A better year ahead

The Indian almanac shows that better times are in store for 2014.

ASTROLOGICALLY, we can look forward to 2014 to be a better year than the current one (2013).

Economically, the new year offers enhanced hope, cheer, and prosperity for many. Overall, the planetary positions are expected to be more positive from May onwards, and we will see general financial improvement worldwide.

However, we need to exercise extra care from February to March because challenges like calamities are forecasted owing to the conjunctions of Saturn, Mars and Rahu (means dragon head in Hindu astrology, and is equivalent to a planet). The combination is viewed as inauspicious.

After May, the real estate and textile sectors will experience a boom, and the price of gold and silver will also rise.

I met my Vasthu Sastra and astrology master Yuvaraj Sowma in Chennai, India, earlier this month to jointly analyse what the future holds for the various zodiac signs using the Indian almanac.

The Indian calendar is based on moon signs, or rasi, as they are called in Indian astrology.

Readers should note that Western astrology is based on sun signs. If your Western astrological star sign is, for instance, Aries, your star sign in the Indian system might not necessarily be the same.

Consult an astrologer to determine your moon sign as it is too complicated to explain how to do that here.

And don’t be disheartened if your forecast indicates an unfavourable period ahead. You can avert the worst by performing prayers and spiritual activities in accordance with your faith, and performing good deeds and acts of charity to mitigate negative planetary forces.

It will be a positive year for those born under the signs of Pisces (Meena) and Virgo (Kanya), and they will enjoy great progress in the new year.

Mixed results are expected for those who belong to Taurus (Vrishabha), Gemini (Mithuna), Cancer (Kataka), Capricorn (Makara) and Aquarius (Kumbha).

Those born under the signs of Aries (Mesham), Leo (Simha), Scorpio (Vrichika), Sagittarius (Dhanus) and Scorpio (Thula) will have to be careful due to Saturn’s negative influence on their birth charts in 2014.

Aries (Mesham)

Those born under this sign need to exercise extra care in making decisions involving all aspects of life because in spite of your efforts, you may find it difficult to reach your objectives easily.

Health will be below average and it would be best to adhere to a good diet and exercise regularly.

Watch your expenditure and plan your finances carefully.

Enhance your compassion by spending more time on spiritual work.

Overall, the first half of the year is favourable for career and business, and challenges are expected after June.

Taurus (Rishabam)

The first six months will be highly favourable for matters involving finances, relationship and travel. You may see a windfall and will have the opportunity to invest in property.

You will see things changing more frequently than usual, and mixed results are indicated after June.

During the testing period in the second half, be brave and it is best you go on a pilgrimage to cope with the obstacles.

Take extra care of your health and exercise regularly to keep fit.

Gemini (Mithunam)

Mixed results and changes are expected, and there may be slow growth in career, business and acquisition of assets in the first six months.

You may come to learn the true nature of the people around you, and you need to exercise patience.

Take care of your health, and any warning signs should not be ignored.

An improved period is indicated from July onwards, and past conflicts will be resolved.

If you are single, you will find a better match after June, and you are likely to get married by end of 2014.

Those in business will shine in the later part of the year, and will receive new contracts and projects.

Cancer (Kataka)

The transition of major planets in your horoscope will affect your health, wealth and career.

Only a welldisciplined life can help you face the testing times, and you should control your emotions.

Health will be average, and you should spend more time in spiritual practices and meditation.

You should avoid getting into marriage and relationships, and don’t change jobs.

Handle each and every problem slowly, and do not make any hasty decisions.

Avoid borrowing and conflict situations.

Stress and challenges will ease after June.

Leo (Simha)

A prosperous year is in store and you will be successful in your career and personal life.

Change may bring realisation through reconciliation of your past activities.

Your health will be excellent until June, though you should exercise and watch what you eat.

If are not married, you will find your life partner, and if you are married, you will have a chance to go on your dream holiday.

Sudden increase in financial wealth and promotions are indicated, and you should convert the cash into fixed assets.

From July onwards, exercise care in all your undertakings.

Virgo (Kanya)

This will be a fluctuating year, and you may be able to fulfill your desires after strenuous efforts.

You need to be strong as problems in your personal life may impact your career.

Friends will be of great support, while you need to watch your health.

The last quarter of the year will be favourable and you will see all conflicts resolved, with you enjoying a happier life.

If you are single, you will find your match in the second half of the year.

Work pressure will continue and you need to remain calm and handle the situation bravely.

Libra (Thula)

This year may offer normal results in finance and career, which you may not be satisfied with.

Be strong because in spite of the weak period in the first half of 2014, you will give your best and do reasonably well.

Take care of your health and avoid situations that cause mental stress.

You will enjoy excellent family ties and enhance the bond by spending more energy and time with the family.

You will feel that you are losing your luck from July, but you will survive this testing period if you watch your expenditure.

Scorpio (Vrichika)

You need to be more attentive and proactive to avoid setbacks because challenging times are expected.

Normal growth is forecasted and you should pay attention to your health.

Spend more time with your spouse to strengthen your relationship and love.

If you are married, you will be blessed with a child in the later part of the year.

Improvement in all aspects of life will be seen after July, and those in business will enjoy improved profits.

Sagittarius (Dhanus)

Your honest and sincere efforts may yield more than you anticipate.

Your career, relationship and finance will improve. Show your appreciation to your elders and the divine for the good times.

You will enjoy more positive energies and peace of mind.

If you are working, promotions and salary hikes are most likely, and those in business will enjoy a windfall.

You may have to face some headwinds in November. If you are careful with your expenditure, you will pull through.

Capricorn (Makara)

Dynamic results are indicated in your life and your conservative thinking will save you from major calamities.

Troubles created by relatives and neighbours may worry you for time to time.

You need to watch your health and diet in the first six months, and exercise a lot.

Allocate quality time with your spouse to enjoy an enhanced relationship and attain happiness. Despite work pressure, you will emerge stronger and enjoy a promotion and salary hike. You will be able to settle your debts and enjoy financial freedom.

Aquarius (Kumbha)

You should cultivate positive thinking to make your life comfortable.

Exercise to regularly enjoy excellent health throughout the year.

Matters related to relationships will improve, and marriage is indicated if you are single. The second half of 2014 will be rough and you should exercise caution in all your undertakings.

Prepare yourself to face obstacles, and one way of doing so is to improve your spiritual practices to gain strength and confidence.

Keep a watch on unnecessary expenses and avoid borrowing.

Pisces (Meena)

Maintain your confidence and determination levels to accomplish your objectives.

Visit a doctor if you experience any aches and pains, which may be an indication of health problems. The second half of 2014 will be more favourable than the first, and all your past issues will be resolved.

Do not switch jobs because promotions are likely to take place in your current job.

If you are in business, it is a good time to sign new contacts and expand your ventures.

Vasthu Sastra and astrology talk

T. Selva will present a talk on ancient secrets, Vasthu Sastra and the astrology forecast for 2014 astrology at 3pm-5pm on 15 February at Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR), Jalan Universiti, Bandar Barat, Kampar, Perak. Admission is free. To register, call 012-329 9713.

>T. Selva, associate editor at The Star, is the author of the ‘Vasthu Sastra Guide’ and is the first disciple of 7th generation Vasthu Sastra master Yuvaraj Sowma from Chennai, India. You can follow him on twitter at @tselvas and write to him at tselvas@thestar.com.my. This column appears on the last Sunday of every month.