Your Fortunes Revealed: Predictions with Chinese/Western Readings for Year 2008

Co-ordinated by Josie Wu
Translated by Ann Lee Photos by Andy Lin

Predictions by Simon Lee
As far as politics go, although we've already been through two important elections, the Chinese fortune calendar tells us that Taiwan's political and economic situation will remain chaotic in 2008; the whole island is still in the process of creating a solidified identity, so the political climate shall remain cloudy. However, this uncertain place isn't entirely negative. Because Taiwan is at somewhat of a crossroads, our society will soon find a clear direction, which will inspire confidence and bring positive effects like more investment and economic opportunity.

In the meantime, take this chance to carefully evaluate possible investments in your personal life and observe the development of industries; take a conservative and steady approach with any type of monetary investments this year. If you acquire stocks or real estate investments slowly, then you will be able to create a sizable fortune for yourself in the years to come!

About Simon Lee:
At the age of 14, Simon started studying Chinese fortune telling in-depth. He is now the owner of Cang-Yun Studio (藏雲會館) and is the exclusive fortune teller of Taipei Eye (台北戲棚). Besides Zi Wei Dou Shu, Feng-shui, and Ba-Gua, he specializes in an interesting form of divination with marbles. Nine marbles are picked out of a bowl of 50 (25 white, 25 black) and used to tell his client's fortune. You can check him out on the web at: www.depth.com.tw. For booking appointments, call: (02) 2553-0922.

Predictions by Chinese Zodiac (birth year):

Rat (1960, 1972, 1984…):
This is a year filled with hardships for those born in the Year of the Rat; many unexpected issues will surface around you which, if not handled correctly, could leave you with a great mess. Pay attention to your personal health and well-being; make sure to leave time for leisure and fun, to relieve stress. That way, you'll be ready to meet any challenge 2008 throws at you.

When it comes to money, hold on to your assets. Avoid hit and run or one-time sales in the stock market. Instead, choose bonds from steady European or American markets and review whether or not to change or cash-in on your investments about every six months. By doing this, you will be always aware of your finances and won't be too distracted while you are busy sorting out other issues in your work and personal life.

Ox (1961, 1973, 1985…):
To achieve great results in everything you do this year, make sure to plan meticulously. If you have a chance to go on a business trip, don't miss it! This year, the Ox will get plenty of help from others. If you are thinking of investing in anything, then solicit advice from your friends first--this year, their help will be invaluable. Buy high-growth funds with blue chips in the second half of the year; with these two investments charging forward simultaneously, they will be easier to monitor and help you maximize your profits.

Tiger (1962, 1974, 1986...):
Try to take the initiative with everything you do this year; be proactive when it comes to your career and finances. Pay attention to international currency and offshore funds--Europe and Central/South America are pretty good options for you this year. Remember to keep in touch with your social circles, but be careful--you might accidentally neglect your family because of your busy schedule. So pay attention to family relationships.

Sometimes satisfying people on material terms, like giving them extravagant gifts, will give them the impression of a diluted favor and create psychological pressure to return it someday. Instead of expensive things, take the time to sincerely reconnect with friends and family. That way, they know that you really care about them and don't expect anything in return.

Hare (1951, 1963, 1975...):
This year, it's good for the Hare to assume a conservative mindset in all unexpected situations. The best thing to do is to think twice before you act and avoid making any impulsive decisions. Although those born in the Year of the Hare will have a reasonable amount of income this year, there will be a large number of temporary financial demands in 2008. Keep your head up for unexpected expenses and keep your savings well-stocked and accessible; that way you won't be knocked off your feet. Think twice about any major career moves and don't rely too much on any initial information or rumors that you hear.

Dragon (1952, 1964, 1976...):
This year, you will reap the benefits of using creativity and imagination at work. If you work in a traditional industry, thinking outside the box and improving your business will increase your clientele and professional contacts. For your investments in the coming year, choose stocks that are in the high-tech industries or buy funds in newly-developed markets; if you hold any long-term real estate investments, you can expect financial gain in the near future.

When it comes to personal relationships and contact, you might find that this year is filled with petty disputes with other people and frequent misunderstandings in romantic relationships. Try and remain calm and fair when dealing with any type of issues, romantic or otherwise, that come your way.

Snake (1953, 1965, 1977...):
This year, people born in the Year of the Snake will be able to turn bad luck into good fortune, with plenty of help along the way. If you constantly work to maintain friendships this year, you will receive help from all over. For financial management, invest in something with a high return rate, but avoid stocks that lack performance. Avoid borrowing money this year; otherwise your investments will become more of a loss than a gain. If you're not careful, you might face a lot of financial challenges for seemingly no reason.

