In preparation for the coming Chinese New Year, I thought of posting the Chinese horoscope for those of us who are looking forward to a new beginning, wanting a change, wondering what the future holds.

I got this off a website (www.asiaflash.com/rao/chinese-2007.shtml); please excuse whatever grammatical errors there may be.

Since there are 12 animals in the Chinese astrology, I will have to post several journal entries.

First, we should understand that Chinese traditional years do not begin on January 1st, and Chinese trimesters do not coincide with trimesters of the universal (Gregorian) calendar. Below are the dates of the Chinese trimesters during this year.

First trimester: 18 February through 16 May 2007
Second trimester: 17 May through 12 August 2007
Third trimester: 13 August through 09 November 2007
Fourth trimester: 10 November 2007 through 06 February 2008

For the Rat

Rat - General Situation
This year will be an excellent one to smooth out all current affairs on the judicial plane. Also, it will allow to solve conflicts with the State, particularly with the tax administration. All that's related to foreign countries and travels could also be a factor of chance for you.
The best advantage for you this year is indisputably the passing of the star Nguyet Duc in your sign. As the master of luck and success enters this sector only once every twelve years, you must of course profit well by the event. The benefic star will affect all sectors of your life. In the sectors where others planets will support you, Nguyet Duc will reinforce their positive impact. And in those sectors where you'll be subjected to adverse astral influences, the presence of Nguyet Duc will have the effect of softening them.

Rat - Love
First trimester - You may be very harsh with your mate, only seeing reasons for reproach in him (her). Beware of excessive intolerance! This uncompromising attitude may very well erect between you and your mate a wall that will be difficult to tear down. You'll feel sincerely persuaded to be right, but this is not what will be important: "To make a good marriage, the husband must be deaf and the wife blind" (Richard Taverner). Single natives will have some difficulty finding their soul mates but can enjoy a very agreeable light-hearted amorous banter.
Second trimester - The planet Dao Hoa will become your ally by settling down in a sign well related to yours. This promises you a happy period if you're married. If you're single, you'll be prone to flirtation but not really ready to commit yourself seriously. In some cases, one must beware of the impact of the opposition between the planets Tham Lang and Tang Mon, a particularly difficult impact this time. Tang Mon being the star who governs couple life, some natives will have communication difficulties in their couples; but this will concern a very small minority of you.
Third trimester - This position of the planet That Sat will put much animation in your conjugal life. For the majority of you, this period will be positive: You'll be sensual and tender, and your spouse or mate will know how to take you to the seventh heaven. For some natives born in a Metal year, however, the star Quan Phu can provoke disputes. Beware not to let things degenerate. If you're a lonely heart, the period will prove favorable to an encounter; it will decidedly not be the time to play at being timid!
Fourth trimester - With this aspect of the planet Hong Loan, there'll be animation in your love life. If you're living in couple, the ambience will be warm and sensual. But this aspect will principally concern single folks. Numerous lonely natives will indeed meet someone who will not leave them indifferent. For some of them, there will even be a very important encounter which may change their lives drastically and end up with a marriage.

Rat - Career
First trimester - With the benediction of the star Tu Vi, you'll have great chances to obtain a promotion or a pay raise. If you pursue an independent profession, be careful not to take excessive risks. As for those who make a living by writing, some good luck will smile to them. Practitioners of occult disciplines will have the wind in their sails.
Second trimester - At your work, no more delays, no more contretemps, no more obstacles constantly set up on your way! After having recently suffered many setbacks, you can finally enjoy great freedom of action. However beware: you should not above all go from an extreme to another. It's here the danger that will await you!
Third trimester - The celestial influxes will on the whole be favorable to your work. But you can have to cope with changes that may perhaps take you off guard. Should this be the case, keep calm and don't worry. Such changes will prove positive for you in the short or medium term. Go ahead, then, in all confidence.
Fourth trimester - A whole crowd of benefic stars will meet in House V of your chart. Together they will favorably influence the career sector. Your enthusiasm will be great, your ideas will be clear, your judgment will be solid, and your courage will be at the level of your projects - in short, you'll be in a position to reach the objectives that you've set up for yourself. If you need financial support, these stars will see to it that you'll get an advantageous bank loan without much difficulty.

Rat - Health
First trimester - Healthwise, the presence of the planet Kinh Duong in House VIII could be the cause of lesser vitality than usual, accompanied with a weak appetite and an irregular sleep. However, there'll be nothing serious to fear. Simply try to look after yourself by refraining from trying to surpass yourself and also by pampering yourself a bit, notably concerning food and leisure. Also try to secure interior peace, that is, contentment.
Second trimester - You should not have to complain about your health since, as a rule, it will be as good as it can be. Simply, Truong Sinh being the planet of subtle worlds, of the invisible, you'll perhaps go through a phase of very great intuition which could surprise and disquiet you. Nevertheless, if you have confidence in what you feel, you'll have very good surprises in more than one domain.
Third trimester - The star That Sat could make you live at too rapid a tempo, thus rendering you particularly emotive and thereby vulnerable as far as your stomach and intestines are concerned. Resist his evil influence by trying to have a relaxed and even somewhat nonchalant behavior. Refrain from all stimulants and drink much plain water during the day. Beware of possible attacks of hives! Don't overeat strawberries and those foods you tolerate badly such as eggs and seafood.
Fourth trimester - During this period you may become more greedy than gourmet. You won't look for sophistication: it's quantity that will take precedence over quality. Of course, you love good local dishes - from cassoulet to bouillabaisse and good old sauerkraut. However, a salad of fresh tomatoes with chervil, or a beautiful dish of potatoes with butter and parsley will also be your delight. And you won't neglect good wines, your notorious foible. Now, of course, your digestive system will end up being weakened. You should therefore think of moderating your appetite and remember that "the mouth kills more people than the sword" (French proverb).

