this will give you much
needed relaxation. You have to be careful of minor ailments, particularly
infectious diseases, during the latter part of the year. As to your romantic
life, unattached Dogs will have an easy time finding new love interests this
year particularly in April, May and July. However these will be fleeting
relationships. A new friendship will come your way during the last quarter of
the year. This person will play an important role in your life. Nurture this
relationship.
The Pig is the most easy-going and laid-back of all the signs.
Cheerful, friendly and overflowing with good intentions, he does not bear
grudges. He is the connoisseur of the Chinese zodiac and thus enjoys good food
and has a healthy appetite. Despite lacking strong ambitions, he is hardworking
and is generally successful in life.
2012 will be relatively smooth and moderately successful for Pigs. You may
not be comfortable with all the events and activities happening around you but
you'll need to be adaptable and alert in order to succeed. Your ability to get
along well with people will win you the support of powerful people. On the whole
this will be an auspicious year for material prosperity.
Your career will have substantial gains this year. With hard work and
creativity you will win the recognition and respect of superiors and co-workers.
However, you need to be alert for changes in your work environment and learn to
adapt to these changes. For entrepreneurs, all financial deals that are risky
should be postponed or studied well before proceeding. Those in big business
should rely on corporate partnership to prevent a potential external takeover.
During the third quarter, you will be pleased to find an additional source of
income. It is also a good period for business expansion. 2012 will find you
financially successful and you could save a lot for your future. Avoid
undertaking large personal financial transactions during the first quarter. They
will be too risky and better postponed to later in the year. You also need to
watch out for a potential fraud or scam that will come your way from June to
August.
You family life will be smooth with a few minor bumps along the way. Pigs in
a romantic relationship should seriously consider tying the knot this year. For
those whose relationship has gone sour for quite a while, it is best to end the
bond early in the year. You'll have a memorable romantic encounter in March,
April or May that could lead to a life-long partnership. You have to be watchful
of your personal belongings as there is a danger of some losses.
Chief News Editor: Sol
Jose Vanzi
© Copyright, 2012 by PHILIPPINE HEADLINE
NEWS ONLINE
All rights reserved
PHILIPPINE HEADLINE NEWS
ONLINE [PHNO] WEBSITE
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