1999 is the year of the Earth Rabbit, according to the Chinese Calendar and
a glance at the T'ung Shu almanac reveals that once again the Ox Boy is not
wearing his hat, which means that like last year, this Summer is not
expected to be a hot one. The good news, is tht unlike last year he is not
wearing any shoes, which denotes that his year will be dry, good news for
those who suffered with the torrential rains and floods that were very
prominent last year.
In the "Feng Shui" section of the T'ung Shu Almanac, we are also informed
that this year is a 'Number One year' which is the 'Ruling Star' this year.
As a result, the Lo Shu magic square has the Number One in the centre, with
the other numbers allocated accordingly, as those who are interested in the
'Flying Star School of Feng Shui' will know. This has the result of the
unlucky Number Five Star moving from the North East to the South, and the
Two Star, which is often associated with illness, moves from the centre, to
the North West. The Auspicious Number Four Star has moved from the West to
the North East, and one of the other auspicious 'Stars', the Number Eight,
has moved from the South West to the East, which is very appropriate for
the Year of the Rabbit. For those who are uninitiated into the Art of
'Flying Star', don't start panicking, because this is merely the basis on
which many calculations can then be made and houses built in different
years will be affected differently. It is also important to remember that
these Stars also fly around on a monthly basis, which naturally creates
other influences.
Jupiter, or as the Chinese prefer to call it 'The Grand Duke', is located
in the East this year, the home of the Rabbit. The Chinese believe that
the Grand Duke should never be confronted or disturbed and therefore it
would not be wise to carry out any major building work in this area of your
house over the coming year. If you are attending important meetings, then
you would be well advised to try and arrange yourself so that you are
facing West, so that you have the Grand Duke behind you and thus,
supporting you. There are many stories I China of the dire consequences of
armies that have attacked a much weaker force, who had the benefit of the
Grand Duke behind them. Even many traditional schools of meditation advise
that it is always better to meditate with the Grand Duke behind you and to
avoid confrontation by facing him.
Unlike last year, this year begins without the benefit of a Li Chun Spring
Festival, which this year occurs on February 4th, before the Chinese New
Year on February 16th. This is not particularly auspicious, because the
yueaar is seen to begin without the blessing of Spring, although it ends on
the day of the next Spring Festival. This is important to remember,
because although the Chinese consider this year to be a 'blind' year, which
refers to a year that begins without a Sspring Festival, at least it is ot
a 'double blind' year. This relates to a year that abegins after the Li
Chun Festival and ends before the next one, in effect, a year without a
Spring.
Unfortunately like last year, the 'elements' are not in harmony, in that
the 'Earth Stem'of the year, clashes with the 'Wood' that is associated
with the Rabbit, the 'Branch' of the year. This will again result in
conflicting energies with the 'Earth' suffering as a result, since Wood is
seen to control Earth, in the controlling cycle. This is similar to that
of last year although, hopefully not as aggressive, since the Rabbit should
have a far more calming and diplomatic influence, by comparison to the
Tiger. Both of these animals relate to Spring, a time of growth,
generation and expansion and while the Tiger achieves this with aggressive
Yang energy, the Rabbit achieves the same results, using a far more
passive, Yin approach.
This is one of the reasons why the Rabbit is often associated with
diplomacy and it is important for those in positions of authority, to
remember this. We don't really need anymore reminders of what happens when
there is a breakdown of diplomatic relations. The last time the Earth
Rabbit appeared in the year was in 1939 and we all know what happened then.
Fortunately, with so many people all around the world looking forward to
the Millennium Party, hopefully everyone will be far too busy planning
events of celebration to even consider conflict.
For many, the Year of The Tiger was one of unexpected upheaval and
movement, which corresponds to the fact that the Tiger represents one of
the symbolic stars, known as the 'Horse Star' or 'Post Horse' in China, and
the 'Wind Horse' in Tibetan Astrology. For those born on the day or in the
year of the Monkey, the Rat or the Dragon, this would have been very
pronounced and last year was one that they certainly won't forget, since it
would have been a year of great change for the better for some, but for
others, a very difficult year.
The Rabbit represents another one of the symbolic stars, known as the
'Flower Star' or 'Romance Star', which relates, as the name suggests, to
love and romance and also social activities. The Rabbit is the Flower Star
associated with the Tiger, the Horse and the Dog and for those who were
born in these years, or on these days, the influence of this star will be
very powerful over the coming year. Good news for those who are single and
who are hoping to meet their 'soul mate', because for some, it will
certainly happen this year. As always, try to remain balanced, because the
unfortunate aspects of this 'Flower Star' will mean that some people may
become more promiscuous and flirtatious than usual, resulting I actions
that may give cause for regret. So try to keep your feet on the ground,
especially if you feel yourself 'floating' on a romantic cloud.
In traditional Chinese Astrology, the day that you were born on, is as
important as the year that you were born in. Although many in the West know
the Chinese animal associated with their year, very few know what animal is
associated with their actual birthday, but for those who are seriously
interested in studying Chinese Astrology, this is imperative.
Without knowing the date of birth, it is impossible to be accurate in
predicting whether the coming year will be favourable or not, or to know in
what areas we may expect change, or development. But for those born in the
years of the Tiger, the Horse and the Dog, it is safe to say that they will
be under the influence of the 'Flower Star'of the Rabbit, and this will
provide the opportunity to get out and about, meet new people and for some,
to fall in love. However, this is equally applicable for those born on
these days, although many will be unaware of what day, in Chinese terms,
they were born in.
