(Editor’s Note: The writer is the author of “A Miracle Awaits You,” “Feng Shui of the Mind” and other best sellers.)

At the strike of 3:20 p.m. on Feb. 10, the Water Snake rules.

This year of the Water Snake is most significant because it falls on the first year of the dawning of the Age of Aquarius, which began on Dec. 22, 2012, the first day of the new Mayan calendar based on its Long Count of 5,125 years.

“Aquarius,” the song from the rock musical “Hair,” was written by Galt MacDermot 50 years too early. The break of dawn happened only on Dec. 22, 2012. Clearly, to the relief of many, the world did not end on Dec. 21, 2012, as a great number of people had predicted and feared.

The Mayans never said the world was going to end physically. It was their calendar reaching its final days with the inscription that 90 gods were going to descend on earth which, in numerology, simply meant spirituality and universal love would begin its reign in our planet.

Some doomsayers have also predicted that 2032 is really the year when our earth would come to a catastrophic end. On the contrary, in Esoteric Astrology, 2032 will be the time that the Age of Pisces, characterized by 2,000 years of opposing and conflicting ideas, comes to a close and the Age of Aquarius begins.

Between then and now, dramatic changes will be observed that will signal the transformation of man’s consciousness. Every man begins realizing that the God they have been praying to can really be found within themselves. Because of this realization, man’s spirituality will expand and move beyond religion, which has been the cause of man going against man, of horrendous wars in the name of God.

Resentments lead to cancer

The Year of the Water Snake symbolizes healing and wellness as shown in medical science’s Aesculapius, where two serpents coil around each other in their middle section. It is also a well-known fact that the venom of the snake has produced various medicines that extend and not obliterate life. This is in direct contrast to some geomancers’ prediction of treachery that probably was derived from the biblical tempting of Eve by the serpent.

Today, medical science has enough data to support the concept that many, if not all, diseases have its origin in the mental and emotional aspects of man. For example, resentments can ultimately lead to cancer and other catastrophic ailments. Germs and the viruses are not being ignored because they are magnetized by people with certain unhealthy thoughts and feelings.

A simple illustration: Ten people out on a picnic can eat from the same bowl of salad but only one or two may get food poisoning. Those who get sick are the ones who have the mental and emotional states to match the poison. These negative feelings were all created in response to some unresolved problems in their relationships.

For the Water Snake year of wellness and healing, I recommend that every body forgives everyone that needs forgiveness from them, which includes forgiving themselves. Once they have done this, they can expect all kinds of blessings to unfold in their lives.

This is also a year of reflection, planning and seeking answers to many questions that lingered in the Year of the Dragon.

Politics will also be the order of the year. As early as now, we have already seen changes in the government, what with a popular and trend-setting president at the helm.

It will truly be an excellent year for commerce and industry, with an upgrade to be evident everywhere despite what the critics have to say. Music and literature will also flourish. Theater will be revitalized and will experience some kind of renaissance.

Romance and courtships will be in the air while fashion will experience once more the elegance and fluidity of the Jackie Kennedy and Princess Grace of Monaco Era.

Affirmation prayer

I would like to share a short note of affirmation I composed for the First Year of Aquarian Dawning. For those who have a lot of forgiving to do, repeating this affirmation would go a long way in making it easier for them to do so. This is best recited daily: the moment you wake up in the morning and before retiring in the evening. You may also view this at midday on YouTube under the title, “The First Year of the Aquarian Dawning.”

This, when passed on to as many people as possible, can help us create a happier and more fulfilled world. It should bring us blessings beyond all fondest expectations.

“The First Year of the Aquarian Dawning”

This is the year I experience youthful vibrancy, vigor and vitality;

This is the year my finances increase and multiply by leaps and bounds;

This is the year when my relationships overflow with love and understanding;

This is the year I exude greater confidence and enthusiasm;

This is the year I overcome all challenges easily and effortlessly;

This is the year I accomplish great works which bring me honor and respect;

This is the year I share my blessings with no holds barred;

This is the year that the “I Am” within me reveals more of “Itself” to me.

