|
||
|
||
|
|
|
Astrology Predictions Whatever our background or interest in Feng Shui is, it is always useful to take time and reflect on what may be coming in our direction over the horizon in the New Year. Here I would like to share with you my insights using different perspectives and formulae that look at the influence of time, both on us as individuals and also our space. I like to think of the annual influences in Feng Shui rather like the seasons. In that sense, they are predictable but not right down to the wire. For example, knowing that Spring is on the way, be prepared for it and take advantage of it. If you know your front door is weak and the winter is going to bring strong winds, then be prepared. For me it has been a fascinating study simply to be prepared. The Earth Rat Year -2008 Overview of 2008 Whatever our background or interest in Feng Shui is, it is always useful to take time and reflect on what may be coming in our direction over the horizon in the New Year. Here I would like to share with you my insights using different perspectives and formulas that look at the influence of time, both on us as individuals and also our space. I like to think of the annual influences in Feng Shui rather like the seasons. Seasons are predictable but not right down to the wire. For example, knowing that Spring is on the way, be prepared for it and take advantage of it. If you know your front door is weak and the Winter is going to bring strong winds, then be prepared for it. For me it has always been a fascinating study, not one to get neurotic about, but at the same time to use a common sense and be prepared. The Flying Stars in 2008 In 2008 I would be looking at the South East aspect of your property. The reason being that during this 8 Fate Period the number 9 Star is particularly auspicious as it represents the future and indeed aspects of your future wealth. Make sure you de-clutter the South East regions this year and introduce healthy plants and even water to feed that Wood Chi for this particular year. At the same time in 2008 the 5 Yellow Star has rotated to the South position. The 5 Yellow Star is synonymous with potential danger. If your front door faces South then the advice is always to place a 5 metal hollow wind chime just inside your front door prior to the beginning of the New Year (7 February 2008). The Earth Rat Year The Chinese New Year is set to begin with celebrations on 7 February 2008. Actually, its influence will be felt far earlier on 22 December 2007. Traditionally, this was the time regarded by Imperial Court astrologers as the actual beginning of the New Year. This thinking also ties up with astrology systems that emanated from Europe and the Middle East at around the same time. The Winter solstice brought about the New Year. In Chinese horoscopes the Rat is the first sign of the Chinese Zodiac. It is also the first hour in the Chinese clock and represents new beginnings and indeed prosperity. The power of the Rat is to bring protection, passion, communication and dynamism, sobriety, prosperity, calm and a deep care and concern for others. Each of the Chinese animals is always linked with one of the Five Elements. 2008 brings the influence of Earth into play which brings an additional sense of calm, generosity and deep concern and care for others. The last time that the Earth Rat came into play was in 1948. There were several turning points in that year that are well worth noting as well. Key events from 1948 included:
Since the Rat belongs to the very strong Water element and is the first of the twelve animal signs it will also represent the beginning of a whole new cycle – in this case the twelve year cycle. This can also bring about new leaderships and there will be major elections with potential changes in leadership in several countries including USA, United Kingdom, Russia and Taiwan. 2007 and 2006 were both years in Chinese astrology dominated by the element Fire. In 2008 and 2009 the leading element will now be Earth. Therefore, there is a shift in the overall energy of the planet at this time. It is a stable time and one where industries that relate to earth and metal will start to strengthen. These include property development, minerals, mining, machinery, engineering, high-tech industries and tourism. In Chinese astrology there is always one animal that clashes with another one. During 2008 the clash is with the Horse and this means the element of Fire and Water will clash. The month in 2008 that is governed by the Horse is June 2008 and be wary about undertaking a major travels during this time. Earth Rat people J. Arthur Rank, Maurice Chevalier, T.S. Elliot, James Taylor, Olivia Newton-John, Gerard Depardieu, Nicholas Soames, Dennis Waterman, Andrew Lloyd-Weber, Al Gore, Lynne Franks, Steve Winward, Cat Stevens, Robert Plant, Gerry Adams, Barbara Dickinson, Captain Mark Phillips, Trevor Brooking, Ronnie Wood, Rick Parfitt, Ozzy Osbourne, Prince Charles, Noel Edmonds, John Belushi Earth Rat Year and Feng Shui Each of the Chinese animals belongs to a season and an actual compass direction. As the Earth Rat swings into place, it occupies the position of the North. The position of the ruling animal, within the compass, is known as the Grand Duke’s position. Using a small hand-bearing compass you can discover the precise location of North both within and without your property by placing the compass at the centre of your property. Notice where due North lies. To be precise it is between 354 degrees and 008 degrees on your compass. It is never wise while the Grand Duke resides in this sector of both your home or indeed your garden or indeed any part of the workplace to disturb this area. Try not to undertake major renovations or building work in this sector. If you do so, it is quite likely that there will be delays, accidents or unexpected disruption. If it is absolutely essential that you do need to work in this area then the advice from traditional Masters was always to “strike the first blow” at some other point on the compass within the property before then working on the position where the Grand Duke resides. Conclusion Overall 2008 appears to be a strong stable year and one of a degree of calm since the introduction of the Earth element after two years (2006/2007) that were dominated by the Fire element. I am also particularly excited by the re-emergence of the Rat as this animal always brings new initiative and care to the party. Have a brilliant year and any questions please do let me know. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Flying Stars in 2007 For me personally I like the look of the east in any property in 2007. The reason being is that during the 8 Fate the 9 Star is very auspicious as it represents the future and indeed your future wealth. Make sure you de-clutter this area well and if at all possible, introduce healthy plants into this area of your home. The Fire Pig Year The Chinese New Year is set to begin with celebrations on 18th February 2007 but actually its influence will be felt far earlier on 22nd December 2006 early in the morning. As the Sun moves north again, the influence of the year will actually begin. In Chinese horoscopes the Pig – sometimes known as the Boar, is regarded as an animal that stands up for justice and fairness for all. At the same time there is a very laid back and friendly aspect that the Pig brings to the party. The Pig cares about everyone and would like their friends and family entertained, well clothed and certainly well fed. At the same time, each of the Chinese animals is influenced by one of the 5 Elements – namely Fire, Earth, Metal, Water or Wood. 2007 is a Pig year. The influence here is going to be a much more feisty Pig than usual – think of a wild pig rushing through a forest. This is not an animal that you would wish to provoke in a hurry. If you were born in the year of the Tiger or indeed the Pig or the Rabbit or the Sheep, the year could prove successful or profitable for you. However, those of you born in the year of the Snake may find the year a little unsettling since the Snake and the Pig do clash. The Fire Pig year and Feng Shui Each of the Chinese animals belongs to a season and indeed a compass direction. When the year swings round, the animal that governs the year is known as the Grand Duke. It is common and accepted protocol in China to not sit facing or confronting the Grand Duke of the year. It is actually much better to have the Grand Duke behind you to give you support. It is also not wise to initiate new building work in this aspect of your home as this will simply disturb the Grand Duke and could cause you more obstacles than you were intending for.
The actual position of the Pig is in the north-west from the centre of your property, precisely between 321 degrees and 338 degrees.
The Previous Fire Pig Year – 1947 Here are some highlights from 1947 which can give you a flavour of changes that could be anticipated in 2007. They include:
|