Monkey runs as rooster take up rule
Monkey runs as rooster take up rule
Leony Aurora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
With the passing of the year of the mischievous monkey in
2004, it is now time to embrace the year of the rooster. Proud,
honest, and blunt are listed as the rooster's characteristics,
but does cocksureness come before a fall?
"The year of the rooster carries a low element of metal," said
Chinese astrologer Sukma Diputra, interviewed in his office, M2M,
on the second floor of Mangga Dua Mal, where he provides feng
shui and consulting services.
Considering that metal represents coins or money, a lack of it
means that people have to tighten their budgets for the year
ahead.
"It will be a difficult, difficult year," said Sukma.
Money problems will prompt increased "cockfighting", with
husbands and wives pitted against each other. If this henpecking
continues, it might even end in divorce, Sukma said.
According to the Chinese 12-symbol horoscope, 12 beasts were
called upon by Buddha to populate the earth: rat, bull, tiger,
rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and
pig. The animal marking the year plays a significant role in what
lies ahead.
Soothsayer Mama Lauren predicts widespread money politics and
possible security disturbances in the new year.
Those who suffered losses during last year's elections will
work hard to exploit the mistakes of the current government and
to hamper the latter's reform programs, she said.
Yet, this year, many past corruption cases involving low- and
high-ranking officials will come to light as a result of the
anticorruption drive. The officials concerned will use all
possible means -- including bribery and causing disturbances --
to save themselves.
As in many other parts of the world, Indonesia's battle
against terrorism is not over yet, but Mama Lauren assured that
the nation would "mercilessly" crack down on terrorists.
While a devastating earthquake and tsunamis killed more than
200,000 people in Indonesia as the Year of the Monkey drew to an
end, the nation will continue to face natural disasters this
year, including earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, she said.
"Two volcanoes will erupt and an earthquake will hit Bali,
Java and Sumatra," she warned.
Mama Lauren, however, has also taken time out to contemplate
celebrity affairs. She sees break-ups and divorces on the
horizon, just as she has predicted in previous years.
"At least four couples will get divorced and three famous
stars will die this year," said the fortuneteller.
Not all predictions for the year though are negative.
Like a proud rooster, Indonesia will have the chance to
smarten up its appearance with funds pouring in from foreign
countries, Sukma said.
Another positive aspect is that education will bloom.
"The Year of the Rooster is a great year for us to plant the
seeds of education," Sukma said. More courses will be on offer as
people see an opportunity to make money out of the growing
awareness of learning new crafts and skills.
"If the government makes the right moves and starts improving
the education system this year, it will see tremendous results,"
Sukma said.
Finally, some tips for this year: spend time at home with your
spouse to avoid relationship rifts and overdrafts on your credit
cards. Snuggle up on the couch together and, by all means, tune
into those celebrity gossip shows, but be sure to remember who
rules the roost.
Happy Chinese New Year!