Feng Shui

What is Feng Shui?

Feng Shui is a unique and ancient Chinese science that was first developed some 6,000 years ago. By utilizing a system of techniques and methods, which are based on a very comprehensive set of guidelines and mathematical formula, Feng Shui analyses our environment and assists us to make use of the good influences and reduce or avoid the bad ones.
By applying this knowledge a qualified professional consultant can guide you in the selection, design and arrangement of your new or existing home or business. This in turn can create a living or work space that will better support financial prosperity, good health and harmonious relationships and help you to fulfill your life potential.Feng Shui – the art of discovering the energy of a place and making changes to ensure that harmonious energy flows around you whether at home or in the work environment.

Chinese New Year or ‘Chun Jie’ (meaning Spring Festival) starts from the first day of the lunar calendar, and lasts for 15 days.  The festival signifies a fresh start in one’s life and is deep rooted in the Chinese culture. Celebrations and traditions take place with much fanfare and include dragons, fireworks and cleaning house!  These traditions are very important and ensure that any negative energy from the previous year is cleared away and the fresh, vital energy of the New Year is able to circulate throughout homes and businesses. 

The Year of the Tiger is respected and sometimes even feared by the Chinese and often they choose not to plan any significant events, such as having a baby or moving house, during a Tiger year.  However this sense of wariness is largely unwarranted as traditionally the tiger was considered to be a symbol of power and protection.

According to the Hsia Calendar the Tiger year commences at 6.42 a.m. on the 4th of February.  This precedes the Chinese Lunar New Year by some 10 days and will be celebrated this year on the 14th of February.  Coincidentally this is also Valentine’s Day, so red will certainly be a popular color for this year’s festivities!

Chinese New Year or ‘Chun Jie’ (meaning Spring Festival) signifies a fresh start in one’s life and is deeply rooted in the Chinese culture. Celebrations and traditions take place with much fanfare and include dragons, fireworks and cleaning house!  These traditions are very important and ensure that any negative energy from the previous year is cleared away and the fresh, vital energy of the New Year is able to circulate throughout homes and businesses.

If you intend to Spring clean during this time, then it is always best to do so on an auspicious day.  This is because in ancient times the Chinese people believed that the divine presence of various deities inhabited all manner of earthly objects, including furniture, ornaments and altars.  Therefore before any Spring cleaning activity could be safely undertaken, the ‘divinities’ were requested to temporarily return to Heaven.  This ensured that they would not be offended and that the personal fortune of the home’s occupant would not adversely affected.

Elemental Influences of the Tiger Year

The Year of the Tiger (Geng 庚 Yin 寅) is symbolized by the two elements of Yang Metal sitting on top of the Wood Tiger.  2010 is the 7th year in our current ‘Age of 8’ and according to the cycle of the Five Elements, this Metal and Wood combination forms a destructive relationship.  Therefore this year we may find an increase in both natural and man made disasters, as well as additional conflict at home and on the international scene.  

In addition to this the Yang Metal element symbolizes a sword and the Tiger is an animal who is well known for his fierce and powerful qualities.  These characteristics also serve to remind us of the need to behave in a calm and restrained manner this year, particularly if we encounter conflict or disagreement. 

In fact 2010 is represented by the two Trigrams of Water over Earth, which together forms the ‘Persevering’ or ‘Progress’ Hexagram in I- Ching and is associated with support and unity.  The I- Ching system of Hexagrams helps us to understand the laws that govern both natural phenomena and human nature. So therefore it is advisable this year to persevere without compromising your principles, in order to achieve a more successful and harmonious outcome.  If you are faced with an argument it is better to let it go and take a step back.  Otherwise you may find yourself facing legal problems.

Aside from these strong influences, a clash also occurs between the Heavenly Stem of the Yang Metal 庚 and the Earthly Branch of the Wood Tiger 寅.  Once again this could manifest as conflict and disharmony in both personal and international relationships. 

The Yang Metal (which is likened to a sword or axe) attacking the Wood (which is a symbol of trees), seems to suggest that we could see ongoing conflict between environmentalists and those governments that continue to allow our precious rainforests to be ravaged! 

These infinitely irreplaceable gifts of nature are known as the ‘Lungs of the World’ and the frightening rate at which they continue to be destroyed is clearly having a detrimental effect not only on our climate, but also on the quality of the air that we breathe. As Metal also relates to our lungs, this seems to indicate that even more people this year may experience problems related to their breathing organs, such as asthma, bronchitis and hay fever.     

The Earthly Branch of the Tiger actually belongs to the month of February and this is considered to be the birth month of Fire.  As such the Tiger contains some Fire hidden within it and this element is often associated with bombs, explosions and bush fires. 

Therefore there is a strong possibility this year that we may see more conflict arise between countries, due to the continued development of nuclear weapons.  Accidents involving nuclear power plants may also occur and we could once again see natural disasters such as bush fires and volcanic eruptions.

