The Chinese Lunar New Year in 2013 welcomes the Year of the Snake, and things are looking up, according to Peter Lung, owner of World of Feng Shui in Kilohana Square.
The Year of the Snake will bring balance, harmony and good fortune for most signs of the Chinese zodiac, Lung said. Like a serpent, it may be time to shed your skin and start anew.
The zodiac is based on a 12-year cycle, with each year represented by an animal sign. Those born in snake years are observers or charmers who are intuitive, introspective, intelligent, materialistic and prone to jealousy.
People can bring good fortune into the home by displaying snake images. "Make sure it’s a friendly snake, since you are using it for good energy and luck, not to protect the house," Lung said.
And it wouldn’t hurt to expand your groups of friends to some people born under the snake sign.
Lung said bringing lots of greenery and flowers into your office and home during the 15-day Chinese New Year festival that begins today will entice positive energy and happiness. He suggested rolling oranges or tangerines, which represent gold and treasures, through the front door today, Chinese New Year Day, as another way to attract good things.
The element of wood represents wealth this year. "We should display strong plants at home to attract wealth luck," he said.
If you put stock in this sort of thing, Lung predicted the economy should be in good shape, generally speaking, but restaurants and Internet and entertainment businesses may face challenges.
"Gold will continue to go up," he said. "Banking and jewelry businesses will be extremely competitive."
As for interpersonal relations: "It’s a good year for people to help each other out. We don’t want to create more enemies. We need more allies. Partnerships will be successful. Young people will find success."
Expect more stable and harmonious relationships, Lung said. If you need a little help in this area, he advised placing a rooster on the west side of your home to encourage good relationships. Single and looking? Then place a rooster on the west side of your bedroom.
Lucky colors to wear this year include pink, red, blue, green and black.
And, just to be on the safe side, Lung always recommends wearing lucky charms.
In the spirit of Chinese New Year and local traditions, we once again are providing Lung’s annual astrological forecast for each animal sign. Whether you take his predictions at face value or have some fun with them, it’s up to you.
SNAKE
Birth year: 1917 • 1929 •1941 • 1953 1965 • 1977 • 1989 • 2001
Expect a busy year. Beware of the friends around you; they may make you lose money.
HORSE
Birth year: 1918 • 1930 • 1942 • 1954 1966 • 1978 • 1990 • 2002
People born under this sign are recovering from last year. Lucky stars will remove all obstacles. Males should pay attention to their health.
RAM
Birth yeaR: 1919 • 1931 • 1943 • 1955 1967 • 1979 • 1991 • 2003
Rams will have strong money luck, but beware of unexpected expenses. Be mindful of your health, especially females. Carry or display a horse at home for better luck.
MONKEY
Birth year: 1920 • 1932 • 1944 • 1956 1968 • 1980 • 1992 • 2004
Control your temper. Cash flow problems may be an issue. This is an excellent year to get married.
ROOSTER
Birth year: 1921 • 1933 • 1945 • 1957 1969 • 1981 • 1993 • 2005
Wealth potential is strong in 2013, but there is a chance that financial losses may occur due to unexpected expenses. Don’t loan money to others. Fame luck brings success this year.
DOG
Birth year: 1922 • 1934 • 1946 • 1958 1970 • 1982 • 1994 • 2006
People born under this animal sign can expect a windfall this year. Relationship luck is very strong. Beware of legal problems.
BOAR
Birth year: 1923 • 1935 • 1947 • 1959 1971 • 1983 • 1995 • 2007
Expect an extremely busy year. It may be a good idea to lie low; you may clash with those born in the Year of the Snake. Be patient with your spouse or partner. Beware of car accidents.
RAT
Birth year: 1924 • 1936 • 1948 • 1960 1972 • 1984 • 1996 • 2008
Lucky stars will bring good news, including some luck in the area of finances. Be patient and get organized.
OX
Birth year: 1925, 1937 • 1949 • 1961 1973 • 1985 • 1997 • 2009
Strong money luck this year. Watch your temper. Single people may have opportunities for marriage.
TIGER
Birth year: 1926 • 1938 • 1950 • 1962 1974 • 1986 • 1998 • 2010
Expect a fairly lucky year. However, there will be unexpected expenses and career luck is unstable. Strong relationship luck for single women.
RABBIT
Birth year: 1927 • 1939 • 1951 • 1963 1975 • 1987 • 1999 • 2011
Beware of legal problems. Expect a busy year. Don’t rush into anything.
DRAGON
Birth year: 1928 • 1940 • 1952 • 1964 1976 • 1988 • 2000 • 2012
This is the year for the dragon to be working behind the scenes. The stars bring auspicious luck, so it’s a good year to invest.
Source: Peter Lung, owner of World of Feng Shui in Kilohana Square. Reach him at his Las Vegas store: Call 702-386-1888 or email lasvegas@wofsusa.com.