Horse (1954, 1966, 1978...):
This year is not a year for the Horse to be in the limelight; try to work with others and value the results of teamwork. This will lessen the amount of your individual work and establish rapport between you and your colleagues. Look for steady progress instead of instant results; if you look for too many shortcuts, you'll end up spending money on things you don't need. For a year of good fortune, purchase funds and stocks through the bank. Don't invest in an indirect way, like investing borrowed money for the interest. Otherwise, you'll make an empty investment and end up farther back than you were before.

Sheep (1955, 1967, 1979...):
You can expect steady progress this year. But if anything seems too good to be true, don't trust it--it is probably a trap. Due to a not-so-rosy year ahead, act conservatively in your career and financial investments. This is a good year to show 'em what you've got at work. Keep your word on projects and don't "say" too much, let your work and results speak for you. This strategy will help you get recognized by a superior and get you a chance for a raise. If you make long-term investments in the stock market, you will see great returns. The Sheep's best choices lie in the Asian or European market. In 2008, the best place for you to turn to for advice is the elderly.

Monkey (1956, 1968, 1980...):
Gain knowledge in a different field by taking courses or getting new qualifications; this will increase your own competitiveness in the professional field and stimulate your intellectual life. For those looking to invest, pay attention to industries with a higher capital cost, like medicine and bio-technology. Also look into large-scale stores and chains with international markets. By going big with investments, you will reap the rewards.

Rooster (1957, 1969, 1981...)
If you constantly challenge your brain to find new solutions to problems, then you will decrease your workload this year. Although 2008 will bring financial gain, you will have to spend a lot on going out and keeping up with your social life. If you have extra income/savings on the side, it might not be a bad idea to consider traveling abroad or studying overseas. As for investments, purchasing a single fund or stocks in mine-related industries are worth taking a look at. Making investments with insurance or holding long-term stocks are also good choices for you this year.

Dog（1958, 1970, 1982...):
Be aware that there will be a lot of changes and last-minute issues that will be out of your control this year. Pre-planned events and dates can change at the drop of a hat, so try to remain flexible and positive. It is best to avoid high-risk outdoor activities like hiking or scuba diving. Lower your desire to make any cutting-edge investments this year. Instead, stick to tried and true industries like food, aviation/transportation, or something in the plastics and chemical sector. This way, you will have a better chance of getting a good return.

Pig (1959, 1971, 1983...)
This year will be slightly better than last year for Pigs. If you can use teamwork to fairly divide work with your colleagues, then the chances of you making a mistake due to negligence will lessen. Be aware when friends ask you for a loan or invite you to invest in something; this situation might deal you a large monetary blow and severely harm your friendship. Also, if you are thinking about changing jobs this year or changing to a different field, you might have a difficult time adjusting to a new working environment. Go conservative with any monetary investments this year; the best options are to hold long-term stocks or global funds.
　

Predictions by Stacy Wu:
2008 is the year of Wu-zi (戊子) according to Chinese fortune calendar. The books indicates that this year belongs to the elements of soil and water; thus it is referred to as the "Big Water Year". Be ready for earthquakes, landslides and natural disasters involving water, like tsunamis and floods caused by severe rain storms. Luckily, we will not be suffering from anything that's too much to handle.

About Stacy Wu:
Since she started studying fortune telling and Buddhism in 1981, Stacy Wu has traveled between Taiwan, China and Japan, strengthening her knowledge of the field. Her specialties include Zi Wei Dou Shu, Pu-Gua, Name Reading, Ying-Yang Housing, and fortune telling lessons. You can check her out on the web at: http://tw.myblog.yahoo.com/wu-meiling/, or http://mypaper.pchome.com.tw/news/wumeiling.
To book an appointment, call: 0952-662-889, (02) 8780-6878.

South: If the entrance to your home, kitchen or bedroom is located on the south side of the house, then be aware of respiratory sickness and abdominal pains. Common ailments will include colds, breathing problems and stomachaches. To decrease the chance of illness, hang wind chimes, music boxes, or bronze "ba-gua", which you can get from "jou-guang" (九宮,or temples).

East: Place a bowl of flowing water or a piggy bank on the east side of the house to bring more fortune for your year ahead.

West: If your kitchen or bedroom is located on the west side of the house, quarrels and disagreements are more likely to happen this year. To make the situation better, place pink and warm-colored objects in the west side. Hanging a gourd bottle should also help.

North: If you are someone whose job requires physical energy, then you will have the opportunity for a promotion. But if you have an office job, or one that does not require physical energy, then your luck will be a bit weak this year. If your job is physical (i.e. sales people and construction workers), place a glass of water or a bowl of water on the north side of your home. You can also use eight white pebbles and an amethyst--both of these methods will help bring fortunes your way.

Taisui (太歲) is a somewhat zodiacal figure, like Cupid. It comes around every 12 years, against Jupiter, which runs counter-clockwise. The Taisui happens to be on the north side this year, so it is not appropriate to move from one place to another. Relocation will bring bad luck to your career, health, and overall fortune.

