In 2012 the solar system is also likely to open up more of its secrets. The last Dragon year saw the identification of two new planets, and this year again some exciting new finds will be made. For astronomers, this can be a highly significant year.
There will also be major developments in the area of transport, especially in the creation of high-speed links and the manufacture of environmentally friendly vehicles. Green technology will feature strongly during the year, with Expo 2012, held in South Korea, being a showcase for some truly innovative thinking.
A feature of Dragon years is that they favour expression, and in the world of fashion, new styles are likely to catch the imagination, while in music, artists will be keen to experiment and promote new sounds, with some new bands attracting a worldwide following. Interestingly, it was in a Dragon year that Beatlemania became such a global phenomenon, with the Beatles being the first band to sell a million copies of a record before its release.
The film industry, too, will enjoy some major successes, not only with some spectacular blockbusters but also in furthering cinematography.
The internet will continue to have a great impact, with popular new sites and exciting advances in home entertainment. As is the way with Dragon years, certain ideas will take root and develop into something major. This was the case with Wikipedia, launched in the last Dragon year, which has now grown into a vast resource.
There will be an undeniable buzz to the year and many will find it inspiring and exciting. This will be especially true of the summer Olympics, held in London. People around the world will follow the fortunes of top sportsmen and women and see some spectacular achievements. The excitement will help generate a feel-good factor that, for a time, will be a welcome distraction from more worldly concerns.
The British royal family is never far from the news and 2012 promises to be an eventful year. It was in 1952, 60 years ago, that the young Princess Elizabeth came to the throne, and this Dragon year will again see considerable pageantry and celebration, as well as some surprises.
Dragon years have considerable positive energy, but sadly can also bring disaster. This year will again be marked by natural catastrophe, perhaps very early on. Not only could there be earthquakes in various parts of the world and volcanoes erupting, but the vagaries of the weather system may well play havoc in certain regions. However, when tragedy strikes, many nations will rally and provide support. Some wonderful gestures will be made, as with the Race Against Time, a charity event raising money to fight children’s diseases which took place in a previous Dragon year, which had 50 million people participating worldwide.
As leader of the carnival, the Dragon energizes proceedings, and many will find that this is a year for action. The Chinese consider the Dragon year a time of good fortune and one favouring marriage and starting a family or business. Whatever your plans, this is a time to move forward.
Although some signs will fare better than others, the Dragon year will offer opportunities for us all. Do make the most of these 12 months, for your actions will in some way make a difference.
I wish you every success and good fortune.
18 FEBRUARY 1912
5 FEBRUARY 1924
24 JANUARY 1936
10 FEBRUARY 1948
28 JANUARY 1960
15 FEBRUARY 1972
2 FEBRUARY 1984
19 FEBRUARY 1996
7 FEBRUARY 2008
THE RAT
THE PERSONALITY OF THE RAT
To see,
and to see what others do not see.
That is true vision.
The Rat is born under the sign of charm. He is intelligent, popular and loves attending parties and large social gatherings. He is able to establish friendships with remarkable ease and people generally feel relaxed in his company. He is a very social creature and is genuinely interested in the welfare and activities of others. He has a good understanding of human nature and his advice and opinions are often sought.
The Rat is a hard and diligent worker. He is also very imaginative and is never short of ideas. However, he does sometimes lack the confidence to promote his ideas and this can often prevent him from securing the recognition he deserves.
The Rat is very observant and many Rats have made excellent writers and journalists. The Rat also excels at personnel and PR work and any job that brings him into contact with people and the media. His skills are particularly appreciated in times of crisis, for the Rat has an incredibly strong sense of self-preservation. When it comes to finding a way out of an awkward situation, he is certain to be the one who comes up with a solution.
The Rat loves to be where there is a lot of action, but should he ever find himself in a very bureaucratic or restrictive environment he can become a stickler for discipline and routine. He is also something of an opportunist and is constantly on the lookout for ways in which he can improve his wealth and lifestyle. He rarely lets an opportunity go by and can become involved in so many plans and schemes that he sometimes squanders his energies and achieves very little as a result. He is also rather gullible and can be taken in by those less scrupulous than himself.
Another characteristic of the Rat is his attitude towards money. He is very thrifty and to some he may appear a little mean. The reason for this is purely that he likes to keep his money within his family. He can be most generous to his partner, his children and close friends and relatives. He can also be generous to himself, for he often finds it impossible to deprive himself of any luxury or object he fancies. He is very acquisitive and can be a notorious hoarder. He also hates waste and is rarely prepared to throw anything away. He can be rather greedy and will rarely refuse an invitation to a free meal or a complimentary ticket to a lavish function.
The Rat is a good conversationalist, although he can occasionally be a little indiscreet. He can be highly critical of others – for an honest and unbiased opinion, the Rat is a superb critic – and will sometimes use confidential information to his own advantage. However, as he has such a bright and irresistible nature, most people are prepared to forgive him his slight indiscretions.
Throughout his long and eventful life the Rat will make many friends and will