| The
Earth Rat Year -2008 Overview
of 2008 Whatever our
background or interest in Feng Shui is, it is always useful to take time and reflect
on what may be coming in our direction over the horizon in the New Year. Here
I would like to share with you my insights using different perspectives and formulas
that look at the influence of time, both on us as individuals and also our space.
I like to think of the
annual influences in Feng Shui rather like the seasons. Seasons are predictable
but not right down to the wire. For example, knowing that Spring is on the way,
be prepared for it and take advantage of it. If you know your front door is weak
and the Winter is going to bring strong winds, then be prepared for it. For me
it has always been a fascinating study, not one to get neurotic about, but at
the same time to use a common sense and be prepared. The
Flying Stars in 2008 In
2008 I would be looking at the South East aspect of your property. The reason
being that during this 8 Fate Period the number 9 Star is particularly auspicious
as it represents the future and indeed aspects of your future wealth. Make sure
you de-clutter the South East regions this year and introduce healthy plants and
even water to feed that Wood Chi for this particular year. At
the same time in 2008 the 5 Yellow Star has rotated to the South position. The
5 Yellow Star is synonymous with potential danger. If your front door faces South
then the advice is always to place a 5 metal hollow wind chime just inside your
front door prior to the beginning of the New Year (7 February 2008). The
Earth Rat Year The
Chinese New Year is set to begin with celebrations on 7 February 2008. Actually,
its influence will be felt far earlier on 22 December 2007. Traditionally, this
was the time regarded by Imperial Court astrologers as the actual beginning of
the New Year. This thinking also ties up with astrology systems that emanated
from Europe and the Middle East at around the same time. The Winter solstice brought
about the New Year. In
Chinese horoscopes the Rat is the first sign of the Chinese Zodiac. It is also
the first hour in the Chinese clock and represents new beginnings and indeed prosperity.
The power of the Rat is to bring protection, passion, communication and dynamism,
sobriety, prosperity, calm and a deep care and concern for others. Each
of the Chinese animals is always linked with one of the Five Elements. 2008 brings
the influence of Earth into play which brings an additional sense of calm, generosity
and deep concern and care for others. The
last time that the Earth Rat came into play was in 1948. There were several turning
points in that year that are well worth noting as well. Key events from 1948 included: "
The foundation of the state of Israel
" The nationalisation of the British
Railways
" The introduction of the Marshall Plan
" The beginning
of the Cold War - The Berlin air lift
" The British National Health Service
was founded
" The First World Health Organisation Meeting was held in
Geneva
" The United Nations adopted the Universal Declaration of Human
Rights
" The World Council of Churches was formed Since
the Rat belongs to the very strong Water element and is the first of the twelve
animal signs it will also represent the beginning of a whole new cycle - in this
case the twelve year cycle. This can also bring about new leaderships and there
will be major elections with potential changes in leadership in several countries
including USA, United Kingdom, Russia and Taiwan. 2007
and 2006 were both years in Chinese astrology dominated by the element Fire. In
2008 and 2009 the leading element will now be Earth. Therefore, there is a shift
in the overall energy of the planet at this time. It is a stable time and one
where industries that relate to earth and metal will start to strengthen. These
include property development, minerals, mining, machinery, engineering, high-tech
industries and tourism. In
Chinese astrology there is always one animal that clashes with another one. During
2008 the clash is with the Horse and this means the element of Fire and Water
will clash. The month in 2008 that is governed by the Horse is June 2008 and be
wary about undertaking a major travels during this time. Earth
Rat people J. Arthur
Rank, Maurice Chevalier, T.S. Elliot, James Taylor, Olivia Newton-John, Gerard
Depardieu, Nicholas Soames, Dennis Waterman, Andrew Lloyd-Weber, Al Gore, Lynne
Franks, Steve Winward, Cat Stevens, Robert Plant, Gerry Adams, Barbara Dickinson,
Captain Mark Phillips, Trevor Brooking, Ronnie Wood, Rick Parfitt, Ozzy Osbourne,
Prince Charles, Noel Edmonds, John Belushi Earth
Rat Year and Feng Shui Each
of the Chinese animals belongs to a season and an actual compass direction. As
the Earth Rat swings into place, it occupies the position of the North. The position
of the ruling animal, within the compass, is known as the Grand Duke's position.
Using a small hand-bearing compass you can discover the precise location of North
both within and without your property by placing the compass at the centre of
your property. Notice where due North lies. To be precise it is between 354 degrees
and 008 degrees on your compass. It is never wise while the Grand Duke resides
in this sector of both your home or indeed your garden or indeed any part of the
workplace to disturb this area. Try not to undertake major renovations or building
work in this sector. If you do so, it is quite likely that there will be delays,
accidents or unexpected disruption. If it is absolutely essential that you do
need to work in this area then the advice from traditional Masters was always
to "strike the first blow" at some other point on the compass within
the property before then working on the position where the Grand Duke resides. Conclusion Overall
2008 appears to be a strong stable year and one of a degree of calm since the
introduction of the Earth element after two years (2006/2007) that were dominated
by the Fire element. I am also particularly excited by the re-emergence of the
Rat as this animal always brings new initiative and care to the party. Have a
brilliant year and any questions please do let me know. About
Jon Sandifer: 
Jon
is one of the leading experts in feng shui in the UK. He has written 8 books,
taught in 14 countries and is the former Chairman of the Feng Shui Society. In
2002 the Society made him a Life Fellow in recognition of his services to the
Feng Shui Society. With more than 25 years experience in the oriental healing
arts-feng shui, acupressure, macrobiotics, Chinese astrology, 9 Star Ki, face
reading and the I Ching-Jon brings plenty of knowledge and practical experience
to his teaching and consultation service.
http://www.fengshui.co.uk | 