2009
is the year we usher in the Ox. This round is an Earth Ox and the last
time we had the same Ox was in 1949. Within the 12 Chinese animal zodiac
signs, the Ox is placed second chronologically. It corresponds to the
earthly branch Chou ( E2)
and the element Yin Earth.
In the Chinese
Hsia calendar also known as the 10,000 years calendar, 2009 carries a
pillar with heavenly stem Ji ( H6)
and the element Yin Earth. The solar term spans from Hsiao Han to Li Chun
and governing the time from 0100hr to 0300hr. 2009 is a year of Earth
over Earth.
How will
the year of the Ox fare in comparison to the exiting Rat year?
The
Ox
People born
in the year of the Ox are generally categorized as hard-working and will
not seek for credit even they are manipulated. In ancient times the Ox
has to toil in the padi fields from dawn to dusk, helping their human
owners. They are conservative, introvert and wary of any new fashions
that might challenge their quiet life. They appear to be calm but underneath
they are hot-tempered and as easily angered as an Ox, but others should
not provoke them. Once angry, they will only calm down on their own accord.
Chinese
Lunar New Year
Chinese Lunar
New Year falls on the 26th January 2009, but the Ox will only
arrive on the 4th February 2009 @ 0052hrs. Mr. Ox, you have to clean up
the mess left behind by Mickey, the Rat in 2008. Can you do it? We hope
you can.
The following
are those born in the year of Ox ( E2):-
2009
1997
1985
1973
1961
1949
1937
1925
The last
same Earth Ox was in 1949. Generally, those born in the night are more
fortunate than those born in the day.
The Hsia
Calendar records the Year 2009 with two Chinese characters called a pillar.
For this year it is Yin Earth over Yin Earth. The Nayin of this pillar
is Fire.
Traditionally,
the Chinese will celebrate Lunar New Year (LNY) on the 26th January 2009.
As usual on the eve of LNY it is believed that the Deity of Wealth or
Cai Shen Ye will bless those who pay early respect to him. On that night
believers will gather at the ever popular Goddess of Mercy temple in Waterloo
Street to plant in the first lighted joss stick for Cai Shen Ye. As usual
I prefer to visit the Goddess of Mercy Temple at Balestier Road as the
crowd over there is more subtle. Of course I am still waiting and hoping
to meet Cai Shen Ye!. Face East to welcome Cai Shen Ye this year.
Baby
Ox
It is also
believed that those born on or after lunar new year’s day belongs
to the animal sign of the Ox ( E2),
which is incorrect. The Ox ( E2)
will only arrive on 4th February 2009 at 0052 hours. Therefore, a child
born before this date is considered a Rat.
The
Year Pillar
The year
of Ox is symbolized by a pillar of Yin Earth H6( )
over Yin Earth E2( ).
According to the 5 elemental Qi cycle, Earth supports Earth. That means
Heaven Qi is in harmony with the Earth Qi. Both the stem and the branch
earth are fertile farm soil. As Earth and Earth are in harmony, as compared
to 2008, we can expect more international harmony this year. In addition,
farm soil is ideal for production and growth. 2009 will expect to see
new innovations. Probably creation of new tools and guidelines for financial
markets, international trades, crisis management and disease control.
Earth to Earth may also means competitors. Developed countries may also
gear up for more competition in their innovations.
E2( )
Yin Earth is damped soil. For healthy growth, we need Fire element. Since
there is an absence of Fire element, the current weak economy’s
recovery will be slow but steady. Any sign of recovery will be in Q2.
However, this will be short-lived and would relapse again by Q3. Last
year 2008 was a pillar of Earth over Water. As Earth and Water are in
conflict it has brought massive political struggles, economic downturn
and natural disasters in many developed countries. This year we can expect
to see more harmonious international relationships among new elected leaders
worldwide. Earth is also related to the stomach. This year will bring
wide spread of diseases. More on stomach (gastro) related problems in
particular to young males. Avoid unnecessary over eating. Those with weak
stomach or gastric issues should pay more attention to their diet.
