Kung Hei Fat Choi!

Chinese New Year or ‘Chun Jie’ (meaning Spring Festival) starts from the first day of the lunar calendar, which is the 26th of January, 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. 

Effects and Influences of the Earth Ox Year

The Year of the Earth Ox (Ji Chou 己丑) actually commences on the 4th February and is symbolized by the two elements of Yin Earth sitting on top of the Earth Ox and this is indeed a rare time where Heaven and Earth do not ‘clash’.  The Chinese Character for Yin Earth represents a garden and gives a sense of peace and tranquility, while the Ox also carries the connotation of an animal grazing contentedly in a field.  As such our hope is that this year will bring more harmony and peace to the world and be a time of healing and rebuilding.

The Year of the Ox is traditionally considered as conservative and one of traditions and values.  This is not a year to be outrageous, but rather a time to proceed at a slow and steady pace.  The Ox year is believed to bring stability and growth, where patience and diligence is rewarded and where we reap what we sow.  Entrepreneurs however should still take a cautious approach to business this year.

‘Double Spring’ also coincides this year with a Leap Month and refers to the fact that there are two dates in the Chinese Hsia Calendar for the beginning of Spring.  This means that 2009 is an ideal year to get married and start a family, particularly during the 4th and 8th months.
  

Yin Earth Person – Barack Obama

The character of a Yin Earth person is one of moderation, peace, intellectualism, charm and charity.  Barack Obama is a Yin Earth man and therefore it is hoped that he can bring about significant change to the United States and also to those parts of the world that are affected by their often controversial foreign policies.  Thus the focus of Barack Obama, and other world leaders during 2009, should be on Earth related areas such as international relationships, the economy, housing, agriculture and global warming.

Climate
 
The Earth elements of the Year of the Ox do not contain any Fire so cooler weather should prevail and this includes snow storms and hurricanes.  In recent years global warming and the melting of the polar ice cap have continued at an alarming rate and no significant measures have been undertaken to reduce global CO2 emissions.  2009, with its harmonious Earth elements, should encourage some positive steps in this area and we are more likely to see improvements in the health of our planet.

This relates not only to the damage that the Earth has endured through both natural disasters and wars, but also to the human suffering that has occurred as a result of ongoing cultural and religious differences.  Instead of pursuing these senseless and endless conflicts the Earth energies for 2009 encourage us to nurture our precious planet, care for our fellow man and do something positive to make a difference for the generations that are to come.

Stock Market and Industry

In general the Stock Market for 2009 will continue to show signs of cooling down as investors remain cautious and conservative.  A more sustained recovery is not likely to occur before 2010.  Overall however it should be a more stable year with a steady upward trend.  Wood and Fire related industries, such as fashion, textiles, publications, furniture, entertainment, finance and energy should perform well in the Year of the Ox.  Earth industries such as property, hotels, mining, insurance, Feng Shui and the environment should also be active.  Metal and Water industries however, which include machinery, engineering, computers, shipping, communication, beverages and aviation, may not do so well this year.

Health
 
As I have mentioned in previous newsletters, the five basic elements of Fire, Earth, Metal, Water and Wood represent different parts of our body.  In 2009 we have an absence of Fire and this element relates to the heart and circulation.  Therefore people with a weak heart may experience more health issues with this major organ during the year.  In addition to this the absence of Fire leaves the Earth element relatively weak and this is likely to affect our stomach and digestive systems.  It can also manifest as food poisoning, diarrhea, obesity, diabetes and even cancer, as these are all triggered by an imbalance of Earth.

Chinese Astrology – IV Pillars of Destiny

This is of course the Year of the Ox and in general we say that people who are born in Ox years lack flexibility, accept adversity and often don’t take advantage of opportunities.  On the other hand they also approach things in a very firm and orderly fashion and make very dependable long term employees. This is very general 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 Goat, or have a Goat anywhere in your Chart or Luck Pillars then you have a ‘Clash’ with the Ox 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 Goats in their Charts 2009 may bring challenges, 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 Goat and the Ox is associated with Earth related accidents such as landslides, building collapse, sporting injuries, mountaineering falls, racing car collisions and road incidents.  Therefore if you have a Goat in your Chart you could be facing quite a turbulent year and it is advisable to wear or carry the pendant of a Rat for the duration of 2009.  This will help to attract away the unsettling influence of the Ox and minimize its impact.

