Joey Yap shares forecasts for the 12 animal signs in 2018

Source: Joey Yap Private Limited.
Infographic for the 12 animal signs in 2018.

In Chinese culture the lunar year is believed to bring new fortunes, with people belonging to each of the 12 animal signs within the Chinese zodiac facing different opportunities and challenges.

In the Chinese zodiac, each year is characterised by one of 12 animals as well as one of five elements. While we are still in the year of the fire rooster, which runs from January 28, 2017 to February 15, 2018, things are expected to change from February 16, 2018, when the year of the earth dog takes hold.

Here are Chinese zodiac forecasts for the year of the dog from Dato’ Joey Yap, a speaker, author and Chief Consultant of Joey Yap Private Limited, a fengshui and Chinese astrology consultancy:

Dog - people born in 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, and 2030*

Overall luck

• 2018 is a mixed bag with a fair share of personal and professional problems, even as you attain success
• Matters from one aspect of your life could spill over into others – which is why the positive boost and confidence in your work life may be one of the reasons you encounter personal life problems
• Your ability to summon the same inner strength you get from your job to overcome these obstacles will determine how successful you are at coming out on top

Wealth

• You might be constantly worried about a potential financial loss
• A weaker presence of the Indirect Luck Star (偏财) means good fortune is not in your favour
• Manage your finances effectively – focus on saving money, don’t gamble or hit slot machines, and cautiously sign new contracts

Career

• A lot of work-related pressure and harsh superiors – could result in productivity decrease
• Consistency and determination is key to deal with this tough work year
• Unwise to move jobs – make the best out of the current situation.

Relationships (romance)

• Weak love prospects – these are demanding times for couples
• Married couples should practice tolerance because even simple misunderstandings can result in a big decline in bond strength.
• Single people have to contend with a largely isolated social life – they should focus on other life aspects instead

Health

• Road safety is crucial - lack of alertness on sidewalks or when driving could lead to severe injuries 
• Avoid using metallic objects as they could contain rust or other harmful materials
• Digestive complications might be experienced, so diet and exercise more

Pig - people born in 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, and 2031

Overall luck

• A great year to showcase capabilities and earn the career advancement and business development you have been eyeing
• You will also acquire heightened popularity, from gaining friends easily to making great business proposals that translate into thrilling investments
• However, being the life of the party could be draining, so schedule some personal time away from work and people every week to unwind and prevent negativity from burning you out

Wealth

• Could encounter plenty of obstacles early in the year – e.g. revenues and savings stagnation. Careful preparation and positivity can resolve this quickly
• After that, a surge of wealth by promotion or bonus pay could occur, but people might be petty about returning money borrowed from you

Career

• Aid from colleagues will help you conquer minor obstacles. These strong alliances will help you overcome any resistance that could undermine your productivity
• You can thus showcase your talents to highly appreciative superiors

Relationships (romance)

• Each year, different stars are associated with different zodiac signs. Each star is associated with either positive or negative outcomes in specific aspects of life. For pigs, the presence of the Sky Happiness Star (天喜) ensures love comes to your doorstep in contrast to last year’s forecast
• 2018 will be filled with joyous events – long-term couples should begin marriage plans before the year ends
• Single people might be able to finally start a romantic relationship so they should be vigilant about potential partners in their social circles

Health

• Unfortunate health prospects this year
• Unknowingly participating in ill-fated events could lead to physical and psychological issues
• The Sky Happiness Star can protect you from harm as long as you exercise diligently and avoid extreme activities.

Rat - people born in 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020 and 2032

Overall luck

• 2018 is the year individuals should take their personal development to the next level, thanks to the support of the Eight Seats Star (八座)
• Expect fortunes to increase, and an enhanced ability to learn – consider picking up new skillsets, improving current skills, or even enrolling in courses to add value to your abilities
• Academicians, scholars or students will especially benefit from this powerful boost

Wealth

• Prepare for a potential monetary loss due to unlucky financial investments or delayed reimbursements. Counter this situation by purchasing real estate at the start of the year – do not pour savings into heavy investment schemes
• Overall, smooth-sailing. 

