2008 Chinese Predictions

– by renowned Feng Shui expert and scholar Joey Yap

February 7, 2008 - January 25, 2009

Year of the Earth Rat

The year of the Earth Rat or Wu Zi, carries with it the image of the misty mountain. Thus, the prevailing theme for the year is clouded perceptions, and outcomes that are unexpected. The year will start on a positive note, but then backslide as we edge towards the end of the year, when the element of Water becomes overwhelmingly strong.

Water is an active driving force and symbolises movement. Thus, the economy will continue to show progress. However, when Water is over-active, as it will be in the tail end of 2008, we have problems of "irrational exuberance." Thus, the safest course of action for the active Rat year is to have a long-term outlook and not be tempted by short-term gains. Avoid herd mentality and stick to fundamentals.

Politically, 2008 will be a year of volatile change and sometimes violent and radical changes to the political scene. It will be an unsettled year for governments all around the world.

Industries that will see progress this Rat year are primarily academic and scholarly fields such as education, journalism, publishing, tourism, sport, construction, renovations and fast-moving consumer goods. Property-wise, developments in the north are more favourable than those taking place in the south. In the north, property prices may show positive movement initially, mainly at the start of the year. However, with the arrival of the Fire star towards September, situations may radically alter -- the proverbial bubble may well burst. Hence, a long-term approach is the safest.

This year's Earth Rat is a night Rat, and so theft, break-ins, burglary and crime may go up, along with more scandals of corporate greed and embezzlement. Invest in a good burglar alarm system (especially those with main doors in the south sector), purchase insurance, be careful of corporate fraud and be careful of carrying cash. Corporate titans and business owners must strive to impose leadership and clarity of vision in their organizations, to counter the misty, clouded perceptions that may prevail.