Feng Shui and 12 Chinese Astrological Animals

Is there a link between Feng Shui and the 12 Chinese Astrological Animals?  We are not talking about the Dragon, Tiger, Phoenix and Turtle known as the celestial animals of Feng Shui.  The celestial animals are associated with the external landscape and how it affects your living environment.

The Five Element Theory as well as the balance of Yin and Yang is fundamental to the effective practice of Feng Shui.  The productive, exhaustive and the destructive cycles of the Five Elements are a vital tool in determining the good, the bad and the ugly in your environment and your home.  Yin and Yang is what creates balance in an ideal situation.

On an individual level the Personal Eight Mansions from which you can calculate your personal Kua Number based on your year of birth also has Elements associated with it.  You have four good and four bad directions each with an Element.

The 12 Astrological Animals have elements associated with them together with either a Yin or a Yang aspect.

Each one of the 12 Chinese Astrological Animals resides in a 15⁰ sector around the compass.  Well that only covers 180⁰ in total so how does it work?  Do they follow consecutively around the compass?    

The Later Heaven arrangement of the Pa Kua (the eight-sided  symbol synonymous with Feng Shui) moves in a cyclical, seasonal pattern. 

The third month of each season is the transition point between seasons.  As an example; we are now in the Spring season in the Northern Hemisphere.  The Chinese solar calendar runs from 4 February each year making February the first month of Spring.  It also represents the Yang half of the Wood Element.  The Chinese Astrological Animal associated with February is Yang Tiger and its position around the compass is NE3 (52.5-67.5.) March signifies the Yin half of Wood and its animal is the Yin Rabbit.  Its home is E2 (82.5-97.5.)  April is another Yang month, the month of the Yang Dragon (112.5-127.5) but this time it is the Yang month of Earth; it is the transition month between Spring and the first month of Summer in May. 

There are four seasons and 12 Astrological Animals.  Two Wood (Yang Tiger and Yin Rabbit), two Fire (Yin Snake and Yang Horse), two Metal (Yang Monkey and Yin Rooster) and two Water (Yin Boar and Yang Rat.)  The four Earth elements sub-dividing each season are the two Yang (Dragon and Dog) and two Yin (Sheep and Ox) giving a total of 12.

To make it easier to follow, the two Yang Earth Animals are directly opposite each other on the compass (Dragon 112.5-127.5 and Dog 292.5-307.5) and the two Yin Earth Animals are directly opposite one another on the compass (Sheep 202.5-217.5 and Ox 22.5-37.5.)

So how else do the animals impact on Feng Shui?  Although termed ‘hours’ by the Chinese their hours translate as two Western hours.  Each of these 12 'hours' is identified by one of the animals, as follows:

11.00-00.59         Rat        

01.00-02.59         Ox

03.00-04.59         Tiger

05.00-06.59         Rabbit

07.00-08.59         Dragon

09.00-10.59         Snake

11.00-12.59         Horse   

13.00.14.59         Goat

15.00-16.59         Monkey

17.00-18.59         Rooster

19.00-20.59         Dog

21.00-22.59         Pig

These hours have an influence on Chinese Astrology when calculating your birth chart. 

So while the practice of Feng Shui and the study of Chinese Astrology are independent and they stand alone; just like the Five Elements and Yin/Yang they are complementary and can be used together to enhance your life in a more complete and balanced way.

To the fulfillment of your dreams

LynC

www.abundance-chi.com

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Feng Shui and the Three Killings

The ‘Three Killings’ or Sarm Saat (Cantonese)/San Sha (Mandarin) occupies a huge 90^o of the compass.  In any given year it only ever resides in one of the four primary compass locations of North, East, South or West. 

So what exactly are the ‘Three Killings?’ 

It translates as three types of negative energy affecting wealth, health and general well-being.  It has been described as bringing losses through robbery, injury, money loss (Jie or Robbery Sha), accident, mishaps and illness (Zai or Calamity Sha), obstacles and setbacks (Sui or Annual Sha.) 

Something to bear in mind:  There are also MONTHLY Three Killings as well as annual and they make an appearance more than once within a month.  These are three consecutive days when first the Robbery Star, then the Calamity Star and finally the Annual Star make an appearance.  While troublesome, their effects only tend to last for the month unlike the annual Three Killings whose effects will last the entire year. 

During 2013, the year of the Water Snake, the Three Killings is in the East (45 ^o -135^o.) This coincides with the location of the Trinity of Spring; the Wood animals of Tiger, Rabbit and Dragon.  It is in conflict with the Metal Trinity of Allies; the Snake, Rooster and Ox.   If your animal signs are either the Tiger, Rabbit or Dragon the Three Killings will have a negative influence on them.

