People all over the world celebrated the Lunar Chinese New Year on Jan. 31, but not everyone was probably aware that the Year of the Yang Wood Horse was ushered in at 6:21 a.m. on Feb. 4.
The solar calendar has been the reference in lieu of the movement of the earth around the sun, which covers the entire year of 365 days. The moon revolves around the earth for only 350 days; thus, the lunar calendar has to add a 13th month to cover the entire year.
Also, the sun has a more profound influence over the moon; that’s why most Chinese metaphysical studies, which include Feng Shui and Four Pillars of Destiny, have to use the solar calendar.
Two elements influence the year—the yang wood, and the fire it is sitting on. Yang wood is compared to a tree with a long trunk that is upright, tough and hard to bend. We can compare this to a person of principle, a bit inflexible or stubborn.
The Horse carries a very powerful fire energy that can bring explosions, nuclear issues, gunfire and war. Furthermore, there is a yin fire element hiding in the Horse. This is the type that is likened to a candle—it flickers, and is therefore unstable and emotional.
Conflicts
Because of these characteristics, we can see more conflicts and hostilities in the world. It will not be a peaceful year, especially since our country is in the Conflict Star direction.
Furthermore, this could be a year that will bring about forest fires and explosions, with the yang wood feeding Horse fire. It is advisable to refrain from offensive behavior and play cool so as not to end up in unnecessary fights or arguments.
The animal clashing with the Horse is the Rat, which is a powerful water element. Thus, the clash between the strong fire and powerful water is bound to bring about serious fire and water disasters. As fire is blood and water is liquid, there is an indication of serious casualty with bloodshed.
Fire is also an air element, so this year will bring a rise in airline business, air travel and even space exploration. With a busy traveling year, there is an indication of traffic accidents related to air and sea. There could also be serious volcanic eruptions.
On a positive note, this strong fire will also give a boost to the beauty industry, restaurants, oil and gas. As fire element is often the driving force behind the stock market, this year can generate optimism and drive up the stock market.
It is also a good year for those in the wood industry such as magazine, paper, books, publishing, textile and clothing.
Metal is the wealth element of the year, and as wood means money to the metal industry, it is also a good year for those in mining, the jewelry business, banking, IT, cars and engineering.
Fire means wealth to the water industry, therefore shipping, transport and communications will see a great demand.
From a social standpoint, 2014 is a romantic year. It will be beneficial for entertainment and glamorous industries like fashion, beauty, advertising and media. On the negative aspect, it can also see sex scandals, with the presence of stunningly beautiful women who easily attract men.
Rat is the animal clashing with the Rat, therefore it is necessary to mitigate this with the Sheep in the form of a pendant or bracelet as anyone with Rat in their birth chart may encounter injuries with bloodshed. Horses will also experience self-penalizing, as the Horse does not like itself. This can mean worries, hate and dislike.
These scenarios will impact not just those born in the year of the Rat and Horse, as they can also be present in any of the zodiac signs. The Horse combines with Dog and Tiger to form a fire penalty.
Dogs and Tigers may be prone to high blood pressure, heart disease and inflammation problems. So people with health issues should make extra effort to reduce their cholesterol and prevent blockage of the arteries, and cool down the excessive fire in order to protect the kidney.
Wealth in the south
For a more reliable assessment of one’s fortune this year, it is necessary to check a person’s Four Pillars of Destiny. This will give you a more detailed analysis of your own yearly forecast based on your year, month, day and hour of birth.
The annual flying star chart will have 4 in its center. You may put a vase of water in the center to increase possibility of career advancement and romance.
The south is the primary wealth sector of the year. If you have a door in the south or your house faces south, it will be beneficial for you.
The bad energy of the Three Killings will move to the north; that’s why it is advisable not to sit with your back against the north so as not to be prone to back-stabbing. It is also advised not to do any digging or renovations in this sector, as it can bring serious bad luck to the occupants of the house.
But it is a good sector in terms of attracting wealth, with north being the secondary wealth sector.
Southwest is another good sector to use. In its direction is the distant prosperity star, and using this sector can enhance the possibility of career advancement, improved academic studies or heightened romance.
The most-dreaded Misfortune Star arrives in the northwest, and this is also the trigram of the fathers, so fathers must be very careful this year. To cure, place a bowl of coins or any metallic objects for the house. If you have a five-element metal pagoda, you may use it here. Alternatively, an all-metal six-rod wind chime may be used. This may also affect those with Dog and Pig in their chart.
The Illness Star flies to the east, also the place of the eldest son, so look after his health. You may put a wu luo or metallic gourd to dissipate the negative effects of this star. Again, an all-metal six-rod wind chime can also be used here. The Rabbits are advised to be on guard with their health.
The Argumentative star is in the southeast. To exhaust this, it is necessary to cure the area with a red object, like a rag. Those with Dragon and Snake in their chart are advised to keep their temper in check.
The annual 7 pertaining to robbery and scandal is in the northeast, so it is necessary to place a dark blue object in the area to weaken the energy of this bad star. If you are an Ox or Tiger, carrying a blue sodalite rhinoceros is advised.
Wishing everyone a prosperous Year of the Horse!
The author is a seasoned feng shui consultant/practitioner. She holds international certifications after pursuing serious studies with leading international grandmasters like Lillian Too and Raymond Lo. She is one of only three Filipinos who have completed the graduate course of grandmaster Raymond Lo in Hong Kong. E-mail her at lois.alog189@gmail.com.