Singaporean Entrepreneurs

Yes, we are aware of the fact that the image on the chinese seal you see is not of a rat, but of a dog. Well, it can’t be helped. My friend has just picked up seal carving and it may take some time (hopefully before the year of the rat actually commences: 7 Feb 2008) before we’ll see a decent looking one. You’ll just have to stay tuned to see the progress.

So what’s in store for this supposedly auspicious year? Beijing is definitely looking positive, even kicking off the Olympics on 8 August 2008 (the 8th day of the 8th Month of the year 2008). A Rat Year, many geomancers believe, is a time of hard work (!!), activity, and renewal. Apparently, for those who believe in the chinese zodiac cycle, this is a good year to begin a new job, get married, launch a product or make a fresh start. Why is the rat year so? Mainly because the rat is the first animal of the 12 that went to see the Emperor. So it’s really coming full circle and starting again.

There is a word of caution though although it is a time of fresh beginnings, ventures begun now may not yield fast returns, but opportunities will come for people who are well prepared and resourceful. The best way for you to succeed is to be patient, let things develop slowly, and make the most of every opening you can find. Sounds much like what a rat would do?

For the Chinese, rats are not the vile creatures the West often portrays them to be (save for Mickey Mouse and the more recent Little Chef in Ratatouille). Regardless of either perception, it cannot be denied that rats are clever and bright (watch them dart), sociable (they like to move in packs) and family-minded (always bring back stuff for the brood). They also have broad interests (check out all the places you can find them in) and have an incredible ability to adapt to the environment and swiftly react to changes. (Have you ever tried to catch a rat? They defend, attack, run around in circles… cunning little creatures.)

BOTTOM LINE PREDICTIONS by geomancers
(1) POLITICAL: Change and renewal will be seen in many places (Evidence: many major elections happening between 2007 and 2008 with change of leadership in many countries including the USA, UK, Russia, France, Taiwan, Pakistan, etc.)

(2) ENVIRONMENT: The Water Rat is the most powerful this year and it will bring heavy flooding or even tsunami disasters. (Aside from the animals, the other elements to consider are: earth, water, fire, wood and metal which are on a 60 year cycle and is very confusing.) As the Earth Rat is on unstable ground because it sits atop raging ocean waters of the Water Rat, other disasters such as earthquakes, landslides, and collapse of bridges and buildings is expected. The serious impacts of Global warming will intensify in 2008.

(3) HEALTH: Prevalent diseases are Earth related such as: stomach problems, food poisoning, and diarrhea. Diabetes is a sickness caused by disorder of insulin which is produced by the pancreas which is also symbolized by earth element in Chinese medicine. So these kinds of health problems will come into focus for 2008.

(4) ECONOMY: The stock market is fuelled by the fire element and it is largely absent for the year 2008. Nevertheless the spring and summer months still show strong wood and fire influences which should help the stock market surge during this time. There will not be dramatic fluctuations such as in the magnitude of yin during the fire year of 2007. In general, 2008 will be a year of cooling down with more stability and calmness in the stock market. Although the strong water (a symbol of money to the earth industry) will mean the property market as well as the following industries: mining, hotel, chemicals, and insurance, will be active and profitable. (Less prosperous will be: shipping, communication, drinks, finance, stock market, energy, electricity, entertainment, and airline businesses) For those who are wondering about the internet, a lot of activity is expected, with money pouring in, but with little chance of gain.

What do you think?