Year of Earth Dog, 2018 predictions, with forecasts for each sign

Chinese New Year starts at the 2nd New Moon after the Winter Solstice. This year it is marked by a lunar eclipse, that in Beijing happens on February 16 at 4:53 AM CCT.

In terms of western astrology, there are 5 planets in the 2nd house: Mercury, Moon, Sun, Venus, and Neptune. Jupiter is in the 10th house. This shows China pushing forward into a new period of growth, especially economic growth.

In terms of Chinese astrology, we have these signs at the New Year: The Year is Earth Monkey; the Month is Wood Tiger; the Day is Earth Rabbit; the hour is Fire Tiger.
This is yang year: there are 11 yangs and 5 yins. Yang is dynamic and starts new actions.
Earth Dog has great will power and a tough personality. The energy of Earth Dog refreshes; it kicks the ghosts out, meaning it breaks up and clears out areas of stagnation. You can be sure that areas of corruption in governments and businesses, in China and elsewhere in the world will be exposed, for which reason the world will be in a state of turmoil especially toward the winter. Earth Dog also enhances psychic powers. There is not much that can escape its attention. Dog is a very dynamic sign.
Earth Dog is also a Peach Blossom combination. This will encourage competition in fashion and design. Peach Blossom enjoys social status, is attractive, seductive and has strong sexual desires, good for glamor and the movie industry.
Earth Dog is a sign of building up and accumulating wealth.
Dog is a Star of Art. This means that this year is very opportune for creative work. For artists, this is a year to be busy, as the energies of Dog favor artistic production.
Deity of this year is Primary Resources Deity. The central interests of this deity are philanthropy, teaching, research, art, and humanitarian interests.
The Shars (killing forces) this year are in the north, northeast, and northwest directions.

The balance elements are:
5 Woods
4 Fires
6 Earths
1 Metal
0 Water

This balance shows the energy very yang, very active. The lack of Water element will prove to be troublesome when it comes out in October, November, December, and January, later this year. Extreme imbalance in the elements points to violent weather. Extreme cold, snow and ice is to be expected in the winter. Possible flooding as well.
Because there is 1 Metal, Earth is vital. That means very practical things, like food, clothing, housing are vital concerns for this year.

The probability of violence in the world is much greater in the later months. There are signs of extremes of poverty in this chart.

The East, namely China as the hub, is by far more dynamic and active than the west this year. But there is a trend, shown in this chart, to spread out and share so that the world in general benefits.

The following are the predictions for the individual signs of the year and/or day of birth. Because Chinese astrology is very detailed and varied, you should get your own individual chart read to get the most accurate idea.

Rat Money will come and go this year. You may have obligations and responsibilities, so that in the end you may end up without gains. Practice wise economy. You are in a good position to begin something new. You may start a new venture, plant a new garden. Prepare to bud. It is a good year for a woman Rat to marry, and prepare to get pregnant.

Ox clashes with Dog making difficulties for Ox, but the Star of Aid brings you luck and can resolve whatever predicament you find yourself in. You can receive assistance and promotion wherever you go. It is a good idea to make good relations with colleagues. This is a good year for planning. It is also good for creative work. And it is good for pregnancy.

Tiger is in a harmonious relation to Dog. Tiger makes money this year. For a Tiger man this is also a good year to marry. You may be inclined to move or travel this year. You have the Star of Art, making this a very good time for creative work. You can bring out your inventive, innovative abilities and be productive this year.

Rabbit is in a productive relation to Dog. It makes money easily, and is in a time favorable for romance and pleasure. Your imagination is heightened and should be used for creative work. For a Rabbit man, this is also a good time for marriage.

Dragon clashes with Dog, but Dragon may thrive on the clash, making this a good year for creative work. You can develop psychic powers and intuition, especially if you have both Dragon and Dog in your birth chart. This is a good year for studying something new, taking a course, and for teaching. It is a good idea to be friendly with colleagues and siblings, or if there are conflicts, to put them away.

Snake nourishes Dog. For a woman Snake, it means caring for a child. Nonetheless you may be at a stage where it is better, or more desirable to be independent and to turn that nurturing ability to yourself. This year gives you added courage, and planning ability. There is danger of a lawsuit, and possible misfortunes involving your spouse. Look for prospects for making money. This year favors building your business and creative interests. Your energies are very high this year.

Horse is in harmony with Dog. While you may be inclined to move or travel this year, you have the Star of Art, which favors creative work. You are at the highest peak of energy, favorable to flourishing, blossoming, bearing fruit. With proper focusing you can use this time to be very productive. Try to avoid situations and people that try your rather short patience this year. Don't waste your time.

Sheep clashes with Dog but should know how to use the energy to advantage. Use your time working creatively. Your energies are very high this year. Don't waste time worrying; you have the Star of Aid, which brings luck and resolves predicaments. Be friendly with your colleagues. You will receive assistance and promotion wherever you go this year.

Monkey is supported and nourished by Dog. You have the ability to change, or turn problematic situations around to your advantage this year. This is a good year to take up new interests. You will do well in academic studies. This year also favors cultural or artistic work.

Rooster is in an ambivalent relation with Dog. The feeling at times will be harmonious and at other times will be annoying. You may want to make even radical changes this year which could involve some element of destruction in order to free yourself and prepare for new creative developments. If someone or some others are a burden to you, you may want to change all that. Unburden yourself, whether it means other people, a  work situation, or your attitude toward them.

Dog This is a good year to attract, make, and save up money. You have the Star of Art which makes this an important and good year for creative work. You also have Peach Blossom Star which makes this an easy year for socialzing. Put on your best appearance, people will like you, you will prosper. Be friendly to all friends, colleagues, and siblings, and thrive.

Pig may have obligations and responsibilities that, in the long run, could make this a difficult year for gains. Practice wise economy. Be careful of what others want from you as opposed to what you need for going forward. You may be at the verge of new prospects, or new developments. You have Robbing Star this year which makes you sharp and smart, but warns you to guard against being robbed, not necessarily of money, but of time, and ideas. It is good to protect yourself and your interests.

Raphael gives in-depth Chinese astrological readings. For information, go to  www.raphaelsimons.com