Southwest: There are some things you can place on the southwest side of your home to bring fortune for yourself this year. These include Jadeites (貔貅), piggy banks, and water.

Southeast: For those who are looking for a promotion at work, put four lucky bamboo plants (富貴竹) in the house. If you are looking to find love or get married, place nine red flowers in your home and/or wear pink rock crystals. For those who want to give birth, put children's clothing, milk bottles, and shoes around the house.

Northwest: If your front door, kitchen or bedroom is located on the northwest side of the house, then be aware respiratory and digestive ailments. Hang metal objects that make sounds, wind chimes, or bronze "ba-guas"--they can all help you avoid bad luck.

Northeast: Place wen-chang star lamps (文昌燈) on the northeast side of your house and leave them on for 24 hours. For those who are about to take exams, receive a degree/qualification of some sort, or process documents, stocks and funds, look out for problems between in-laws and couples in your marriage. React to situations with peace and wisdom. Placing wen-chang star lamps on the northeast side of the house can help stimulate wisdom.

The center of your home (中宮): Place objects like music boxes, stereos, or fragrant red flowers, and pink crystals in the center of your home to bring love and good relations with the opposite sex, as well as bring better social connections with others. If you are already married, then do not place red flowers anywhere in the house.

Predictions by Lin Le-cing

Gemini (5/20-6/20): Temperance: This card is less about moderation and more about the desire to find a unified field theory, that is, a way of blending opposites, achieving synthesis. This is what the cards have to say for Gemini in 2008. In order to face difficult situations (or avoid them), Gemini needs to accept challenges and adapt quickly to conquer them.

Cancer (6/21-7/22): The Wheel of Fortune: This card does not indicate that it is time to quit but that it is time to put forth your best effort. There will be a lot of changes for Cancer in 2008--you may be affected and changed by your surroundings and the people around you. You'll need to adjust yourself accordingly.

Leo (7/23-8/22): The High Priestess: Emotions, feelings. This card signifies your current emotional and psychological state. It represents the quiet, often misunderstood spiritual power within each of us. 2008 is a time when Leo needs to take a look at his spiritual side and try to achieve a sense of stability and calm, finding the wisdom that exists within. But as for matters of love, you might have to go through some challenging times.

Virgo (8/23-9/21): The Magician: The Magician knows but does not tell. She can handle herself and control the world around her. In 2008, Virgo can reach the point where she can handle anything that comes her way and see herself through a brand new perspective.

Libra (9/22-10/22): The Hanged Man: This card reveals a sense of fatalism, waiting for something to happen, or a fear of loss from a situation, rather than gain. This year, Libra needs to wait things out a little; all of the unfortunate things will pass and heal with time. Eventually, the things that bring you down will dissolve.

Scorpio (10/23-11/21): Queen: The Queen represents the calm energy of an unbiased intellect, which is able to make judgments based on careful consideration of all the facts involved in a situation. This is a lucky year for Scorpios; they will be able to seek help everywhere, and chances are, people around them will be glad to pitch in.

Sagittarius (11/22-12/20): The Fool: As the title suggests, this card is about foolishness, stupidity and ignorance; it describes a mentally deficient person, an idiot, or a simpleton. Other associations include deception and trickery, as in trying to fool someone. In 2008, Sagittarius should be on the look out and take care of themselves. They shouldn't easily trust what they hear from others. This will be a year full of change--if you can keep yourself calm through the messy situations, it may bring unexpected good luck.

Capricorn (12/21-1/19): The Sun: This card suggests an improvement in overall luck and fortune. 2008 is a turn-around year for Capricorns. Like the sun, they will shine through everything they do and become passionate and energetic towards everything. This is the year to really go after your dreams.

Aquarius (1/20-2/17): The Hermit: The hermit represents solitude and self-determination in a positive sense, but also a misanthropic and anti-social attitude. 2008 is such a year for Aquarians; they will keep on building their wisdom from within and work hard to better themselves in areas that may seem invisible to others.

Pisces (2/18-3/20): The Star: This star is full of hope; it represents how Pisces will feel in 2008. They will feel a sudden light shining through and get excited about a lot possibilities on the horizon. They will also tend to try new things, or old things in a new way. Best of all, Pisces won't feel too much pressure as they explore new options.

Aries (3/21-4/19): The Chariot: This card suggests going forth at all costs, and this is what people of the sign Aries are all about. In 2008, they will work and fight for what they believe and they will also be able to overcome hardships and fight mounting pressure along the way.

Taurus (4/20-5/19): The Emperor: This card represents stability, power, protection, and realization. In 2008, Taurus can really feel a sense of overall control and be able to manage his affairs efficiently. They are meant to achieve a lot in all aspects of life this year!