FOUR NOBLE ANNUAL STARS

FENG SHUI  8 MANSIONS

FOUR NOBLE ANNUAL STARS

As we are moving closer to the Year of the Yin Wood Goat in 2015 it is time to take note of where the good and bad stars will be residing for the year.

In this post we will look at the stars known as the 'Four Nobles'.  These are the Sun Star, the Moon Star, the Dragon Virtue Star and the Fortune Virtue Star.  They each have their own unique energy and are used to counteract a specific negative issue.

From February 4 2015 to February 3 2016 the Four Nobles are situated in the following directions.

 

Sun Star (SW3), Moon Star (NW1), Dragon Virtue Star (NE3) and Fortune Virtue Star (SE1).

By activating one, or all of these stars, you can help alleviate difficulties occurring in your life.

So how do you activate?  The first thing is to identify your issue.  The second is to know which sector each star occupies during any particular year.  The third is to choose a good date and time (using Date Selection) and the fourth, the activation involves movement.  The movement of changing the furniture around,  clearing clutter from the area, knocking a nail in the wall in the direction of the star or opening a window all constitute activation.  The idea is that the movement activates the Qi and by extension the star.

One thing to remember is that you do not have to have any connection to the direction involved, ie. you do not have to be the Chinese astrological animal of the area.  If you have the issue associated with a particular star you can help alleviate the situation by activating the star.

Which star for which issue?  The Sun Star is a Yang star and will help males more than females.  When activated it will lessen the effects of having inadvertently activated one of the negative stars of the year such as the Five Yellow or the Three Killings.

The Moon Star is a Yin star and will help females more than males.  If your business or career depends on communicating with clients, customers, fellow workers or management and you have trouble getting your message across this is the star to activate.  As a Yin star it does affect feelings and emotions.

The Dragon Virtue Star is there to help when you have blockages or obstructions in your way.  These can be caused by difficult people who stop you from progressing in your working life and prevent you getting due recognition for your efforts.  It can help give a boost to your finances or your career path.  It can also be activated when you apply for a bank loan, to smooth the path and get a 'yes' response.

The Fortune Virtue Star is the star to activate to benefit from a more satisfying lifestyle in all areas.  Health, wealth and happiness can all be improved by activating this star.

To the fulfillment of your dreams

LynC

www.fengshui8mansions.com

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FENG SHUI - Mountain and Water Stars

"Qi is scattered by the Wind, and gathers at the boundaries of Water"

Guo Po (276-324AD) Book of Burial

The purpose of Classical Landform Feng Shui (Luan Tou) is to assess the natural environment; the mountains and water; to analyse the quality of Qi in an area.

Yin Mountains create Qi.  With wind but no water this Qi will scatter.  With too much wind the Qi will not collect.  To harness the Qi it must come into contact with Water allowing it to gather.  We can then harness this Qi and direct it towards our property and both mountains and water are necessary to achieve this. 

When the natal chart of a property is created it is based on the date the residents move in, it takes account of the Water Stars (facing) and the Mountain Stars (sitting) as well as the Base Star (the dominant Qi) of each location.  Each of the eight sectors (the four primary and the four secondary sectors) have a central base star and a facing and sitting star.

Water Stars are said to govern wealth; it is Yang and movement, Mountain Stars are said to govern people; they are Yin and still. 

Water is influenced by the orbit of the moon and to a lesser degree the orbit of the earth around the sun; the tides of the oceans and seas is caused by the gravitational force of the moon and sun.  As Feng Shui is often depicted pictorially, imagine the flow of Water; Water flows and it is this flow that governs wealth.   

The 'wealth' aspect of the Water Stars is the wealth of money and the wealth of career or business growth. 

Looking pictorially at the image of a Mountain it represents stability and security.  The Mountain is unmoving, supportive and reliable.  Mountains are created by the magnetic pull of the stars that produce them and they are named after these same stars.   The quality of each mountain is determined by the star that creates it.  Mountains generate Qi.  Some emit positive Qi, these are the lush green mountains and some emit negative Qi, these are hard and rocky, the type of mountains that do not foster growth.