Hidden in
the Earth branch E2 ( ),
are Earth H6( ),
Water H10 ( ) and
Metal H8( ). Since
Metal and Water are stored (trapped) inside the Earth, according to the
5 elemental relationships, Metal and Water will drain the Earth. This
will weaken the Earth. There will be major landslides, floods and earthquakes
in the Q3 and Q4 when Earth element is weak. Probably in the North and
Northeast regions.
As Earth
weakens in the Q3, Earth related industries like property developments,
real estates and agricultures will be affected in the Q4. Metal related
industries like automobile and engineering will face slow down in demand.
Earth E2( ) is the
‘grave’ of Metal. Metal also symbolizes money. Money being
stored in the ‘grave’ also implies the economy will face issues
in obtaining cash funding.
Financial institutions will be more reluctant to part with their money.
Applications of loans and credit facilities will be more difficult. For
those who had committed in the DPS (deferred payment scheme) of property
purchased in 2008 will have a hard time securing their loans in the year
2009.
There will
be more mergers and acquisitions of listed companies. Many countries around
the world will be gathering together to resolve the recession and financial
issues that had spilled over from 2008. Operations of businesses will
face tough competition. Do not expect immediate economic recovery until
Q2. Avoid taking unnecessary risks in the Q1.
The
Four Pillars of Year 2009
04 Feb 2009
0052 Hrs
The actual
date of the Ox E2( )
year commences on 4/2/2009 at 0052 hours precisely 10 days after the LNY.
[This information is available in my Hsia Calendar published by Asiapac
Books Pte Ltd.] In addition, the Hsia calendar is also a tool for converting
our birth data into a Chinese divination system called the Four Pillars
of Destiny also known as Bazi, meaning our 8 characters. We can also adopt
this system to carry out a more detail forecast.

Metal
H7( ) in Spring season
is weak in this set of four pillars. In addition, it is being clipped
by two Fire elements H3( ).
Earth H6( ) is the
buffer for Metal H7( ).
Although Earth is present, it is still weak in Spring season. Earth will
be under stress. Using this system to forecast, we can see that earth
related industries like property development, real estates and hotel industries
will be severely under stress and faces heavy competitions. I predict
that the property market will be weakened by the Q1. Any recovery in Q2
will only be short-lived.
Weak Metal cannot attack Wood. Wood is the wealth aspect
of Metal. This indicates the financial money market will remain weak.
Metal is the direction of West. Western economies, such as USA will remain
weak. Metal needs the support of Earth. Earth is at the centre. Central
region like China will play a major role in this revival.
Fire can exhaust the Wood from attacking the Earth. In
the Q2 when Fire is strong, Earth will gain strength to support the Metal.
Property prices will escalate in Q2 but only short lived.
Fire element is the booster for the stock market. The
stock market will continue to remain weak and will probably show some
improvement only in the Q2 and but will falter again by year end.
E2( )
Earth is the grave of Metal element. Metal represent monies. Therefore,
the current financial crises will not expect recovery until end Q3. Those
born in the Year of Horse and Ram will not be so lucky this year.
Combinations
and Clashes of the Year
It is also
believe that those born in the year of Ram E8 ( )
are in direct conflict with the Ox E2 ( )
at the direction North East ( Compass position NE1 between 22.5 –
37.5 degrees ). Rat E1 ( )
is in harmony with the Ox E2 ( ),
and so are the Snake E6 ( )
and Rooster E10 ( ).
The
Annual Grand Duke - Tai Sui
It is believed that there is an annual governing officer
(called Tai Sui) coming down from heaven and should not be offended. This
year the Tai Sui is called Fu You. The direction is Northeast. Again in
Feng Shui practice it is believed that one should avoid carrying out massive
renovation at this sector. To do so is deemed to be in offence with the
Tai Sui. This is true.
The
Three Killing - San Sha
Another afflicting
direction called the San Sha is in the East. It governs the following
3 mountains: EI( ),
E( ), E2( ).
Besides these 3 mountains another 2 directions NE2( ),
SE1( ) are also included.
