Year Of The Boar -- Rounding 'Em Up

The Year of the Boar is upon us! This Chinese horoscope has interesting factoids which I believe I would like to note down for a good reason. Perhaps half a year from now, we could see how true these predictions are. Of course, as Christians, we are told to avoid the supernatural, and I've been to a church where the pastor told the congregation that "Christians should avoid Feng Shui!"

Without further ado:

1. This year marks the 4705th year in the Chinese calendar.¹

2. The boar is the last of the 12 animals in the Chinese horoscope.²

3. The elements for this year will be earth and wood.³

4. Industries that will benefit will be real estate, construction and paper-related business. However, it will be wise to avoid stocks and bonds. ⁴

5. Metal is a weak element this year. Money lending institutions like banks and insurance companies will suffer. ⁵

6. Fire related stocks such as restaurants and steelmakers should face a downturn as well. ⁶

7. Horses will need to focus on study, research and planning in order to enjoy a successful year. Also, horses should develop leadership skills and "get the right help". ⁷

8. Boars will have to exercise restraint and diplomacy to avoid unnecessary arguments. A picture of a tiger may help resolve tension with other people. ⁸

9. Rams will have promotions. They should not get involved in other people's disputes. They will feel empty and need to find something to devote themselves to. ⁹

10. Rabbits will spend a lot of money on family needs but have to restrain spending as their income will not increase. 1951-born metal rabbits will face stress in career and money. ¹⁰

11. Rats will have a mixed bag. It is a good year for getting married, starting relationships and having a baby. Deceitful affairs could happen. Risky partnerships could mean losing big money. ¹¹

12. The Lunar New Year is observed by Chinese, Taiwanese, Koreans, Vietnamese, Tibetans and Mongolians. ¹²

13. Cleaning the house on the first few days is prohibited to avoid sweeping away the good luck. ¹³

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References

1. "Asians prepare for 4705 -- it's year of the boar", Orlando Sentinel, Feb 16th 2007. ^link

2. "Year of the Boar bodes well for property sector", Business Times (Malaysia), Feb 17th 2007. ^link
3. Ibid.
4. Ibid.
5. Ibid.
6. Ibid.

7. "Who rules your Chinese horoscope?", The Examiner (San Francisco), Feb 16 2007. ^link
8. Ibid.
9. Ibid.
10. Ibid.
11. Ibid.

12. "Welcome, Year of the Boar", Delaware Online ^link
13. Ibid.