By Richard Giles

February sees the commencement of the Chinese New Year. Traditionally, using a Solar calendar, the Chinese start the year on the 4th February and begin a new animal cycle in their zodiac. The New Moon of 12th February, 2002 however, is the official New Year celebration day. Last year has been the Metal Snake. Now in the cycle of animals comes the Horse. The Horse in Chinese astrology is a strong and active animal. The original symbol for the Horse in ancient China was the shape of an arrow or spear pointing to the qualities of purpose and direction, so the Horse carries tremendous inner strength and persistence.

Horse people are always willing to do the best they can in devoting themselves to the task at hand, and are determined to see things through. The Horse also links the earthy with the spiritual and traditionally the Horse is said to travel the worlds between heaven and earth - thus the legends of the Centaur and also Pegasus, the winged Horse.

THE HORSE AS MAN'S COMPANION
The Horse has been a helpful companion to mankind for thousands of years. Its also a wild animal and has to be befriended by man to use its strength. Its a powerful animal and when threatened it becomes temperamental liable to kick, rear and run. These qualities are found in the Horse person. So we can expect all these themes to figure in the coming year.

In the Chinese Cycle of elements, the Horse is a Fire animal - the element of midsummer, action and Yang energy. The other element of the year is Water, making 2002 a Water Horse combination. In the Five Element Cycle, Water and Fire do not mix well. So the potential for more conflict and dramatic change is signalled in the Water Horse. However, when Fire hits Water it turns it into steam and thus transforms the water into the new elemental form of vapor, so the potential for rapid and extraordinary transformation is inherent in the Horse Year.

What does Water represent in Feng Shui? Its about the media, communications, arts, advertising, computers, the Internet, film, music, shipping, oceans and the oil industry. In the body its kidneys and the bladder, the brain,ear, fluids, sexual organs and organs of elimination. In these areas we can expect to see much focus or big shifts and changes.

Water also rules secrets so I expect more of the inner workings of the world economic and political systems will be exposed and many secrets revealed to the public. Some people will be very disillusioned.

There'll be movement in the media world, communications and film, and perhaps a resurgence in the arts led through film and television. Fresh breakthroughs in technology will push the boundaries in computing even further than we know today. I would especially watch the world oil supplies (and prices) as being a big area of change. The role of the media is going to be put under strong scrutiny in 2002. Overall themes include transformation in all areas above - especially changes in systems that are just not working.

WEATHER PATTERNS
Since Fire and Water are the driving force behind weather patterns (heat and rain) then 2002 is going to be a year of more extremes in weather. We have seen the boundaries of weather excesses pushed in the last few years. I suggest that in 2002 we'll see great storms and floods which do immense damage in some parts of the world and prolonged droughts in other areas.

Fire rules the heart and things of the heart and the fluid substance of the blood. It rules the eye, tongue, heart, arteries and small intestine. So human emotions and passions will be close to the surface all year. If emotional issues are not addressed then there will be outbursts of passion and rebellion against governments or systems that do not acknowledge them.

Months to watch during the year for big activity will be when either Fire or Water combine in the elements. February, May, June, November and December could be challenging months. The month to especially note is June 2002 which is a double Yang Fire month and on the 6/7th are Fire days with the 7th June being a double Yang Fire day. Watch that heat!

Fire is considered to be the energy of spiritual illumination and rules inspiration, spiritual teachers and gurus, so many will rise to prominence during the year. Some will help mankind. We could also be in for a few surprises from others as the element of Water exposes them to scrutiny by literally having Water dumped on them making their original promises or appearance dissolve like vapor.

Psychic awareness is ruled by the Water element so the human psyche will also receive much attention during the year 2002. Expect that the issue of psychic powers will receive much more prominence in the media and become accepted by many at all levels of society. Ordinary people who have no experience of psychic abilities may find themselves opening up. All in all a very active and rapidly shifting year.

What's personally in store for individuals this year? Lets look:-
THE HORSE: (Born 1930/42/54/66/78/90/2002) This is going to be great year for the Horse - your year. You'll be in a positive mood and feel very successful. Avoid too much strain over your work and goals. Allow it all to happen and keep a steady pace.
THE SHEEP: (Born 1931/43/55/67/79/91) A busy year for you. The Sheep and the Horse have a special affinity so this is going to be a good year for you. Get ready for big moves and changes. Working together in partnership is important for you this year.
THE MONKEY: (Born 1932/44/56/68/80/92) This is a year when you may find yourself having to move faster than you necessarily want. Make sure you can arrange time out for yourself. Making snap decisions is on the cards this year so allow yourself to do it that way.
THE ROOSTER: (Born 1933/45/57/69/81/93) At times this will be an unsettling year as things tend to move quickly. Its going to be a busy year and a good one for socializing as well. Its possible there'll be romance in the air. New challenging ideas come your way.
THE DOG: (Born 1934/46/58/70/82/94) The Dog and the Horse get on really well so you can expect a very exciting and satisfactory year ahead. If you've prepared the ground since the Dragon year (2000) then you'll have success and recognition flowing to you now.
THE PIG: (Born 1935/47/59/71/83/95) Be selective this year and take on things you can handle avoiding those you cannot. Communications will be important to you this year. Opportunities will present themselves from everywhere, even from your past. Take them.
THE RAT: (Born 1936/48/60/72/84/96) The Rat is not in the best position this year as the Horse is directly opposite you in the zodiac.Expect opposition and some setbacks. Be cautious and be careful. Remain alert and assess everything that presents itself.
THE OX: (Born 1937/49/61/73/85/97) You are used to a steady and patient approach to work loads. This year will test your patience as it will be a year of twists and turns. Practice your patience well and you'll be better able to deal with the Horse.
THE TIGER: (Born 1938/50/62/74/86/98) The Tiger and the Horse get on well so this will generally be a helpful year. Much energy will be available to you so direct it well and don't burn yourself at the wrong end of the candle. Many areas of your life will flourish for you this year.
THE RABBIT: (Born 1939/51/63/75/87/99) New opportunities will present themselves this year and whatever you are doing can go into acceleration mode. Now is a good time for new ventures. Go where these opportunities take you.
THE DRAGON: (Born 1940/52/64/76/88/2000) A year for building your reputation and seizing the right moment when opportunities come your way. There will be some disruption and some surprises, so don't try to control everything.
THE SNAKE: (Born 1929/41/53/65/77/89/2001) Last year may have been a time of much activity and work. This year keep going with the momentum generated and use it again. Keep a straight head though and don't take on as much this year. This is a very delightful year for friendships.

*** Richard Giles is a Feng Shui practitioner and astrologer - email - ricgiles@powerup.com.au  ( Richard lives in sunny Queensland, Australia in the hinterland of the Sunshine Coast where he works as an astrologer and Feng Shui practitioner doing consultations and continues writing for various magazines and newspapers.