As noted previously, during the Year of the Goat the Grand Duke (Tai Sui) will be presiding over earthly affairs from his cosmic throne in the South-Southwest. He likes things quiet and peaceful (and who doesn’t, after all?), so mere mortals are well advised to avoid disturbing the serene harmony so prized by Tai Sui.
But even after several millennia of object lessons, stupid humans never learn. Here’s a quick look at who’s offending the Grand Duke these days, and why:
Saudi Arabia — Sectarian conflict in Yemen is merely the latest manifestation of blowback from the Cheney-Bush invasion of Iraq in 2003. Sunnis and Shiites have been skirmishing for centuries in Yemen, in the mountains and on the plains, but this time it’s part of the larger proxy war between Persians and the Sauds. Yemen’s location at the south-southwest corner of the Arabian peninsula means that this noisy, un-civil war is gonna offend Tai Sui in the Year of the Goat. That’s not good news for King Salman.
Russia — Don’t worry about General Winter: Comrade Bear has just a few more days to wrap up his attempted conquest of Debaltseve before all that noise and clamor in the south-southwest of Eurasia disturbs the limited patience of Tai Sui. It’s probably too late, because the Grand Duke has undoubtedly been getting an earful from his predecessor about the terrible decline of courtesy in the neighborhood. Economic sanctions will be the least of Comrade Bear’s problems if things don’t calm down in a hurry.
Brazil — The party’s almost over, and I’m not talking about carnival in Rio. Through no real fault of its own, Brazil is going to suffer from the uproar to its south-southwest: Cristina Kirchner‘s intriguing media circus will catch the ear of Tai Sui and the consequences won’t be pleasant for Mercosur neighbors. Paraguay may escape unscathed (for once), but Uruguay and Brazil appear to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Mexico — First Michoacan, then Guerrero. President Peña-Nieto may need to follow the example of Comrade Eleven in cleaning the Augean stables of Mexican government.
United States? — So far things are looking pretty good in the south-southwest: Mexican wolves are making a comeback, the clang and clamor of Eagle Ford shale oil drilling rigs is decreasing in the Permian Basin, and a measles outbreak in New Mexico, Arizona and southern California may quiet some of the noisier residents of the region. But …
Plains All American LP will build two new crude oil pipelines in far West Texas and New Mexico to move Permian Basin production to markets. The company will extend its Avalon pipeline in Loving County 32 miles into Culberson County with a 12-inch line. Plains All American also will build a 60-mile, 16-inch State Line pipeline to connect Culberson County output to Wink, Texas, along the Texas-New Mexico state line.
Avalon pipeline? Uh oh! Since “moving earth” and major construction projects in the Grand Duke’s south-southwest realm are surefire ways to irritate the year’s cosmic ruler, this will definitely not turn out well. It’s clear that the U.S. petroleum industry will have to learn its feng shui protocol the hard way. Which reinsurance provider is currently holding liability policies on Plains All American LP? Time to double-check your risk management posture!
Israel — Gaza. Really, need I say more? Benny Netanyahu will be getting a frigid reception in Washington from everyone except the Republicans on Sheldon Adelson‘s payroll. In his shame and frustration, he probably won’t be able to resist (once again) turning Gaza rubble into even smaller rubble. The man suffers from a Masada Complex compounded by chronic funnel vision. Tai Sui is already annoyed. It definitely won’t be good for the Jews.
There are probably many other examples around the world where upheaval in the south-southwest during 2015 could lead to retribution from the Grand Duke. F’rinstance, what does Switzerland mean for Germany this year? Those listed above are just a few top-of-mind candidates that any feng shui soothsayer would love to point out. It will be interesting to see what else develops during the Year of the Goat. Probably a good idea to stay away from SouthbySouthwest this year. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.
Tags: Benjamin Netanyahu, Brazil, feng-shui, Gaza, Germany, Grand Duke, Israel, King Salman, Mexico, Permian Basin, Russia, Saudi Arabia, SouthbySouthwest, Switzerland, Tai Sui, Ukraine, United States, Year of the Goat, Yemen
Waking the Dragon 