What the Year of the Monkey has in store for you

A lot of Funfare readers (diehard believers in the horoscope no doubt) have been asking what’s in store for them in the Year of the Monkey which starts on Thursday, Jan. 22.

I just got a copy of the January 2004 issue of Mabuhay, the in-flight magazine of the Philippine Airlines, which carries an article entitled Monkey Sees, Monkey Does byAnyu Jacinto who interviewed feng shui master and geomancer Joseph Chau (official consultant of the Yin and Yang Shop of Harmony at Mandarin Oriental, telephone numbers 752-5882 or 750-8888 local 2722).

According to Master Chau, the Monkey is the smartest of all the Chinese animal signs, quick to learn new things and a good problem solver. Other characteristics: brilliant, creative, confident, imaginative and inquisitive. Monkeys become successful in politics, banking, business, law, show business, the arts or even in the black market. They are charismatic, witty and have a lot of friends and admirers. The bad side: Monkeys can be opportunistic, tricky and manipulative.

I’m printing excerpts from Anyu Jacinto’s article on Master Chau’s 2004 forecast for each Chinese zodiac sign. Here they are:

•Monkey

(Born in the years 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992 and 2004)

Unlucky this year. Avoid expanding businesses and maintain a low profile to avoid jealousy, criticism and backstabbing at work. Watch what you eat because you are more susceptible to sickness, especially those of the stomach and abdominal area. Don’t put your bed in the southwest position.

•Rat

(1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984 and 1996)

Unlike in the past two years, your sign is no longer in conflict with the dominant signs. Your luck will experience an up-trend.

•Ox

(1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985 and 1997)

These past two years, the Ox sign was in conflict with the Goat and the Horse – the reason for your sorry luck. This year will be much luckier for you.

•Tiger

(1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986 and 1998)

Your sign is under the influence of a Traveling Star. Unless you follow its influence and move, you won’t benefit from its luck. You can make more money if you work or expand your business abroad. Avoid funerals, visiting sick people in hospitals, and sharp objects like knives and glass. Drive cautiously.

•Rabbit

(1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987 and 1999)

You will be especially lucky this year in love and business dealings. An Emperor Star influences your sign – this means everything will be better for you.

•Dragon

(1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988 and 2000)

It is the Intelligence Star that shines for you this year. It will help remove bad luck but you must be careful of the backstabbing, criticism and jealousy of others. You will be unlucky in March, July and September so be careful.

•Snake

(1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989 and 2001)

The Promotion Star shines for you – this means a promotion or shift to a better career. March, July and September are unlucky months. Don’t go to funerals or cemeteries during these months.

•Horse

(1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990 and 2002)

Your luck will be at a standstill or at a flat level. This year is not a good time to change careers or expand businesses. Keep a low profile, maintaining your routines and ways of doing things.

•Goat

(1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991 and 2003)

Steer clear of sharp objects. Don’t go to hospitals or to funerals. Look after your health because you will be prone to sickness. Don’t put your bed in the southwest position.

•Rooster

(1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981 and 1993)

This year is lucky for you, especially if you’re a male Rooster. You have two lucky stars and one of them is in the romance department. Take advantage of the many opportunities to develop your business overseas. However, you must plan well or else you will lose money in your projects. Pay particular attention when signing contracts.

•Dog

(1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982 and 1994)

You will be lucky in the second half of the year from July to December. Your luck in the first half of the year depends on what type of Dog you are (Water, Wood, Earth, Metal or Fire – the Five Elements in feng shui). Be wary of hidden enemies. Maintain good relationships or your career and your luck will be adversely affected. Good communication skills are very important. Budget expenses to avoid the pitfalls of overspending.

•Pig

(1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983 and 1995)

This is a very good year for you because of the influence of the Emperor Star. Female Pigs will be luckier than the males, however. Male Pigs should avoid quarrels with women so as not to break their good luck.

Female Pigs: you have the chance of finding a good partner in love or business. However, making your boyfriend/husband your business partner, or vice-versa is not a lucky decision. Your business partnerships should be professional through and through, with no hanky-panky involved. Expect more income but please keep track of your spending.

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