The eldest son of the family may also experience some of the misfortune associated with the Three Killings during the year if he spends time in the East.  The East is the location associated with the eldest son so it is beneficial to have him stay out of the area during this afflicted year.

Because all the numbers in the Lo-Shu Grid have returned to their original homes during 2013 this has the effect of strengthening the intrinsic energy of each location, something which only occurs every nine years.  The Three Killings can therefore said to be even stronger than usual.   

It is a Wood element affliction in the area of Big Wood so your large plants are best removed from the East for the year.  Even more important is to ensure there are no Water features in the East.  Water feeds Wood in the Productive Cycle of the Five Elements; not something to be recommended when Wood is sending out such inauspicious energy.  

Being a Wood location the Fire element can be deployed to weaken the effects of the Three Killings.  Bright lights or red décor in the East will exhaust the Wood.   If you prefer physical cures, the three images traditionally used to offset the negative effects of the Three Killings are the Pi Yao (a mythical hybrid animal resembling a winged lion) said to protect against loss of wealth; the Fu Dog (a popular protector outside the home) who protects against accidents and the Chi Lin (Kei Loon or Dragon Horse) displayed to protect against the harmful effects of the Three Killings.  Place these images in the East facing the affliction head on.

Knowing where the Three Killings are located in your home, your office or your workplace is important to ensure you are not inadvertently activating their malevolence.  This is especially so if the East coincides with your main door, your living room, your bedroom or your office.  Keeping the area as quiet and undisturbed as possible is essential.  Any decorative work; renovations; digging holes or noisy maintenance work are best left for another year to avoid upsetting and therefore activating these negative stars.  This applies whether it is in the East of your garden, your entire home, your living, sleeping or working areas.  Outside, downstairs or upstairs, the effects will be the same, you will be activating the destructive force of the Three Killings by disturbing them.

Another essential consideration is to ensure you do not sit, sleep or work with your back to the Three Killings.  This symbolises being ‘stabbed’ in the back.  Facing or ‘confronting’ the Three Killings is like standing up to them; not being intimidated by their power.  Knowing your good and bad directions is important here.  If the West is your most auspicious direction this is the year to think carefully and consider which of your other three auspicious directions is beneficial to face as an alternative.  Facing the West and having your back to the East will cause you more trouble than it is worth.

To the fulfillment of your dreams

LynC

www.abundance-chi.com

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Grand Duke Jupiter 2013 – General Xu Dan

Feng Shui and the Grand Duke Jupiter (blog post June 7 2012) presented the astronomical theory behind the Grand Duke and why he was so named.  However, there is another interpretation based around Chinese mythology.  This indicates that the Grand Duke, or Tai Sui as he is also known, holds a certain position in the heavens each year, a position which identifies our fortunes for that year.  The Tai Sui is said to be the Ruler of Earth and each year he assumes the name of a different respected General from the distant past.  These Generals each have their own identities and can be wrathful by nature or magnanimous and caring; powerful or helpful.  

During 2013 the General in question is Xu Dan.  He lived during the Han Dynasty (206BC-AD220) and was a skilled martial artist.  He was known to have courage, generosity and patriotism. 

Whoever you believe the Grand Duke to be, it is a fact that wherever the astrological animal of the year resides around the compass, the Grand Duke moves into that sector.  During 2013 this is the 15^o location of SE3 (142.5^o–157.5 ^o) and home to the Snake (Si.)  This presents the Snake born with the situation where they are sharing their space with Tai Sui.  This is not automatically good or bad, and they can arrange it such that they receive support from the Grand Duke by not incurring his displeasure.

The Grand Duke likes peace and quiet and he most definitely dislikes being confronted.  To do so will incur his displeasure and cause him to turn against you.  It is important therefore to keep the southeast and its opposite number, the northwest, quiet.  Renovations and digging, drilling and banging walls will activate his malevolent side and cause your year to be filled with disagreements, obstacles, illness and misfortune. Loss of wealth, negative cash flow and robbery can also manifest in certain cases.

The animal in direct conflict with the Tai Sui in 2013 is the Pig (Hai) located in NW3.  Those born in the year of the Pig (Boar) should keep their location quiet and respect the Grand Duke.  They must certainly not directly face the Grand Duke as this is sure to anger him and present the Pig with many obstacles and difficulties throughout the year.

 

There are also two animals in indirect conflict with the Tai Sui.  These are the Tiger, located in NE3, and the Monkey, located in SW3.  These are the least affected but it is necessary to be aware of this indirect conflict and ensure you do not inadvertently upset the Grand Duke.  

    

Sometimes it is necessary to undertake urgent repairs or renovations in the home or the office, so if this is the situation start and finish these works away from SE3 location.  This will help offset any negative energies.

