It's three weeks to go before Christmas, and another week later, a new year begins. According to the lunar calendar, though, the new year starts on 10 February, and based on the Chinese zodiac, it's a Wood Dragon Year.

"This is going to be a year of transformations," said feng shui expert Marites Allen in a recent media event. "It's about letting go of the old, welcoming the new, and nurturing our dreams for a brighter future."

She went on showing a chart with an overview of how the year looks like following the ancient Chinese tradition of harmonizing human energy with the surrounding environment, and shared her reading: "There are a lot of activities. People will be very aggressive. That's why mas magiging mainit ang ulo (people will be more easily angered) or you become very stubborn.

"As seen in the chart, there's an absence of the element of water. It can mean drought. Baka wala tayong masyadong water supply…So magtipid ng tubig (We may have a low water supply, so we better conserve water).

"A lot of industries will actually do very well, except those with water elements. So if you're in the metal industry — gold, silver, or anything with jewelry — your money is safe. Anything to do with technology is also good, like AI (artificial intelligence)."

Allen added, "If you are aggressive and like to take risks, this is the year for you. This could be a year of abundance, career opportunities. Dream big, do something that will set you apart. This is also the year that you could have passionate connections."

Speaking of love and romance, those born under the animal signs of Rat, Monkey, Dragon and Rooster are deemed lucky. On the other hand, those who are Dragon, Dog, Snake and Ox could have family issues. So, the Filipina feng shui expert happily married to a British international executive pointed out, "Communication is the key."

As for women between the ages 40 and 60, just like Allen, who's 55, the incoming year is just the start to "reign supreme," as it ushers in the Period 9. This is a time of rapid change and intense energy, as opportunities for growth and progress abound.

Here's a capsule forecast by Allen to the 12 animal signs:

RAT: You'll be rich in 2024. The number 8 will be here. You need to enhance it with something to do with wealth and your direction is in the north.

OX: This is the year of miracles.

TIGER: This is the year of abundance and miracles. Open your heart to the unexpected.

RABBIT: This year is about transformation and positivity.

DRAGON: This is your year. Just be careful with a little bit of illness issue. You need the medicine Buddha. But don't make a promise if you can't fulfill it.

SNAKE: Beware of family issues.

HORSE: This is the year of prosperity, but you're going to lose something, sadly. So be careful with your phone, or the contract you signed. Better yet, sign that before 10 February, the Lunar New Year.

SHEEP: This is the year for you to make the multiplying abundance happen in your life.

MONKEY: This year is full of vibrant energy and victory. Apart from becoming or being your conflict here in 2023, you have a so-called misfortune star in 2024. But don't worry, there are a lot of healing energy charms.

ROOSTER: This is a year of vibrant energy and victory for you.

DOG: Embrace changes because it is only when you make a change that success will come. Dog and Dragon are enemies of the year. So make a change (including cosmetic surgery). If you like to change careers, move to another house, change bedrooms, this is the time to do it.

BOAR: It's going to be an adventurous year. Love and romance are also in store for you.