As predicted, the recently concluded Year of the Monkey had many ups and downs characterized by extreme swing of events that made 2004 an exciting, amusing and sometimes alarming year. Let us recap the predictions we made in January 2004.
In Philippine politics, we said that "Many personalities, and not only those from show business, will take the limelight and amuse, entertain, even shock us with their incredible antics. Politicians will be in their rabid elements this election year, engaging each other in one big poker game with everyone trying to outdo each other using all means under the sun." The 2004 national elections was perhaps the most obvious illustration of this. We were amused by the roster of candidates which included a movie star, an evangelist, a former police officer, a traditional politician and a lawyer/reformist; shocked by the turn of events when Sen. Raul Roco’s star started to fade due to his illness; and were irritated by the platforms or lack of them by certain candidates.
We also predicted that "In world affairs, politics and diplomacy will take on a similar tact with scandalous and incredible events hugging the media." The revelation that there was no basis for the US-led invasion of Iraq was the biggest scandalous development last year. Similarly the bribery charge against the son of Secretary-General Kofi Annan and the revelation of the poisoning of Ukrainian presidential candidate Viktor Yushchenko hugged the front pages in 2004.
As far as the climate was concerned, we stated that, "The Water element will also be weak particularly during the second and third quarters of the year. This weakness could translate into severe water shortages during the dry season and devastating floods and typhoons during the rainy season." This could not have been more evident in the water shortage we experienced in April and May last year contrasted with the devastating floods which ravaged Quezon and certain parts of Central Luzon later in the year. The tragedy brought about by the tsunami in South Asia underscores this grave prediction as well.
We also predicted that "On a sour note, the appearance of the star of sickness in the Southwest will trigger an epidemic of viral origin." The bird flu epidemic created alarm in certain parts of Asia during the first two quarters of the year while in the Philippines, the meningococcimia disease spread panic in Baguio last December and early January. Another negative prediction we made was "The Star of Jubilation, Jiu Zi, will appear in the South which is ruled by the Fire element. This situation will create too much fire and we should watch out for major conflagrations or volcanic eruptions during the third and fourth quarters of 2004." In the Philippines, China and Argentina, major fires were the cause of the death of hundreds of people. The off-season fires caused by faulty Christmas lights and the recent Boracay fire were just some of the examples of these tragedies.
Some may be cynical about predictions or fortune telling, but one thing is certain: more and more Filipinos are becoming avid followers of Chinese astrology. Let us take a closer look at how the Chinese go about foretelling the year for us.
Astrology is one of the most ancient of the Chinese arts. It was practiced and had influenced major decisions in Chinese imperial courts. Of course, nowadays, the Chinese government does not rely on astrology when it formulates its economic or foreign policies, but feng shui still plays a significant part in the lives of the Chinese – where to situate the door in a new building, when to launch a new product, when a wedding should be held, and other practices that take their roots from Chinese astrology.
It might be a surprise to many that there is some scientific basis to Chinese astrology which is based on the lunar calendar with logical references to cyclical and natural phenomena. The lunar calendar, the oldest chronological record in the world, can be traced back to 2637 BC when Emperor Huang Ti introduced its use during the 61st year of his reign. The moon was regarded by the ancient Chinese as having a profound influence on man. Being the closest heavenly body to the Earth, its gravitational pull causes the ebb and flow of tides. The Chinese believe that the four phases of the moon have their own functions and significance.
Under this lunar system, each month is composed of the four phases of the moon beginning with the new moon. Twelve months comprise the lunar year, and twelve years make up one cycle.
The years in each cycle are named after 12 animals. Legend has it that before the Lord Buddha departed from the Earth, he summoned all the animals to come to him. Only twelve animals appeared before him to bid him farewell. First to arrive was the Rat, then the Ox, the Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep (Goat), Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and finally the Boar (Pig). In gratitude, he named a year after each of them beginning with the Rat. He also proclaimed that all those born during that year would inherit some of the characteristics of that animal.
These animal characteristics determine, to a large extent, the nature of events that will take place each year. Other determinants, in the very complicated system of Chinese astrology, includes the five elements of Metal, Water, Wood, Fire and Earth which also exercise a profound influence on one’s life. Also important in determining horoscopes are the kind of stars that appear in each particular period. The Chinese almanac or T’ung Shu, which is widely consulted by geomancers or astrologers, lists astrological and astronomical data for each day of the Chinese year. The appearance of "lucky" and "unlucky" stars provides some basis for astrological predictions.
This is therefore not a year for shortcuts or get-rich-quick schemes. Illegal activities will be dealt with severely. A major graft and corruption scandal will be uncovered and full legal and media investigation will ensue. Protests and unruly mass actions will be effectively dealt with as law and order prevail. On a brighter note, the year will also be a time for significant peace accords that we’ve been longing for.
In business, the country will experience a slow but significant economic recovery. The fiscal crisis will ease up a bit and some of the government’s economic recovery initiatives will bear fruit. Considerable progress will be felt by the entertainment and PR business. Similarly, industries based on the water and fire elements will experience great success – tourism, transportation, telecommunications, medicine, electronics, education, and antiquities. There will also be some progress in the real estate business. Land developments started in the Year of the Rooster, while they may appear to be sluggish investments initially, will be seeds of great bounty in the near future. But these business successes will not come on a silver platter. Organizational efficiency, careful planning, and perseverance shall be the keys to these achievements.
The entry of the Star of Antiquity (Ba Bai) in the Li position of Fire will mean some unfortunate events. There will be major mishaps related to electricity and fire. The country will experience a power crisis marked by major brown-outs. Freak lightning accidents could have tragic consequences. People should also watch out for fires as the world, particularly in the eastern parts, will experience major conflagrations or volcanic eruptions.
On the brighter side, there will be a new significant discovery in the space probe. A major cultural heritage find will also be a reason for the country to be proud and celebrate. As in previous years of the Rooster, the world will also see memorable pageantries and spectacles related to politics and royalty.
The appearance of the Star of Richness (Er He) in the East will not be a good omen especially for those in the eastern regions of the world which will be accident-prone. Everyone should also be careful with diseases related to or emanating from plants. A major aviation accident could also occur during the year. The world will mourn the death of a famous religious figure and a respected international leader will meet an accident or fall seriously ill.
The lucky colors for the Year of the Rooster are green, red, blue and turquoise. Avoid using the silver or gold as they may attract bad fortune.