DENNIS ODA / DODA@STARBULLETIN.COM Pamela Higa Johnson, a psychic and medium, says 2005 will be a year of great energy, exhausting those who are unprepared for the demands.

Future tense

What will 2005 bring? Three seers
take a forward look ...

Astrologers and psychics are busy this time of year when people are eager to hear what the new year has in store.

But for every person who believes in seers, there is another who sees chicanery. Even for avowed skeptics, however, it's not so much the details of predictions that matter, but the hope and focus they bring to those willing to open their minds to possibilities.

Also making predictions: Cheryl Niggle Astrologer Geralyn St. Joseph Psychic

"No one is destined to fail or suffer," said psychic and medium Pamela Higa Johnson, but she adds, "We are in an unprecedented age of choice and free will, with more and more people realizing that they can change their future by changing their thoughts, beliefs and subconscious patterns.

"The purpose for having a reading is to see what direction we are headed, and if we don't like what we see coming down the road, we can then make changes to change or minimize the outcome."

Readings should be helpful and uplifting, not foster fear, added psychic Geralyn St. Joseph. She warns people to be wary of psychics who speak in absolutes.

"Anyone who claims 100 percent accuracy is a liar," she said. "Scientific studies have shown that the best of us have 78 to 85 percent accuracy. A normal person usually rates a 30 percent."

Although war in the Middle East cast gloom in 2004, the astrologers and psychics we spoke to agreed that 2005 will bring a glimmer of hope. While their early 2004 predictions forecast pessimism attributed to the continuing war, Cheryl Niggle, a clairvoyant astrologer, said people's lives will improve this year, especially in the areas of health care and environmental awareness.

In past years we have asked astrologers and clairvoyants to provide general information about the coming year. This year, we are asking specific questions on topics of general interest, which will make it easier to gauge their success at year's end.

Will the war end?

Pamela Johnson: No. The war will continue on through 2005. If anything, the conflict will increase.

Cheryl Niggle: Not in the foreseeable future. I'm getting 2006 to as late as 2008.

Geralyn St. Joseph: I don't feel the war ending yet. Our participation in the Iraq war will end during this administration, however. The Iraq war will continue as an internal conflict long after our departure.

The U.S. has set into motion a series of events meant to change the face of the world as we know it. Whether we agree with our country's involvement in the war or not, it has moved us to look strongly at the meaning of peace. It is meant to be a catalyst for positive changes throughout the world as more people recognize the needs of the whole. Pray we learn the lesson quickly.

Will Bush's popularity wane?

Johnson: It is already happening. The president's popularity abroad evaporates, and here at home it will continue a downhill trend as the war drags on.

Niggle: Neptune continues to transit Bush's seventh house of partnerships, so many people will continue to see him through rose-colored glasses. Bush will go through his second Saturn return in June 2005, after which Saturn will cross his Ascendant in Leo in September 2005. During this time, his past will come under close scrutiny. This time marks a separation process, during which anything that no longer supports his life purpose is broken down and remolded or discarded. His popularity might wane a bit during this time, but overall his approval, his popularity rating, should continue to be above average.

St. Joseph: Bush's popularity is already tenuous. It depends on which issues you're referring to whether people are behind him. Not wanting Iraq to turn into another Vietnam is the motive for many people's support. Throughout the next year the country will continue to polarize.

What will happen to the housing market locally?

Johnson: The housing market here remains stable and fairly robust, although the low- and middle-income residents are left behind and squeezed out of home ownership.

Niggle: The rental market will continue to be pricey, but we will experience a lowering of rental prices in June through September as more affordable rentals come on the market, forcing existing rental prices lower. We'll see a corresponding trend in house sales as well; sale prices should be lower from March to September.

St. Joseph: In the first few months of 2005 prices will level off, then drop mildly and plateau until next year.

What can we expect from the financial market?

Johnson: A dip in the market, which is recovered but is an uneven year overall.

Niggle: We will continue to see gains in the financial market in 2005, although they will be gradual, not spectacular.

St. Joseph: That's a very broad question, and the initial answer is, expect fluctuation. Those involved in the stock market need to look to the long term if they expect to make any money. If you're a short-term investor, be prepared to shift gears once you feel the winds of change. End of year 2005 is the most volatile. June looks a bit skittish, also.

Any thoughts on overall tendencies for the year? Things seemed difficult for many in 2004. Will people's lives improve in 2005?

Johnson: For those people who made necessary changes last year, things will be better. If anyone has been delaying changes, it will become much more difficult. By the end of 2005, some people will say it was their best year ever, while others will lament that the year was as bad, if not worse, than last year. There will not be much in between.

A year of a lot of energy, 2005 will exhaust some people if they have not prepared themselves for all the demands and activity. People will find that their thoughts, feelings and beliefs manifest especially quickly and with great force. We will not have the luxury of a negative thought.

Niggle: People's lives will improve in 2005, especially in the areas of health care and environmental awareness. Even though some drugs are falling off the market, new and safer medications will replace them for the betterment of mankind. I see people turning more to safer, natural cleaners that don't toxify the air we breathe; that can help people with asthma and breathing difficulties. There is a new wave of spirituality in the air, too, that will freshen and lighten people's spirits and help them stabilize mentally and emotionally.

St. Joseph: Through the process of doing many readings this year, especially in the last few months, I find your statement to be correct. The information I have received is that 2004 was a year of major changes, often difficult. It was a time of transformation. The events of 2004 have set us up for new growth in 2005. Last year (2004), things were broken down to make room for a better foundation. 2005 can be a time of tremendous growth. It's up to us. The more we resist our guidance, the more difficult our path. When we follow our guidance, things happen more smoothly. 2005 can be a great year if we let it.

Will the dump remain at Waimanalo Gulch or in a different location?

Johnson: Waimanalo for now. Although, there could be a surprise announcement at the last minute.

Niggle: The dump will remain in Waimanalo Gulch for the foreseeable future. I see the City Council taking some of the revenue from it ($28 million annually) to build more parks and walking trails in the area as well as a community center. These improvements will make the community more agreeable to having the dump in their area.

St. Joseph: My initial feeling is that the location starts with a W. It looks like it's staying put.

What famous Hollywood couple will split up? Which will marry?

Niggle: Britney Spears and her new husband aren't long for marital bliss, and J.Lo and Mark Anthony will split before year's end. Jessica and Nick have outlived their popularity, and that can take a toll on their romantic relationship. Nicole Kidman will start a torrid, passionate love affair with a European suitor but will probably remain single in 2005.

St. Joseph: Generally, this is not the type of information I pick up on unless I am reading someone involved. However, I enlisted the help of my friend April Collingwood. She predicted that Will Smith will separate from his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith. The separation is precipitated by an action by Jada. She also predicts a surprise gay marriage, where one of the partners was previously not known to be gay.

Will it be a good year for the arts?

Johnson: Yes! A good year for the arts in general.

Niggle: Contributions from private individuals and foundations as well as freer funds from government agencies will make this a good year financially for supporting the arts.

Who will win best actor and actress at the Academy Awards?

Johnson: Best actress: Hilary Swank. Best actor: Kevin Spacey.

Niggle: My money is on Tom Hanks for best actor, although "The Terminal" wasn't the best vehicle for him. Jamie Foxx ("Ray") could give Tom a run for his money, though.

St. Joseph: I rarely pick up this type of information. This type of knowledge doesn't really help anyone, so Spirit has no need to tell me. However, my boyfriend Glenn thinks Tom Hanks is a top contender. April feels that the movie "Closer" will be much acclaimed and that one of the lead actresses from that film will win an award.