Career

• A rocky career year – focus on career advancement instead of petty people
• The noise from petty people will soon fade and you can start reaping the benefits e.g. promotions and pay raises
• Also, embrace help from generous people to have a stable career in 2018

Relationships (romance)

• A good year to start romantic relationships – single people should be alert in their social gatherings to find that special someone
• Couples do not fare too well in the health sector – it could even lead to hospitalisation
• Encourage your partner to engage in sports and compound your earnings to afford a healthier diet

Health

• Pay extra attention to your wellbeing as the Blood Knife Star (血刃) appears in your midst
• Avoid participation in extreme sports like hiking to evade serious injuries. However, the Nobleman (天乙貴人) Star’s presence will ensure aid is nearby for your health problems

Ox - people born in 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021 and 2033

Overall luck

• This will be a good year to improve financial standing, so explore opportunities whenever possible
• Female-dominated industries will more likely prosper this coming year and you will also receive timely assistance from the women in your life (e.g. a female senior manager could offer helpful advice or even a promotion recommendation) – so be open to this generosity
• Your good luck could be tainted if you indulge to much in the excess of wealth without keeping your ego in check – remember to keep a level head and practice self-restraint

Wealth

• The Moon Star (太阴) is in your Wealth Palace, auguring great wealth accumulation in 2018. According to fengshui principles, a person's fortune or physical space can be divided into nine "palaces", each of which governs a specific life aspect such as career, family and wealth. 
• You might witness a surprising pay rise in your job through bonuses or promotion
• However, be cautious about your finances – invest in decent real estate and avoid risky financial investment

Career

• Few to no fluctuations in your work. The Broken Star (破碎) could still cause disruptions between you and your colleagues however
• Be composed around your peers and work diligently – eventually you will gain their respect and help

Relationships (romance)

• Absence of luck from the Peach Blossom Star (桃花) signifies unlucky prospects for single people; however, they should still socialise as they could still discover their romantic partner
• Stable couples should move forward with their wedding plans

Health

• A negative turn of events is implied due to an inauspicious star’s presence in your palace
• Medical receipts could be a usual sight if health is not taken seriously
• Consult a doctor if you contract a serious illness so that it will not get worse. Take up a sport to mitigate these issues

Tiger - people born in 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022 and 2034

Overall luck

• Both welcome and unwelcome events play out through the year – a significant boost in wealth and success regarding business and professional aspects can be expected although you need to put in the hard work (like planning out sound strategies) to be richly rewarded
• Malicious lies and rumours about you being spread around could lead to misunderstandings between you and people who are important to you – additionally, be wary of who you trust as they could turn on you
• Be careful in your social interactions or you might get into legal entanglements. Unwanted chaos in money matters could also appear so manage your finances properly and avoid making large investments or lending money
• Having to deal with all this could lead to emotional volatility, which is understandable, just don’t let it consume you

Wealth

• 2018 indicates early financial losses due to poor investment returns and mismanaged budgeting
• However, the presence of a noble person (貴人, people who will render significant support to you) somewhat mitigates these problems – that person will ensure you acquire your necessary assets despite your constant spending all year long
• Consider donating to a charity you admire as a sign of paying it forward for the assistance you have received

Career

• Expect disputes stemming from misunderstandings with superiors and colleagues to happen this year – thus, be watchful of your interactions
• Also, be alert for malicious colleagues looking to doublecross you
• The presence of the Three Stages Star (三台) should help to reduce workplace hostility – do your part in improving your communication competency to avoid future work disputes

Relationships (romance)

• The Three Stages Star signifies togetherness – unmarried couples in a loving relationship should thus strongly consider marriage to solidify the bond
• Single people hoping to be in a relationship should continue searching despite the absence of Peach Blossom luck as the Three Stages Star shines upon them.

