Year of the Water Goat Outlook For Snakes and Boar 2003

February 1, 2003 is New Year's Day, according to the Chinese Lunar Calendar and according to the Chinese almanac, it is the year is 4701 Water Goat/sheep.  The sheep is the eighth in a 12-lunar-year cycle of animal-year signs.  Sometimes the Sheep is referred to as the Ram, the Goat or, in rare instances as the Deer due to its gentle nature.
In China, eight is the number of good fortune. Since Goat is the eighth sign in the 12-lunar-year cycle, it symbolizes good luck, peace and abundance. In the traditional Chinese mind, which is echoed in the annually-reprinted ancient almanac, the Sheep symbolizes the Arts, peace, love and harmony.

In Chinese lore, this is considered a year of mixed blessings. This should be a quiet and tranquil year characteristic of the peace-loving Sheep -- a time of reconciliation, finding compromises and settling differences.

This is not an auspicious time for pioneering ventures or for striking out on new projects. This is a time to consolidate, practice conservation and to think along humanitarian lines. The fashion industry should do well this year, as will medicine. It's a good year for all creative endeavors, for artists in general and actors in particular. It is an excellent year for love and marriage. A Sheep year marks the eighth year of the twelve-branch cycle and is the culmination of activities begun six years ago. Actions and achievements during this important year can influence the direction of the remaining years of the twelve-branch cycle. Incomes are predicted to stay flat or low as the economy stagnates. This will be a "visible" year in which inappropriate behavior will be far more noticeable. On a global scale, in both the political and economic arenas, this could be a year on the brink of catastrophe. For this reason it is a time for diplomacy, ratification of treaties and forging international diplomatic relations. Through these means equilibrium, despite a certain lack of wisdom and competence, will be maintained and hopefully we shall muddle through (just barely!) again.

The following are forecasts for the individual signs in the Year of the Sheep:


The Snake

direction will be southeast.

Goat wants Snake to be more in tune with power of the infinite rather than it's own Snake power. This year, Goat wants Snake to consider the idea that passive people create more power than aggressors. The Snake who denies it's own true desire for power will be disciplined for lack of honesty by Goat energy, which will find ways to corner the snake and show how hurtful the Goat hooves can be when applied to Snake's tail.  In the workplace, Snake must seek to lead by kind example, rather than by making exaggerated promises. The Year of the Water Goat permits no laziness.

On the positive side this is a good time for  to explore new horizons, develop his talents and enjoy the arts and his hobbies. To advance in his career he will need to work very hard without seeming overly ambitious. Although not a good time for beginning any new projects, he will be quite successful in his travels and in carrying out business in foreign locales. However while traveling he should watch his health -- in particular what he eats -- and exercise caution regarding traffic safety at night during the middle of the year. He would do well to keep a weather eye out for money traps, be conservative in his investments and not spend his cash all in one place. His intelligence finds it impossible to tolerate the murky emotional dramas that surface this year. For the time being he would be wise to avoid a tendency to play the role of rescuer or hero as this will sap his reserves, both emotionally and financially. He may experience some minor inconveniences or receive sad news that is beyond his control. Although the Snake will be feeling quite passionate this year and as a result may try to forget it all in a series of amorous adventures, these too may turn out to be disappointing. To avoid future isolation he would be well advised to improve relations with influential friends of both sexes who will prove invaluable in later years. Above all he must not criticize others for his shortcomings or endless troubles will plague him.

The Boar

direction will be northwest.

This year may not be as prosperous as last year for the Boar, but if he perseveres he may realize some remarkable achievements in his career. He needs to keep an eye open for hidden enemies among his colleagues and partners or will suffer greatly from betrayal, malicious rumors and dirty tricks. If he does not maintain constant confidence and strong determination in the face of business difficulties, he will fail miserably by year's end. Although financially the Boar may not make great strides, he can count on the goodwill of others to help him out of any difficult situations. In one way or another, he will be repaid for past sacrifices and favors. He needs to watch his budget carefully and not make major investments or buy property this year.

He will be a big loser if he indulges in gambling and in particular needs to clear up any tax problems or he will bring endless trouble upon himself. Both his health and his business can be negatively aspected unless he calms down and learns how to relax. His love life this year may seem like a long series of conflicts and disputes unless he puts some energy into rebuilding trust and fostering mutual understanding. He'll need more rest and sleep than usual and would be well advised to take a series of short vacations or he may have a nervous breakdown.

Social activities are highlighted, as is return to school or other advancements in education, professional training or career development. Through it all, the Boar is full of hope. He should solidify future plans, spend time with his family or friends and explore new opportunities in the event-filled reign of the Sheep.