Jan. 23, 2009
By ELLEN ENDO
AAJA Executive Director
The Lunar New Year, which began Jan. 26, promises to be momentous for Barack Obama, and not just because he officially becomes President in January. According to Asian astrological experts, 2009 is the Year of the Ox, and as it happens Obama, born Aug. 4, 1961, is an Ox.
But, there’s more. Obama is an “earth Ox,” and 2009 is the Year of the Earth Ox, which apparently bodes well for the recovery of the real estate, financial, and job markets.
For Obama, the Ox attributes —logical, patient, physically strong, hard-working, eloquent, confident—seem to be ideal for establishing a new Administration. Those who will be working under his leadership should beware, however, that Ox-year people are also known to be stubborn and chauvinistic, and don’t like to be told what to do.
With Obama entering his peak cycle (of life), predicts astrologer Master Andy Goh, the stock market could recover faster than expected, and the unemployment rate will begin to improve in the latter half of the year. Out of the ashes of the economic meltdown, new global empires could emerge.
However, the New Year may bring problems for Obama himself, says Goh. Events at work, at home and traveling should be managed with caution.
Many major corporations will change leadership, adds Goh, but he isn’t saying which CEOs will lose their jobs. That detail, he points out, will be ascertained by examining each CEO’s astrological chart.
John McCain, by the way, was born Aug. 29, 1936 and is a Rat. Sarah Palin (Feb. 11, 1964) and Michelle Obama (Jan. 17, 1964) are both Rabbits. Joe Biden born Nov. 20, 1942, is a Horse and should get along well with Obama but can be strong-minded and moody at times.
Former Presidents Gerald Ford and Richard Nixon were born in the year of the Ox as were Emperor Hirohito, Margaret Thatcher, Nehru, Princess Diana, and Japan’s former Prime Minister Eisaku Sato, winner of the 1974 Nobel Peace Prize. On the darker side, Napoleon Bonaparte, Adolf Hitler, and Saddam Hussein were also Oxen.
Some of Hollywood’s biggest leading men, like George Clooney, Clark Gable, Charlie Chaplin, Will Smith, Jack Lemmon, Richard Gere, Paul Newman, Robert Redford, Rock Hudson, Richard Burton, Jack Nicholson, Dustin Hoffman, Eddie Murphy, and Jim Carrey can claim the Ox designation. Leading ladies include Meryl Streep, Vanessa Redgrave, Meg Ryan, Sigourney Weaver, Keira Knightley, and Kate Beckinsale.
Likewise, many of the world’s most creative men—Vincent Van Gogh, Johann Sebastian Bach, Walt Disney, George Frederic Handel, and novelist Yukio Mishima—were also born in the year of the Ox.
Early in 2008, astrologer Suzanne White prophetically advised people to “open savings accounts, plant vegetable gardens, stash gold jewelry under your mattress, junk the gas guzzler, and take the kids out of private school. Learn to cook cheaper cuts of meat or eat no meat at all. Might as well face it. Scantier days are ahead.”
Belief in Chinese astrology is said to date back to 1300 B.C. Buddhism arrived in Japan around the 6th century A.D. and along with it the Kanshi or Eto, the Zodiac calendar, which was adopted in 604 A.D.
In China, the start of the New Year falls on Jan. 26, 2009, but in Japan Oshogatsu ushers in the New Year on Jan. 1.
Experts schooled in Asian astrology offer the following predictions for other “animals” during the coming 12 months:
Rat (1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008)
Although many born in the year of the Rat have been experiencing economic stress since 2007, they will begin to enjoy relative good fortune in ’09. This could mean a new job, a change of residence, and even romance.
Be prepared for a demanding year ahead. Although career and money may be below expectations, Ox people are advised to hold their job positions, follow a financial plan and spend wisely. Show care and love to family members, watch your health, and you will have a peaceful year.
Tiger (1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998)
For the Tiger, the year of the Ox will be mixed. Finances and your energy may be up one minute and down the next. Tigers will need to budget their time so that they don’t take on more than they can handle. Community work will provide a positive outlet for your creative skills and also bring respect and admiration. In the spring, focus on your own needs.
Rabbit (1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999)
2008 was a year of basking in the limelight for Rabbits, but the coming year will be somewhat uneventful. Rabbits may be presented with opportunities for unexpected wealth, but ‘09 will not be a good year to gamble or speculate. Romance may be on the horizon but primarily for males.
Dragon (1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000)
For those born in the year of Dragon, 2009 will be both challenging and exciting. Someone new may enter your life. Luck will fluctuate. You may even receive help with work from new friends or even competitors.
Snake (1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001)
The New Year will be favorable year for Snakes, who can expect to be both wise and eloquent. There may be an increased desire to fulfill your personal needs and new opportunities for travel. Try not to resist chasing after everything that comes your way, including romance.
Horse (1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002)
Those born in the year of Horse can expect to encounter obstacles in ‘09. Health, finances, career and relationships will be strained. Keep a low profile and avoid disputes with others. Investments are not advised, and beware of backstabbing by both strangers and friends.
Ram (1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003)
Among the 12 Zodiac signs, those who are born in the year of ram will experience the most ups and downs during the year. There will be great highs, such as unexpected income or there will be surprises, both positive and negative.
Monkey (1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004)
2009 will be a year of opportunities for Monkeys. Your interpersonal skills will be put to good use but you may have a tendency to lay back and relax. Be firm in seizing new opportunities and resist the temptation to waste time.
Rooster (1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005)
For those born in the Year of Rooster, 2009 bring new opportunities. Similar to the Monkey, this will be a favorable year. You will be able to make firm and sharp decisions, and opportunities may come from overseas or other states. It will also be an excellent year for relationships.
Dog (1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006)
While there will be ups and downs for Dogs, 2009 could be the year you fulfill your dream. You will be given opportunities to expand your business or excel in your career. Sudden fortune is possible.
Pig (1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007)
Those born in the Year of the Pig will meet new people and renew acquaintances with old friends. Many of these relationships will be positive and could even lead to financial gain, a new job or romance. Others should be met with caution as they could have a negative influence.