The 'people' aspect of the Mountain Stars covers your family tree, relationships, health, personal attitude to life and the rank or level of achievement you aspire to.  It determines the quality of your life.

In an urban environment mountains are replaced by buildings and water is replaced by roads.  These are analysed in the same way as the mountains and water of the natural world.

To the fulfillment of your dreams

LynC

www.abundance-chi.com

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Feng Shui and the Crane Bird

The Crane bird in traditional Chinese culture was often depicted on the official robes of high-ranking members of the ancient Court.  This represented nobility, rank and importance.  Images of the Crane have also been discovered in tombs of the Shang Dynasty and on ancient ceremonial bronzes.   

As well as being an important symbol of longevity, and as a bird, second only to the mythical Phoenix in the practice of Feng Shui, the elegant and leggy Crane is associated with the traditions of many ancient and modern cultures, some of which we covered in the first post.

In Chinese mythology and in Taoist traditions the red-headed Crane is represented as the bird of immortality.  When a mortal attains immortality he was said to be carried off to the heavens on the back of a Crane.  The Immortals are often displayed riding on Cranes.  This particular Crane is known as 'pinyin' or the 'fairy Crane;' the Crane of the Immortals.   In Taoist history an 'Immortal' or 'Xian' was said to have the ability to transform into a Crane to undertake a journey.

On the island of Hokkaido situated to the north of mainland Japan and the east of mainland Russia there is a resident population of red-crested Cranes.  The locals are often seen bringing fish to their permanent residents during the winter months and the Cranes will tolerate other predators stealing their food in exchange for relative safety and protection of their offspring.

The Siberian Crane, which is predominantly white with a reddish head undertakes an annual migration involving a 10,000 round trip and while they usually fly at an altitude of between three and five thousand feet they rise even higher when passing over mountain ranges on their migratory path.  This may have given rise to the mythology surrounding this bird in Taoist culture.

The red-crested Crane is one of four national animals of China along with another of the creatures synonymous with Feng Shui; the Chinese Dragon.  

As well as the red-crested Crane which is predominantly white, in Chinese mythology there is also the yellow, blue and black Crane. 

The black Crane is said to live the longest and when two Cranes are imaged together it embodies the ultimate portrayal of longevity.

Cranes symbolises happiness and smooth flight;  a smooth path through life.  When he flies among the clouds he signifies wisdom and nobility as well as longevity.  A reflection no doubt of the significance of the Immortals in flight.

As a symbol of longevity the Crane is imaged with its wings outstretched and one leg raised up.

In addition to longevity when combined with other symbolic representations the meaning takes on a different guise.

Imaged with pine trees, the Crane represents wealth, power and fortitude.

Together with the peony flower they signify prosperity as well as longevity.

With the lotus flower they become a symbol of purity and longevity.

Flying towards the sun the Crane represents a desire for social advancement and perched high up looking towards the sun, someone who can see all.

He is sometimes imaged together with the deer; another symbol of longevity and wealth.

The peach tree is said to yield fruit which, when eaten, signifies eternal life and it is often seen in traditional paintings with the Crane.

The Crane is also a symbol of cleanliness and purity which may be why traditional Japanese brides have an image of this bird displayed on their wedding kimono.

In symbolic Feng Shui the Crane continues to be popular so whether you display them in the East to represent health and longevity or the South to represent fame, recognition and opportunity, or anywhere else in your home or office they will bring a sense of freedom, beauty and, of course, longevity.

To the fulfillment of your dreams

LynC

www.abundance-chi.com

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Feng Shui: Yin-Yang and Control

Two of the fundamental principles of Feng Shui are the Five Elements and Yin and Yang.

