Happy New Year!
In Feng Shui, each year has its own energy, based on the Five Elements: water, wood, fire, earth and metal. This year is symbolized as “Earth on Water” and is considered a period of seeming stability, with deep currents of instability lying just below the surface. While earth is usually associated with firmness and solidity, the one time it loses these qualities is when it is floating on water. It’s actually not too hard to picture. We can imagine a seemingly solid piece of land, crumbling away underneath.
In practical terms, this combination of elements will affect society as a whole, and it will also affect each of us individually, in our own homes. First let’s take a look at the world at large. (If you would like to jump to the Feng Shui for the Home, click here.)
FENG SHUI FOR THE WORLD
Because of the unstable combination of earth and water, we may see a heightened number of landslides, floods and water disasters. For example, in 1912 (another Rat year) we saw the sinking of the Titanic, a classic disaster at sea.
Also, there is the strong likelihood of unusual weather patterns and continued melting of polar ice caps, which could have serious ramifications this year for coastlines around the world (on a positive note, this may finally push world leaders to take meaningful action to solve the problem). Earth element also rules the property market, and unstable earth means a continuation of the housing decline.
The Chinese calendar also works on a 60 year cycle, so the feng shui of 2008 will have parallels to what was happening in 1948. Let’s look at a few of the memorable international events from that year:
- Truman was elected - a Democrat who first raised the issue of Universal Health Care in his New Deal initiative.
- The Cold War was elevating - the USSR took control of Czechoslovakia, and the Berlin Wall was constructed.
- The UN passed the International Declaration of Human Rights (protecting life, liberty, and freedom from inhumane treatment).
At a glance, it’s easy to see how all of these events correspond to issues that could come to the fore in 2008. In general this year may be calmer than the recent past, but with instability at its core. There is the possibility of a start of a new world order, but it will take time.
FENG SHUI FOR THE HOME
Now let’s look at our individual homes or offices. There are 9 Tips (corresponding to the eight compass directions, plus the center of the home). Where possible, try to use the suggested element for each area. But if that is impossible or impractical, use the color which corresponds to that element.
(Note: for those of you who have received an individual Feng Shui consultation from me in the past, please contact me for a personalized 2008 annual update. This will allow you to fully harness the power of the new annual energy.)
CENTER OF HOME (OR OFFICE):
Strong for wealth, fame, and romance. Be careful to limit alcohol (there can be health consequences this year).
ADD: WATER element in a METAL container to enhance love and money. Consider a fountain with a metal base, a fish tank, or a bowl of fresh water (use a metal bowl). The colors blue black or white are best in this area.
EAST AREA:
This area is a bit weak for business. It’s also not strong for children’s rooms.
ADD: FIRE element, in the form of candles, a lamp with a red shade, or the colors red, fuchsia or purple. This will help strengthen the space.
SOUTHEAST AREA:
This area is great for fame, creativity and romance.
ADD: WOOD element to enhance the favorable energy. In Feng Shui, WOOD element is represented by living plants or fresh flowers. Best color is green (any shade is fine).
SOUTH AREA:
There are always a couple of weak spots in any environment, and in 2008, this area is one of them. There is a likelihood of obstacles, health issues or possible fire accidents. Avoid using this zone if possible. If it falls in a key room, such as a bedroom or office, take extra efforts to neutralize it.
NEUTRALIZE THE WEAKNESS BY ADDING: METAL (which can be furniture made from iron, brass or steel). Ideally you’ll want to include moving metal (windchime, metal clock with swinging pendulum, or metal mobile). Best colors are gold, silver, grey or white.
SOUTHWEST AREA:
This is a good area for launching new projects, or a space to move forward in your current career.
ADD: METAL element to enhance the positive energy: accessories made of stainless steel, brass, or chrome. You can also include electronic equipment, which is considered metal element in Feng Shui. Best colors are gold, silver, grey or white.
WEST AREA:
This area has the possibility of robbery in 2008. If your front or back door falls in the West, take some common sense precautions to protect yourself this year (make sure the lock works well, get an alarm system if you had been thinking to do so, and don’t let strangers into the house or office unattended).
ADD: FIRE element to strengthen the area. Best choices are candles or a lamp with a red shade. Additionally, you can pick furnishings, rugs or artwork in the following colors: red, fuchsia, or purple. If your front door is in this area, you might consider painting the door red.
NORTHWEST AREA:
This space can be a powerful area for all activities (especially those of a spiritual nature) but there is a bit of weakness around health.
ADD: WATER element in a METAL container to strengthen the energy. Possible ways to accomplish this: a fountain with a metal base, a fish tank, or a bowl of fresh water (metal bowl). Best colors are blue, black, silver, gold, grey or white.
NORTH AREA:
This is one of the best areas in 2008 – great for wealth, power, and romance!
NO REMEDY NEEDED: make sure to use this area a lot!
NORTHEAST AREA:
This can be a good area for romance, and success through creative projects such as writing, painting, etc.
ADD: FIRE element to enhance the positive energy– candles, lamp, etc. Or use the colors red, fuchsia or purple.
On a final note, I must add a few words about the tremendous value of receiving a personalized Feng Shui consultation. The recommendations listed above are quite general, and while they can certainly be useful, their effectiveness will be enormously enhanced once they are set in the context of the home’s individual Feng Shui reading. I offer customized consultations both in person, and online, and if you have never received one of my Feng Shui consultations, please consider giving yourself that gift. The results I have seen, and experienced myself, have been nothing short of miraculous!
May the Year of the Rat bless you with wealth, abundance and a sense of inner peace.
All the best,
Past Newsletters:
Year of the Rat: Feng Shui Tips for 2008
Let's Call This Year a Wrap
Practice What You Preach
The Feng Shui of Current Events
The Secret of Feng Shui Design
Decluttering in the Technological Age
Feng Shui Tips for 2007
Selecting a New Home
Feng Shui Success Stories
Living Your Dream
Feng Shui and Water ...
Feng Shui for the Brain
Does good Feng Shui equal good Luck?
