Forecast for the Year of the Pig

Each year of the Chinese calendar is represented by an animal, which is ascribed an element. The twelve animals (the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig) are paired with the five elements (wood, fire, earth, metal, and water) to give the full 60-year cycle of the Chinese calendar.

According to the Chinese zodiac, Ding Hai or the Year of the Fire Pig began last Sunday. The pig is the last animal in the Chinese Zodiac. Next year will be the Year of the Rat.

The Pig personality

In Chinese, pig is "Zhu," which is a sign of honesty. People born in the year of the pig are easy to trust, since they are always around to lend support and will never try to let anyone down. They are compassionate people who will do anything to preserve the peace among friends and family.

Because of their tolerant nature, Pigs can sometimes be taken advantage of by people who mistake their compassion for gullibility. As Pigs tend to have a forgive and forget attitude, though, everything usually ends up okay.

At work, Pigs do best in environments where they can let loose their creativity. Pigs don't shy away from new responsibilities and are always willing to lend a helping hand to their co-workers. Bosses also respect their eye for detail.

Last year, there was an increase in the number of people getting married in the hopes of having a baby born in the Year of the Pig. Pig babies are thought to be happy and easy to take care of.

Famous Pigs include Hillary Rodham Clinton, Alfred Hitchcock, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Henry Ford, Ronald Reagan, and Woody Allen.

What to expect in the Year of the Pig

As it is in Western astrology, it is customary for Chinese astrologers and feng shui experts to announce their forecast for the coming year. Astrologers predict that the Year of the Pig will be filled both with conflict and economic gains.

The year symbolizes the element of Fire sitting over Water. As these elements are the direct opposites of each other, the year might be filled with conflicts and struggles. Astrologers predict a periods of civil unrest which might challenge government authority in many countries.

Dispute will characterize many personal relationships. Although the Year of the Pig is seen as a good year for marriage and having children, there will be more couples separating this year than last year. Conflicts among members might also damage harmony within the family.

Astrologers also warn about the possibility of disasters that are fire- or water-related as well as increased incidence of diseases that affect the abdomen and the intestines.

On a more positive note, tourism, travel and transportation sectors will flourish in the Year of the Pig. This is because the Pig Year brings with it changes in all levels: whether it is career change, moving to a different home or office, or changing schools. International migration will also rise this year.

In the business world, the forecast is positive for those involving electricity, chemistry, petroleum, and computers. Other businesses that will prosper include information, banking, finance, food, hotels, and health spas, among others. The stock market and real estate are not predicted to do as well.

The Year of the Pig is a time when teamwork will be rewarded, and money is expected to come in unexpectedly. Watch out, though, for they might also be those unexpected expenses. generally, the year of the Pig should be a time when living standards should improve.

Bear in mind, though, that these are simply predictions and nothing can guarantee that they will come true.