Illustrations by CELSO QUIJANO JR.

MANILA, Philippines — There’s a Chinese saying that “harmony in the family brings about prosperity.” For the Chinese, family and business are closely tied. Good and harmonious relationships in the home bring overall good luck to the other aspects of life, be it career, business or school.

The year of the Dragon, according to feng shui expert Princesse Lim Fernandez, is going to be a year of changes and realization— the end of the old and start of the new. This is perhaps the reason behind the allusion to 2012 as the year when the world ends.

People will begin to question the norm like established rules and authority. This can be both good and bad in terms of relationships. Thus as a general advice, people this year should learn to be more flexible and adaptable. There is no use fighting CHANGE as it is inevitable. To survive the year, people should just go with the flow.

Fernandez gives Moms&Babies the lowdown on how the relationships of each sign will be affected by the coming year of the Dragon, set to begin on February 23.

Dragon

The fire-breathing animal of the Chinese zodiac will have fluctuating luck this year. People often have the misconception that just because it is one’s year, the luck will be good. That is not the case. The animal for the year will actually be going against or with the Tai Suey, which affects the overall luck.

Thus, Dragon parents should not expect too much for 2012.  To avoid conflict with their kids or their spouses, they should learn not to be too arrogant and proud. Put in an extra effort to handle the relationship well. Spend time with them and be more understanding.

What to watch out for: conflicts that stem from misunderstanding

What to develop: patience, humility

Snake 

Snakes will be very lucky in the year of the Water Dragon because they have the Happy Events Star shining down upon them. This means that they can expect a wedding in the family, a baby or some other happy event. Make the most out of their family life.

Snake parents can enjoy a very tranquil and peaceful family life this year. There will be a few conflicts, if not, none at all. This is not to say that they should be complacent. In fact, this is a great time to strengthen existing relationships as temptations still abound.

What to watch out for: health problems

What to develop: closeness with the family

Horse 

The Horse, this year, is more likely to be misunderstood by people around them, even family. Thus, they should put in more effort to explain themselves and be open to people. They should learn to communicate their feelings more so they won’t feel as if no one understands them. Horses, this year, have the lonely star, which can make them feel isolated from their families and from other people.

What to watch out for: communication gaps

What to develop: openness with people, honesty

Goat 

The luck of married Goats is not as good as the luck of single ones in the year of the dragon. This year, they should try to be more giving as they might have the tendency to act and think selfishly. To keep the harmony within the family, try not to be too domineering and learn how to give and take to avoid making things more complicated than they really are. They must remember that communication is a two-way street and they should be constructive when communicating with others. Their approach for this year should not be too confrontational or imposing.

What to watch out for: confrontations, word wars

What to develop: diplomacy, generosity

Monkey 

Monkeys, this year, have the Romance Star, which makes them more loving and more attractive to other people. They will be more sociable. They will enjoy interacting with other people or going out in groups.

Although a romance star is generally positive because it keeps personal and family relationships more harmonious, it can also backfire on married Monkeys because it brings them closer to temptations. To avoid this, married Monkeys or those married to those born in the year of the Monkey should make it a point to do family bonding activities. Go on a weekend trip together or organize more family activities during the year. Doing these joint activities will bring the family and the married couple closer and strengthen their relationships.

Monkeys are also more emotional this year. They might read too much into something or dwell on a comment or a feeling. They should learn to take things in stride and not be too sensitive about things.

What to watch out for: temptations, being sensitive and emotional

What to develop: family togetherness

Rooster 

This is a very romantic year for the Roosters. Socially, they will have an active year. They will be very popular and attractive to people and of course, to their spouse. More or less, they will enjoy pretty good relationships with their spouse and other members of the family.

But again, like the Monkeys, this can also mean a lot of temptations. Thus, they should remember not to indulge too much in these social events and not let it get into their heads. This is especially true for the months of July and November, when temptations are strong. This is the time to spend more time with the family.

What to watch out for: temptations

What to develop: temperance

Dog 

It will not be a very fortunate year for the Dogs this year. They should not expect too much so they won’t be disappointed. To avoid arguments and quarrels, Dogs should learn to be patient and open-minded. It is good for the Dogs to organize their personal lives this year and have with them a strong circle of support around them.

Although towards the third quarter of the year, their luck will be better. As long as they are able to sort out their issues during the first part of the year, things should get better by July.

 What to watch out for: open-mindedness, patience

What to develop: strong circle of support

Pig 

The Pigs have the wedding star this year. Although this does not mean that all single Pigs will get married, they will do enjoy a fortunate and harmonious year in their relationships. It’s a good year to get married or if they are already married, Pigs will have a happy married life during the year of the Dragon.

Since it is a very romantic year for the Pigs, like the Monkeys and Roosters, they should watch out for temptations and the possible entry of a third party.

What to watch out for: Temptations

What to develop: strengthen personal relationships

Rat 

Rats may not be fortunate this year but they are not unlucky either. Their luck fluctuates. They might encounter quite a few obstacles this year in their relationships, which can lead to severe misunderstanding, if not handled properly.

Rats should remember not to be too impulsive or too fussy. They should learn not to nitpick on every little detail and know when to let things go or cut people, especially their spouses, some slack. They should watch their mouths and avoid saying things that they don’t really mean to avoid quarrels. Because the career outlook for Rats is good, they might be too busy or too focused on their work to have time for their spouses and kids. Thus, they should learn how to manage their schedules and not let their family relationships take a backseat this year.

Spend time with the spouse. Schedule weekend family trips. This will help keep the family in harmony.

What to watch out for: quarrels, misunderstandings, being too fussy

What to develop: Tact, family-work balance

Ox 

Same with the Horse, the Ox has the Lonely Star this year of the Dragon. They should not be too moody or temperamental because attitudes like these can lead to a communication gap and feelings that they are misunderstood.

Their relationships may also be dull and boring. The year is not a sociable year for them. So to keep things exciting, Oxen should learn to be more open to people. Go out with friends or spend more time with the family or with a loved one.

What to watch out for: moodiness, being too temperamental

What to develop: open communication

Tiger 

Relationships of Tigers this year may not be too good. It will be filled with complications and conflicts. Thus, Tigers should learn to be patient and “temper” their tempers.

The best advice for Tigers this year is for them to learn to be more content. They should learn to appreciate what they have and not ask for anything more. They should also learn to trust others and remember that they cannot function alone. They need other people too.

What to watch out for: Conflicts, Quarrels

What to develop: Contentment

Rabbit 

Rabbits may be gentle people but in the year of the Dragon, they may have the tendency to be impatient and irritable. Try not to be.  This year, they should pay more attention to the feelings of their partner and not discount what they say. Patience and diplomacy are traits that Rabbits should develop.

Like the Rooster, they may have trouble coming in the form of a third party. Thus, Rabbits should behave themselves and as much as possible, avoid temptation.

What to watch out for: Quarrels, Temptations

What to develop: Patience, Diplomacy