Rat - Finances
First trimester - You'll have the possibility to improve your purchasing power thanks to fruitful financial transactions. On the contrary, don't let yourself be drawn into hazardous adventures. If you consider making an important purchase, wait for a few months; you might have changed your mind in the meantime!
Second trimester - You'd do well to profit by the excellent astral influences that will favor the sector of your natal chart related to finances. There'll be enough to promise you a small fortune! An increase of income for some of you, a wonderful contract for others. The wealthiest natives will make a big purchase that will soon prove very profitable or will make a first-rate investment. With the support of Thien Rieu, the master of audacity, the planet of renewal and change, you can take all risks... without risk!
Third trimester - You'll be among those who're pretty well protected on the financial plane; since it won't be the case of everyone, so profit by it. Indeed, the stars will help you to extricate yourself. In case of problems, you'll know how to react swiftly and well so as to avoid difficulties.
Fourth trimester - The sectors of your chart related to money matters host no planet at this moment. Therefore your financial equilibrium will be stable. Nevertheless, some natives will be affected by the square between the stars Thien Khoc and Lam Quan which may incline them to indulge in purchases above their means or to choose an overly risky investment.

Rat - What your Element has to add
Wood Rat - The state of your finances must improve sensibly: a possibility to increase your profits or to see your pay on the upswing, unexpected money coming in, reimbursements of previous debts, and so on.

Fire Rat - You'll have a hard time to organize yourself. Your professional and family responsibilities will hardly leave you time to get your breath back. And so, if you want to devote yourself to some personal activities, you'll have to juggle skillfully with your time schedule. But you'll succeed in this!

Earth Rat - You'll be excessively jealous. If someone has a somewhat interested look at your mate, this will quite upset you. Well, this jealousy is much more a matter of self-pride than of love!

Metal Rat - If your job is in commerce or business, you'll know a period of prosperity. Those natives who live by their pens will also be favored by fortune. The inclination to spending will be strong, and you'll have a very hard time to resist it.

Water Rat - Really excellent professional prospects. It will not take good results long to come about. You'll work efficaciously without having to make too much effort. Good ideas in the financial sector. On the other hand, creativity will be favored. If you have talents which you haven't exploited, it will be the time to use them. Some of you will have the possibility to change their career orientation.

For the Ox

Ox – General Situation
Not everything will be all right throughout this year! But you'll have the possibilities to profit by interesting occasions, to take up new directions on the professional or sentimental plane, and to create a new friendship circle for yourself. You'll hardly run the risk of bumping into insurmountable obstacles. Well, then, don't let your chance go by, seize it!
The best advantage of this year is certainly the presence of the star Loc Ton in your sign. The master of chance will be in conjunction with the Sun. This conjunction is a very dynamic aspect which gives a maximum of results when one acts in order to provoke chance. If you don't take any initiative this year, you'll merely be well. But if you act, if you take risks, then the support of the star Loc Ton will prove much more efficacious and spectacular. So don't rest on your laurels!

Ox – Love
First trimester - If you're living in couple, you'll force the admiration of your spouse or mate by making difficult but indispensable decisions concerning your home and your children. Thus you'll form an exemplary couple with the other one. Single natives, you'll reject all relationship that does not lead to anything constructive. On the contrary, the person whom you'll meet this time might well resemble the ideal partner for you. Very quickly you two will begin talking about marriage or will envisage living together.
Second trimester - In your life as a couple you'll try to multiply common projects. Also, for some of you, the birth of a child will mark the realization of the most beautiful of projects. Single folks, don't worry: The stars will not forget you and there'll be something new in your love lives. It's even love with a capital L that you'll experience. And if you're betrothed since some time, marriage will take place very soon.
Third trimester - Your relationship with your spouse or mate will be placed under the sign of dynamism and activity. More than customary, you'll be conscious of the risk that monotony in a couple can present and you'll do everything possible to avoid this trap. Single folks, you'll shun too clingy partners and you'll try to profit by your freedom to the utmost. However, there's every chance that a charming person will soon kidnap your heart.
Fourth trimester - Euphoria in the love sector! Thanks to the joint influence of the stars Long Duc and Phong Cao, you'll live privileged moments with your spouse or mate. The star Lam Quan will also be in excellent aspect. Thus, not satisfied only with strengthening your complicity ties with the person who shares your life, you'll also take him/her to the paradise of pleasure. This idyllic ambience will have every chance to prevail a long time, especially if you avoid playing at tyrants with the other one. Single natives, you'll be real ladykillers (mankillers). But you'll also be ready to sacrifice your freedom for the beautiful eyes of a charming person.

