The Building Whisperer

Sneak preview into what is in store for all of us in the Year of the Fire Boar

WE ARE COMING to that time of the year where we reflect on the year that has gone by so quickly, and anticipate with bated breath what the new year has in store for us.

So, it is timely for me to introduce you to the time aspects of feng shui. Not only is feng shui used for ensuring the luck of occupants in a residence, it is also frequently used for prediction purposes.

When we employ feng shui for prediction, we essentially deal with the time aspect of feng shui. One of the major feng shui systems that focuses on time is the San Yuan(three circle) system.

As the name suggests, time can be divided into three cycles (reflecting the changing quality of qi) spanning 60 years per cycle, and further divided into three periods of luck that spans 20 years per period. Between each 20-year period of luck, the quality of qi changes, but within a 20-year period of luck, the quality of qi in a particular enclosed space is relatively stable.

I use the term “relatively”, because the quality of qi also changes every year, every month and every day. But from a pragmatic point of view, it is impractical and ridiculous to conform to qi that changes every year, let alone day and month! So, from a feng shui perspective, a good feng shui master that uses this method should typically “ground” his client’s property using qi from the 20-year period luck, and yet respect the annual qi that prevails. Be wary of the master that tells you that you have to have your house feng shui’ed every year.

However, it would be fair to say that for most properties built in the prior period, they should have their feng shui reassessed, and, if necessary, “brought into” the energy pattern for the new period luck. There are many ways of doing this but the true ways are still a highly guarded secret.

We will often find that the three-to-four years approaching each of the 20-year period luck and the two-to-three “settling-in” years are fairly tumultuous times. We entered into the current 20-year period luck on Feb 4, 2004. The previous change in period luck occurred on Feb 4, 1984. Reflecting on world affairs during these times, it would perhaps be fair to say that actuality is consistent with theory. The good story now is that we should be settling in to a comparatively stable period as we move further into Period 8.

Each 20-year period luck has a Ba Gua number (1 to 9) assigned to it, and the one we are in is called the Period 8 Luck. We are now in the third year of Period 8 Luck of the San Yuan time aspect of feng shui. These Ba Gua numbers carry an underlying quality of qi that defines the peculiarities of each of the 20-year period. For instance, Period 7 is represented by Dui Gua, which symbolises exhilarating energy of the universe — radiating cheerfulness and stimulating growth. It also represents mouth and young lady. From these characteristics of Dui Gua, one can infer that during Period 7, the ability to speak and persuade could bring success. PR and consultancy firms, and those whose careers relied on persuasion and charisma, did particularly well during this period. Also, 7 represents the metal and fi re elements in the Later Heaven and Early Heaven Ba Gua formations, so companies in the metal and IT industries did well too.

It was also a time of growth for many companies. There were positive outcome in the Dui Period 7 Luck Period for those who worked hard and who were aided by good feng shui and destiny luck. The flipside was that this was also a time where flippant behaviour was tolerated, and a gift of the gab was rewarded.
No longer!

Because 8 is earth element according to the Later Heaven Ba Gua while it is wood element according to the Early Heaven Ba Gua, the areas of business that will do well will be related to land, production plant and plantations. It will also be a time for the youths of today, for Gen also means a young man.

Period 8 Luck is represented by Gen Gua and “mountain” is used to symbolise Gen’s energy. So, this period will have an ambience of stillness and calm, of reflection and consolidation. If we are not careful, things will come to a grinding halt. It is a time for hard work and endurance, which calls for businesses to have solid grounding. No longer will persuasion and marketing prowess be your key to success. Instead, you will need competence and organisational capability. For those of you who have slogged away and watched with envy your competitors smooth-talk their way to success all this while, your time has come. However, this does not mean that you can relax, for if you do, you will surely roll back down the mountain. You will need to continue to push upwards. But if all that has been said is practised, the mountain peak will be within sight.

The tumultuous events of the past few years will start to settle down, and hopefully we can look forward to more stable years ahead, human luck permitting.

Prediction highlights for 2007
Footnote: There are various ways to make predictions for the year and San Yuan Fei Xing is only but one method. In the teaser below, I have combined different methods. More about this in the next issue.

GENERAL YEAR FORECAST BY REGION

Southeast Asia
Business in this region will start to turn around and strengthen. There will be a lot of opportunities through networking.

China
Business will slow down; however, communication within China and China’s ability to communicate with other nations will improve.

North East (Japan and Korea)
Harder times for this region as there will be obstructions. During times like this, it is very important to work smart and have good feng shui to cushion any fall.

1st moon
Surprising news this month, generally good. Lots of opportunity, but can be bad also if your feng shui is not supportive. Be careful of too much indulgence as it can affect your health.
2nd moon
Good for marriage. Quarrelsome energies around, so try to keep the peace. Also a time for good news
3rd moon
This is a quarrelsome period so do not start partnerships now. Those who have worked hard will be acknowledged for their good reputation.
4th month
Encounters with obstruction, but if foundation is sound, and one works steadily, the rewards that relate to prowess and promotion will be yours.
5th month
A tough month ahead. Quarrels, gossips and back-stabbing abound. Will require intelligence and right timing to surmount these hurdles, and great success can be had. If not, then beware of getting into trouble.
6th moon
An unstable time, but with good feng shui, you can succeed. This is a good chance when dealing with property.
7th moon
A tough month ahead; tend to lose money. It’s not a time to speculate. Take care of your health, especially relating to the heart and kidney/urinary tract.
8th moon
A time for travels. Beware of accidents and be careful of what you eat.
9th moon
Beware of small-minded people. But those who have put in efforts in the past can receive promotion. Help will come from female support.
10th moon
The good work of the past will be the foundation of your future. Those who have built good foundations will see success. A good time for studying hard as the knowledge gained will be retained. More difficult times for women than men.
11th moon
A time for action, also a time for sudden surprises. Beware of quarrels though.
12th moon
A bright future ahead. Time to renovate your office. Good time for marriage and happy occasions. Money luck to be had.