IN 1958 actors Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward were wed; he was 33 and she was 27. They were cast together in the film adaptation of William Faulkner’s The Long, Hot Summer just the year before. But that long, hot summer turned into a lifetime of love and togetherness. It was one of the most famous Hollywood marriages because the couple stayed together until Newman’s death in 2008.
Of their enduring marriage, Woodward had said that she and Newman “were good friends before we were lovers. We really liked each other. We could talk to each other, we could tell each other anything without fear of ridicule or rejection. There was trust.” It is good advice for many who are currently in a romance or just about to embark in a new relationship.
The year 1958 was the last time the Earth was blessed with the Year of the Earth Dog. The next one will be from February 16, 2018, to February 4, 2019. It will be a good year for introspection and personal reflection, well-known geomancer Marites Allen said in her recent Philippine Feng Shui Convention, and what else but love and relationships.
The Romance and Education star will be hovering in the south sector this year and will look favorably on those born in the Year of the Horse (1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990) as this “will create great possibilities for travel, further education, marriage or starting a family.”
In general, the Dog year “brings peach blossom luck to those born in the year or day of the Rabbit, Tiger, Horse and Dog. Single persons should welcome this opportunity. However,” she warned, “married couples and those in a relationship should be careful with third-party interventions.” (Rabbit: 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011; Tiger: 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010; 2002, 2014; Dog: 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006.)
Referring to the Four Pillars Chart of 2018, Allen said overall this indicates “very good relationships. The Hour and Day pillars have the presence of the Rabbit, which is the secret friend of the Dog. If you have a Horse (ally of Dog) in your month pillar, this suggests that despite threats of losing friendships for 2018, new partnerships will be formed or will begin.” (You need to know your exact date and time of birth, so Allen can generate your personal chart and reading for the year.)
But she alerted people born in the day or year of the Dragon, as they will have “challenging problems, especially those who are married or in a relationship.” (Dragon: 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012.)
Those born in the Year of the Ox will be surrounded by helpful people, she noted. “Good things can happen, as well as a great lucky break awaits. This is truly the time for you to be at the right place and at the right time.” (Ox: 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009.)
Dogs, Horses and Tigers are allies and friends and “will form great alliances,” Allen noted, stressing that these three should “take this chance to utilize this harmonious combination to [their] advantage.” In terms of business partnerships or management teams, this will likely be a formidable combination for 2018.
On the other hand, the Tiger and the Ox should avoid forming partnerships with each other. They are “most likely to be argumentative and impatient. Keep your cool and avoid even minor arguments as they could lead to severe misunderstanding and legal issues,” she underscored.
Unfortunately, the Rat’s chances at romance this year will be slim. Allen said those born in this year “will be visited by the misfortune star and thus should take it easy. Do a lot of charity and lie low.” (Rat: 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008.)
The feng shui expert lays down the general romance luck for the rest of the animals in the Chinese zodiac:
Boar (1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007): Single boars who had been waiting for a good break will be happy to know that the love luck is finally on their side. Capitalize on this time for a meaningful relationship to develop. Those who had been together for a while should consider getting engaged or getting married and start a family.
Rooster (1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017): Single Roosters can expect some exciting encounters from the opposite sex because of the presence of auspicious stars. Socialize and meet new people; develop new friends so you may explore meaningful relationships. Married Roosters should be extra careful so as not to give inviting signs to people outside their marriage.
Monkey (1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016): Single Monkeys will be less interested in entering into or searching for new relationships as the opportunities to meet someone attractive is less exciting in 2018. If you are successful in finding someone, chances are the relationship will still be not for keeps. Married Monkeys should take more care of their health due to the weakening of their energies.
Sheep (1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015): Single male Sheep can expect exciting developments in their love life. There will be a series of chances for exciting relationships, except that it appears you aren’t into it right now. Female Sheep who are searching for a special someone need to enhance their love luck by displaying an image of the Peach Blossom Blue Rat in the north corner of their bedroom.
Snake (1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2011, 2013): Loving energies are at an all-time high for this sign. Single Snakes looking for love or who are already in a long-term relationship can consider an engagement or marriage. Married couples, on the other hand, should be true and dedicated to their spouses as chances for an extramarital affair loom high.
For those whose love lives will be challenged this year, Allen suggests specific charms, paintings to hang in their bedroom, or clothing to wear to activate their romance energy. All these are available at her Frigga boutiques at SM City North Edsa The Block, SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, SM Seaside City Cebu, Glorietta 4 and F1 Hotel The Fort.
Image credits: Photo courtesy of Frigga