IT’S never too late to create new beginnings. And if you’re a feng shui enthusiast, or you’re just looking for something new to jump-start your life, the new year in the Lunar Calendar is one of the best times to do it.
January 25, 2020, ushers in the Year of the Metal Rat, and if you know your feng shui, it’s the start of a brand-new cycle.
The Rat is the first animal of the 12-year Chinese zodiac, and metal is the first of the five elements that feature in each Chinese zodiac cycle (metal, Earth, water, fire and wood). For many, this is just one of many years in the lives of the individual. But those who believe in cycles can figure out that next year is a significant milestone as far as these things go.
The beginning signifies lots of possibilities—whether you’re embarking on something big, or keeping your goals as simple and doable as possible. It implies, at the very least, a clean slate, or a do-over, in which we get to reinvent ourselves or create a new reality (for us and probably those around us). It allows us to take our lives in directions we may not have intended to go. The Year of the Metal Rat is rife with potential and it’s up to us to make the most out of it. Marites Allen, the country’s leading feng shui expert, explained it all in a recent day-long conference at the Novotel hotel in Cubao.
The Chinese New Year begins on January 25. This signifies the beginning of the Year of the Metal Rat.
RAT
THE Rat, as the first of the animals called upon by the Jade Emperor, is the first Chinese zodiac animal sign.
According to Allen, the Rat year is a period of renewed energy, enthusiasm and hope. It calls for clearer minds and fresh plans to survive the challenge brought about by the times.
The Rat is considered smart and resourceful, with sharp wit and the ability to use every opportunity to its own advantage. It also thinks out of the box when looking for ways to survive and is a born problem-solver. The Rat is characterized as determined and entrepreneurial, which is why those born in the year of the Rat are generally considered wealthy and prosperous.
The Rat’s special friend is the Ox and is especially allied with the Dragon and the Monkey. These allies are especially noted as the Rat will call on their strengths to experience success in the coming year.
On the other hand, it is incompatible with those born in the year of the Horse. As a result, those born in the year of the Horse will experience the opposite of what the Rat is undergoing. It’s a good year for Rats, generally speaking, provided you remain patient and keep your temper in check. Try not to drive away blessings like money or job promotions. Enhance the North sector by displaying peace and harmony accessories, while displaying wealth enhancers in the center of your homes.
The year brings in more recognition, rewards and networking luck. Place images of Dragons in the Southeast or the Arowana in the center of your home and/or office to maximize wealth energy. Rats who are looking for love are guaranteed to enjoy an exciting 2020, as love interests (maybe The One, right?) may soon find the opportunity to call on you.
Also, travel and a salary increase figure prominently, so watch out for it.
However, be careful when you travel because you may be accident-prone in the coming year. You have to listen to your body. Rest when it tells you to rest, and wear the Health and Longevity amulet to stay healthy and illness-free.
As far as careers go, if you’ve been hankering for a change in career, environment or path, this year is the time to do it. But make sure you tie up loose ends properly so you make a clean break. It’s not easy to be faced with debt or complications later on.
Display the Tai Sui amulet for protection to ensure you’re not misunderstood or misjudged. Install the Ruyi scepter on your table or wear the Victory Banner charm for success.
OX
OF all the signs, the Ox is probably the luckiest this 2020. If you’re an Ox, Allen says, it’s time to let go of past mistakes and convert misfortune into good vibes. Wear Lucky Mantra accessories for success.
An additional good omen is that it enjoys the presence of the Victory Star, which involves success in most everything you do.
Wealth-wise, it’s a good year for you, as income-earning opportunities abound. The trick is to discover which opportunity will be brightest for you. Attract more good fortune by placing the Prosperity Rat in the North and alleviate cash with a Pair of Camels. Also, install wealth activators like the Abacus or Infinity figurines in the center of your home or office to encourage more prosperity opportunities. Also place Wu Lou figurines in the Northeast of the home or office to enhance the wealth sectors.
Always keep Health at the front of your priorities and avoid hefty hospital bills. According to Allen, carrying the Longevity and Health Medallion or the Long Life Health Amulet may help you remain in good health.
