By Elvira Manash
WITH all the upheavals that marked 2016, the Year of the Fire Monkey, many Filipinos are looking forward to the new year for favorable changes in their fortunes. Luckily, the Year of the Fire Rooster, which, according to the Chinese Lunar Calendar, begins on January 28, offers some good news, says Marites Allen, one of the top feng shui masters in the country.
“The Year of the Fire Monkey is marked by ambition, dynamism and a thirst for adventure,” she says. “[On the other hand], 2017 marks a new beginning for many.”
Marites, who held in late-December her 12th Annual Feng Shui Convention at the Marco Polo Hotel in Ortigas, says people are nervous about the new year.
“With all the negativity of 2016, people want to know as early as they can what the coming year has in store, and what they can do to make 2017 a positive one,” she says.
At the event, which was jointly hosted by her good friend Boy Abunda and ABS-CBN’s Gretchen Fullido, Marites talked about the general forecast for the year, as well as what’s in store for all the animal signs.
“In 2017 we need to brace ourselves for a period of immense changes. Fire destroys metal, and this destructive relationship means challenges are doubled during the year.
“Yet, the Fire Rooster shines like a bright star in the dark sky, bringing hope and transformation to those who know how to act harmoniously around prevailing circumstances,” she says.
Not all doom and gloom
Aside from disclosing what the Year of the Fire Rooster has in store, Marites also discussed what the signs can do to improve their luck or deflect the ill effects of the year’s stars, if any.
“Not everything is all bad, in the same way that not everything is all good. The beauty of feng shui is, when you know what the stars indicate, you can do things to minimize or enhance their effects,” she says.
“For example, the Rabbit is the Rooster’s conflict animal and since it is the Year of the Rooster, it’s logical for those born under the sign of the Rabbit to be careful about adverse effects of the year. If you know feng shui, you can put cures in place to minimize these effects.”
According to Marites, the Year of the Fire Rooster will be marked by tremendous energy, enthusiasm and opportunities. The Year of the Fire Rooster begins on January 28, 2017, and ends on February 15, 2018. Transition is set on February 3, indicating there is a Lap Chun, or beginning of spring. This is a good indication of new beginnings (in the same way that the Rooster rings in the dawn of a new day.)
“How we seize and make use of these opportunities depends not only on what our charts reveal, but also on time and circumstances. Sometimes these charts do not tell all, because they’re meant for general use and require a deeper level of understanding through the analysis of our birth details, including year, month, date and hour of birth. This can yield very useful additional insights for those who are serious about feng shui applications,” the feng shui master explains.
Understanding the Four Pillars
According to Marites, understanding the four pillars chart of the year (Year, Month, Day, Hour) and comparing it against your own personal chart is the best way to assess how you’re going to navigate the current year. If your energies are compatible, you will enjoy a fortuitous year. Even if they are not, it’s not the end of the world. There are ways to deflect or minimize the ill effects of the year, though you should be ready to resort to metaphysical ways of countering negativity. The destiny chart of the year is a road map to the unlock indications. Check which of the five elements are present, and relate them to your own personal choice, Marites advises.
In 2017, for example, there are 4 metal, 2 water, 1 fire, 1 wood and 1 earth elements.
Of the five elements, metal is the most dominant. If you have a metal element in your personal chart, that’s a good sign. It means that your energy will be more connected to the universe, and you could become more prosperous. Insufficient metal energy indicates that your prospects will be weak and less promising. Furthermore, the strong presence of metal energy indicates good news for the finance and banking sector. However, Fire and Metal represent guns, explosives, fire energy, knives and sharp objects, which are lethal and can be used to harm or eliminate people.
On the other hand, the presence of water indicates positive changes for the year. There’s a good chance that technology and innovation will dominate our daily activities (if they don’t already do). The single fire element symbolizes profits, which will be difficult to come by, so be prepared to work hard to earn them. The weak presence of wood (which is being attacked by metal) in the chart suggests cash-flow problems. This is exacerbated by the lack of earth element, or lack of support, authority and resources.
Roller-coaster ride for the economy
Financially, the year’s chart indicates a roller-coaster ride for many if they are not careful. There are those who may amass big fortunes, while there are others who will lose entire chunks of their wealth. Be careful not to compromise your principles in order to accumulate wealth.
In business, unrest among dissatisfied workers in large companies will cause work disruptions, loss of revenue and possible company closures.
Economies in certain countries may distract you to changes in rules and market conditions.