Wonderful, Lovable, God-like me, 2013 is the year all my dreams come true!

What’s in store

What is in store for the different animal signs of the Lunar calendar in the Year of the Water Snake?

OX: The song “Let the Good Times Roll” says it all for the ox. Money will come easy and everything wonderful seems within reach. Challenges with associates are indicated but can still be resolved with up-front and sincere talk.

TIGER: A rather steady and tranquil year for the tiger. Gains are enough, losses controlled and progress stable. The only challenges in the horizon are with intimate relations.

RABBIT: The rabbit may not see any tangible progress this year but everything is preparing him for something better. The rabbit may be considering a change of residence or even a change of career for invigorating revitalization.

ROOSTER: After a good dragon year, the rooster is still ahead. Enough monetary gains are expected. If losses do occur, they would be minimal. No unnecessary journeys please.

DOG: The Dog enjoys a very good year. His hard work will be duly recognized by the right people who will further help him move forward. Business, investments will boom.

PIG: A very busy year for the pig. He will travel extensively and be involved in aggressive speculations, partnerships and joint ventures. Extravagant overspending is indicated.

RAT: Caution is the key word for the rat when investments are concerned or making major and important decisions. There will be positive developments toward the third quarter of the year.

HORSE: A demand on the horse’s energy and time could prove a bit taxing this year. Challenges with partners and/or friends are indicated.

SHEEP: Quite a promising year for the sheep. Will find himself in positions of power and influence. His popularity quotient increases.

SNAKE: Not a good year to make major changes. A year for simply reconsidering other options. Achievements are fairly good but the snake always expects more.

MONKEY: A relatively happy year for the monkey. Friends and superiors are supportive. Good times are in store. But monkey must hold his tongue.

DRAGON: A very fortunate year for the dragon in business and his other pursuits. Everything goes like clockwork with minor glitches, if any at all. The dragon, most of all, must remember that he has people around him who want to be noticed, taken care of and paid attention to.

Western, Eastern combo

For additional insights, one can combine the Western and Eastern signs as indicated in the chart below.

Observe that the Snake is the equivalent of the Western sign of Taurus and the Horse is the equivalent of the Western sign of Gemini. Thus, if you were born in the Year of the Snake and you are a Gemini you can read the indications for both the Snake and the Horse.

President Aquino

Let us take President Aquino as an example: He was born in the Year of the Rat. But being born on Feb. 8, an Aquarian sign, the equivalent of which is a Tiger in the Eastern zodiac, he could read both the Rat and the Tiger to discover a more extensive version of what’s in store for him in the Year of the Water Snake.

Therefore, the President must remember that “caution” is the keyword when investments are concerned and when making major and important decisions. He can expect positive developments in the third quarter of the year. Being also a Rat, this year promises to be a steady and tranquil year. Gains are enough and losses controlled. Progress is stable. The only challenges in the horizon are with intimate relations.

Have a fabulous and awesome Year of the Water Snake!

WESTERN / EASTERN

Taurus Snake 1917 1929 1941 1953 1965 1977 1989 2001 2013

Gemini Horse 1906 1918 1930 1942 1954 1966 1978 1990 2002

Cancer Sheep 1907 1919 1931 1943 1955 1967 1979 1991 2003

Leo Monkey 1908 1920 1932 1944 1956 1968 1980 1992 2004

Virgo Rooster 1909 1921 1933 1945 1957 1969 1981 1993 2005

Libra Dog 1910 1922 1934 1946 1958 1970 1982 1994 2006

Scorpio Pig 1911 1923 1935 1947 1959 1971 1983 1995 2007

Sagittarius Rat 1912 1924 1936 1948 1960 1972 1984 1996 2008

Capricorn Ox 1913 1925 1937 1949 1961 1973 1985 1997 2009

Aquarius Tiger 1914 1926 1938 1950 1962 1974 1986 1998 2010