Chinatown astrologers share their predictions

By Tanya Bricking
Advertiser Staff Writer

Behind the counter at Kim Trading on Maunakea Street in Chinatown, owner Thao Duong is studying up on the Year of the Water Horse.

•	The Horse Energetic, ambitious and self-reliant but with an impatient streak
•	The Ram Creative and sensitive but can be disorganized and materialistic
•	The Monkey Upbeat and witty but accident-prone and self-indulgent
•	The Rooster Quick thinkers who are keenly observant and controlling
•	The Dog Loyal, faithful and honest but with a temperamental and stubborn side.
•	The Boar Generous and nice to a fault but perfectionists who can be perceived as snobs
•	The Rat Clever and quick-witted but motivated by its own interests
•	The Ox A born leader who is trustworthy but stubborn and tends to be introverted in a crowd
•	The Tiger Magnetically charming and fun to be around but prone to emotional outbursts
•	The Rabbit Sweet and sensitive but weak at the first sign of conflict
•	The Dragon Warm-hearted but has a brash side that can get in its way
•	The Snake Diplomatic and popular but somewhat insecure and jealous

Tucked between the pages, he has folded up the chart of his life that his grandfather mapped out for him.

Chinese astrology is serious business. Even if he doesn't believe all of it.

If he were a gambling man, Duong says, he'd bet on his lucky numbers.

But, mostly, he studies astrology to help his business. That, he says, is sound use of astrology.

He can tell customers born in the Year of the Dog that they should buy a peony-flower charm for good luck. He can tell them their lucky numbers or which spot in their home is best for their bed or desk.

In Chinatown, he is one of the many closet astrologers ready for the big change this week as the Year of the Horse replaces that of the Snake.

Most people in Chinatown who keep up with Chinese astrology say they're ready to get rid of the Metal Snake, which will be associated with events like the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11 and the 1941 bombing of Pearl Harbor. The Water Horse, in contrast, is expected to be lively and spirited.

"The horse is a good symbol — healthy and energetic," said Emily Ng, manager of Dragon Gate Bookstore in the Chinese Cultural Plaza, where Duong's astrology book is a big seller. "I hope business and the economy improve. The worst already came."

Even the man behind the counter at Quality Dry Cleaner in the Chinese Cultural Plaza can point to his astrological calendar as proof that it's going to be a better year.

"The horse comes, anything OK," says Chu Hua, who has stacks of horse T-shirts and trinkets for sale.

But the psychic next door is more tight-lipped. Con Thi Ngo has a strict policy about spilling advice on the Year of the Horse. It's going to cost you $30. After the payment, she says, her spiritual adviser speaks to her, and the words pour out of her mouth.

Astrologer Susan Aui can also tell your fortune. She has a psychic fair meeting the third Sunday of each month at Maunakea Marketplace in Chinatown.

Part-time psychics tend to come out of the woodwork in Chinatown during the Chinese New Year celebration. They include a Vietnamese woman, known for the long lines of customers waiting to see her as much as for her readings, and feng shui masters, respected for their knowledge of the ancient art.

Some like the symmetry of the numbers 2002 and say it will be a year of balance. Others debate whether the water element will be nurturing or symbolic of a hurricane.

At Jade Spring Tea and Gifts in Maunakea Marketplace, sales representative Gabrial Hsieh can draw the Chinese characters that represent words such as "horse arrives successful."

Hsieh sells art and culture and a little astrology: "Everything I sell is not bad luck," he says, "It's good luck."

At Kim Trading, Duong also sells good luck, which he says people can use to balance warnings from people such as internationally known Chinese astrologer Shelly Wu, who says 2002 could be turbulent, untamed and chaotic.

Wu, a Californian whose columns are featured on her Web site, chineseastrology.com, predicts savings accounts will dwindle this year, but entrepreneurial efforts can flourish, and people will return to traveling. She cautions that people might later doubt rash actions.

Her advice is to think and reflect instead of acting too quickly in 2002.

Anyone feeling a little uneasy might want to stop by Miao De Bodhisattva Society & Dharma Craft & Supplies on Maunakea Street in Chinatown. They put a more positive spin on the outlook for the year.

"Everything, from the Buddhist point of view, if you think good, it is good. If you help people, the good comes back to you," said Marlene Wong, a volunteer for the Buddhist society. "The Buddhist point of view is: Wherever the horse goes, it will be a success. Feng shui is the environment changes us, but Buddhist way is we change the environment."

Reach Tanya Bricking at tbricking@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8026.