THE DOGYear of Dog deliver gold bite Saturday, January 28, 2006; Posted: 1:38 a.m. EST (06:38 GMT) January 29 welcomes in the Year of the Dog under the Chinese zodiac. China Animals Public Holidays or Create Your Own Manage Alerts | What Is This? (CNN) -- Watch out for the price of gold this year. The precious metal has been at 25-year highs recently, but according to one Chinese astrologer, the Year of the Dog could herald tumultuous times for commodities such as gold, and the stock market in general. Hong Kong-based teacher of Chinese metaphysics Albert Cheung told CNN Friday that under the five elements theory -- wind, water, fire, earth and wood -- fire is very strong in the 2006 Lunar New Year, which begins January 29. He warned that the fire element "is not good for the harmonious situation of the world." Cheung said people wanting to boost their luck for the coming year should wish others "Kung Hei Fat Choy" (Happy New Year -- literally, Prosperity Be With You) and adorn their houses with elaborate red and tangerine decorations. Cheung said "it is time to start a cleaning spree; homes need to be cleaned from top to bottom for a fresh, new and lucky start." Cheung noted that people born in the year of the dragon ( such as 1988, 1976, 1964, 1952) in particular could be facing an unlucky year. He advised dragons to "be wiser and smarter and follow (our) customs, go to the temple and make a wish." Around the world, Lunar New Year celebrations have already begun to mark the end of the rooster's reign and to welcome the Year of the Dog under the Chinese zodiac. The dog -- loyal, brave and true -- may be man's best friend but stargazers such as Cheung see more of the world's usual quota of doom, gloom and destruction for 2006. Other analysts point to the rise of the Chinese economy -- now the fifth largest in the world -- as a sign of continued prosperity for the year ahead. Various legends The Chinese zodiac dates back more than 3,000 years. There are various legends as to how the twelve animal signs arose. According to one version, the twelve animals quarreled one day as to who should head the cycle of years. The gods were asked to decide and proposed a contest: whoever reached the opposite bank of the river first would be lead the cycle, and the rest of the animals would follow according to their finishing order. The twelve animals gathered at the river bank and jumped in. Unbeknown to the ox, the rat had jumped on his back. As the ox was about to reach the bank, the rat jumped off the ox's back, and won the race. The pig, who was lazy, came last. That is why the rat is the first year of the animal cycle, the ox second, and the pig last. HERE