Health

• Inauspicious stars in your palace call for extra vigilance over your health
• Be ready for any attacks by diseases on your body by maintaining hygiene and consuming all proper vitamins and minerals
• Consider asking people to join you in a team sport, and seek immediate treatment if you do fall sick

Rabbit - people born in 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023 and 2035

Overall luck

• Expect to be surrounded by abundance of love and support from kind and generous people – if you are aiming for career growth, you will easily find experienced mentors willing to guide you to success
• Also, you will be invited to many places and make many new friends which could lead to great collaborations in your favour – you will get an extra edge in job hunting and business investments. Someone will also aid you in personal finance management
• All this however could distract from your family and loved ones – do not take them for granted and pay extra attention to senior family members who might have minor health risks so you will be able to spot if anything is amiss
• Avoid engaging in flings and instead spend more quality time with your spouse to strengthen the bond

Wealth

• Bad luck in the form of legal, personal and professional disputes could see you sustain significant financial loss – so monitor both your money and social interactions
• There are many opportunities to increase overall wealth – overall, a profitable year to gain substantial wealth

Career

• Abundance of auspicious tidings with the Grand Duke Combination Star (岁合)’s presence
• A blossoming rapport with your superiors will occur, leading to more chances to showcase your abilities at work
• However, practice caution in your work ethic or you might overwork yourself to a risky level of fatigue

Relationships (romance)

• Disagreements ranging from trivial to weighty could easily lead to quarrels between you and your loved one
• 2018 brings a lot of peace-making opportunities however, so that you can stabilise the relationship
• Newer couples should be tolerant and considerate of each other’s character or the relationship could end early

Health

• More illnesses and injuries may enter your life
• However, you also have the chance to boost your overall wellbeing – you can lessen your chances of contracting ailments as long as you are dieting properly and exercising sufficiently

Dragon - people born in 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024 and 2036

Overall luck

• You have the ability to turn turbulence and challenges into opportunities for personal growth – although setbacks are inevitable this year, it is how you play your cards that decides the the outcome
• When considering a business expansion or large-scale projects, you should consider all possibilities, make sure you have sufficient resources and be properly prepared. Make sure you are practical about your 2018 goals and ambitions so that you are not unnecessarily demoralised or stressed later
• You may find unexpected changes hard to deal with this coming year – however, changes also brings opportunities, so make them work in your favour by accepting and making the most out of them instead of going against the tide

Wealth

• Might experience a constant monetary loss this year – formulate a suitable financial plan to manage your financial outlook
• Inadequate financial planning and lack of caution in financial deals could lead to monetary outflow
• Weak Indirect Wealth luck this year means that you should build up your savings and avoid high-risk activities like heavy investment or gambling

Career

• Massive pressure and a harsh superior could cause you to feel seriously fatigued in 2018. Also, constant conflicts and a negative work space could affect your work competency
• Keep motivating yourself and build strength of character to push through these obstacles
• This may not be the best time to move jobs – although this feels as if you are stagnating, view this situation more positively and try to stay humble and tolerant during this time

Relationships (romance)

• Weak Peach Blossom luck means that unmarried couples should focus on maintaining their relationship
• Married couples should be more considerate as the simplest misunderstanding could lead to a heated argument
• Single people will have to deal with being lonely for now and should instead focus on improving other aspects of their life

Health

• Be wary of physical threats from the road (e.g. driving, walking on sidewalks) as you could incur minor-to-fatal injuries – strictly follow road safety regulations at all times
• Handle iron objects carefully as the rust particles they carry are a potential health hazard
• Follow healthy nutritional and dietary practices to prevent intestinal issues

Snake - people born in 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025 and 2037

Overall luck

• A generally good year with some minor issues – you will overcome the occasional obstacle or heated argument easily as your social and personal life will flourish
• Unexpected events could still take place at inconvenient times however, so quickly adapt and adjust your strategy to accommodate this new element at play
• Legal trouble from unexpected hiccups in your plans and arguments stemming from accidentally offending someone could also occur – avoid getting into more trouble by carefully interacting with people and having a clear, calm mind
• You can expect to hear snippets of good news frequently and look forward to experiencing many happy occasions. In fact, your luck may be so good that you will be able to turn things around in your favour

