The Association of Feng Shui Consultants was formed with the objective to define, promote and maintain a high level of standards in the practice of Traditional Feng Shui, and to ensure the Feng Shui profession has an outstanding reputation. The association provides a regular opportunity to discuss relevant issues such as standardisation, marketing and education to the public, as well as providing a referral service to Feng Shui consultants in the industry.

We have been very fortunate to have two articles donated by two of our members so I thought I would list both so please enjoy. The first article is by Edgar (Lok Tin) Yung whilst the 2nd article is by Vic Ketis.

Year of the Ox - 2009 by Edgar (Lok Tin) Yung

The Chinese year of the Ox begins on February 4 2009. This is the beginning of the Solar year in the Chinese calender.

The Lunar new year however falls on a different date every year which happens to be January 26th for 2009.

2009 Heaven Luck

In the Chinese almanac, each year is made up by two Chinese characters, one called the Heavenly Stem and Earthly Branch for the other. Remember that the Heaven is on the top and the Earth is underneath.

When we talk about the year of the Ox, it is just referring to the Earthly Branch "CHOU". However when it comes to forecast for the year, the Heavenly Stem must be put into the equation.

The Heavenly Stem for 2009 is (Ji). Its five elements is also Earth. It is Yin Earth. 2009 is called the Yin Earth Ox. (Ji Chou).

Ox, beef, cow, buffalo, cattle have the same five elements Earth. The Ox offended the Tai Sui (Grand Duke) in 2009. Therefore ox (the actual animal) will be in trouble and there will be news about meat contamination, food poisoning from beef around the year. It may be mad cow disease again.

The Earth (Heavenly Stem) on Earth (Earthly Branch), they are like brothers and sisters. This means the top level and the bottom level are in peace. There are no conflicts between them. The top level means Governments, big corporations or parents will harmonize with the bottom level the citizens, the workers, the children. In the other words, "Equal" (same five elements) means capitalism becoming proletarian.

Earth on Earth also symbolizes alike, homogeneity, as a result there will be a lot of news about homosexual couples, rules, regulations and policies for same sex couples.

In five element theories, Earth means: Trust, Confident, Mindset, Thinking, Religions, conceptions, philosophy and values.

Chou has embedded three elements in it. Other than the earth, it also contains Water (Gui) and Metal (Xin). Chou also called the "metal tomb". 2006 the year of the Dog (Xu, the fire tomb) embedded the fire element, with the Heavenly Stem Bing Fire. The Bing Fire able to suck the Fire from the Fire Tomb. That was why 2006 was so hot. (You can read article Year of the Dog 2006 for more explanation)

2009 the Heavenly Stem is Earth. It is NOT Metal. So the Metal will be still embedded in the Chou which cannot be sucked out. Therefore the Metal remain kept under the Earth (Chou).

Metal is finance. With the hints of the five elements above, we can predict that, in 2009 although there will be a lot of ideas, concepts trying to save/rescue the financial market, people still will have trust and confident issue. Confident is still low. Please be careful in January, April, July, and October 2009. They are the bumpiest time for shares in 2009.

Metal, digging out from the Earth, is mineral which embedded inside the Earth (Chou) is not sucking out by the Heavenly Stem. In other words, the production output of metal (iron, cupper, zinc) from the Earth is reduced. As such the mining industry will be slowing down in 2009. It is on a downward trend.

The Water embedded inside the Chou represents money. Colloquially saying in Chinese "water is Money." Now the water is conquered by heavy Earth. Just imagine what will happen to your money if you are robbed. With this in mind, it wise to avoid the money being robbed, so keep them in a safe place.

Year of Ox is a religion year

The year of the Ox belongs to Religions, Conceptions, Philosophy, innovations and Values. In 2009 there will be a lot of news in relation to policies changes, new policies, rules and regulations. With the Heaven Luck in 2009 is a "Change" year. Obama's slogan for election was "Change we can believe in". His slogan is matched with the 2009 "Change". That was why he is elected.

