Thanks Kim! Here's what the 'Handbook of Chinese Horoscopes' (Theodora Lau) has to say about what to expect in the Year of the Sheep ...

"This is a smooth year following that of the energetic Horse. A year to relax and make peace with oneself as well as with others ...

Patron of the arts, the Sheep will bring out all the creativeness in our natures. We will be productive and imaginative in artistic and aesthetic ventures. The pessimistic vibrations cast by him will also make us oversensitive and fretful of little problems...

On the world scene, things will be tranquil and subdued ... Hopefully the Sheep's love of harmony and keen sense for coexisting with his enemies will preserve this year from many upheavals. The moderates and doves will be heard and heeded. Wars, international conflicts and mutual animosities usually end in the year of the Sheep.

The serenity of the Sheep's peaceful ways will slow things down a bit for the more intensely active signs, but after all, this is not a year for whirlwind activities - it is one for introspection."

:-)   Hear hear! Doesn't sound Baaaaaad at all!

Y'know, I don't put much stock in horoscopes of any kind, but look at what was expected for 2001, the Year of the Snake -

"...A year for shrewd dealings, political affairs and coups d'etat. Looking back into history, we find that the year of the Snake has never been tranquil. Many disasters ...tend to culminate in the year of the Snake. Perhaps this is becuae it is the strongest negative force in the cycle ... the Snake likes to resolve his differences one way or another. If he fails and things cannot be peacefully settled, then he will declare war.

...Once the Snake uncoils to strike, he moves like lightening and nothing can stop him. The year of the Snake is always unpredictable. Changes that occur can be sudden and devastating. The Snake is not merciful.

Whatever else happens, the Snake will give us faith in our convictions and coerce us to act and to act forcefully during his reign This is not a year for fence-sitters."

And what did we experience that year? Sept 11, the war with Afghanistan ... some coincidence! May this year be more peacefully coincidental!

daylia