The Chinese lunar calendar welcomes the Year of the Water Snake on Feb. 10, but according to feng shui master Joseph Chau, toting snake-skin leather items, wearing snake-print accessories or keeping a snake figure (or live animal) in your house does not guarantee good luck.
What could you do to keep the luck in? Put an electric fan or aquarium facing the northeast or south side of your house to “keep the energy flowing.” Fill it with gold fish instead of koi because “kois are Japanese, and it will not matter.”
Chau recently gave a Chinese New Year forecast in Tin Hau, Mandarin Oriental, Manila’s in-house restaurant. He has been a feng shui practitioner for over 30 years, and is the go-to geomancer of popular personalities and corporations in the Philippines. He is based in Hong Kong, and has clients in Australia, Brunei, Mauritius, South Africa and the United States.
He has also been writing Mandarin’s annual feng shui guide book since 2001.
Lucky colors
Chau said metallics such as gold and silver are the lucky colors this year, as well as white (but never go all-white), yellow, beige and brown. Avoid the colors green, blue, gray and black.
For more luck, one may place lucky fruits on the dining table on Chinese New Year’s Eve: pomelo, pineapple, apple, banana, orange; plus a bunch of Chinese celery with roots.
Chau said the Year of the Water Snake is a “challenging year.” Money comes easily but goes as fast, so save up. The fashion, furniture and food industry will be very competitive. There will be a lot of competition in businesses dealing with banking, car sales, jewelry and computers.
It will be a good year for the media, entertainment and movies. The real estate, tourism and hotel sectors will also be prosperous.
He said Malacañang is under a “promotion star,” and President Aquino might get a good chance to get married since his chart has a “wedding star.”
But Chau saw difficulty in the coming local elections. He also warned about more flooding, landslides, earthquakes, car accidents.
Forecast highlights
Snake (1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013)—This year brings “inauspicious and difficult periods” to the Snake, but it will be a good year financially, so avoid gambling.
He also instructs Snakes to “pay attention to the relationships with their father, partners, friends and brothers or sisters. Also, “lovers should be patient and avoid being over-emotional with each other.”
Horse (1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002)—Chau instructs Horses to “not act rashly and blindly in handling work or business” and to be “extremely careful with expenses.” The romantic star is on this sign and “single Horses will have many chances to fall in love.” Married ones should “keep away from temptation” especially in the months of February, March, April, July, October and November.
Goat (1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003)—“It will be a good and prosperous year for the Goats. There will be more opportunities in career or business development since two lucky stars shine on their sign. It is a good year to start or expand business. It will be a good year for love as well.”
The Goats are advised to pay attention to health, exercise more and sleep earlier.
Monkey (1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004)—Master Chau said the luck of the Monkey is better than last year’s, but those born under this sign should be meticulous when signing contracts to avoid being cheated. Money luck is pretty good. Single Monkeys may have their fill of romance but married Monkeys should “keep away from temptation or they will suffer a separation.”
Rooster (1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005)—The Rooster is compatible with the Snake, and it will be a better year for them. There will be a lot of opportunities and financial luck will be “stable and promising.” It is a good year to buy property, but do not borrow money from others.
In love, “single Roosters should not expect too much but should not be too disappointed. They will have a very good romantic star next year, Year of the Horse, and may get married.”
Dog (1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006)—It is a good year for the Dog to consider going overseas, and “employees will have the chance to get a promotion or migrate abroad.”
Chau said it is a smooth and promising year in terms of finances. It is also a romantic year for single Dogs “will have a chance to meet their dream lover.”
Dogs should avoid dangerous sports on March, July, September and October.
Pig (1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007)—“It is a difficult year for Pigs since their sign directly clashes with the Snake… It is not the right time to start their own business or have an expansion. If they do so, they must consider it cautiously.”
Romance and health luck are also down.
Rat (1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008)—It is a “flat year” for Rats, but finances will be good. The Rat’s romantic star is dim, and they have to focus on their diet, hygiene and digestive system.
Ox (1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009)—“There are unlucky stars under the Ox sign and there will be a lot of pressure and stress at work.”
“Oxen must be patient and humble,” said Chau. “They have to observe the whole situation of the market trend before they act. It is not lucky for them to travel.” Love luck is also down.
Tiger (1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010)—According to Chau, the Tiger is in conflict with the Snake, but the presence of the lucky grace star and heaven virtue star will change bad luck into good fortune. Also, be cautious in trusting people; Tigers should not be guarantors for friends and relatives.
On love, “single Tigers may meet people and enjoy a smooth-sailing relationship.” Those born on April, May and June might get married, and couples may have a child.
Rabbit (1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011)—Chau gave a good reading for the Rabbit: new jobs or promotion, business trips, achievements for students. Good income, too, but be careful in entering partnerships: Everything should be in black and white. Also, watch out for robbery at home.
It is a fluctuating year for love. Chau said “single Rabbits should be alert to avoid falling into love traps.”
Dragon (1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012)—Chau said Dragons are slightly conflicted with the Snake, but they will have better luck than last year. They are advised to keep calm and be patient to avoid trouble. It will be a fortunate year for love and a lucky year to get married.
At the end of the presentation, Chau reminded everyone that feng shui readings only serve as guides; one is still ultimately responsible for making his or her own luck.
The Mandarin Oriental, Manila is offering the Feasts and Fortunes room package inclusive of New Year midnight countdown, Joseph Chau’s 2013 feng shui book and buffet breakfast. Call 7508888 or e-mail [email protected].
