Happy 2008 and Welcome to my Quarterly Feng Shui Newsletter!
2008 is the Year of the Rat The Year of the Yang Earth Rat begins on February 7 in accordance with the Lunar Calendar. In the Five Elements Cycle, the Rat relates to a strong Water element. Since it is the year of the Earth Rat and Earth and Water are in an antagonistic relationship, we can expect some tension and confrontation in certain areas, but after a 2007 that was dominated by the Fire element, things will begin to look more stable.
The Rat is the first sign of the 12 animals of the Chinese Zodiac and also the first hour in the twelve hour Chinese clock (11 pm – 1 am). This is why the Rat represents new beginnings and leadership qualities. The strong Water element of the Rat symbolizes intelligence, resourcefulness, prosperity, sobriety, good communication and deep care and concern for others. Generally, the Rat is considered to be good with money and investment strategies so after the dramatic fluctuations that we experienced last year, we can look forward to more stability in the stock market. Here are some predictions from Master Raymond Lo that you can use to help define your investment strategy this year. Last year his predictions were quite on target (take a look in my 2007 winter newsletter). The strong water of the Rat year favors earth and metal industries, as earth conquers water, so the Rat is a symbol of money to the earth industry, which includes property, mining, hotel, chemicals, insurance… As for metal industries, metal gives birth to water, so the strong water element in the year indicates productivity and strong activity in metal industries – this include machinery, computer, high tech industries, skincare, health business. The Wood industries, which include textile, fashion, books, publications, paper, forestry, furniture is also into a profitable year as wood conquers earth, so the earth showing up in 2008 symbolize the money of wood industry. But the profit will only be superficial as the earth element is weak. The less prosperous industries in 2008 will be businesses of water and fire elements. Water industries refer to shipping, communication drinks…etc. The strong water appearing in the Rat year will bring stronger competition in the water areas and this will very much weaken the profitability. Fire industries refer to finance, stock market, energy, electricity, entertainment, and airline businesses. As fire conquers metal and produces Earth element, so to Fire industry, metal represents money and earth represents productivity. In 2008 metal element is absent and earth element is weak. . That is why it is a relatively weak year for the industries related to the fire element. The property market is symbolized by the earth element. This industry had stronger activities in the past years of monkey and rooster in 2004 and 2005 as the metal elements represent productivity of earth industries. There had been some slowdown in 2006, as the fire ad earth year brought stronger competition and eroded profitability. However, in 2008, the water element of the rat will bring some money luck to the earth industry, despite there is no strong activities in the property market owing to absence of metal element. In summary, the industries that will perform well in the year of the Rat will be industries related to earth and metal elements – such as property, hotel, mining, insurance, machinery, engineering, health, computer, and high tech industries. The sectors relating to water and fire will not be doing so well. Water industries include shipping, communication, drinks, and fire industries are stock market, finance, energy, electricity, entertainment business. The wood industries – such as textile, publications, fashion, furniture, etc are into a year with some superficial prosperity but not substantial. The animals that combine well with the Rat are the Ox, Monkey, and Dragon. Therefore, people who are born in these years are going to have a year of harmony. The animal sign that is in direct conflict with the Rat is the Horse. Such clashes usually relate to some movements, changes and even possible accidents. However, in some cases the changes can be favorable. Of course, this prediction is somewhat simplified and not totally reliable. For a more precise assessment of one’s fortune in the year of the Rat, it is recommended to check the full Four Pillars of Destiny, which is based on full birth data information. Feng Shui Tips
Traditional Chinese Feng Shui takes into account Time dimension in addition to Space. Time is about change and it is wise to take it into account if we want to avoid unexpected unlucky influences. This year, according to the Flying Star, the energy of the southeast is such that for most buildings and properties the potential for wealth is increased. To enhance this potential, I invite you to check your southeast sector and enhance it with some Water element and healthy strong plants. Negative energy is arriving this year in the south and northwest sectors. If your home or business faces these directions, the advice is to disperse these influences by hanging a six rod wind chime in the south and placing six metal coins or some other metal accessory in the northwest. This year it is not advisable to do new construction in these sectors of your property. Feng Shui Classes February 5, 2008 - Introduction to Classical Feng Shui Are you looking for new energy and a positive change in your life? Do you want to be more energetic and less stressed? This workshop will give you insights into how your environment influences you and how to create nurturing, harmonious and beautiful spaces with Feng Shui. February 19, 2008 – Feng Shui for creating Prosperity and Wealth It is observed that if a residence has “good Feng Shui,” it will support good luck and prosperity for its occupants. You will learn how to recognize what interior and exterior factors contribute to enhancing your wealth, which ones are detracting from it and how to correct them. A detail analysis of the exterior and interior such as landscaping, entry way, living room, kitchen, dining room and bathroom will be considered. March 3, 2008 – Feng Shui for Relationships If you want to bring more joy and more passion into your existing relationship or you are looking for a soul mate, this workshop is for you. You will learn what interior factors might contribute to a harmonious relationship and which ones detract from it. You will learn how to design your environment to strengthen your potential for a supportive and fulfilling relationship and harmonious family life. Questions? If you have any questions or are interested in a Feng Shui consultation please visit http://www.easternsciences.com or call (978) 392-9089 |
For many, the new year symbolizes new beginnings. For those who really look forward to some change, there is good news. According to Chinese Astrology, 2008 is the year of the beginning of a new twelve year cycle. So prepare to embrace new ideas, new approaches and new ways of doing things. The more aligned you are with the cycles of nature and the intangible forces of the universe, the stronger, wiser and more prepared for changes you will be.
