There are many who say that it is the Oxen’s turn to be unlucky this lunar year, but according to Feng Shui expert JP Tan, it’s the Roosters who should take better care. Tan, who gives his chart interpretations on his website, starts off by explaining the concept of luck.
According to him, there are three levels of auspiciousness. “First is what we call Heaven’s luck. This is determined by when, where, and what time you were born. There is a karmic factor to this kind of luck, meaning, your situation today was determined by how you were in your past life. The belief is that if you were born in a country where there is disease and starvation, for example, you did not do good in your past. Conversely, those who were born in countries with a progressive economy are rewarded for a good past.”
The second level, he says, is something that offers more flexibility. “This is Man’s luck. It is how you enhance your Heaven’s luck and become rewarded according to the way you act now. For example, you may have been born in a poor country, but you are working hard and have a good heart, so you can receive good luck in this life. Your good deeds can be rewarded in this life, with Man’s luck, or in the next, with Heaven’s luck.”
The third level is Earth’s luck. “This is the Feng Shui concept when you use items such as amulets to attract or enhance your luck,” he explains. He adds that these three do not work independently, but rather, intersect, to help determine your overall life.
Of Animals and Star signs
Tan introduces us to the Grand Duke Jupiter or Tai Sui. “Loosely speaking, he is the god of the year. Every year, the god’s face turns and that is how you determine your fortune for the year based on your animal sign. For example, if your sign is the opposing sign of the year, then you’ll definitely face the Tai Sui. This year, he faces the Ox, which means Oxen will be under his scrutiny and they will have to guard themselves against him. This is easily addressed by wearing or carrying an image of a Piyao (also spelled as Pi Yao, Pi Xiu, Pixiu) that will help appease the Tai Sui. Wearing an image of the Goddess of the North Star or Dou Mu Yuan Jun is also an effective cure because she is the mother of all the Tai Sui Gods and is said to be the only one who can subdue them.” Oxen will not be unlucky, per se, but he cautions those born in the years 1973 and 1961 to take better care of their health. “They also have to work harder this year,” he adds.
“Feng Shui is not a simple formula because it is about animal signs, bazi/Paht Chee, elemental formula, 8 trigrams formula, flying stars, 24 mountains, Ho – Tu, auxiliary stars, and a lot more. All these formulas should not be taken as a stand-alone, they should be a combination and their relation to each other should be considered.”
As an example, he cites, “The #3 Flying Star, which is also known as the Argumentative Star flies to the center and is the prevailing energy this year. It is bound to make all things more heated. I saw, too, that the destructive pillar in the year’s Bazi or Paht Chee chart shows that the wood element is destroying the earth element. This, together with the position of the 24 Mountain Stars, further strengthens the Argumentative Star. Thus, this year the #3 Flying Star is stronger than usual.” He reads it as thus. “Some of its effects are that there would be an increase of quarrels. It can be a misunderstanding or a fight between husband and wife, parents and children, sibling against sibling, relatives against relatives, and neighbors against neighbors. It can also be a fight against your boss, clients, or it may even be a stranger.”
If you put together all the other factors, he says that Roosters are the ones for whom the year does not hold favor. “This will be a challenging year for them, they have to strive hard and keep a low profile. Don’t challenge the Tai Sui.” To attract a more positive energy he advises using amulets such as a victory banner, gold kalachakra, three celestial guardians, or winged horse. These are available in Ongpin.”
Those who are in luck this year, he says are Rats. “Marami silang auspicious stars,” he explains. “Tigers are also lucky – they will have generally more good than bad luck. Rabbits will be victorious, success will come easy for them.”
Sheep are generally peaceful animals. “Sheep are said to have more access to hidden wealth. This year, wealth should be available to everybody as long as malakas ang loob nila. However, since the wealth is underground, it may take something major, like an earthquake, to uncover it. Experts are still torn on whether to take this literally or not.” He also says that this prosperity may take some time to manifest itself. “The energy has been depleted by the past year. It may take six months before it starts.”
For his final advice, he says, luck is still on a case-to-case basis. “There is no such thing as lahat swerte or lahat malas. It is possible to attract serendipity and affinity though good works and by observing the principles of Feng Shui.”
Contact JP Tan through his website
www.sanaakosirickylee.wordpress.com