Penalties

In addition to this, if you have a Dog in your Chart or current Luck Pillar, then you have a ‘Penalty’ with the Ox during 2009.  This is particularly so if you also have a Goat, as this joins with the Dog and the Ox and increases the potential for disharmony, worry or some sort of irritation and could even increase your risk of a hidden illness related to the stomach, digestive system, heart or circulation.  It can even manifest in diabetes or cancer, so therefore it is very 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.  Also wear or carry the pendant of a Rat to minimize the unfavorable influence.

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 Ox is said to be ‘offending the Grand Duke’ and may in fact experience challenges during 2009.  Once again they should wear or carry the pendant of a Rat to minimize the unfavorable influence.

Flower of Romance and Travel Star

For people who are born in a Horse Year, 2009 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. Finally if you are born in a Tiger Year then 2009 will bring you a ‘Travel Star’.  This can make you more restless and manifest as travel, moving house or changing jobs.

Feng Shui Changes for 2009

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 actually moved 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 North and means obstacles and misfortune and can even lead to financial ruin.   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 North, as long as you ring it at least once every day.  Red coloured 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 2 is located this year in the West and brings sickness and obstacles.  It is also of the Earth element and the traditional cure needed to reduce its effect is a string of 6 metal coins.  Red coloured objects are also not recommended in this location for the year.  Black and white is the preferred option, as this will help to exhaust the challenging energy. 

Another remedy for the ‘illness star 2’ is the brass ‘wu lou’ or gourd.  This is a powerful symbol of good health and long life and is said to be the container for the nectar of immortality.  We often see it carried by Sau, who is the god of longevity; Quan Yin, who is the goddess of mercy and compassion and by one of the Taoist Eight Immortals.  Therefore it is considered by many to be an excellent energizer for good health and a powerful cure for the illness star 2, as its metallic energy will help to suppress any influences that may affect your well being.

The Flying Star 3 is located this year in the North East and this means anger, conflict and robbery.  The number 3 belongs to the Wood element and the traditional cure is to use the colour red in order to reduce its negative effects.  It is recommended to place a red coloured picture, light, carpet or other decorative object in the West for the duration of 2009.

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 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 East location.

The Grand Duke

Each year the dominant energy comes to your home from the direction of the current Chinese animal.  This year it is the Ox and he is located in the North East.  Therefore this means that the energy known as the ‘Grand Duke’ comes to your home during 2009 from the North East.  The Grand Duke brings obstacles to hinder you so avoid renovations, digging or major changes in this sector during the coming year and never sit directly facing him.  If your front door is located in the North East then it is recommended that you hang a small Bagua mirror with an inwardly curved concave surface above the door.  This will reflect the Grand Duke back and make it smaller so that it has less of an impact on your home.  You can also place a Dragon Tortoise each year in the position of the Grand Duke as this is said to appease him. 

Clash Position and The Three Shars

It is also not recommended for you to sit with your back against the North East in 2009.  This is known as ‘The Three Shars’ or ‘3 Killings’ direction and is an unfavorable influence.  As well as this the ‘Clash Position’ is located in the South West and therefore you should not have your back against the South West this year.

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 South East and the number 9 is located in the Tai Ji or centre.  If your front door is located in the South East 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 Earth Ox year.  It is incredibly beneficial for your home or business to not only locate your auspicious energies every year, but to also know where your afflictions have flown.  By noting where all your misfortunes, accidents, loss, ill health, quarrels and robbery 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 new online shop at www.fengshuistyle.com.au or ring me on either 03 9016 4388 or 0402 688 888

Janene Laird

Diploma and Certificate of Feng Shui

Certificate of Chinese Astrology
Cell: 0402 688 888
Tel: 03 9016 4388
Email: janene.laird@shenchi.com.au
Web:  www.shenchi.com.au