Flying Star Influences of the Tiger Year

This year the annual Flying Star energies for 2010 coincide with the current ‘Age of 8’ Flying Star energies.  Hence the Central Palace of the Lo Shu Square contains the double 8 Star and this holds the promise of extra good fortune.  However the North East contains the double 2 Star and the South West contains the double 5 Star and together these create a very inauspicious influence.  Therefore the duplication of the annual and period Stars may bring double abundance and good fortune to some people, while to others it may bring twice the amount of obstacles and difficulties.

These combined energies are also likely to produce a crucial year of change for many of us and this influence will be particularly strong during May, as the period, annual and monthly Flying Star energies actually coincide yet again to produce triple the influence!  Hence older women may be even more vulnerable to illness and misfortune and young men could experience additional trouble or create unnecessary problems for themselves or others.
In many of his previous articles, Grand Master Raymond Lo draws attention to what seems to be a clear connection between the annual Flying Star energy in the Central Palace and the prevailing events of the year.  In 2007 it was the 2 illness Star and once again we saw the re-emergence of the Bird Flu.  Last year during 2009, the 9 Star was present in the centre of the Lo Shu Square.  This energy relates to the Fire element and of course none of us will ever forget the extreme heat and terrible bush fires that ravaged many areas of rural Victoria last summer.

During 2010 the 8 Star is of course located in the Central Palace and this relates to the Earth element and also to children.  Unfortunately this seems to indicate that the coming year may not only bring more earthquakes, but that our children may also be particularly vulnerable to accidents and misfortune.  It would seem that these influences are already being felt in Haiti, where a devastating earthquake has killed over 150,000 people and left countless children orphaned, injured and traumatized.

On a more positive note, 2010 should see our world economy continue to recover after the enormous downturn it experienced during 2008.  Asia and China are located in the central portion of our globe and therefore they are well situated to benefit from the prosperous influence of the double 8 Stars.  Europe is also similarly situated.

However these countries will still need to work hard and persevere in order to take advantage of this good fortune as natural disasters, such as typhoons and floods, as well as political unrest, may create obstacles which they will need to overcome.  Central China in particular however should experience something of a ‘boom’ during May of this year, as the energy of the 8 Star triples its benevolent influence.

The United States, which is located in the Western portion of our globe, is likely to also be quite vibrant this year, as its Metal energy is supported by the 1 Star. In fact we may see this favorable influence reflected in the strengthening of the US dollar.

India on the other hand may not fair as well during 2010 as natural disasters, political unrest and terrorist attacks cause considerable and ongoing problems for this country.
Australia may also see unrest amongst it people, as demonstrations increase in response to issues such as climate change and increasing desertification of its central region.  The ongoing unpredictable and often extreme weather patterns will only serve to strengthen the environmental conscience of the people, as they attempt to achieve effective and lasting resolutions for climate change.

Health

In traditional Chinese Medicine the five basic elements of Fire, Earth, Metal, Water and Wood represent different parts of our body.  In 2010 the Metal element is present and this relates to our head, skin and also to our respiratory system, Once again this suggests that we could see an increase in health problems related to these organs, such as asthma, bronchitis, hay fever and influenza, In addition to this you may find that you suffer from more headaches than usual. The Metal element is also associated with our colon, intestines and digestive system and this could increase the potential for bowel cancer, food poisoning and diarrhea. 

As I mentioned earlier, the Tiger contains both Wood and Fire.  The Wood element relates to the liver and the Fire element relates to the heart, blood and circulatory system.  Thus this year we may also be more vulnerable to high blood pressure, heart disease and other problems associated with the blood.

Therefore it is even more important this year to focus on your health and diet.  Increase your intake of anti-oxidants, Omega 3 oil or COQ10, as this will help to protect against cardiovascular disease and the free radicals that cause cancer.

Chinese Astrology – IV Pillars of Destiny

The Tiger is the second animal of the twelve Chinese Zodiac signs and in general we say that people who are born in the Year of the Tiger are very decisive and powerful, with natural leadership qualities. When dealing with challenging situations they can be brave and firm, but their easy going personality also makes them very tolerant and indulgent with their family. This is a very broad generalization however and the actual interpretation of our individual IV Pillars Charts is far more complex and insightful. 

Clashes

If you are born in the Year of the Monkey, or have a Monkey anywhere in your Chart or Luck Pillars then you have a ‘Clash’ with the Tiger this year.  A ‘Clash’ is a strong dynamic of energy that has the potential to unsettle or disturb some aspect of your life.  For people with a Monkey in their Charts 2010 may bring challenges, turbulence, movement and travel and this could manifest in things such as changing job or moving house.  To harmonize this influence you should actually use this year to either travel, move house or relocate your office.  However if possible you should avoid traveling directly towards the North East, as this is the direction of ‘The Grand Duke’ and can bring difficulties or obstacles to hinder you.

