Chinese New Year
2006 The Year of the Dog

Most of us are familiar with the Chinese years being named after animals, almost like a mascot. Our year 2006 is the Year of the Dog.

There are two other ways the Chinese name their years. One is by number, like our year two thousand and six. It is the year 4703 in the Chinese calendar.

The third way is by its formal name. In this case the formal name is Bingxu. In this naming system there are 60 names. So the name of a year will not be repeated for 60 years.

Since "Dogs" are born under the same sign, they share some similarities, likes and dislikes. For example, dogs like pale subtle colors, such as yellow. They would be happy with a gift of aroma or massage therapy, aromatic flowers, a rocking chair or a good book (but it must be fiction).

Chances are you will find them either in the kitchen cooking delicious, intricate meals, making crafts or on the dance floor.

Because of their nurturing ways there are certain careers that dogs excel in, such as nursing, clergy, politicians, judges, teachers, counselors or professors. Routine, repetitive work is not well suited for a Dog.

In general Dogs are not aggressive or confrontational, but will protect what's theirs and the ones they love regardless of the consequences.

Of course not all signs are compatible even though the Dog is very much a people person and has tons of friends. The best choice for a dog is a Tiger (1998 and every 12 years back) or Horse (1990 and every 12 years back), but Dragons (year 2000 and every 12 years back) and Dogs could be a lethal combination.

You can determine what Animal you were born under here. You can expect the Year of the Dog to bring with it social awareness, morals and ethics. Problems will be resolved in a civil, kind manner and there will be more acceptance then rejection.

Dogs feel an urge to share and to be with other people. If you have ever tried to take the food out of a hungry dog we have as a pet here in the West you will see there is a difference between our pets and the Dog of Chinese horoscopes. The Dog would rather give you his food or money than see you go without.

It is difficult to say how the Year of the Dog will play out financially since Dogs are a little laid back and not aggressive. They are also hard workers and exceptionally loyal. The combination will usually bring about an economy that is stable, with some spurts upward.

If you were born in 1910, 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982 or 1994 you were born in the Year of the Dog.

To all of you…….. "Gung Hay Fat Choy" or "Best wishes and Congratulations. Have a prosperous and good year!"