2004 is the year of The Monkey. A lively character who takes life as it comes. The monkey will take a more light hearted view of the world this year so the people will be tired of rules and regulations. This is not to say that the monkey is completely irresponsible it is simply that he prefers to have fun so this suggests a year for a bit less worrying and a bit more of letting the hair down. He is an intelligent chap and is known for his communication skills so don't expect to become a couch potato this year as there is a lot of action to be had. Just a word of caution, watch your back for any monkey business.
Generally the weak link this year is power and control. There is little evidence of it. The people of the world appear to have tired of listening to the governments and their empty promises and the onus will be on the governments themselves to win the electoral votes. There will be a number of different powers fighting to win the same vote and dirty tricks to win the electorate over cannot be ruled out. This is all a very delicate situation and it could well be that politics are going to change because the people have a very strong mind. Initially, in the first three months of the year, there is a suggestion that the government will turn a blind eye to misdemeanors on the part of the people as they are trying hard to please in order to win the votes and because they are too busy trying to organise the elections. There is a more social atmosphere reigning because of the desire to please. This time is a little disconcerting for the people as there is a general suggestion of imbalance. In places there is not 100% support for the people, mainly focused in the West and the North of the world. There are signs of many protests around the world, especially in the South West.
The strongest of the elemental influences for 2004 is the earth element so this will suggest more sound investments in property and anything pertaining to the earth Fruit and vegetables will be more expensive to the man on the street but a sound investment.
In the first three months of the year the energy is quite slow and quite weak. This means confidence and enthusiasm will grow gradually. Negative will become positive but the change will be slow. If the change is quick then it will be a bad influence so it is best to go step by step. If you are embarking on a new enterprise of any kind it is best to take your time and build slowly. If temptation persuades you to go too fast then it could all end in tears. Taking a general overview of the year this slow energy is likely to last for the first six months of the year, in the later six months the momentum will gather considerably.
For investments it will not be wise to invest in the West in the first three months of the year. Buying Gold will not be advisable indeed any business influenced by the metal element will not be a sound investment; this will include the money markets. The music industry is also influenced by metal. The element wood is also indicating a weak investment at this time so anything to do with wood and paper should be avoided. This will include herbal doctors, horticulture, furniture makers and food retailing.
In the second three months of the year the people will still be in a social mood, as too will the Governments. There is more balance at this time but even so if the governments are not careful there is a danger of them loosing the elections. If they do something stupid then they can easily loose. During this three month period it is better to invest in metal so the money markets should see an improvement but the markets affected by the wood element are still vulnerable. This could also mean a threat to forests and woodland probably in the form of a disease that kills the trees. Water businesses and metal businesses are presenting the best investments at this time.
The theme of the threat to woodland carries through to the third three months of the year which appears very hot, hot enough to cause forest fires. Countries in the South and South east will need to take the most care. There is caution needed against disease at this time too, especially in the hot countries, the most likely form of disease being that which is sexually transmitted. One night stands on holiday will not be a good idea as there is potential for something shocking to happen. This disease could be as serious as Aids. If the disease is not sexual then this problem could manifest itself in something like mosquito bites carrying disease.
The Middle East will be particularly affected by this. In the last thee months of the year things should be more balanced but the same theme has carried through for the whole year with the people still being tired of the politicians. The energy will have gathered momentum by this time and things should be more active. The situation could be brought to a head and could go wither way. Either the people will rise and go over the government's head or the government could do something good and is appreciated.
The only investment to avoid is that relating to metal so care needs to be taken on the money markets again. Metal also relates to the lungs so it is also necessary to take care of this organ as there is vulnerability there.
Taking an overview of the year 2004 with so little control in evidence this will represent a good year for those who are self employed or those who work freelance as, like the monkey, they are happy to be their own boss and don't need the control.