As far as romance goes, you have a lot going for you! Going out on dates will make sure you remain at the top of your game. Wear such harmonious-seeking amulets like the Attractiveness and Popularity Medallion to encourage relationships that may eventually lead to relationships for you. Activate your South with the Ox. If you are already in a relationship, make sure you practice more patience and understanding during disagreements to preserve your ties.
TIGER
THOSE born in the year of the Tiger also bear a lot of good fortune in 2020. This is largely because the Victory and Fulfillment Stars are residing in your corner. Keep your secret friend, the Bejeweled Boar or your own image, as well as the Victory Tower Amulet with you at all times to ensure success in your endeavors. With hard work and a lot of effort, you will earn a lot of accomplishments. Activate your Wealth sectors—the Northeast and Northwest sections of your house and office—with Wealth Ships and the Victory Horse to encourage good fortune and prosperity. Also, Allen advises, the Tiger-born may call on help from allies like the Horse and the Dog for additional assistance.
Keeping a Wealth and Prosperity Medallion will also ensure the appearance of better income and career opportunities. Love is on your side! Enhance the Romance sector (the Southwest) by using such enhancers like the Double Happiness Emblem, Peony Flowers or the Mystic Knot to encourage the entrance of love in your life.
Pay attention to your Health, both physically and mentally. Beware the return of past illnesses and be conscious of new ones brought about by new stressful circumstances at home or work. Wearing an Anti-Illness Amulet or the Long Life Medallion will strengthen your resistance against illness.
RABBIT
RABBIT-BORN people, unfortunately, will not be very lucky in 2020, but with several enhancers and cures, you may have just enough to survive the year.
Despite the presence of the Misfortune Star, Allen says there will still be opportunities for travel and new relationships to come. Wearing the Ultimate Mantra Medallion and the 5 Element Pagoda will help protect Rabbits from losses, and ensure that their creativity and high energy remain at top level.
Always keep the Prosperity Rabbit, as well as the Sheep and Boar Allies Amulet on your person to ensure luck. Avoid loss of Business Luck by placing a Rhino and Elephant Plaque at the center of your home. Prayers for Windfall Luck may finally be answered this year, thanks to the placement of the Bejeweled 3-Legged Toad, the Wealth Tree or Arowana figurines in your home. Always wear the Lucky 9 Charms to enhance overall good luck.
Stay cognizant of your Health and keep the Jade Wu Lou and Piyao accessories with you all the time. In addition, keep a Wu Lou figurine by your bed to help you recharge.
Strive to keep improving and maintain that high energy. Remain even-tempered and choose your battles. Keeping the Peace and Harmony Amulet helps a lot. As far as Romance is concerned, it’s an exciting year for Rabbits to date. While this does not ensure that the dating would lead to something serious, at least each dating experience is an opportunity to learn—about relationships or about love. Remember though not to compromise your standards. If you’re married, take care to keep boredom out of the relationship. Wear the Sheep or Hum-inspired Shawl with Special Mantras to keep the Love Energy alive and well, and put Crystal Mandarin Ducks in the Southwest corner of the bedroom to strengthen love and commitment between both of you.
DRAGON
IT’S going to be a busy, busy year for Dragon-born people, with lots of cash blessings to deal with. Health remains a main worry though, so pay attention to it and be aware of energies that may cause you to fall sick. Keeping the Endurance Mantra Amulet, as well as the Long Life Medallion and Wu Lou accessories on hand help in staying healthy.
Also be aware of robbery and keep the Anti-Robbery Protection with you at all times.
Wealth is not really a problem this year, says Allen, but be aware of what you spend on to avoid unnecessary expenses. Keep an Emergency Fund on hand so you survive the lean days.
Also, make sure you can call on your allies to help when you need it. Wearing Allies and Friends accessories, and placing Rhino and Elephant protections in the Southeast of your home and office will help you tremendously in life.
