Chinese Compass

On February 4th, 2010 we will begin the Year of the Metal Tiger. This means that in Chinese Astrology the Year God (or Tai Sui) will be the Tiger. Those born in the year of the Tiger should be cautious as they will be receiving the biggest and strongest portion of the energy of the year. Imagine all of the twelve animals of the Chinese Zodiac seated around a big round table for a feast (just like a Chinese Feng Shui Compass). The Tiger will get the first, biggest serving of everything that there is to offer this year. So if this is year of peace, the Tiger will have the first, biggest serving of peace. If it is a year of conflict, the Tiger will have the first, biggest serving of conflict. The animal directly opposite the Tiger at the table (or on the compass) is called the Sui Po. For 2010 the Sui Po is the Monkey. Because the Monkey is opposite the Tai Sui he is in a dangerous position. You don’t want to be in opposition to the God who is in charge for the year. Other compass areas are affected by the Tai Sui as well. For 2010 those areas cover most of the north (including NW and NE) and the southwest.

So why should you care? If you want to practice Feng Shui you will avoid disturbing the north and southwest areas of your lot. If you are a gardener this is not the year for you to put that irrigation system in the southwest of the lot. Keep it clean, weeded, and quiet but no digging. Bad luck will follow if you disturb those sleeping gods.  They say that those who do the actual work will get the worst effect so if you hire someone else to do the work it will affect them and you, too.

One of the reasons that I enjoy Feng shui so much is that there are almost always common sense reasons to follow the recommendations.  What I mean is we can understand the premises of astrology, physics or biology behind the Feng Shui advice, but there is almost always a more tangible and mundane aspect that applies as well.  It’s really not a bad idea to let some of the areas of your garden “rest” each year.  You can only do so much work anyhow.