Will Year of the Snake Be Good for Bush?

TAIPEI, Taiwan, Jan. 24 (AP) -- With fireworks and dancing lions, Chinese around the world on Wednesday welcomed the Year of the Snake--a period astrologers say could be lucky for the new U.S. president but dangerous for the leaders of China and Taiwan.

The start of the lunar new year is the biggest holiday for Chinese--about one--fifth of the world's population--and most spent the day feasting, showing off new clothes, praying in temples, playing mahjong and visiting friends and relatives.

According to the 12-symbol Chinese horoscope, this is the year of the snake--or "little dragon." Those born under the symbol are supposed to be diplomatic, charming, deep-thinking and romantic, but they can also be stingy with money, vain and unfaithful in marriage.

The snake can bring upheaval, revolutions and disasters. But this year won't be a time of great change, predicted Taiwanese astrologer Shao Chung-ling, a master of the I Ching (Book of Changes), an ancient Chinese book used for predictions and rooted in traditional Chinese Taoism.

It could be a good year for new President Bush. Bush, born in 1946, is a dog, another of the horoscope symbols, which is believed to be able to get along with the snake.

But other factors must be considered for a more accurate prediction for Bush's first year in office, Taiwanese soothsayers say.

Examining a picture of Bush, Taipei astrologer Ni Su-chuan noted the firm and curvy contour of the president's upper lip.

"At 54, his luck is determined by his lips, and his fortune thrives at this point," Ni said.

"His lips have nice contours, but not wide enough," she said, explaining that Bush may be good at continuing the policies of his predecessor but not broad-minded or bold enough in ushering in a new era.

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