Ox – Career
First trimester - The general planetary tendency seems to be very favorable to independent professions. For all natives of the sign, the undertakings already underway can prove to be more and more profitable. What's important for the moment is to show more initiative so as to transform the present good current into total and definitive success.
Second trimester - In work, your ambition will be awakened, and you'll have much less difficulty reaching your objectives than lately. You'll try everything in order to make your desires coincide with reality. In some cases, life itself will help you in this respect by offering you very favorable opportunities. The situation will evolve in a good direction, and you'll be very much appreciated.
Third trimester - In your work, much will be demanded from you and you'll encounter some difficulties, which could put you under stress. But don't be afraid for the stars will support you by giving you torrents of energy and dynamism. Don't neglect either your physical appearance, your words, or your general behavior, for your entire personality will be at stake. If you succeed in convincing your interlocutors, then total success will be yours. In any case, you'll make notable progress.
Fourth trimester - You'll now and then feel rather satisfied with your professional life. As a rule you'll have nothing to fear, but you'll be so demanding, as much with yourself as with your colleagues, that you may complicate what is nevertheless going well. Without indulging in sloppiness, though, try to be more relaxed, less perfectionist, and then the climate will immediately ease off.

Ox – Health
First trimester - It's possible you'll be somewhat out of sorts at the beginning of this period. But you'll very quickly recover your equilibrium if you adopt a good life hygiene. Refrain from food excesses: this is indeed the weak point of people of your sign. If you decide to have a lighter and more wholesome diet, for instance by eating organic vegetables, good results won't be long to come.
Second trimester - For the majority of natives of your sign, this period will prove invigorating and favorable to health. The digestive disorders that might have disturbed you lately will disappear. On the contrary, if you've decided to follow a diet program or to stop drinking alcohol or smoking, you'll need more willpower than usual to stick to your good resolutions.
Third trimester - With this aspect of the star Duong Phu, you'll be brimming over with tonicity and dynamism. Moreover, you'll enjoy good physical and psychic resistance. Of course, if you give in to the influence of the planet Truc Phu, who's going to incite you to excesses, you'll run the risk of health problems earlier than you may think.
Fourth trimester - You should as a rule enjoy good physical equilibrium. With this being said, beware of Long Tri, the planet of energy, in the health sector of your chart. He'll make your tonicity go through ups and downs. In good shape by moments, you may at other moments feel rather out of sorts and nervous. Practice yoga, this will help you to balance your energies.

Ox – Finances
First trimester - If investments interest you, you must these days have a realistic vision of things. With this being said, the stars promise certain chance on the financial plane. But you must avoid seeing too big in your undertakings, otherwise you might let yourself take useless risks that can cause heavy losses.
Second trimester - With this aspect of the Sun, you should not have too many financial difficulties. But beware! Three other stars can by moments render you rather imprudent. Of course, your budgetary balance seems quite solid at present, but if you indulge in useless purchases beyond your real possibilities, then you'll be obliged to fill the holes. Vigorously resist the temptation to live above your means.
Third trimester - The passing of That Sat can have two sets of consequences. On one hand, this planet will incite you to make great efforts at improving your incomes, which evidently is a very positive thing. But on the other hand, he may instill you compulsive spending desires, so much so that you may be induced to sign a check or contract a loan largely above your means! You should therefore think to control yourself strictly.
Fourth trimester - The astral influences do not seem to be very beneficial to you in the financial domain these days. For the moment you won't be prone to save. On the contrary, you'll tend to spend rashly. Please think over carefully before putting your hand in your pocket. Also, refrain from lending or borrowing. If an opportunity concerning real estate is given you, don't miss it for luck will be with your in this domain.

Ox – What your Element has to add
Wood Ox - Your obligations and responsibilities will be numerous, and it will be necessary for you to organize yourself methodically so as to discharge them well. You'll be inclined to spend much money in order to satisfy your temporary pleasures or to make other people jealous; beware, pecuniary problems may befall you sooner than you think!

Fire Ox - You'll know success in your career; however, beware of jealous people, who are among your adversaries as well as among your friends. Adopt a more severe diet so as to lower your cholesterol level. A favorable year for intellectual efforts of all kinds; read much, interest yourself in diverse subjects.

Earth Ox - You'll be at times inclined to certain melancholia and pessimism; react by trying to change your ideas. Control your utterings, otherwise your conjugal relationships will become explosive. It will be useless to try to win a fortune by spending your savings in gambles; continue patiently to win your bread by the sweat of your brow.

Metal Ox - In your work, beware of false intuitions and also of temptations suggested by other people. If possible, refrain from travels far from your home this year, for annoyances of all kinds will lie in wait for you. Concerning finances as well as sentiments, rely uniquely on your sense of organization which will be superb.

Water Ox - You'll often be inclined to introspection; this will allow you to think about what you really want in life, but this can also make you more forbidding toward your close ones. Don't try to solve your disputes in a shattering manner; privilege the amicable way. In your work, a low figure will prove necessary.