Predicting in the wake of a sluggish economy and a moribund Bush administration can be quite a contentious topic, but most of our population wants to know “where we stand in 2008 here in the United States.” The following has been prepared to give you some ideas and perhaps a head start on preparing for 2008.

o The core energy of 2008 is stability and strength in a weak and unstable US economy. This type of power will be the hidden instigator of tensions and misunderstandings in all areas of daily life. Therefore, look at the underlying influence of any problems that may arise at work or at home.

o It is a turbulent year with natural disasters particularly tidal waves, possibly a tsunami. It’s not unusual to see earthquakes and landslides here in California, but it’s quite unusual to see several scattered around the world in one year. Good tort; hurricanes are wild next year.

o Global warming has long been a major concern around the world, and eventually the United States will become a team player in support of scientific efforts.

o Election years have always been exciting years for Americans. I expect to see a lot of twists and turns in the upcoming election before the Republicans give way to our new Democratic leader. There will be events in the world that leave us wondering if we will have elections. Back in 1999 I had stated in my forecast, “in the first fifteen years of the new millennium a woman will be named President of the United States.” Psychic predictions are not fixed and can be altered. We can certainly alter this one! All the candidates look promising and look who Oprah supports. How cool is that!

o Inflation is global and very few countries can compete with industrial China, but 2008 shows a positive turnaround as industries begin to boost sophisticated manufacturing, education and services in those nations that have been disadvantaged. Salaries will increase slightly.

o The Hollywood Writers’ Strike ends at the beginning of the year and provides some much-needed relief to all members of the industry and those who depend on them. In general, the lack of strong investors in 2008 weakens the entertainment industry. The literary world, on the other hand, will favor him much better.

o I never cease to be amazed at the new discoveries that will be revealed each year in space. A new planet is one of those great discoveries in 2008, as well as an extraordinary discovery right here on earth, as the remains of an ancient being are discovered. “Could this be proof of the existence of ET?”

o We have all suffered from the real estate market in 2007 when thousands of homeowners across the United States were sentenced to foreclosures and bankruptcies. It will be a buyer’s market with fantastic real estate opportunities. Maybe we can recover some of our losses.

o The stock market will be slow and cautious but steady. I do not detect a record high or low in 2008.

o Another profitable year is ahead for high-tech and Internet businesses.

Happy Holidays to all. Have a blessed year.

Barbara Garcia