Using the basic principles of how the animals combine and interact with
each other, in general terms, the coming year should also be favourable for
those born in the year of the Sheep, the Pig and of course, the Rabbit.
Since the Rabbit combines with the Dog, those born in canine years should
also enjoy additional good fortune, to add to the influence of the 'Flower
Star'.
The other side of the coin is that since the Rabbit clashes with the
Rooster, those born in the year of the Cockerel may find the coming year a
little more difficult than last year The Rooster is not alone of course,
and this also applies to the Rooster's friends the Ox and the Snake. Those
born in the year of the Rat may also find the coming year a little more
difficult than usual because the 'Yang Earth' of the Dog, who combines with
the Rabbit, is seen to clash with the 'Yang Water' which is associated with
the Rat. For the rest of the animals, it is considered to be a pretty
average year, but it has to be stressed that this is a generalization,
because as the Chinese view it, we are all in different 'fate cycles' and
therefore different 'luck periods'.
At this time of the year, it is traditional to make predictions about
famous people or events that are in the headlines. The Chinese Art Fate
Calculation can sometimes be very effective when assessing the influences
that affect individuals. Even without the time of birth, it is surprising
how accurate, an interpretation of the other three pillars can be and what
can be expected in specific areas of their lives.
Prince Edward has recently been in the news, with the announcement of his
engagement Sophie and although this was not a surprise, because it has
been on the cards for a few years now, it was quite unexpected. A look at
his pillars, reveals that he was born on the day of the Earth Horse and as
a result, the Rabbit represents his 'Flower Star'. This influence is even
more pronounced for him, because he has a Rabbit in his 'Month Pillar' as
well, being born in the month of March, the Rabbit.
Coupled with the fact that he has recently entered a very favourable 'Fate
Cycle', I would not be surprised to see him get married this year, perhaps
with an announcement in March and the wedding in September, the month of
the Rooster, which represents another one of his 'Flower Stars'.
Prince Edward is not the only Royal with a 'Flower Star' this year. Prince
William, born in the year of the Dog, receives the same benefits that this
Star offers, although the effect will be less pronounced because unlike
Prince Edward, he does not have a Rabbit in his 'Pillars'. Prince William
will still benefit though, because like the Rabbit, his personal element is
Wood and this improves the chances that any relationships that he may form
will be supportive.
Bill Clinton has been I the news a lot as well and there have been a number
of views expressed in the media, concerning his 'Fate' over the coming
year. It is well known that he is a 'weak wood' person and it is
interesting, looking at his 'Pillars' that over the last a10 years he has
enjoyed the influence of Water in his 'Fate Cycle'. Good news for a Wood
person, especially a weak one who would need all the nourishment they could
get. Last year was a turning point, in that he came under the influence of
Earth, of which he has an abundance already and therefore doesn't really
need anymore. Fortunately, the influence of the Tiger last year was very
beneficial, because the additional Wood of the Tiger helped to support him.
He was born in the year of the Dog, one of the few friends that the Tiger
has, and that helped him as well. Considering the fact that the rabbit also
represents one of his 'Flower Stars' and it's element is also favourable,
he still has quite a lot going for him.
Everything is down to timing and in Clinton's case, his timing is quite
good because his 'court case' is happening at quite a favourable time.
February and March, both months of Wood provide him with much needed
support, although he will find it hard going in January, the month of the
Ox. In the long term, the year 2000 will be very difficult for him and the
influence of the Metal Dragon will not exactly help matters. His situation
will not really improve until the year 2003, when he again comes under the
influence of Water in his 'Fate'. The big question is, can he last out
this difficult period, when not under the influence of 'fortunate
blessings'? In the words of the Ancient Chinese Sage, 'The measure of your
success is how well you do during the bad times.' So far, fate has been
very kind to Clinton, but the next few years will certainly put his
popularity, often associated with those born in the year of the Dog,
severely to the test.
The best advise for everyone really is to try and go with the flow this
year and plan your year according to the Seasons which are in effect
'nature's natural energy cycles'. Use the Spring energy to begin new
projects and explore new ideas and use the Summer Fire energy to make those
things started in the Spring flourish and prosper. If this is carried out,
the Autumn should produce a good harvest and that way, winter can be a time
to replenish and nurture our vitality, instead of worrying about how we are
going to pay the bills. It sounds too simple to be true, but unless you
try it for yourself, you will never know and the chances are, if you do,
you will be very glad that you did.
Derek Walters, in his book Chinese Astrology reminds us that the Ancient
Chinese took this very seriously. In some of the earliest classical
writings we are reminded to 'do the things pertaining to Spring during the
Spring and not during the Summer' and as if to emphasize this point, there
are also warnings of dire consequences for those who ignore this advise.
Planning out your year in accordance with the seasons, therefore, must
surely be the first step towards living in harmony, which can only help to
improve the quality of life.
About the author:
Gary Quelch is a Feng Shui Consultant and is
The author of
Feng Shui Horoscope for
Health, Wealth and Happiness, 1999,
an excellent Daily Guide for each year which is based on the ancient T'ung Shu Almanac.
His new book, The Hidden Destiny of the Bronte Family
is based on the Bronte Family's Pillars.
Gary can be contacted in England by telephone at:
01 729 825 863.
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