2007--Year of the Fire Pig

By Richard Giles

In the Chinese Solar calendar the New Year formally commences on 4th February and this begins the new Zodiac animal cycle. Using the Lunar calendar, the The New Moon day of Sunday 18th February 2007 is the official New Year celebration day when the dragons and fireworks come out into the streets.

2006 was the year of the Fire Dog and its been a dramatic year. Now in the cycle of twelve animals comes the friendly Pig. The Pig in Chinese astrology has its principle qualities of honesty, tolerance and rigour. The Pig is well meaning and generous, persevering and steady and is appreciated for his courage and prosperity and nobility. His best roles are as doctor, mediator, judge, confessor, poet, painter or benefactor. He comes into the world with a lot of very old fashioned sentiments such as goodness, tolerance and an admiral belief in the perfectibility of mankind. Needless to say, the nasties will pounce on him to make mince meat out of him. Pigs can be very naive, credulous and overconfident and sometimes even downright stupid. Money - you'd think after talking to the Pig that it means nothing to him - that he can take it or leave it. But, in fact, the Pig finds it really essential to have money and will spend a thousand dollars in a day if he finds what he enjoys. Then at other times he will frugally save every penny in his piggy bank. Happily, Pigs are very lucky with money and it always comes to them somehow. They end their days being well-off and contented.

They love domestic comfort and are also in love with nature - their idea of heaven is to take long walks in the forest; their ideal house is in the country, the mountains or at the seaside where they can do regular walks on the beach. A very large number of Pigs usually live in the country and if they don't, they yearn for it every day. Pigs need space and lots of fresh air. Modern flats and apartments will depress them and they will feel sick in a confined space. Lifts and elevators are too much for them for very long.

Their home is a pride and joy and they can be found tinkering, renovating, adding to the rooms and frequently decorating to make it all comfortable, filling the place with very expensive and lush objects of beauty. They will not allow dust and dirt to besmudge their property but will remove it in an instant whirl of cleanliness.

PREVIOUS PIG YEARS

The elemental combination this year is Fire and Water. Previous Fire Pig years have been very dangerous with much political to-ing and fro-ing plus lots of upheavals. Other previous years were 1947 and 1887. In 1947 the separation of India and Pakistan took place and although it was negotiated well, the two countries tried to move 4 million Hindus and Muslims between borders and by the end of the year the two where at war.

Palestine was partitioned after a British plan to divide Palestine was rejected by the UN. Britain recorded its most severe winter since 1894 and a fierce blizzard hit New York where 28 inches (72 cms) of snow were recorded. It was the year of the first plane to fly at supersonic speeds (above the speed of sound) and Bell Laboratories invented the transistor which revolutionised radio and electronics. The CIA was established in the US (Water rules secrets) and also that year, President Truman released his Truman doctrine which was an attempt to slow down the spread of communism throughout the world. It was the birth year of the Cold War. At the same time in Burma, the national leader Aung San (father of today's Aung San Shu Yi, under house arrest) was assassinated.

The other important event of 1947 was the report of a crashed UFO near Roswell, New Mexico in t USA. Although several flying saucer crashes were reported in the literature around that time, the Roswell crash is the one that has dominated UFO research and been the most publicised. This year could see some secrets revealed about the presence of UFOs.
WEATHER AND POLITICS

A year of Fire and Water and the clash between them says a lot about climate and weather and you can bet that the year 2007 will be one of even more unnatural climate extremes. Expect dramatic weather changes, storms, fires, droughts, volcanic eruptions, floods and even tsunamis. Other events that could be characteristic of 2007 will be chemical fires, industrial explosions and incidents related to factories or chemicals being mixed in the wrong manner causing poisoning and perhaps even in food poisoning outbreaks.

The Fire Pig year will also be a year of drama and change in politics as the Fire/Water combination means clashes of values and criticism, unrest, threatened coups or violence in politics, plus arguments, disputes and fights over values and rights. Those who tackle political issues in a violent, combative or aggressive mode will not do well this year, but those who take on issues with a more sympathetic and embracing approach using mediation techniques are far more likely to achieve success in a Pig year. There could be sudden changes in leadership, many arguments in politics and dramatic rebellions of peoples fed up with oppressive rulers. Keep all that in mind in your business, family, education areas and daily life - you'll be more likely to be successful.

YOUR YEARLY ZODIAC FORECAST

What's in store for each of the twelve animal signs in 2007? The Snake, which is ruled by Fire, is the Chinese zodiac animal opposite to the Pig, and traditionally the animal opposite the year sign has a testing time of that year. The animal signs that really benefit from this year are the Rabbit, the Sheep and the Tiger. If you feel that you are having a hard time this year then get yourself a Tiger pendant or jewellery piece or put up a Tiger photo in your office environment. The Tiger is in an harmonic combination with the Pig. You'll note here that I've frequently mentioned giving yourself social time-out in the forecasts below. The Pig is a social animal and enjoys others. Take a leaf out of his/her book this year.

THE RAT (Water): (1900, '12, '24, '36, '48, '60, '72, '84, '96) A year when you find the flow of events very rapid and you need to keep your mind on your tasks. There are opportunities and openings for you to take advantage of this year. Make changes in the way you do things and you'll be okay. Particularly look at attitudinal changes.

THE OX (Earth): (1901, '13, '25, '37, '49, '61, '73, '85, '97) The Ox is a quieter person generally and not in the league of the Pig when it comes to a social life. If you associate with Pig born people you may learn to loosen up somewhat. Enjoy yourself. Its a good year for you to travel long distances and good fortune will come from it.

THE TIGER (Wood): (1902, '14, '26, '38, '50, '62, '74, '86, '98) This is a better year for you as the Pig benefits Tigers. You can make great connections this year that will help you in business and travel. It can also be an attractive year for love and romance. Keep an eye on your expenditure limits though, as you'll often feel in an enthusiastic mood.

THE RABBIT (Wood): (1903, '15, '27, '39, 51, '63, '75, '87, '99) This year your fortune is great as you will benefit from the Pig. Friends will be good to you and you'll receive support in your career. Don't take risks or gamble with your resources and finances. Possibilities open up for you and its also good to take time for fun and relaxation.

THE DRAGON (Earth): (1904, '16, '28, '40, '52, '64, '76, '88, '00) The year ahead becomes for you one that favours celebrations, business success and the possibility of marriage. Help yourself by getting the cooperation of others and you'll do okay. Take time out to give yourself breaks and holidays so that you can spend time relaxing.

THE SNAKE (Fire): (1905, '17, '29, '41, '53, '65, '77, '89, '01) Not the greatest year for you as you're the opposite sign to the Pig. The year can bring turbulence, marking time, changes in your life and even the possibility of accidents. Its probable you'll travel this year and that will assist you to deal better with the Pig year. Wear a Tiger pendant in your jewellery for support this year.