Notes on the 2003 almanac

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1. Weather and health summary

The Chinese Health and Weather Almanac 2003 starts on January 20, 2003. Here is a forecast for November 22, 2002 to January 19, 2003.

(Note that specifics about animals, plants and temperature depend on your geographic location and therefore only apply when and where such events make sense.)

The weather will be generally cold and dry. It will be like a typical, average winter for your region; however, many normally damp regions in the world may experience this unusual dryness, with sunny, blue skies. Precipitation will not occur very often. Animals with hard shells (i.e., turtles and beetles) will grow well during this time. It will not be as warm as the same period in 2001, nor will it be as cold as the same period in 2003. This is in total contrast to what many radio stations in the Metro Toronto area mentioned in September 2002: "We are likely going to have another warm winter, since El Niño is coming this winter."

Common illnesses during this period will be skin and respiratory system problems. Dry mouth, inner nose, and throat; dry cough and asthma, bleeding nose, constipation and dry and itchy skin will often occur during this period.

In order to prevent the above illnesses, bitter and sour foods are recommended, while heavily spiced foods are best minimized or avoided. Food made with wheat can be eaten in moderation during this period.

2. How the forecast applies to other fields

The annual summary in the almanac describes how the information applies to various areas. Here are some additional areas in which that knowledge can be applied.

a. Solar transition periods

The almanac explains that when a solar period ends and a new one begins, the weather is likely to change dramatically: windy, cloudy, sudden rises or drops in temperature, storms, rain or snow.

• Fishing and hunting: animals are more likely to be caught, since they tend to be restless.
• Health professionals: longer office hours, because symptoms tend to flare up.
• Landscape photography and art: perhaps this kind of weather is exactly what you'd like to capture?
• Military training: a good time to train under rough weather conditions!
• Real estate: perhaps open houses should be postponed until the weather settles.
• Party planning: weddings, picnics, etc. are probably best postponed too.
• Patients: symptoms are likely to increase.
• Energy: a good time for wind power generation.
• Education: children are more likely to be emotional or rambunctious.
• Sports: not a good time for outdoor games!
• Stargazing: the sky is most likely to be overcast.
• Travel: not a fun time to drive, fly or sail.

b. Business trends

The almanac contains much information on how the weather affects health, but less on how it affects business. Here are some additional ideas.

• Bedding: goose down duvets, electric blankets and heating pads will be in greater demand.
• Concrete and construction: will be in less demand, since they belong to the Earth element.
• Clothing: since the temperature is likely to drop right away, sweaters, winter coats, gloves, scarves, winter boots and hats will be much in demand in early 2003.
• Agriculture: peaches, chestnuts, rice and beans will grow well.
• Fashion and interior design: warm colours will be more appealing, cool colours less so. Green, however, will be generally acceptable because it belongs to the Wood element. According to Five-elements theory, Wood generates Fire; if Fire is deficient, both Wood and Fire elements will be in demand.
• Fishing: Generally, fish will not reproduce and grow very well. Overfishing may harm the general fish population.
• Forestry: wood and lumber will be in demand.
• Food industry: Spices and bitter-tasting foods and drinks (e.g., coffee) will be in demand; sweet and salty foods will be in less demand.
• Health and pharmaceuticals: will be in greater demand, since they belong to the Wood element.
• Livestock: horses and winged animals (i.e., birds, chickens, ducks, turkeys, geese) won't grow well and will be less healthy. Pigs and cows will grow well and be healthy.
• Paper industry: paper is made from wood and thus belongs to the Wood element. It will therefore be in demand.
• Printing and publishing: same as paper industry.
• Plant nurseries: in demand.
• Shipping and transportation: in less demand, because they belong to the Water element.