The clash between the Tiger and the Monkey is actually a ‘Travel Star Clash’ and as such it could increase the potential for accidents related to car collisions and road incidents.  Therefore if you have a Monkey in your Chart you could be facing quite a turbulent or accident prone year and it is advisable to wear or carry the pendant of a Pig for the duration of 2010.  This will help to attract away the challenging influence of the Tiger and minimize its impact.

Penalties

The most serious influence for the year however occurs if the Snake, Monkey and Tiger are all present.  These may appear in your IV Pillars Natal Chart or they may come from your Luck Pillar and the current year.  Together they form a ‘Fire Penalty’ and can increase your risk of hidden troubles or health problems related to inflammation, the heart, blood or circulation.  This inauspicious combination can even contribute to marriage problems and accidents.

Therefore if 2010 brings you this combination then it is very important to focus on your health and diet and avoid taking any unnecessary risks.  Increase your intake of Omega 3 oil or COQ10, as this will help to protect you against cardiovascular disease and wear or carry the pendant of a Pig to minimize the unfavorable influence.

Finally it is often said that when the year comes around that coincides with your year of birth then it will be a good time for you.  This is not necessarily accurate as someone born in the Year of the Tiger is said to be ‘offending the Grand Duke’ and may in fact experience challenges during 2010.  Once again they should wear or carry the pendant of a Pig to minimize the inauspicious influence.

Flower of Romance and Travel Star

For people who are born in a Rabbit Year, 2010 will bring a ‘Flower of Romance’.  This will make you more attractive and sociable this year and if you are single then it can even bring you more opportunities to develop a friendship, romance or stimulate marriage.  Also if you are born in a Monkey, Rat or Dragon Year then 2010 will bring you a ‘Travel Star’.  This can make you more restless and trigger travel, moving house or changing jobs.

References:

• Chinese Almanac 2010.  The Book of Auspicious Days.  GM Raymond Lo.
• 2010 Receive Divine Wealth.  GM Tan Khoon Yong.  

Feng Shui Changes for 2010

As you are aware, Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese knowledge that studies how the environment affects our well being.  There exists around us different kinds of energies, or natural forces, some of which are positive and enhance our prosperity and others are negative and may cause bad health or misfortune.  We call these energies ‘Flying Stars’ and they are dynamic and changing.

These Feng Shui energies change from year to year and in order to ensure that things remain harmonious for your household it is necessary to locate the unfavorable ‘annual Flying Stars’ at the beginning of each year and apply remedies to minimize their effects.  The yearly influences move to their new locations on the 4th of February and the three major ‘bad luck stars’ to identify are the numbers 2, 3 and 5.

The Flying Star 5, otherwise known as ‘Five Yellow’, is located this year in the South West and means obstacles and misfortune and can even lead to financial problems.   To weaken this influence it is necessary to hang a metal wind chime with six hollow rods in this location.  As 5 is of the Earth element the metallic sound of the wind chime is able to exhaust the Earth energy of the number 5.  Alternatively you can also hang a metal bell in the South West, as long as you ring it at least once every day.  Red colored objects such as cushions, rugs or pictures are not recommended for this location.  Rather you should include items that are black and white in your decor for this year.

The Flying Star 3 is located this year in the South and this means anger, conflict and robbery.  The number 3 belongs to the Wood element and the traditional cure is to use the color red in order to reduce its negative effects.  It is recommended to place a red colored picture, light, carpet or other decorative object in the South for the duration of 2010.

One should also pay attention to the Flying Star 7, which we call the ‘old star’ because it represents past prosperity.  This year it is located in the South East and symbolizes communication problems, gossip and scandal.  It is also often associated with violence and burglary.   This energy can be dissolved by placing a vase of fresh flowers or 3 to 4 pieces of Chinese Water Bamboo grown in a clear glass vase in the South East sector of your home.

The Grand Duke

Good Fortune Stars

The Flying Stars 8 and 9 hold the best fortune for you this year as they generate prosperous energy.  The number 8 is located in the Tai Ji or centre of your home and the number 9 is located in the North West.  If your front door is located in the North West sector then clean up any junk or clutter in this area so that you can take full advantage of this auspicious energy.  If your home office is located in either of these sectors then your business should also be well supported this year.

Summary

If you choose to follow these recommendations and harmonize the challenging effects of these annual Flying Stars, then you are more likely to feel in tune with the dominant energies of the Metal Tiger year.  It is incredibly beneficial for your home or business to locate your auspicious energies every year and also to know where your unfavorable energies have flown.  By noting where all your challenging influences are, you can then update your remedies each year to ensure that your personal environment remains as prosperous, supportive and harmonious as possible.

If you would like to book an annual update or if you wish to purchase any remedies then log onto my online shop at www.fengshuistyle.com.au

Janene Laird

Diploma and Certificate of Feng Shui

Certificate of Chinese Astrology
Email: janene.laird@shenchi.com.au
Web:  www.shenchi.com.au