SNAKE
IT’S a matter of continuing the monetary good fortune from last year that makes the Wealth vibe effective this year but be careful about expenditures. Do not overspend when it’s not necessary. Protect your Wealth by investing into security insurance before the Chinese New Year comes around to ensure you protect what you have. There will be numerous options for financial losses to crop up this year; some of them may be because of illness or misfortune. Allen says these instances can be curbed by keeping the Ultimate Mantra Medallion with you. Make sure Anti-Robbery figurines are placed prominently in the Southeast to minimize these losses.
Married Snakes will do well to protect their marriages this year. Using something like the Affirmation Scarf or the Anti-Infidelity Medallion helps preserve what you have. Also, install an Amethyst Geode at the foot of the bed, as well as live symbols in the Southwest corner of your bedroom to ensure they protect your union.
Single Snakes would do well evaluating their relationships at this point. If your love is not reciprocated, let the person go. It’s better to move on than wait for something that doesn’t look like it’s going to happen. There’s probably something better for you.
Exercise is always good, but take care to keep it in balance with something less strenuous. Accidents are always something to consider so please remember to keep the 5-Element Pagoda or Mantra Ring near you at all times. Avoid hospitals or cemeteries. If you think you’re not getting the right opportunities in your place of work, maybe you’d have better luck someplace else. You deserve appreciation for what you do and working in a more open or peaceful environment may be a step in the right direction.
HORSE
OF all the signs in the coming year, the Horse is probably one with the most challenges.
This year’s focus is oneself. When problems crop up, make sure you address them immediately. Illness seems to be a major concern, so dealing with Health issues is a priority. Ensure amulets like Health and Longevity amulets or Anti-Illness charms are in place before you start on anything else.
Wealth is not a problem this year so watch out for opportunities when they present themselves. Also watch out for rewarding travel opportunities. Keeping Victory Running Horses in the South corner of your home ensures these Wealth opportunities present themselves to you. Keeping monetary amulets like the Arowana or 3-Legged Toad in the center of you home also enhances your existing Wealth.
Your Peach Blossom Animal is the Rat and placing his image in the North of your bedroom leaves you open to Romance. This, along with Mandarin ducks in the Southwest corner, puts you right in the mood, not to mention the perfect setting, for dating.
Make sure you avoid being the object of other people’s bitterness, and make sure you maintain your peace.
SHEEP
THIS year is the best time to focus on your networking skills! Reconnect with old family members and friends. Prioritize old relationships—and we mean friendship, as well as otherwise—over business commitments. Enhance your Southwest corner with the Dragon Tortoise or Lucky Bamboo Plant, and activate the Romance with the Lotus or Bejeweled Mystic Knot. Now is the time to be happy as far as Romance is concerned.
Come up with a budget and stick to it the whole year. Try to play down the Misfortune Star by creating a Prosperity Corner in the Northwest of your home and office—place Boars, a Wealth Vase, Arowana or 3-Legged Toads to enhance it.
Health-wise, be sure to be alert. Do not use doors that are in the Southwest, the Misfortune Star corner. Place a pair of Fu Dogs at the front door to try to curb the effect of the Misfortune Star. And always wear a Mantra Protection Ring or Bangle to protect against it. Maintain a low profile even when you’re doing really better than expected and think very well before you do anything.
MONKEY
AS the ally of the Rat, you are blessed with Good Luck and Prosperity. You also benefit from Heaven’s Luck star. Think positive and surround yourself with good vibes to ensure positive notes will enter your life unimpeded. Protect the Wealth that you have and make sure you have the Ultimate Mantra Medallion or Lucky 9 Accessories to help prevent losing whatever savings you have.
Despite the presence of the Misfortune Star in your vicinity, you can deflect its effects. Place Wealth Trees in the center of your home to encourage the entry of good luck. Placing a Dragon in the Southeast sector of the home will bring you great luck, as well.
You are blessed with numerous Travel opportunities. Display an Auspicious Bird Painting in a Bed of Coins and expand your networking abilities to ensure you get the full effects of the occasion.