Houses sitting on San Sha should avoid major renovation
works. So what happen if you need to repair your falling walls? Obviously
you need a feng shui cure first.
Ox( )
is also the friend of the Rat E1 ( ),
especially those of you born in 1948, 1960 and 1982. You will be blessed
with helpful people around you.. The Ox( )
is also harmonious with the Rooster E10 ( )
and Snake E6 ( ).
For that relationship, the Ox( )
may help to clear up the mess left behind by the Rat E1( ).
Nobleman Star
Ox E2( )
is the Nobleman star for those born with Heavenly Stem H1( ),
H5 ( ) and H7( ).
In Four Pillars
analysis, E2( ) Earth
is the grave of Metal element. Metal represent monies. Monies is being
locked. People will be more mindful in their spending and investment.
The financial market will face stiff challenges to convince investors
to dip into their pockets. Therefore, the Oct 2008 financial tsunami which
had write-off huge loses will not expect immediate recovery until end
Q3.
The
God of Wealth - Cai Shen Ye
The God of
Wealth - Cai Shen Ye is at the East. Those born on the day of Yang Wood
H1( ), H5( )
and H7( ) will be
blessed with Nobleman star at Northeast direction. Light up a lamp at
this sector to activate your nobleman’s luck.
The Academic Star – Wen Chang
The Wen Chang
star is located at the West, E10( ).
You may use this sector to enhance your child’s study. Place the
study desk or bookshelf at this sector of your home.
Further analysis
of auspicious symbolic stars are also traceable in our Four Pillars of
destiny charts.
Compatible
Animal signs:

Conflicts
with the Ox:
3
Persecuting Clash

A
clash or a conflict with the Ox E2 ( )
is not necessary inauspicious. In the 4 pillars system analysis, our luck
cycles analysis are based on our total birth data information, that is,
taking into consideration the year, month, day and hour of our birth.
Our annual
luck analysis is based on the interactions of the annual pillar with our
4 pillars (Bazi). This system is more accurate and it is also my favorite
subject. Those who are interested and wish to know more may refer to my
books Unveil Your Destiny and Hsia Calendar published by Asiapac Books
Pte Ltd.
Looking at
the Four Pillars of the year as a whole, Metal born in early Spring is
weak and cold. Favorable element Fire and Earth appears on the Year and
Month stem. Earth is the mother of Metal; therefore I would expect the
economy to recover from June but at a slow and steady pace. Though many
expert and renowned analysts are negative in their forecast, I am more
optimistic. 2009 will not be as bad as what you are reading everyday in
the media’s forecast.
The
Book of I Ching states:-
“When
Yin reaches its maximum Yang will emerge”
Everything
goes down will rise again. This is the law of Nature. At this point the
sluggish markets have not reached the bottom yet. Though the Ox E2 ( )
has arrived it will only mature in December 2009. Although it’s
a long road to recovery but it’s worth waiting.
Auspicious
Trades:
This year
the favorable elements are Fire and Earth, Wood is Neutral. Auspicious
colors are red, orange and brown.
Fire
Industries:
Oil and energy
Finance
Electricity
Entertainment
Hotels and Travel related
Earth
Industries
Property
Civil Engineering
Developments
Chemical and
Agriculture
Fertilizers
Wood
Industries - Average
Forestry
Newspaper
Furniture
Publishing
Textile
Insurance
Fashion
Inauspicious
Trades
Unfavorable elements are Metal and Water
Metal
Industries:
IT & Computers
Engineering
Banking
Automobiles
Beauty products
Gold
Water
Industries:
Shipping
Transport
Communications
Manufacturing
Oil prices
are currently dipping and could rise by Q2 but not to the price of the
peak in 2008. Gold prices will remain stable and fluctuate by Q3. Stock
market will remain weak and probably start to pick up momentum by Q2.
Property market will be competitive with surplus spill over from year
2008. So it’s also a good time to buy if you need one, but not for
speculative purposes.
I-Ching
Divination.
