Big moves due for Out with the old ... in with the new. Many folks are looking forward to a renewed sense of hope during 2003, especially since gloomy times have hovered since the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.
Mars and markets
The stars and cards
forecast a year in fluxBy Nancy Arcayna
narcayna@starbulletin.comLast year, the seers predicted that 2002 would bring more generosity and team spirit, a sense of hope and tranquility. They also noted the likelihood of war activity, a tight gubernatorial race, a behind-the-scenes city scandal and a continuing slump in the stock market. Here is what they see happening this year:
In the stars
The biggest astrological event in 2003 will take place on Aug. 27 when Mars moves into a position 34 million miles away, closer to Earth than it has been in 73,000 years, according to numerologist and astrologer Sue Simmons.The shifting of planets will cause intense blocked energy and frustration that builds and reaches a peak between June and September. The tension will be unleashed in year-end activity. "This is the most likely time for war against Iraq or another country," Simmons said.
With the effects permeating everyday life, it would not be the best time to find a new job, put your home on the market or make other changes. "If necessary changes are not made in the first half of the year, they will be forced on you at the end of the year. The stock market will fluctuate wildly over the year but will not gain ground overall," she added.
In the last half of 2003, astrological forces on President Bush's chart show that he will be under extreme mental strain but that people will continue to support him through the year, added Simmons. "This popular support starts to erode early in 2004 because people will be having more financial difficulty in 2003. Another factor will be further loss of sympathy and support from other nations, leaving more Americans feeling that the U.S. is acting alone by early 2004."
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By the numbers
From a numerology standpoint, 2003 is considered a "five" year, which signifies change. "More people will move, travel and make changes in their lives, whether job, home or family," said Simmons. "There is an itch to be free of whatever was dragging them down in the previous year."In contrast, 2002 was a "four" year, signifying stagnation.
Changes will extend to politics, although the Republicans will remain in power. The sudden elimination of Trent Lott as Senate GOP leader is an example of the type of unexpected change we will see, she said.
Substance abuse is the downside of a five year, so we should be seeing more coverage of such issues in the news.
On the home front
Kathy Kawana, an intuitive tarot card reader, expects that Linda Lingle will provide some economic change for the state of Hawaii. Most of her ideas will prevail, which will set a new foundation for businesses here."Lingle will spend some time working on education and the arts. We will see more inroads made in innovative ideas," said Kawana, who says the governor's decisions will earn her community support and encourage new partnerships.
"People want to see change. That is why she was elected into office in the first place."
Cheryl Niggle, a clairvoyant reader, said, "Even people who didn't vote for Lingle will see that her heart is in the right place."
Niggle said there will be no overnight miracles but that Lingle is up for the job and will make changes. The hardest task will be bringing the state budget into line, she said. "She will need to be real creative in order to keep her campaign promises."
Kawana believes that Lt. Gov. James "Duke" Aiona may not be as active as he would like to be and will be searching for an identity. "This position for him will be a wake-up call. He has a lot of dreams and leans more toward the romantic side in terms of his visions."
Niggle believes that a new coalition of Hawaiian activists will be formed and will work with Aiona.
"There is going to be a whole bunch of fireworks with the newly elected Council and Mayor Harris," said Niggle. "Ann Kobayashi will be a constant thorn in the mayor's side." Gary Okina may be deposed as Council chairman with Kobayashi assuming the position.
Niggle also believes that Ed Case will win Patsy Mink's seat.
The University of Hawaii can expect to see some changes as well. "A health project at the UH will make the papers. Currently, it is under wraps but should come out in the next four months," she said. "It should put Hawaii on the map again."
Meanwhile, UH President Evan Dobelle will endure a tumultuous year. "My guess is that he will be gone by the end of the year. ... There will be a big shake-up," Niggle said.
The Warriors will have a better season in 2003. And the volleyball Wahine will make it at least to the semifinals.
On a personal note, people will be trying to simplify their lives, giving up material things and focusing more on spirituality. "People coming in will uplift us spiritually and add to the richness of Hawaii. Our stress levels should go down," Niggle said.
She doesn't see natural disasters occurring in Hawaii. "We will see some explosive fireworks where Madame Pele is concerned. It will be spectacular but no one will be hurt," said Niggle. "The cruise ships are also going to continue to have medical problems, and that may affect us here in Hawaii."
Global happenings
The seers are not predicting that terrorism will escalate in the United States this year. "President Bush is placing his chess pieces in position," said Kawana. "There is more fact-finding going on. We can expect positive energy around negotiations."More terrorism in the Philippines and Southeast Asia will occur, said Kawana. America needs to help bring some stability by teaching the populists how to become more self-reliant and how to run their countries, she added.
"War may go to the brink, with both sides posturing," said Niggle. "There are more weapons that they aren't seeing. I don't see it coming down to a war," said Niggle. "The Israeli-Palestinian situation is the hot spot and will cause more trouble diplomatically than Iraq."
As a result of conflicts, more people will become interested in learning about world religions, said Kawana. "The leaders of various religious communities in the United States will perhaps have more interaction with each other. The idea will be planted that more interreligious interaction is necessary in our country."
Results of newfound neighborliness may not show up for another year or two.
Niggle added, "Al Gore will change his mind and be a part of the presidential race. I don't see that as a dead issue."
Show me the money
The stock market will have its ups and downs. By the end of 2003, the economy should be doing a tad better, said Kawana. More companies will be absorbed. As more companies close, others will emerge that will become the big companies of the future. Smaller companies also evolve to fill a niche, she said."It will take about three years before anything becomes visible," she added.
"The two local carriers will continue flying, and that will be good for the islands," said Niggle. The downside is that the tourist market will continue to be depressed, mainly where Japanese visitors are concerned. "We should see a boost in the economy in June or July."
Niggle also believes that the new medical school and bioscience initiative in Kakaako may bring new investors. Any major growth will occur in construction, health care and real estate.
Unemployment is stalled and hovers at 4 to 5 percent, said Niggle. Interest rates for home buyers should remain steady, she added.
In Hollywood
J.Lo and Ben Affleck's relationship should be over within three years, but they will part as friends, said Kawana. The two of them need a lot of attention, but their careers are too demanding and it creates competition for spending time together. Affleck will find a long-term partner immediately after the fallout. Lopez will endure a few shorter relationships before she finds one that works.Britney Spears will be in a serious relationship, possibly marriage, by the end of the year. "She will have rocky times almost immediately. Her biological clock might start ticking."
Tom Cruise and Penelope Cruz will maintain a lasting relationship. "I don't see them with children. There is some caution on his part after what happened with Nicole. He wants to make sure it is a stable relationship," said Kawana.
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