We celebrated the Lunar Chinese New Year yesterday, Feb. 8. However, in the Chinese Hsia Calendar, the year of the Monkey actually started Feb. 4. Thus, babies born from Feb. 4 onwards are already considered born in the Monkey Year.
Astrologers and feng shui practitioners use the solar calendar to mark the new year for this reason: the solar calendar measures the rotation of the earth around the sun; a full revolution is 365.5 days, thus making it more accurate in relation to our full calendar year.
The lunar method measures the rotation of the moon around the earth, 354 days for 12 revolutions. The 11-day difference is accounted for by adding a lunar leap month of about 29 days every two or three years.
The Yang Fire Monkey this year is symbolized by two elements: the yang fire which sits on top of the Monkey; and the Monkey itself, which is a yang metal.
Yang fire is likened to the sun—warm-hearted, hot, can easily explode, open-minded and straightforward.
Yang metal is used to make spears and swords. This means that it can be destructive or can cause damage.
The two elements are in a destructive cycle, with fire conquering metal, and have a fighting relationship.
With the optimistic traits of yang fire, however, mutual agreements can easily be forged.
More optimistic
The Philippines will actually be more optimistic this year, although the country will have national elections that may pose some uncertainty. But we won’t be as affected as some of our Asian neighbors.
The Four Pillars chart of the year indicates that water is lacking, while the presence of three fire and metal elements is very strong, with wood and earth.
Fire is related to the heart, eyes and circulation while metal refers to the organs of breath and small intestines. We must be on guard regarding our health this year, since the Illness Star is at the center, and this scenario can bring health problems related to inflammation, heart disease, hypertension and flu.
Since water, the element needed to cool us down, is absent, we must be mindful of how we deal with others, as we can easily lose control. It is, therefore, best that we address health issues and be extra cautious not to engage in unnecessary arguments to avoid conflicts.
This year, the animal clashing with the Monkey is the Tiger. As Monkey is a “Traveling Horse,” this will indicate a year of more travel, especially for those born in the year of the Tiger, Horse and Dog, as well as the year of the Pig, Rabbit and Dog.
With more people traveling, there will also be more traffic accidents on land, in the air and at sea. Anyone with Tiger in his chart should be careful and carry a snake pendant or bracelet to mitigate this clash.
People born in the year of the Monkey are said to be offending the “Grand Duke,” so they need to carry the Snake in the form of a pendant or bracelet.
The more serious formation is that of the fire penalty, with the presence of Monkey, Tiger and Snake, especially if fire is unfavorable to you. It is said to bring about irritation, worries and serious misfortune related to the fire element.
The Monkey is referred to as the “Nobleman” for people born in years ending in 5 or 9, like 1965, 1969, etc. This is a very good sign, as noblemen represent helpful people in our lives, like protective angels who come to help us in our needs.
It will also represent the “Academic Star” for babies who will be born this year, or anyone born in a yang fire year. It indicates high intellectual capacity and desire to learn.
Those born in the year of the Rooster can expect to have a more sociable year, with romance luck on their side.
Good and bad
Industries that will fare well are fire-related (energy, entertainment, stock market, finance); metal-related (engineering, technology, jewelry, mining); and wood-related (printing, media, textile, logging).
Not so favorable this year will be shipping, travel and hotel, property development and real estate.
It is important to note the good and bad sectors of your birth chart, so you know which area to avoid or use.
The Argumentative Star 3 is in the northwest, which is the position of the Dog and the Pig. Place any red object here.
The Misfortune Star 5 is in the northeast, which is where the Tiger and the Ox are situated. You may hang an all-metal six-rod wind chime to dissolve the negative energy.
Illness Star 2 is at the center. Avoid noise and clutter here.
Robbery and Scandal Star 7 is in the north. This is also the position of the Rat. Place any blue object here.
Heaven Star 6 is in the south, a neutral star, but here also lies the Three Killings energy of the year that pertains to three types of major losses.
It is important not to sit with the back facing south and avoid renovations here. South is the position of the Horse.
Wealth Star 9 flies to the east, where the Rabbit is. Just use the area often to activate the good star.
Academic Star 4 is in the west, where the Rooster is. There is Prosperity Star in this direction, as well.
Victory Star 1, which also refers to future prosperity, is in the southeast, the location of the Dragon and the Snake. Any good sector is best used to activate the auspicious energy there.
While the wealth star of the year is in the southwest, where the Monkey and the Goat are located, it is noteworthy to remember that the Grand Duke of the Year is also here. It is not advisable to make any substantial renovations in this direction.
Here’s a guide on how you may decorate your home or office this year.
To worry less about the negative sectors, reinforce the energy of the good sectors in the southwest, east and southeast. Place a water feature, have some minor repairs in the area and rearrange your furniture or install an electric fan.
Wishing everyone a peaceful, healthy and prosperous 2016!
Lois Alog is one of a few Filipinos who have completed the graduate course of Grand Master Raymond Lo in Hong Kong. She has also studied under leading experts in the field. E-mail her at [email protected].