Spring and summer will be positive for the stock market; but autumn and winter won’t be as bullish. Summer seems to be the rosiest time for the economy. However, the latter part of the year doesn’t look too good. Long-term negative effects could continue, like what happened in 1987, 1997 and 2007, which experienced downturns in the economy. Incidentally, online communities, especially social-media platforms, will become more powerful; it can make or break outlooks and perceptions.
Businesses may experience challenges their cash flow. Competition between retailers will prevail, potentially resulting in the slowing down or even closure of some businesses. Deception is possible. Be careful of even your most trusted friends, family members, or colleagues.
The presence of strong fire and metal indicates more conflicts and problems in the international arena. This year metal is being destroyed by fire, as indicated by the Yin Fire on top of the Yin Metal Rooster in the Year pillar. This could mean another year of destruction and strong competition for all. The Rooster, being a human metal element like a knife, indicates killings, assassinations, guns and terrorist attacks.
Isis problems will continue and will be hard to contain. Refugees will flood several countries.
Other indications:
- Those born in the year 2017 will have the auspices of the Nobleman and Academic Stars, which only appear during Yin Fire Rooster and Yin Water Rabbit years.
- This indicates those born this year will be blessed with intelligence and a successful life.
- There is a general decline of women in power.
- Those holding top positions may be challenged, their abilities questioned, and they may even face long-term lawsuits, injuries and illnesses.
- Health-wise, people should beware of illnesses related to the heart, blood, inflammations, nerve problems, hypertension and stroke. Skin problems and injury to bones, limbs, fingers and toes will rise.
- Air-related disasters could occur and a serious type of flu pandemic is likely to happen.
- The patriarch or the man of the house could suffer from sickness as a result of the Illness Star in the Northwest.
Lucky and unlucky signs of the year
THE Year of the Fire Rooster will be most challenging to the Rabbit-born. With the Prosperity Star riding high in the East sector, the Rabbit will enjoy exceptional wealth luck. However, the East also hosts two afflicted stars in its sector this year, the 3 Killings Star and the Natural Disaster Star. In addition, Rabbit is the conflict sign of the Rooster. As such, it sits opposite (and directly facing) the Tai Sui, or God of the Year. It is never advisable to face the Tai Sui directly as you risk angering it. Sitting opposite the Tai Sui leaves the Rabbit vulnerable to the Tai Sui’s wrath.
The Rabbit-born will also experience life changes, which include changing jobs or relocation. Rabbits should beware of risks from accidents, injuries to the limbs and joints, and back issues. In the Flying Star formula of feng shui, the worst location of the year is the South, which hosts the 5-Yellow Misfortune Star. This does not bode well for those born in the Year of the Horse. Horse-born people should lie low and do a lot of charity work to offset the negative influences of the year.
However, the Southwest, West and Northwest sectors are also influenced by afflicted stars and will suffer negative energies, so the signs that reside in these sectors—Sheep and Monkey (Violence Star), Rooster (Argumentative Star) and Dog and Boar (Illness Star) should also take precautions.
The presence of the Argumentative Star in their sector may cause Roosters to be defiant and may figure in legal issues; they must keep cool and be patient.
March, September and December 2017 will be challenging months.
March, being a Rabbit month, clashes with the year of the Rooster.
In addition, the Tiger- and Ox-born will have Romance and Education Luck this year, creating possibilities for travel, further education and marriage, or at least for starting a family.
Love is in the air
Romance-wise, the year’s stars bode well for those who are single and are born in the years of the Rat, Dragon, or Monkey. Rooster brings Peach Blossom Luck to them. For those who are unattached, this could mean new relationships in the offing.
For those who are in relationships, this indicates the cementing of relationships into more binding or permanent ties. A note of caution should be heeded, though, for those who are already in relationships. Because of the abundance of love in the air, there is the temptation of indulging in love affairs leading to scandals, especially for those in high-profile relationships. If not careful, such temptations could eventually lead to breakups.
Roosters, in particular, who plan to start a new family this year will be blessed with strong and auspicious Marriage Luck.
Furthermore, Rooster- and Rabbit-born people have the Flower of Romance affecting their relationships. Because of this, there is a strong indication that Rabbit-born people may be involved in sex scandals.
Which industries will fare well in the Year of the Rooster
According to Marites, we need to be watchful around August 2017 as the impact could be devastating.
The collapse of the stock market in 1987, 1997 and 2007 indicates a disturbing pattern that bears watching.
In general, business will be demanding, with reduced profits and high competition. Fire element businesses, such as restaurants and the food industry, will be prosperous. Healing businesses, such as yoga, sports, exercise, fitness, anything to do with well-being will be very popular. This year will be beneficial to businesses related to beauty, fashion and entertainment. ✚