2012 THE WATER DRAGON YEAR 2012

HERE'S A PREVIEW OF WHAT'S IN STORE FOR US ALL IN 2012. SAVOR THESE FEW WORDS FROM THE HIGH PRIESTESS, SUZANNE WHITE, WHO SEES ALL, HEARS ALL AND TELLS ALL SHE KNOWS ABOUT THE CHARISMATIC, SENTIMENTAL DRAGON WE ALL SO LOVE TO FEAR.

THE YEAR OF THE DRAGON

The Dragon may seem a fearsome, even dangerous, character. But in Chinese Folklore, the Dragon is but an impressive magical beast who protects and vociferates and in some way or other always brings luck to each and every sign of the Chinese Zodiac. Get in line for the goodies. But don't jump the queue. Dragons favor fair play. They cannot tolerate chicanery.

THE DRAGON YEARS

(1904, 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024)

Dragon years often give rise to celebrations or festivals. These years are meant for those who dream of vast success and brilliant victory over adversity. However, because of the essentially mythical nature of Dragons, any gains reaped during his year may be fleeting and evanescent. Much work is ahead for the person who benefits during these years of extravaganza. It's one thing to get to the top, another to stay there. Unless there is a storm on his birthday, a child born in a Dragon year is blessed by the forces of magnanimity and good fortune. Should a storm occur in the region when he comes into the world, the child may prove to be turbulent and will require the observation of a watchful parental eye.

HOW WILL THE DRAGON YEAR TREAT YOU?

RAT. Boisterous Dragon years appeal to the Rat's sense of panache and flourish. Dragons take kindly to Rats. You may be chosen to lead the parade. If there is a Rat candidate up for election in a Dragon year, he or she is destined to win. Hoarding will be difficult to avoid. As there is more money around, you will be acquiring more "stuff". Stop all that fretting. Chuck that box of tranquilizers. As long as you remain alert, you will thrive in the Dragon year. Rats may have their ups and downs. But they feel generally good about themselves and so, despite, the odd setback, romantic upheaval or family difficulty the Rat comes out of the Dragon year smelling like a Rat.

OX. Despite what appears to be an easy and plentiful harvest for the Ox in the Year of the Dragon, it would be wise to keep that yoke tightly harnessed to the plow. You will need to toil and slave on your own just to keep your head on straight. You hate noise. Dragons are all about keeping the decibel level high. Get ready for the clanging of cymbals and beating of drums. There will be more than a romantic glimmer for Oxen in this Dragon year. That attached person you had your eye on last year may indeed become single again. Friends and close family will rally for your cause when difficulties arise with your significant other. You are stubborn and sometimes obtuse. Listen carefully and heed their friendly advice or you can expect a head first topple over the nearest cliff.

TIGER. Tigers can expect the best. But they will have work for it. Dragon years are powerful andspectacular. Tigers who start new projects or are involved in old ones will prosper under the Dragon's influence. Business is good and gets better. Tiger luck is a readily available commodity. One thing to look out for. For Tigers in Dragon years, trusty old Cupid seems to have crawled under a rock to hibernate. There may be flings, one-night stands and hot dates. But they will be of the flash-in-the pants variety. Have children in Dragon years. Tiger parents are highly useful to gifted Dragon kids. Do not expect miracles this year. Keep a low profile. Prowl about behind the scenes. Gather info in secret. Apply elbow grease generously. And don't try to shine. The Dragon is in the driver's seat.

CAT/RABBIT. Fulfillment, perhaps even recognition for past efforts, will come your way in the Year of the Dragon. Cat/Rabbits can climb discreetly on the bandwagon, but may prefer their own flaming hearth as refuge from the extravaganza. If you have a book to write or are longing to learn to paint or sculpt or write poetry, the Dragon year will afford you the time and even the means to fulfill your dream. The secret to garnering success in a Dragon year for the Cat/Rabbit person is not to raise an eyelid above the horizon. Skulk off into your cozy corner and create. Make things. Build. Knit one purl two. Crochet, cook, sew or hammer your head off. But do not make a spectacle of yourself in any way. Dragons do not share the spotlight with the likes of you.

DRAGON. The storms have passed. You have every right to promenade your smashing self along the glittering avenues of success. Plan carefully, think things through, and then strike up the band and send yourself some flowers. It's your year! If you so desire this year you can finally break free of all the constraints you have been living under. No more wishing you were somewhere exotic being waited on by luscious-looking people in grass skirts or hot pants or tuxedos and leather boots. Your time has come for acting out any and all fantasies you have too long been harboring under wraps. Take a look at the next 12 year program. Make lists. Decide where you want to be in a dozen years. Plan ahead. Don't go getting bossy. But do have fun this year while you still can.