Those on the lookout for love would benefit really well by activating their Romance section. Women who place love symbols like Mandarin Ducks in the Southwest would benefit really well this year. Meanwhile, Mystic Knots will enhance harmony and help smooth over misunderstandings with your loved ones. You love your work and you make sure you give it your all, but be wary that whatever you do, you don’t go beyond what you can healthily accomplish. Keep a Jade Wu Lou or other health amulets like the Health and Longevity Medallion in the Southwest of your home to make things manageable, realistic and healthy. Keep a Ruyi or 9 Mantra Emblem on your desk to make sure you make the right decisions.
ROOSTER
WITH prosperity and authority luck in your corner in 2020, things are looking swell for you!
Authority and Power Luck make you the One to go to in the coming period. But while opportunities to make money may be easy to come by, make sure you trust the people you leave your money with. Investigate and do a thorough background check on possible business partners.
Protect your finances. Display the 3-Chilins Amulet, the Tai Sui Amulet or Mantra Protection Accessories to keep your resources well in hand. Wear the Anti-Robbery Amulet to protect against loss.
In terms of Romance, explore areas where events and invitations bring opportunities to make new friends. You just might meet the one you’re looking for. Allen also advises those who are involved to look forward to more permanent relationships. Tie an Amethyst Geode at the foot of your bed to stamp out negativity that could influence your relationships.
Beware of existing health issues. Some of them may come back to bother you. In any case, place a Wu Lou beside your bed to protect against bad health issues and always wear the Jade Piyao to ensure you are A-OK.
If you’re aiming for a salary increase, make sure you’re in the running by maintaining your creativity, energy and inspiration. Keep the right winds blowing by wearing the Victory and Success Amulet. Be brave and go for what you are longing for.
DOG
THOSE born under the sign of the Dog will benefit the most when it comes to Wealth. Your professional life will experience growth, bringing in more income-generating opportunities. What’s more, those who have their own business will have an easier time making these enterprises grow. Enhance the Wealth corner with water fountains and wealth vases; keeping the Wealth and Success Medallion with you will ensure you become well equipped in dealing with opportunities that come up. Try to keep things in good focus so you don’t stray from your goals. Also, putting things like Prosperity Boars in the Northwest sector of your home or office ensures you take these opportunities well in hand. Increase your wealth luck with 9 Lucky Charms.
As far as Romance is concerned, if you’re after what matters to your heart, you have to try to make an effort into meeting new people and stepping outside your comfort zone. Placing Heart-shaped Crystals or Crystal Swans in the love or Southwest portion of your home will definitely keep the love light burning.
When it comes to Health, bear in mind that “a healthy mind powers a healthy spirit” and you would do better not to overtire yourself. Make sure you maintain your energy and do not overexert yourself. Keep the Ruyi to keep your energy strong.
Do not let negativity stop you. If you have the opportunity to have a better career, go for it.
BOAR
THE year 2020 will see lots cash coming in—thanks to previous investments and property.
Place Wealth enhancers in the Northwest, the Southeast or Southwest parts of your home before the Chinese New Year (January 25) to ensure you enjoy financial blessings. Protect against negativity by bringing the Lucky 9 Accessory and place the Lucky Tiger in the Northeast and the Prosperity Boar in the NorthWest. For each new money opportunity that enters, make sure you investigate the circumstances and the people who are involved in the activity. Do not make decisions immediately. Take advice from business mentors. As far as Romance is concerned, the best advice is to go out and date.
Or if you’re in a relationship, maybe it’s time to discuss marriage or starting a family. There is the possibility of getting hurt, so keep your love corner (Northwest) well activated with a Family of Prosperity Boars, and wear the Peace and Harmony Amulet to keep the love flowing.
Remain calm and prioritize your health. Wear Protection Mantra Accessories and Shawls to protect your well-being, as well. As far as people who remain close to you is concerned, remember that some people try to stay close to you to try to do better than you. Study how to relate to them. Keep the Ultimate Mantra Medallion at all times to maintain your peace and your name.
More information on what awaits each animal sign in the Year of the Metal Rat, including amulets, medallions and more, is available at www.frigga.com.ph.