Wealth

• Lots of uncertainty in your financial wealth – might incur monetary losses initially due to failed investments and excessive gambling
• Yet, several compassionate individuals will help you recuperate those earlier losses – so accept their help to experience an ultimately rewarding year for your wealth

Career

• Begin by reshuffling your career priorities – e.g. changing job positions or even companies
• Once your work life is stabilised, start making grander plans for the year ahead and you will slowly but surely get to execute them
• The second half of the year will sharply boost your luck prospects – use this period to reenergise your work performance for the rest of the year

Relationships (romance)

• Single people should start searching for a potential partner this year as it will lead to a fruitful relationship with the right person
• Unmarried couples in a devoted relationship should become engaged as soon as possible to have a long and prosperous marriage
• Married couples should not act on amorous feelings towards others outside of their marriage as doing this will avoid a marital breakdown caused by either you or your partner starting an extramarital affair

Health

• Health is very important, especially for senior citizens
• Elderly people could be visiting hospitals more than usual due to health ailments – they should heed their doctor’s advice and take prescribed medication to maintain their health
• Also, they should immediately see a doctor if they experience stomach or intestinal problems to mitigate the issue

Horse - people born in 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026 and 2038

Overall luck

• You are surrounded by supportive people and that will give strength and assistance when you feel dragged down by rapid change
• Golden opportunities to accumulate wealth (e.g. good chances of earning a pay raise or getting bonuses). Also, look out for lucrative investments in property or shares and reliable tips from your social circle to lay a good foundation for your fortune – but there is a high risk of financial loss due to impulsive decisions, so think through any deals carefully, avoid financial gambling and consider all consequences
• Acquire skills to positively solve any conflict that arises – do not hold back from pursuing your goals
• Be cautious about the possibility of accidents and communication difficulties – prepare adequately before you travel, invest in physical activity and be considerate when you speak. Be aware of family members’ health conditions too

Wealth

• Make sure to accept aid offered by generous friends to experience a wealth surge
• Great work performance will also grant you the chance to achieve a business profit or salary raise as more opportunities present themselves

Career

• Conflicts and differences of opinions with colleagues could be disadvantageous to you (e.g. colleagues isolating you)
• They could even backstab you too – remedy this by attending social events and practicing open communication to strengthen your bond with them

Relationships (romance)

• Unmarried couples should marry this year to boost companionship strength
• Even with the Peach Blossom Luck’s absence, single people should consider professing their love to that special someone as there is a good chance of getting into a romantic relationship

Health

• A high risk of road accidents this year – ensure that you follow traffic rules to try to avoid this possibility
• Take care when using metallic objects as they might bring you serious harm
• Diet healthily and exercise frequently to prevent the appearance of digestive problems

Goat, sometimes called sheep - people born in 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, and 2027

Overall luck

• A good year with positive events – some trials and tribulations are present, but not enough to dampen your year as you will have help and golden opportunities to overcome them
• Noble people in the form of mentors or random individuals will make troubles you face more manageable
• You will have ample opportunities to not only display your talents at work to secure a good bonus or promotion, but you will also be able to increase your wealth by engaging in asset acquisitions
• However, you may have to deal with malicious lies and existing relationship conflicts. It is best to ignore them and focus on your work. Family disputes will also arise, but remain reasonable here for a peaceful resolution –family and friends will still aid you when you most need it despite differences of opinion

Wealth

• Do not let work distract you from looking for opportunities to improve your financial standing
• Those doing clerical work might have huge workloads from hopping in between work settings, so manage your responsibilities appropriately 

Career

• Be open to ideas and collaborative opportunities from the opposite sex to receive highly favourable work prospects
• Your diligence and persistence is rewarded this year, so motivate yourself to strive for more career achievements and showcase your talents to benefit in the long run

Relationships (romance)