The Controlling Cycle of the Five Elements is sometimes called the Destructive Cycle such that ‘Metal destroys Wood.’  The Five Elements however have both Yin and Yang polarities; each with their own unique attributes.   Therefore the Five Elements become ten.

Yang and Yin Water – Yang and Yin Wood – Yang and Yin Fire – Yang and Yin Earth – 

Yang and Yin Metal

There are significant differences between the Yin and Yang polarities.  Let’s look at some examples of how Yin and Yang influence and affect the Five Elements.

Looking at Yang Water first.  It is directly opposite Yang Fire and is said to be the controlling force for Yang Fire however….the ultimate Yang Fire is the sun and Yang Water cannot control the sun.  The only way Yang Water can control Yang Fire is when Yang Fire is ignited on earth.  Forest fires are one example. 

Then there is Yin Water.  One description of Yin Water is the clouds in the sky which hold the potential for rain; they can also mask the sun from us, so Yin Water has more control over the Yang Fire of the sun than Yang Water.

Yang and Yin growing Wood have roots relying on Earth for their existence.  Wood is said to control Earth, burrowing deep underground loosening the earth around it in the process, to provide stability and support allowing it to grow.  It also extracts nutrients from the earth to feed itself.  Yang Earth is described as large rocks, boulders and mountains and while it is possible to occasionally find plants growing in apparently inaccessible and unfriendly environments, it is the exception.  So the two polarities of Wood use Yin Earth to thrive.  They rely on embedding their roots into the soft and damp soft earth to enable them to grow.

Yang Earth; the rocks, boulders and mountains; control the Yang Water of the sea, fast flowing rivers and waterfalls.  In contrast Yin Earth can easily be overwhelmed by Yang Water yet be nurtured and fed with Yin Water.  The annual flooding of the Nile River, the longest river in the world, is a perfect example of Yang Water controlling and engulfing the flat Yin Earth surrounding it.  Without this annual flood people living close to the banks of the Nile would not be able to grow their crops and sustain their families.

Yin Metal is that forged by Yang Fire into jewellery and precious objects made of gold, silver and platinum. Yin Metal is also designed as a Swiss army knife.  The jewellery will have no impact on Yang or Yin Wood.  The Swiss army knife may be able to cut the Yin Wood of leaves and ivy however it would have no effect on Yang Wood.  Yang Metal is that formed into large cutting tools and machinery both of which will have the size, strength and power to control and destroy Yang Wood.  Yang Metal may bend and flatten Yin Wood but it is unlikely to destroy it.  Over time the Yin Wood will bounce back and continue its growth cycle.

Yin and Yang create ultimate balance and harmony; they are constantly in motion influencing everything in our world.  In Feng Shui we use the Five Elements with their Yin and Yang polarities to help transform our living and working environment into a harmonious blend of positive flowing Chi.

To the fulfillment of your dreams

LynC

www.abundance-chi.com

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Feng Shui: How to Use Yin/Yang and the Five Elements

Two of the fundamental principles of Feng Shui are the Five Elements and Yin and Yang.

Each of the Five Elements has a Yin and a Yang aspect, how do you use this knowledge to harmonise the energy in your home and workplace?

Yang Water is the sea; it is dark, deep and mysterious.  In Feng Shui water is a powerful force and should always be used with care.  Scale is all important.   Outside, water features are better in front rather than at the back.  Water at the back creates a feeling of instability; at the front it is an attractor.  Water signifies wealth, and a flow of water signifies a flow of wealth.  The flow should be coming towards the front door of your home or your workplace.  Having it flowing away, or flowing past signifies lost wealth and missed opportunities.  Indoors, water features or aquariums are best placed in the North, East or Southeast and they should never overwhelm the available space.

 

Yin Water is the morning mist.  In your home or workplace it is a spray of moisture on your plants.  It is the nourishment that keeps your plants alive; it is subtle and vital.

Yang Wood are trees.  Planting trees in the East of your garden will support your health.  Pine trees and bamboo are a symbol of longevity.  If you have no room in your garden a picture or painting of a lush forest in the East of your living or work space is auspicious.

