Foon's summer astrological forecast

Summer is perhaps the most highly-anticipated season, especially here in the Nordic countries, where it seems to be over almost as soon as it has started. Radio86 interviewed our resident astrologer Ting Foon-Chik to find out if sunny weather -- perhaps, even love? -- is on the horizon this summer. Read on to find out more!

1. Each month is related to a particular element. May is Snake month, so it has fire, earth and metal. May, June and July all have fire elements. Autumn months, which are under the signs of the Monkey, the Rooster and the Dog, all have metal elements. Winter months, which are ruled by the Pig, the Rat and the Ox, all have water elements. Tiger, Rabbit and Dragon all have wood elements.

2. Throughout each of the four seasons, there is a prevailing element that is stronger than the others. So, it's not surprising that in summer, we feel the heat of the sun and everything is more active because that is the sort of energy of the season.

3. The fire energy of the summer months could intensify the earth energy of the Ox year. That means that things might happen suddenly and changes might seem to take a long time to happen, because earth is an element that doesn't move quickly. There could be some situations where something suddenly happens and nothing seems to change.

4. Because of the fire energy which has to do with joy and excitement, the summer season is the most sociable time of the year. Fire energy encourages people to be more sociable. However, since earth energy blocks the water energy that we need to cool things down and bring balance, there might be a lot of misunderstandings. It's important for people to remember that when communication doesn't go smoothly, to try again.

5. Quite often, people who have a lot of water in their natal charts benefit from the warmth of the summer months. People who seem to always feel a little bit down in winter will find that their personality comes alive more in the summer. That's the influence of the fire energy.

6. People born in Rat, Pig and Ox are water animals according to their year of birth. Equally, people born in winter months – November, December and January – will find their personalities sunnier and brighter when the sun comes out.

7. The fire element is also associated with the heart. So, summer is a good time for love and romance. But love found during the summer months doesn't necessarily mean that it's something long lasting, so it's important not to misunderstand any new love and romance that comes your way.

8. Those who are single and want to attract some new romance should put fresh flowers in their homes. The flowers should be put in a particular direction depending on your animal sign. If you are a Rat, a Monkey or a Dragon, place the flowers in the west. If you are a Rabbit, a Pig or a Goat, place them in the north. If you are a Tiger, a Horse or a Dog, place them in the east. Roosters, Ox and Snakes should put the flowers in the south. This is called “activating romance with beautiful flowers.”

9. The past two summers in Europe haven't been very sunny. This year, especially in June and July, there will be sunny weather despite the Ox year being a “wet earth” year.

10. The seashore is a good place to visit during the summer months because of the fine drops of water on the sea breeze. When it's hot, it's good to balance that with some cool breeze and fresh sea air.