Year of the Rooster
crows with hope for
new harmony

Members of the Chinese zodiac
will see mixed blessings

If early 2005 hasn't resulted in great riches, romance or adventure thus far, those waiting for fortune to smile upon them can at least look forward to Wednesday's beginning of the Lunar New Year and a new start in the Year of the Rooster.

Peter So's book is available at the Dragon Gate Bookstore in the Chinatown Cultural Plaza.

We'll be saying goodbye to the monkey year, which, as represented by the mischievous simian, called for upheaval. This year calls for resolution of conflict and disharmony.

Emily Ng, owner of the Dragon Gate Bookstore, looks to the zodiac as a warning system: "I don't listen blind. I don't use it as a bible. I read and compare my life (to the predictions), but if it gives a warning, you know what to watch out for."

Call it preventive care. If you're at risk of bloodshed by accident, for instance, feng shui expert Peter So, author of "Your Fate in 2005: The Year of the Rooster" ($19.95), suggests going to the dentist for self-inflicted bloodshed to beat fate to the punch.

"I don't like to tell people to be superstitious," Chang said, "but (the horoscopes are) a good guide to help you make decisions."

Here is an overview as to what 2005 will bring for the various signs of the Chinese zodiac, excerpted from So's book:

Rat (1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996): You have a chance to gain more power but must work hard for it. Luckily, you have great relationships and many people would support you. In spite of your great relationships, your love life looks unstable.

Ox (1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997): You are likely to be busier than other zodiacs. This year is especially good for those paid by volume of work, as the harder you work, the more you make. Those earning a regular salary might be forced to take up more jobs without a salary increase.

Tiger (1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998): This is the year of wealth for tigers, and you should expect to see some obvious capital growth. Your plans should go well without any frustrating event.

Rabbit (1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999): Your luck is unstable. Try to guard what you have and don't act too ambitiously. Do not initiate big projects or make big changes. Just go with the flow and stay where you are.

Dragon (1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000): There are many lucky stars for the Dragon this year. Use them to build connections for future career development. You get major help from people of power and authority.

Snake (1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001): You have a very stable year. Depending on how you look at it, you could say it's a boring year without surprises. You should still take on challenges or learn something new.

Horse (1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002): It's a year of turmoil. Do not act impulsively. Stand by your principles and be very clear about figures on all levels. That would save you from many troubles.

Goat (1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003): It's a good year for students or those thinking about further education as you'll have luck in exams and learn efficiently. On the other hand, investment chances are just so-so. Do not let short-term frustration upset your whole plan.

Monkey (1908, 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004): The Monkey is the zodiac of temporary relationships this year. There could be changes in your relationship in the first six months. They don't have to be negative; getting married is a change, and so is having a child.

Rooster (1909, 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005): Roosters feel restless, while having major mood swings and feeling pessimistic. Roosters who are 24 will experience changes in a love relationship. Those 36 and 48 will feel lost and insecure. Go on a trip if you feel so. Those 60 years old should take care of their health.

Dog (1910, 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994): There is not much to worry about. There's no point of planning things too perfectly as circumstances change too quickly. You will have some powerful people to help you but are not likely to have a major promotion this year.

Pig (1911, 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995): This is a year of mobility for Pigs. You might have planned to move your home or office or take a long trip to other countries. It is a good year to put those plans into action.