© Aris Dervis 2006

Year of the Red Fire Dog

January 29, 2006- February 17, 2007

Happy Chinese New Year!
Here's what Theodora Lau has to say about the new year from her Handbook of Chinese Horoscopes.

Paradoxically the year of the Dog will bring happiness and dissent in the same boat. The Dog's domestic auspices will bring harmony to home life, patriotism to one's country, and unwavering fealty to whatever cause you wish to support.
On the other hand, his rigid will power and unbending sense of justice will also lead to major confrontations, with the weaker side getting the upper hand. It is a year in which controversial issues will be awarded a hearing and unconventional but effective changes will be introduced. Equality and liberty will be advocated by the Dog's noble influence. We will become more idealistic in our views, shedding some materialism by doing charitable acts or otherwise championing some worthy projects. It is a year in which we will shift away from the pursuit of the almighty dollar and become a little more reflective. A perfect time to reassess our sense of values, polish up our virtues and go on crusades against tyranny and oppression.
In spite of the Dog's dismal outlook, he brings stability because people do not usually dare to challenge his authority when they see how intent he is on keeping the peace. Needless to say, the Dog's resoluteness and intensity will cause clashes, upheavals and rebellions of all sorts, but it will be his good sense and largesse that will also smooth things out in the end. His unselfishness will predispose us to be more bighearted than we normally are.
This will also be a year in which we will wish we could relax more without the cynical Dog constantly casting worries on our minds. Then again, perhaps it will be the Dog's ever watchful eye that will be the main force in keeping this time calm. Aside from this feeling of uneasiness, there should be no cause for alarm. We can go about our business as usual since the Dog makes the perfect sentry.
The Dog's year will lend integrity to our intentions and make us act in good faith. Nothing should concern us as long as we stick to the righteous path.

We dedicate this Monthly Spirit to our dear friends, Hope and Harry, as they prepare to celebrate their sixth birthday.