We will see a lot of news in relation to high profile religion figures. Religious conflicts will worsen and more news about pedophilia will come from the religion sector.

2008/2009 "Blasting Fire" still valid

In 2008 and 2009, the five elements for the each Heavenly Stem and Earthly Branch combined is Fire. It has a special name called "Blasting Fire". Coincidentally the flying star number 9 located at the middle of the palace. Number 9 star is associated with fire. There will be more burning fire raiding through forest, properties, and volcano eruptions.

"Blasting fire" means the fire comes very fast and quick. So people should do their best to prevent fire and implement a fire plan. Make sure smoke alarm in working order.

In terms of weather

In terms of weather, 2009 will be remaining a cooler year compare with 2006, 2007. 2009 will have more rainfall again. The average temperature will be lower.

The Water (Gui) embedded in Chou, also bonds with Chou, this means water can cause land slide where places near the seas, oceans, or waterways. We will also hear more earthquakes or collapse of buildings in 2009.

2009 Earth Luck

Earth Luck is to deal with the bad energy where we live, work and play. That is the Feng Shui components of our house and office for the year of the Ox.

Each year, there are three major, Shas (Bad Energy) flying around. These three Shas have the power to override any flying stars combination regardless how good the chart is. These three Shas are called.

  • 1. Tai Sui (Grand Duke). It is located at the North East North
  • 2. San Sha (Three Killings) San Sha arrives at the East.
  • 3. Five Yellow. It is landed at the North.

  • Number one rule to deal with those Shas is not to "Move Earth", dinging, renovation in those areas

    The North East North (22.5 ~ 37.5) has Tai Sui

    Tai Sui or Grand Duke is the yearly King. The Tai Sui controlling the North East North sector in the year of the Ox. The North East North sector is Earth element too. It is related to the digestive system in our body including, stomach, pancreas, muscle and cells. As such, the health problems related to earth could be stomach problem, food poisoning (especially meat from beef), diarrhea, muscle ache, cells disorder and even cancers.

    The best way to prevent bad luck and sickness is not to stir up the yearly bad energy spots. All the yearly bad energy areas have a tiger sleeping there. It will be fine if the sleeping tiger has not been disturbed. However, if the tiger is wakening up, it will bite you. "Move earth" will wake the tiger up, so do not dig, nailing, chisel and renovate the Tai Sui sector including the floor, ground, garden, the walls inside and outside.

    If your house facing North East North or the main door is located at the Tai Sui sector, be sure closing the door slowly and gently when come in and go out.

    The Three killings is at the East (67.5 - 112.5)

    The East sector got the Three-killings. It covers a very big area. Three killings represents lawsuits, gossips, arguments.

    The east sector is wood element. In health, it is related to the arms, the legs, the hips and the back areas. Internally, wood represents the liver and the gall bladder. The Trigram for the east sector is Zhen. Zhen is the elder son or the male master of the family. For the elder son and father they should look after the above body parts well. Be care of traffic issues (accidents, traffic fine, road raid, and speeding) in Jan, May and September 2009.

    Keep this area as quiet as possible. If the three killings bad energy is disturbed, there would be 3 unfortunate incidents happen.

    Don't place any moving objects at the East Sector including fish tanks.

    Place a round Metal object in this area to dissolve the bad energy.

    You cannot change the main door position but you can move yourself away from the bad energy areas. If the house has a room at the South East Sector of the house, then move to this area.

    The South East sector of the house has a number 8 star in 2009. The number 8 star is a money star. It is recommended to activate this area by place a pot (black one) with 80% full of clear of water at the south east area. Make sure it is at south east sector. Do not place the water at the three killings area.

    The North has Five Yellow

    The Five Yellow, representing misfortune and obstacle arrives at the North sector in the year of the Ox. If your north sector of the house or office is an important area such as bedroom or entrances, it is recommended that place a ceramic Ox to dissolve this bad energy or move away from this area.

    The North sector is Water element. It is related to the excretion systems including, kidneys, urethra, prostate gland for male, bladders and other water system in our body. March, September and December are the worse months. If any part of the ox breaks away, another new ox should be replace immediately.

