I have great faith
The unknown does not frighten me
Fate is my destiny
I am intrepid and confident
Assured of divine protection
As I give what I have freely
I need no accolades as proof
I am one with all
What I offer is without prejudice
I am pure of heart and trust in myself

The year of the Pig is normally a very playful year, filled with overindulgence and fun-loving activities. However, for 2007, things will be left up in the air. Never has there been a time so diverse, a time that possessed such a dichotomy of pleasure and pain, a year that will grab our hearts as sensationalized events unfold before our eyes.

The Pig may be motivated, conscientious and out to save the world, but that may not be enough, leaving an overall feeling of helplessness that leads to masking or minimizing what's really happening with overindulgence.

Unless unification is mastered between powers and people at all levels of politics, business and finance, we will face continuous troubles that will escalate into worldwide problems. The Pig may be the ambassador of goodwill, but if times are tense, nothing will help to massage the existing problems.

The separation between the classes, the rich and the poor, will continue to give way to the harmony that once prevailed between mankind. The wealthy will give the impression that everything is abundant and times have never been more affluent or better for all, but the infrastructure will be hanging on by a thread.

Politically we have never needed leaders who possess honesty and integrity more than now. Countries around the world will be unpredictable, giving rise to greater fear and uncertainty. Greater natural disasters can be expected to pull countries together and terrorist attacks will threaten the spirit of the free world.

In a world of such abundance, there is no room for starvation, poverty and homelessness. The choice is plain and simple: compromise, moderation, simplicity, sharing, tolerance, patience and loving one another regardless of race, color or creed. Unfortunately, with Uranus transiting through the constellation Pisces, Saturn moving into Virgo during the last quarter of next year, Jupiter transiting through Sagittarius and Pluto (planet or not) remaining in the constellation Sagittarius, the Earth is going to find it difficult because this configuration will make this great planet subject to both natural and manmade disasters during the year of the Pig.

By EUGENIA LAST

COPYRIGHT 2006 UNIVERSAL PRESS SYNDICATE 4520 Main St., Kansas City, Mo. 64111; (816) 932-6600

 According to Chinese legend, the order of the twelve signs was determined by Buddha, upon celebration of the Chinese New Year (which falls on different dates, from mid-January to mid-February.) The Buddha invited all of the animals in the kingdom together for a meeting, but only 12 creatures attended. The first animal to arrive was the talkative Rat (who was aggressive enough to jump off the back of the Ox in order to be the #1 arrival) next in place #2, came the serious, enduring and hard-working Ox with the honorable Tiger, and cautious Cat. The outspoken Dragon joined the others, along with the philosophical Snake. The physically active Horse arrived with the artistic Goat. The spirited Monkey and the showy Rooster came as well. The last to join the others was the watchful Dog and the meticulous, resigned Pig. Buddha gave each animal a year of its own, bestowing the nature and characteristics of each to those born in that animals year. As the Chinese say, 'This is the animal that hides in your heart'

-- shelly wu