Yin Wood is leaves on the trees; grass; ivy and flowers.  Displaying flowers in your home and workplace brings in the beauty of the natural world.  The East and the Southeast are the location of wood however displaying flowers anywhere in your living and working area will bring the beauty of nature along with them.  Choose colours that match the area.

  

Yang Fire is what keeps us alive.  Indoors you still benefit from the awesome power of the sun however during the winter time when the sun is lower in the sky enhance your living and working spaces with lights.  To keep warm in the home there is nothing like the roar of a real Yang Fire. 

Yin Fire is the dying embers of a log fire; it is the light from a candle.  To bring a touch of romance and intimacy into your home the gentle flickering of candles is hard to beat.  Scented candles bring both light and aroma which, when chosen carefully, create a unique setting.

Yang Earth is the solid earth of large rocks and boulders.  You benefit from the support of mountains.  Placing large rocks and boulders behind your home will simulate this support.  Indoors the painting of a mountain, without water, placed behind you at home or at work gives support and protection.

Yin Earth is sand; it is the pliable fertile soil in which crops are planted and grown.  If you have the space, create a small Zen area in the Southwest, Northeast, West or Northwest of your garden using sand and small pebbles.

Yang Metal is the solid raw metal, the ore from which large machinery is formed.  In our modern world we all rely on Yang Metal to get us around.  Whether it is your car, a train, bus or plane, without the strength and reliability of Yang Metal your life would be very different.

Yin Metal is fine and delicate.  Jewellery is Yin Metal.  From the eternal circle of the Wedding ring when you say ‘I Do’ to watches, earrings, cuff links, necklaces, male and female alike adorn themselves with Yin Metal.

Next time we will look at how Yin and Yang and the Five Element Controlling Cycle work.

To the fulfillment of your dreams

LynC

www.abundance-chi.com

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Feng Shui, BaZi and the Lunar and Solar Calendars

There are two calendars used in Feng Shui and the Four Pillars of Destiny* (also known as BaZi, Eight Characters or Paht Chee.)   One is the Lunar (Yin) Calendar which is based on the phases of the moon and has an additional month every three years; the other is the Solar (Yang) Calendar (also known as the Hsia Calendar) and it follows the seasonal cycles of the sun.

The Lunar Calendar is said to have completed a full cycle every 60 years.

 

*The Four Pillars of Destiny is a Chart created from the details of your birth date; time, day, month and year.  It signifies the position of the stars and planets at your moment of birth.

The first day of a Lunar Calendar month coincides with a new moon and in general the fifteenth day of a lunar month coincides with the full moon.  When undertaking new projects; such as work-related projects or home decorating, anything new and important to you, it is suggested that doing so during the waxing period of the lunar month (up to the full moon) is a more auspicious time than during the waning or weakening period.

The Solar Calendar changes on February 4** each year and this date is also known as the Lap Chun; the first day of Spring.

**This may vary by the odd day in some years so for an accurate changeover date the 10,000 year Calendar should be consulted.

As an example of a difference between the two Calendars:  the Solar Calendar date of January 1 2013 equates to a Lunar Calendar date of November 20 2012.

In Feng Shui terms the system of timekeeping combines both the Lunar and the Solar Calendars.  This combination which manages the passage of time is known as the Lunisolar Calendar.  The combined Calendar records months that track the movement of the moon, and years that follow the seasons of the sun.

The date for the annual Chinese New Year uses the Lunisolar Calendar as follows.  It is calculated by using the date of the second new moon following the Winter Equinox; the day closest to the Lap Chun and the first new moon day after the major solar season known as the ‘Greater Cold’ whose date varies between January 21 and February 3.

The Solar Calendar identifies your Chinese Astrological Animal based on your date of birth as well as your personal Kua number. 