SNAKE. Snakes thrive in Dragon years. You are fond of grandeur and pageantry. The Dragon smiles down from on high. You, the Serpent, stand by, a willing spectator who is so terminally attractive that the Dragon cannot help but spoil you rotten. If you were planning any subterfuge or cooking up schemes and strategies to get ahead this coming year - Go for it! The Dragon's energy is behind you like a gentle breeze at your back which urges you along toward success in any field you choose. Choose something lovely. It's in your genes to surround yourself with beauty. Money will come more easily for Snakes this year. But so will the bills. Take it easy on your credit card. Freeze it in an ice tray for a month or so. Your extravagant spending habits would have put Imelda Marcos to shame.

HORSE. Dragons are dandy years for Horses. What gregarious Horse could resist such jubilant ceremonies? Head high, go forth into the crowd. Your efforts will be recognized, applauded and appreciated. You deserve much more attention that you generally get. This year you will be riding high and making your own noise to compete with that of the Dragon. You work harder than your competitors. In Dragon years your diligent work habits will shine above everything else. Marriage? Yes. In this Dragon year you might get hitched. But for heaven's sake find someone who is as independent and industrious as yourself. An Ox perhaps. Or even Tiger or a Dog. But do not dally with Rats. Horse/Rat couples are a definite Chinese no no.

GOAT. Goats gain ground in Dragon years. The happy goings-on please the Goat's rampant imagination. The Dragon urges you to join him in prosperity. Goat are inventive and they like to be protected by something or someone grander than they. So if you're a Goat, you will thrive in the Dragon's protective dynamic. Luck, too, is on your side in the Dragon year. You won't have trouble earning money or gaining favor. Save every penny you can. The later months might be difficult. Benevolent despot though he is, the Dragon will not pressure you to provide or deliver. Be careful not to allow your spirits to dip or gloom to overcome you. Dragons have no patience with grouches.

MONKEY. The reigning Dragon can always use a helping Monkey hand. When the Dragon is up, so is the Monkey. Enjoy! Ever the ambitious go-getter and problem-solver, you will often be called upon this year to perform your magic tricks in order to save something precious or intervene in a nasty dispute. Should you get the chance to perform at a party or dance on a table at your local pub, this year your monkeyshines will be tolerated - even appreciated and loved. So if you fee like pushing the boat out and developing a few new routines to entertain the masses, now's the time. Money may be a tad tighter than you like. Not that you're big spender. But your like to lavish gifts on those you love. Reign in the spending. And in love? Don't monkey around. You will always get caught in Dragon years.

ROOSTER.It's fine weather for Roosters all Dragon year long. Dragons deem Roosters inventive and sensible. If big decisions are in the offing, make them now. You have been hanging back on pulling out of some unproductive projects for too long. People make mistakes. Don't let their mistakes bleed all over your territory. You ARE a Rooster after all. Territory is everything for you. So claim it and name it and tame it so you can get rid of it once and for all. And influx of capital seems to be on its way as well. Use it wisely. Invest in the real estate you live in. Skip stocks and bonds. Avoid banks. There is renewed vigor in the romance department this year for Roosters. Take it slow. But recognize the signs when they show up. A few tender pats here and there. A gift or two. Respond in kind. Show your love.

DOGYou may not be at ease with the Dragon's showiness and wonder why he celebrates himself. Though Dragon speeches seem trivial, they may just hold some surprising info for you. You can pick up some crucial and useful tips from the Dragon's vociferations. Listen and learn from the Dragon this year. Your endless campaigns for justice can benefit from the Dragon's more labyrinthine strategies. You blurt. The Dragon speechifies. And he strategizes. You will want to slow yourself down too. Rest more. Worry less. Love? Well yes. You will have plenty of opportunity for intimacy startups. But you won't be all that interested in latching onto someone long term. Flings. One nighters. Flirtations galore. Temptation lurking everywhere. Ho hum. For you, it'll just be one after the other dull Dog Day Afternoons.

PIGThe Dragon year's festivities may smack of too much ado over nothing. Watch from a distance if you must, Pig. But do watch. That Dragon pomp and circumstance are not as empty as they seem. You and the Dragon get on just fine. He is your bulwark against the harsh realities of the big bad world. You might marry a Dragon and find yourself secure in the knowledge he or she will not let the wolf get near your straw cottage and blow your house down. Dragons take care of their Pigs (and a slew of other animals too). For you this year (as usual) will bring money. It may not come from a totally honorable source. That will disturb you. Put it away somewhere safe and chill.

Think of all the dinner parties you can throw and the poor people you can rescue with that money at year's end. So what if it comes from the exploitation of something lewd? You Pigs always fancy a bit of the lewd.