    The lucky corner at the South East

    The money corner is at the south east in 2009. As mentioned above, the south east is related to money. It has the number 8 money star. You can move to and sleep at this area if there is a room. If the south east area is a living area, place a pot (black one) with 80% full of clear of water at this area to attract money.

    If you want to conceive a baby, use the south east and the middle palace of the house more often. This means activate the middle of the house and the south east sector by human activities.

    Human Luck Individually in 2009

    Chinese Astrology examines not only the year of birth but also the Month Day and the Birth hour. It is difficult to exactly predict by the animal sign how each year will affect each person individually at a very details level. Such animal sign astrology is not totally reliable as the system is only examined 12.5% (1/8) of the four pillars chart. For more reliable assessment, it is recommended that to check the full Four Pillars of Destiny with a reputable Chinese Astrologer.

    Just based on the yearly heavenly stem and earthly branch, some animals are more sensitive than the others. The most sensitive animals affecting by the Grand Duke in 2009 are the Ox, Goat, Dog and Dragon.

    The heavenly stem of 2009 is Yin Earth (Ji). The Earthly Branch underneath is Earth too (Chou). Earth sits on Earth. It is full of earth. In health issue, earth is associated with stomach, pancreas, problem, food poisoning (especially meat from beef), diarrhea, muscle ache, cells disorder and so on. For animal signs are Ox, Goat, Dog and Dragon must be paid more attention to those areas.

    For Ox, Goat, Dog and Dragon eat less beef, steaks but more poultry and green vegetables. Green vegetable is wood which conquers the earth.

    The year of the Ox is Mindset, Thinking sort of year. So general speaking Ox, Goat, Dog and Dragon will become more stubborn and insist their own thinking. With the stubbornness it may cause a lot conflicts, arguments with others. So be more open minded to discuss with your spouse, partners, managers, bosses and colleagues and be open minded to listen to the others opinions.

    Ox, Goat, Dog and Dragon should also avoid go to the hospitals, funerals.

    For female Ox, Goat, Dog and Dragon, giving birth in 2009 will reduce a lot of bad energy and troublesome.

    Do more exercises, be more active and think positively. For exercises, need to make sure there is sweating for every exercise.

    Donation of blood or having a blood test done in January and July will help reduce bad energy too.

    The following is a guide for each animal and their luck in the year of the Ox. It is a guide only. For more accurate reading, please seek professional Chinese Astrologers.

    Ox (Born in 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009)
    Every 12 years, the animal signs repeat once. For someone born in the year of the Ox i.e. 1961, twelve years later, in 1973, it comes to the year of the Ox again. In Chinese Astrological term, it is called the "same animal sign year". So Ox, in 2009 is having a same animal sign year. As such Ox in 2009 will have a busy schedule, big pressure from every direction. Do not be too stubborn to insist your own principals. Bad gossip will be around. Boss will watch closely at the Ox. Do not argue with colleagues, supervisors or the bosses. Be open minded.

    Take extra care with the diets. Eat healthily, more vegetables. Try to avoid beef or steak. Do more exercises. For exercises you need to make sure there is sweating for every exercise.

    Barack Obama was born in the 4th August 1961. He is an Ox. Not only that he will experience the same animal sign year effects mentioned above, but also he is having a few clashes his chart. It is a tough year ahead for him. January and August are the months to pay more attention to his news.

    Goat (Born in 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003),
    The Goat is having a clash with the Ox in 2009. Clash means confrontation. There will be big change for the Goat, like career change, job change, position shuffle school change, moving house or traveling.

    The Goat has a yearly star called "Da Ho" which in English means "Big spending." So for the Goat spend wisely. It is wise to buy something will be valuable in the future. Avoid high risk investments. Beware of contract terms if contract need to be signed.

    For Goats born in 1991, they must drive very carefully after obtain the driving license. As clashing easily cause traffic accident.

    For the Goat, in 2009 if planning of traveling, avoid going to the northeast direction. The northeast direction is the Grand Duke direction which will increase the level of the clash.