This year’s
hexagram is Lu ( )
Hexagram 56
Fire over Mountain
Year Pillar void: E7( ),
E8( ).
Hexagram
No 56, Lu( ) is made
up of 2 trigrams, Fire above and Mountain below. This is a 6 combination
Kua, a harmonious combination. In this Hexagram, Power and Parent lines
are missing. Mother hexagram = Li( ).
As this is
a harmonious hexagram, the world will be more peaceful this year. There
will be less terrorism threats and piracy. Parent line represents support.
With the absence of parent it implies third world countries will receive
less international aids and attention this year.
Mountain
below represents obstacles and hindrance. Upper trigram Li( )
represents brightness and happiness. It also depicts the sun rising high
over the mountain. This image shows us that after clearing all obstacles
and difficulties from 2008, there will be happiness and potential ahead.
It implies that despite the spill-over of the financial tsunami, earthquake,
floods, snow storms and political struggles in 2008, the dust will settle
by mid year.
There are
two wealth lines appearing on the third and fourth line of the hexagram.
Wealth lines represent the financial market. The money market may recover
by Q3 of the year.
E8( ):
Children line falls on ‘void’. This implies possible injuries
to young children. Highway accidents will rise in November and December.
Be mindful when driving long distance.
E7( ):
Sibling line falls on ‘void’ implies disharmony among neighbors.
Territorial disputes could arise among some neighboring countries in April
and May.
Lu( ) means
to travel from one place to another. This year should expect more people
traveling either for work or for business. Migrations will rise, probably
due to the massive retrenchment of workforce by MNC.
A good year
for moving houses and jobs changes will be the most active events of the
year. Travel and air related business will expect more demands. Travel
tax and insurance will also be more expensive. This is a good time for
self enhancement and re-training for new skills.
This hexagram also depicts the Fire Li( )
burning above the Mountain Ken( ).
With strong wind (hidden), Fire will spread and burnt swiftly anything
on its way. There will be more fire hazards, and global warming issues
will be one of the main topics for world leaders. Beware of fire injuries.
More young children may be injured by fire this year.
Li( )
kua is a middle age woman and Ken( )
kua is a young male. This means a woman taking the lead while man stays
behind. It implies more woman will remain or be hire in the workforce
while more males will be force out of employment markets. So men, it’s
time for you to perform some house chores.
Hexagram,
Lu( ) implies
that one should be mindful when traveling abroad. You should take one
step at a time and be tolerant of the different cultures of the hosts.
When traveling do not argue over small expenses or trouble will arise.
Avoid unnecessary travel abroad.
It also shows
the sun Li( )
rising high over the mountain Ken( ).
After clearing the obstructions Ken( )
below, there will be brightness and happiness Li( )
at the forefront. There will be lights waiting ahead of the gloomy economy.
So do not despair with the current market situations. If you had suffered
lost in your investment or being retrenched in your jobs do not despair.
Let us all look forward for a brighter future. It shall improve by Q2.
Annual
Flying Stars
In the Feng Shui system, we can also look into the annual
energy changes and how this could affect the Feng Shui of our homes and
offices. The changes of the new energies for this year can be mapped on
a nine grid chart.

The annual
ruling star for this year is 9.
Star
9,
sits on the ruling Age star 8. Fire over Earth. Fire hazard on young males,
sexual diseases problems will increase, especially Aids and HIV cases.
There will be more incentives to encourage young couples to tie the knot.
More babies will be born this year. This will also bring more business
to baby product trades.
Star
1,
flies to NW residing over ruling star 9. Though Fire and Water is in conflict,
they are both timely stars and also form a combination sum of 10. Since
star 1 is also an auspicious star it will not bring much harm. This is
also one of the wealth sectors. To activate place a moving water feature.
Star
2, the sickness star is at West sector. The US economy will continue
to be weak. Beware of transmitted illness from the West. If your main
door faces this direction, to harmonize this star hang a strand of 6 metal
coins or any metal objects.