The Grand Duke is said to be one of the annual afflictions of the calendar year and while it is relatively easy to upset him, by arranging it such that you have your back to him he will afford you support and encouragement.  In 2013 he is facing the northwest and when you avoid upsetting him in any way he will help you attract some of the benefits associated with the northwest.  This includes attracting mentors and helpful people into your life.

He occupies only 15^o of the compass and while that makes it easier to avoid, it also makes it vital to take accurate compass readings to ensure you are outside his sphere of influence.

To the fulfillment of your dreams

LynC

www.abundance-chi.com

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Office Feng Shui

In reality if you work for a corporation or large organization you may not have any or many options when it comes to the location or the setup of your office or office space?

However as long as you have your own personal desk you can at least consider the way you work at this desk.

Many office layouts incorporate an open plan design with cubicles for individuals.  This is not necessarily an auspicious option as the first thing you will likely be confronted with is a block in front of you where the partition separates you from your colleagues.  The only thing you can do in this situation is to place an auspicious poster or picture on the partition to inspire you.  It is preferable if it shows open spaces and somewhere you would like to spend time to symbolically open up your space. 

Keep the bulk of your work on the left hand side of you to ensure the Dragon is higher than the Tiger which is on the right hand side.  This gives you the support of the mighty Dragon and invites the protection of the Tiger rather than have it revert to its naturally aggressive nature. 

Two things to ensure are that you can see anyone approaching your desk and you have the support of a partition or a wall behind you.

Keep your desk clear and tidy with a ‘bright hall’ or clear area in front to allow your creativity to flow.  This is especially important if you are looking to progress in your chosen career.

Working from home, or working in your own business gives you the ability to choose your own space.

One important suggestion is to have a solid wooden office door to enable you to separate your working life from your home life.  You can also have a sign on the door with the name of your Company.  This differentiates your office from the rest of your home. 

There is the saying ‘don’t take your work home with you’ and this is as important (if not more so) when you work from home as when you work in an external office environment.   The temptation can always be to do ‘just one more thing’ and this can escalate preventing you from having any time for yourself or your family.

Inviting symbolic auspicious images into your office to boost the positive Feng Shui of your career. 

Birds always invite positive messages and displaying images of birds inside your office door can help deflect any bad luck.

The mythical bird of the South, the Phoenix, is a symbol of new opportunities

The Crane symbolises longevity

The Eagle symbolises wealth

Even the lowly Rooster, the Chinese astrological animal of the West, can play its part.  This is particularly relevant if you work in an external office or work from home for an external organization.  By placing an image of the Rooster behind you it will symbolically provide an effective antidote to office politics by pecking away at the negative energies created.

To the fulfillment of your dreams

LynC

www.abundance-chi.com

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Exterior Feng Shui

So how can you influence the exterior of your home or office?  How can you positively affect your surroundings?

The first thing is always to use your compass to find out the direction your home faces.

Once you know that, the next step is to look at your immediate environment.

City or Town Houses

How much space do you have outside?  Are there any poison arrows* pointing directly at your front door?

Poison arrows are:

The edge of a neighbour’s roof line

A lamp post

A single upright tree

A straight road coming directly towards your front door

A narrow gap between houses opposite that is sending negative Energy towards you

Anything that appears threatening will be sending negative Energy towards your front door

Do you have a busy road outside your home?  How fast does the traffic move?  Are you at the end of a cul-de-sac?  Do you have a busy road behind your home?  Is the house on your left lower than the house on your right?

Rural or Country Houses

Are there houses around you?  Is the land flat or undulating?  Is the back of your property higher than the front?  What is directly opposite your front door?  Is the land to the left of your home lower than the land on the right?  Do you have a river running in front of you or behind you?

These are some of the things to look for before beginning to work with what you have.

Ideal Configuration

Having given some idea of what to look for, here is the ideal configuration for a home, so you can look for positives as well as negatives.

In Landscape Feng Shui, which focuses on the exterior of a property, the ideal layout is what is known as the ‘armchair effect.’

This has the left side of your home (standing at the front door looking out) higher than the right.

The land behind your home will be higher than the land at the front.

There is an open space in front to allow positive Energy to accumulate before entering your home.

There will also be a winding river meandering in front, allowing positive Chi Energy to enter your home as it passes and high ground behind creating support.

In traditional Feng Shui this signifies, the Green Dragon on the left (East), the White Tiger on the right (West), the Black Turtle behind (North) and the Red Phoenix in front (South.)

The environment is much different now than it was when Feng Shui first evolved.

Fortunately, in harmony with the living skill it is, it now incorporates the elements in our modern world positively and effectively.

Have a look around and next time we will look at positive steps to take if the exterior of your home is less than ideal.

To the fulfillment of your dreams

LynC

www.abundance-chi.com

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