    Blood Donation is encouraged and is one of the best ways to reduce bad luck and on the hand attract good luck in 2009. If blood donation scares you, try to do a blood test or visit a dentist in Jan and July 2009.

    Dragon (Born in 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000)
    Beware of lawsuit in partnership with others. It may happen in April, July and October. It is better to be conservative than aggressive. Keep all the ideas in your heart. Do not be presumptuous to give ideas. It is important to keep calm since there will be a lot of different ideas exchange with the Boss or colleagues.

    Dog (Born in 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006)
    The dog has a penalty relationship with the Ox. This means that the Dog will be easily punished by their superiors or by the Law. Be very careful on what to say in public speaking especially in July. Easily break rules, like traffic rules and get penalty and fine.

    Rat (Born 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996)
    will be much better than in 2008. The bad gossips or lawsuit is going away slowly. The Rat and the Tai Sui bond together this year. The bonding means in the year of the Ox, Rat will be meeting new friends, new relationship and new partnership. Whether the new friendship, relationship or partnership is good or bad, it is depending on the Four Pillars chart. If Earth is one of the favor elements, then obviously the end result will be on the good side. The positive changes normally start toward the birthday month.

    Tiger (Born in 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998)
    In the year of the Ox will be a busy year for the Tiger. Tiger's five elements is wood. Wood conquers earth the Tai Sui as well as underground bonding with the Tai Sui. This means for the working tigers, they would get power/authority from the superiors. However the Tiger will be segregated by the others.

    Rabbit (Born in 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999)
    The relationship impact from the year of the Rat is gradually faded away. The lawsuit will also have a clear outcome and fading away. For the Rabbit’s parents or grand parents will have health problems. There may be funeral affair in the family.

    Snake (Born in 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001)
    Snake is bond with the Tai Sui to form metal element. If metal element is a favor element, then the income will be increased. Snake will have a lot more social activities or dinner parties dinning out more in 2009.

    Horse (Born in 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002)
    The clash in 2008 the year of the Rat will subside. After 2008 things will settle down at around your birthday. Be very clear mind, it is easy to get into trouble simply too stubborn.

    Monkey (Born in 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004)
    It is wise to remember to be clam in 2009. Remember this Chinese saying: "Guns shoot at the birds for those pop their head up first." At the good side, monkey has a good star "Heaven Happiness" in the year of the Ox. There will be something good happen like getting married or having a baby. Second half of the year will be better than the first half for the monkey. There will be someone helping too.

    Rooster (Born in 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005)
    is very much like the Snake. The rooster is bond with the Tai Sui to form metal element as well. If metal element is a favor element, then the income will be increased. There may be a small operation in March in relation to the arms, legs or the back.

    Pig (Born in 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007)
    for the pig, this year has the "courier horse" star. There will be a lot of outdoor excursions, interstate or international business trips. It will be internal transfer to a different nature of job in the same organization as well

    About Edgar (Lok Tin) Yung

    Edgar (Lok Tin) Yung, is a committee member of AFSC and has been using Feng Shui and Chinese Astrology including Ba Zhai (Four Pillars, 4 Pillars) and Ziwei Duo Shu, helping the Chinese community in Melbourne Australia since early 2000. Edgar has been writing Feng Shui and Chinese Astrology articles for two Chinese weekly magazines in Melbourne since 2003.

    Visit Edgar's website : www.loktinfengshui.com

    Year of the Ox - 2009 by Vic Ketis

    This year begins the Chinese Year of the Earth Ox.

    Chinese Astrology generally categorises each year according to an animal sign. The year currently ending, 2008 is the Rat and the upcoming year is the Ox. There are 12 Chinese celestial animals and the sequence is cyclical. With any Earth year there are three important dynamics present. First the year itself. Secondly the Ox is end of the water cycle of years which has seen the world dominated with discussion of water issues, management and conservation. Thirdly it represents transition into the next elemental cycle which Wood beginning with the Tiger (2010) and the Rabbit (2011). We can expect the themes that the new element brings to begin to filter in as well as we move through the year.

