Astrological Forecasts

Welcome year of the Ox. Happy New Year!!

It may be the year of the bull, but will markets listen?  The year, 4,707 in the Chinese calendar arrived on Monday, heralding in the year of the ox or cow. To my way of thinking, this is the ‘real’ based upon the lunar calendar. The western calendar, the so called Julian-Gregoian, which starts on January first each year, is but a man made creation. In other words, it is not based upon anything cosmic. I, therefore, much prefer to celebrate this annual beginning instead.

The Chinese were not alone in celebrating this as the start of the year, several other cultures as far away as Mexico, did likewise. This is based upon, an exchange between the Sun and the Moon. Actually, in a sense, it is really an annual celebration of the waxing Moon as she becomes more voluptuous making her way across the heavens. Thus, this is a two week celebration, so the date changes every year. According to the Chinese, there are 12 celestial animals who reign supreme each year. Starting with the dragon,which is said to be the stem or the backbone on which all the animals ride. Thus, in turn, following the mythical dragon, we have the snake, the horse, ram, monkey, rooster, dog, boar, rat, ox, tiger, and finally the rabbit. This year, and the first few weeks of 2010, will be under the control and guidance of the ox. From what I can gather, in the year of whatever animal it is, we are supposed to try to emulate the mannerisms of the animal in charge of that year. For example, last year belonged to the rat. Ever notice how the rat is always running to and fro gathering up piles, as if he was saving for a rainy day? It is said that one should never waste in the year of the Rat. This makes it even more obvious that the trillion + dollars already doled out in bailout money was frivolous, because it rewarded the wasteful bankers at the cost of the taxpayer, otherwise known as the common man, or the Moon of the chart.  Sadly, more than likely we may wind up seeing all those billions of dollars in TARP money dwindle down the big black hole of the financiers, in the coming years.

Patience is a Virtue

The ox and his sister, the cow are both very giving animals. If we want success in the year of the Ox, we should try to emulate the traits of this stoic and generous animal. Patience and fortitude will be rewarded. Unlike the year of the rat, which prefers secretive backroom deals, for the best fortune, we would be wise remember to apply transparency to all of our endeavors. Those who go about their tasks in an even and steady manner, and above all, those that do not get easily riled up, will find reward. When in doubt, we might want to consider swallowing our tongues, and holding back just a little bit, in order to give encouragement to others. We are best to follow the sage advice of Ben Franklin, and always remember, ‘a penny saved is a penny earned.’

Sadly, regardless of what the financial pundits tell us, the bottom is far from in, and there will be no quick fixes to the mess the ‘banksters’ of Wall Street brought us. Historically, the ox year has not been noted for big booms. Risk is rarely rewarded in a year when the ox is in charge. This is also confirmed by the juxtaposition of Jupiter and Saturn. In 2009, Jupiter will be in the sign of Aquarius. Jupiter is the planet in charge of boom markets. Aquarius is a yang or masculine sign. It is also an air sign, which in markets tends to favor electronics and computers. And indeed their may be some recovery in companies in the tech industry, transportation, but unfortunately, we cannot expect a boom in this sector because the contraction principle, Saturn sits 8 signs away. The ancients said that when planets were in such a position, they could not ‘see’ one another. It is as if, expansion principle, Jupiter does not ‘see’ contraction principle, Saturn, lying in wait to snatch his optimism from under him. Even though the ox is considered related to the bull, it is castrated and harnessed, thus not at all bullish. .Historically, it brings what they call, ‘sideways markets’ where every bit of bullishness, is followed by protective profit taking. Since the Ox is such a slow and steady animal, he gives rewards in little steps. In markets this implies we should see savings to go up, and risky speculation to go down. We can expect some recovery in the next few months, but be ready to cash in come early May, when Saturn, lays in wait ready to snatch our profits away.