When calculating your Personal Kua number if your date of birth is before February 4 (the beginning of a new Solar Calendar Year) your Chinese Astrological Animal will be that associated with the previous year.  For example, if you were born January 18 1968 your Astrological Animal will be the Fire Sheep rather than the Earth Monkey and your Kua number will be 6 (male) or 9 (female.)

One of the more advanced Formulas of Feng Shui is Flying Stars.  It is based on the flight of stars (numbers) around the Lo-Shu Grid. 

The Lo Shu numbers and their positions in the Lo-Shu Grid in each period; year; month; day and hour are calculated from the Solar Calendar.

The Solar Calendar is also used to determine each of 24 ‘seasons’ of the year.  These are seasonal changes signifying the optimum time for the planting and harvesting of crops.  It is still referred to as the Farmers Calendar. 

Each of the 24 seasons represent the position of the sun as it travels 15⁰ on an ecliptic longitude.  They each have names such as ‘Lesser Cold’ and ‘Grain Rain’ identifying their place in the year and signifying subtle changes in the annual cycle.

Using the points of the compass the Spring Equinox occurs on March 21 and is positioned at ‘0’; the Summer Equinox is June 21 and is positioned at ‘90⁰’; the Autumn Equinox is September 23 and its compass point is ‘180⁰’; the Winter Equinox is December 22 and its compass position is ‘270⁰.’

To the fulfillment of your dreams

LynC

www.abundance-chi.com

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FENG SHUI and the Grand Duke Jupiter

In the blogs on ‘Xceptions’ we included the 15^o location of the Grand Duke Jupiter (Tai Sui) and his place around the compass based on the Chinese calendar.

What we didn’t get around to was explaining why the affliction known as the Grand Duke Jupiter (also known as the God of the Year) came into existence.

It is well known that many ancient cultures, like the Chinese, the Greeks and the Egyptians surveyed the night sky and recorded the movement of stars, planets, the Sun and the Moon.

The fifth planet from the Sun, and the largest, is Jupiter; known for its majestic appearance in the night sky and its infamous ‘red spot.’

Ancient Chinese Astronomers observed that it took Jupiter twelve years to orbit the Sun, hence the 12 Chinese astrological animals in Chinese Astrology were ‘born.’

Year 1 of the Chinese astrological calendar is also the first year of the cycle of Jupiter.  This became known as the Year of the Rat and its location matched the direction of Jupiter during that year, which is North2.  From there it moves in a clockwise direction in line with the cycle of the planet Jupiter to NE1 (Ox), NE3 (Tiger), East2 (Rabbit), SE1 (Dragon-which coincides with this current year of 2012), SE3 (Snake), South2 (Horse), SW1 (Sheep), SW3 (Monkey), West2 (Rooster), NW1 (Dog) and NW3 (Boar.)  

This is why the Grand Duke Jupiter is located in the position of the astrological animal of the year as he moves around the compass in each of the twelve years of the cycle. 

Because of the size of Jupiter it is considered inauspicious to face his location in any given year.  Feng Shui Masters warn against confronting the God of the Year because he represents an overwhelming obstacle.  If you do inadvertently face the Grand Duke it can bring about loss, illness and failure.

However, if you sit so that the Grand Duke is behind you, he will give you his support.  It is rather like having a mountain, or the image of a mountain, behind you for support at work.

As well as avoiding confrontation with the Grand Duke it is important to keep his location quiet and undisturbed.

This means no loud noise, no digging or banging and no demolition work in the area for the entire year.  This will invite his wrath and bring about negative consequences.

Even when the location of the Grand Duke is in one of your auspicious directions based on the Eight Mansions Formula of Feng Shui you will suffer misfortune by facing the God of the Year.  You have three other auspicious directions and it is to your advantage to face one of these to avoid conflict.

The animal directly opposite the Grand Duke Jupiter in any given year is said to be in ‘conflict’ with him making their year challenging. 

To the fulfillment of your dreams

LynC

www.abundance-chi.com

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