Star
3,
the quarrelsome star is at NE sector. It is likely that political conflicts
may arise in North Korea and Russia. Star 3 sits on ruling star 2 resulting
in stomach related illness. If your bedroom or main door lies in this
sector,to harmonize star 3, turn on a lamp or use a red color floor mat.
Tai Sui is also residing in this sector. Avoid major renovation works.
Star
4, a romance and academic star is at South sector. Beware
of over indulgence in sexual relationships. This is a good sector for
academic study enhancement. You may place a study desk for your child
at this sector or bookshelves. For enhancement you may place a potted
plant.
Star
5, a misfortune and disaster star is in the North sector.
Beware of infliction of sexual diseases. To harmonize hang a 6 rod metal
wind chime. Make sure it does not upset your neighbors if you are staying
on high floor with strong breeze.
Star
6,
arrives at the SW, though a fading star it is still usable. But this year
SW is facing the Tai Sui at NE. If possible avoid renovation works in
this sector. Older people sleeping in this sector may encounter sleeping
disorder and headaches. To cure, place a glass of still water.
Star
7, arrives at the East. This is a robbery star. Beware
of break-in for houses facing this direction. Kitchen in this sector may
cause fire hazards so please be mindful. To cure, avoid red colors in
this sector.
Star
8, is the Cai Xing at the SE sometimes referred to as
the Annual wealth star. To activate this star you may install a moving
water feature to bring wealth luck. If your main door faces SE, you will
enjoy good luck and prosperity.
For more
detail analysis, you have to consider the house birth chart and external
environmental features.
Summary.
There are
three views toward Feng Shui.
The first,
are those who are currently still performing well and does not believe
in Feng Shui at all. They believe luck is always with them.
My
Advice: Our luck is cyclical and fluctuates every year, every
5 years or every 10 years. So don’t test your luck too far.
The second are those who believe and seek Feng Shui to improve their lives.
These are people who are in bad luck cycles and they seek advice of the
professionals, hoping to turn them around.
My
Advice: Find a reliable and professional Feng Shui Consultant
to advice you before 4th February 2009.
The third
are those who are superstitious and thought Feng Shui is magic. These
people will do whatever you say or recommend them to do. This is dangerous
and will taint the practice of Feng Shui.
My
Advice: Listen only to the Professionals.
Whether you
believe in Feng Shui or not, subconsciously every one of us is applying
Feng Shui practice in our daily lives. Example, you would like to choose
a good day to start work, get married, to start a new business or even
choosing the right color for your dress code to meet someone. All these
have Feng Shui implications.
Of course
there are those who may prefer to let nature takes its’ own course.
They believe honest living and hard works will eventually trade off. This
may not always be the truth. Though we cannot change our destiny, but
by knowing our destiny path we can take necessary steps to prevent pitfalls
during bad luck cycles. Yes, we cannot stop the rain but knowing it is
going to fall we can prevent ourselves from being drenched. So why not
be prepared.
In practice,
Feng Shui is an art of living in harmony with our
environment. Knowing our
environment well is like a reliable weather report, it can help us to
predict the changes within our surrounding. Our surrounding environment
changes everyday, either at home or within the societies. Over the last
ten years, I have shared and taught this ancient art to many people around
the world and they have benefited and improved their lives tremendously.
However,
to carry out this Art effectively, you need to understand the underlying
science behind it. Chinese metaphysics include the study of geography,
astrology, mathematics, numerology, architecture and Chinese cultures.
Even symbolic placement art is involved and effective if you know the
secrets that lie within. It is therefore dangerous to DIY Feng Shui with
limited knowledge.
Those
who had attended and completed my Feng Shui classes in Singapore Polytechnic,
will fully understand the mystical rationale in Feng Shui practice. Obviously
today, there are abundant Feng Shui materials and guide books readily
available either in the internets or bookstores. Remember, a little knowledge
is dangerous.
When
to Start Work after Lunar New Year
It is common
for most people to choose an auspicious day to start work or commence
business after the new lunar year and the following dates should be avoided
if you belong to the respective horoscopes.

May I wish everyone out there:

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