• Ladies will experience weaker love prospects than men due to the weak Peach Blossom Luck
• Thus, ladies should focus on developing other facets of their life while men should mingle in their social circles more for a good chance to discover their life partner
• Unmarried couples should start planning their marriage, while married couples should be careful about their feelings towards people outside of their marriage as it could lead to future issues

Health

• Your mind and body are in prime condition to tackle 2018
• Perform physical activities, learn a new sport and watch your diet and personal safety to equip yourself for a year free of major disease and physical afflictions

Monkey - people born in 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016 and 2028

Overall luck

• A trying year for both professional and personal lives – maintaining a right mindset and finding the strength to persevere is key to handling this
• You could bolster your career in terms of a fortunate job-related travelling stint however, so embrace it to gain an advantage in advancing your career in the long run
• Those in academic-related fields like learning and researching will find their endeavours yielding results in the form of significant breakthroughs
• It is advisable to refrain from attending funerals as there are prevalent negative energies that could have a noticeable negative impact on your wellbeing

Wealth

• More money leaves you due to unrestricted spending
• Sensible purchases and self-control at the start of 2018 could offset monetary losses later on
• Effectively plan your financial budget and avoid high-risk activities to curb spending and increase savings

Career

• You will encounter a stream of obstacles (e.g. difficult superiors and barely meeting deadlines) that will stunt your work progress through the year
• Be persistently diligent in work assignments and have good interactions with colleague and superiors to make progress in your work output

Relationships (romance)

• A weak presence of the Peach Blossom Luck Star means a bad relationship outlook for single people – they should adjust romantic expectations to avoid disappointments
• Married and unmarried couples are prone to illnesses and injuries this year – so a team effort is needed to maintain each other’s health (e.g. attend a gender-inclusive gym)
• This could also be a chance to foster intimacy between couples

Health

• Light or heavy road-related injuries could affect your physical wellbeing – keep safe by obeying traffic rules
• Avoid extreme sports unless you are adequately prepared
• Be aware of work hazards that could present a physical risk to reduce their negative effects on your wellbeing

Rooster, sometimes called Chicken - people born in 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, and 2029

Overall luck

• Last year’s eventful nature could leave you exhausted, so 2018 will provide the good breather you need, giving you the chance to recharge, re-examine, improve your lifestyle and wellbeing to try find a healthy balance
• There is a tendency to be anxious in your work, so try maintaining a good work-life balance. If not, you might get worked up on small things and not advance your career
• You might have feelings of isolation and loneliness, but they’re not actually a reflection of your current loneliness – do not let the fear of abandonment or absent support control you. Go out and mingle with people close to you to get a positive reality check instead

Wealth

• A significant loss could plague your 2018 financial outlook so it is advisable to purchase assets that will not likely depreciate early in the year
• The presence of the Indirect Wealth Star means you will benefit greatly from side income

Career

• A huge workload could put you in an undesirable position this year, so hold off planning new projects for career advancement and instead focus on the current tasks given
• Welcome job-related travel opportunities because the lessons learned there will help you produce better work results
• Extra help from your friends will also contribute to a smoother career outlook this year

Relationships (romance)

• The Peach Blossom Luck Star’s presence means that single people should start mingling in their social circles to find a romantic partner 
• Unmarried couples should start executing wedding ceremony plans
• Married couples will experience multiple joyful occasions, possibly welcoming a new child

Health

• Be vigilant about health as fatigue and illnesses plague your calendar year
• Don’t worry because a noble person in the medical field will guide you back to health if you do fall ill
• A healthy routine and physical activity should help keep you in good health

Explore:

Check for upcoming corporate events by Yap

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Read the WorkSmart Asia blog post about Yap's forecasts for directional influences in 2018

Read a personal exploration of secret friends, a fengshui concept

*The lunar years do not correspond exactly with the Gregorian calendar. People born in the January or February need to check if they were born before or after Chinese new year that year. Even though people born in 2018 will generally be considered to have been born in the year of the dog, the ones who were born before February 16, 2018 are actually roosters.