    The year of the Rat importantly being the first animal of the 12 year cycle denotes beginnings and the Ox being the second which carries forward the impulse and changes begun in that year. We can expect the momentum of Global financial and geopolitical changes to continue. So we can expect the Ox will be a busy year, full of change uncertainty, expectation and possibility. Its inherent element of Earth however shows us how to negotiate the year with confidence.

    2009 is the International year of Astronomy.

    This is a year that highlights the energies and influences of the immediate planets of the Solar System to the planetary and celestial bodies beyond the Solar System. This is a good year to engage with the physics and metaphysics of this immense body of knowledge as it may give a reference point of psychological orientation that can help guide us through the challenging times we are now facing. The inherent energies of the planets which speak through the constellations and signs, are currently acting with intensity and will so for the next few years catalysing immense change and momentum of growth and development for us individually and collectively. This is reflected in the Chinese astrological cycle of years.

    Importantly the purpose of Astrology is not so much predictive in terms of indicating what 'will' happen, Astrology whether it be Chinese, Planetary, Vedic, Numerology etc can only predict the upcoming energy cycles. These cycles have certain, often specific themes, but how they manifest exactly in our lives or events on the planet cannot be answered. We can only look at the dynamics of energy and assess the potential possibilities of manifestation.

    In addition to the animal sign of the year there are other associated energies and cycles that have to be evaluated and interpreted which are important in the assessment of the current and upcoming influences. It provides the broader context within which the year(s) occur and their influence.

    Chinese astrology traditionally considers the energy qualities of the upcoming animal sign of the year. This year is the year of the Ox. This is also called the 'earthly character', earthly influence, or earthly 'Branch'. The Earthly branch is also associated with an element, the Ox being 'earth'. We can consider this an 'earth' year. His will be discussed as the focus of astrology is it energetics as opposed to the quality of the animal sign. The qualities of earth are nurturing, harmonising, centering, and cohering. The Ox picks up where the rat leaves off so we can expect the changes and momentum of 2008 to continue. However the Ox indicate we can approach the year in a stable centred coherent way to make adjustments and re-orient ourselves for the future when the dynamic impulses of the Year of the Tiger (2010) and Rabbit (2011) come in.

    Earth is one of the five fundamental elements or energies that comprise the Chinese Philosophical paradigm that includes the medicine and Astrology. Interestingly the earth element is central element so there are immediate connotations with re-centering ourselves, assimilating and integrating the changes of the 2008. Earth also encourages us to remain grounded and centered in the face of the challenges we face in the current and upcoming years. The earth, its archetypal and energetic qualities properly understood can also help us psychologically negotiate the demands of the time periods we face in the upcoming year. We are also transiting the bigger 20 year cycle from 2004 till 2024 called the Age of 8 which is also an earth element time period so we could say that the year of the Ox will also reflect the energy of this larger time period.

    We cannot look at the year of the Ox without first reviewing the Year of the Rat Traditionally the Rat is the first animal of the twelve year cycle of animal of the Chinese Zodiacal system. Therefore it represents birth of the new or rebirth from the remnants of the old.

    The Year of the Rat is one of two midpoints of the Yin Yang cycle. We have reached the darkest point of the cycle, the place where Yin energy reaches its height of the intense concentration of internality. It can be represented also as midnight when it is at its darkest and the sun is on the other side of the globe.

    Thus the Year of the rat represents endings and rebirth within the bigger 20 year cycle of the Age of 8. This age is the last 20 Year age in a 180 Year cycle therefore also representing endings and rebirth. Therefore the Year of the rat represents a year of endings and rebirth in a cycle of endings and rebirth and that is what we have seen.

    We are moving into a transformational time period akin to the 1960's. The 60's were the time of greatest social, cultural, political, sexual revolution that the world experienced in the last century. It went from the year of the Rat, 1960, with the election of John F. Kennedy who was the first catholic president ever elected, to the next year of the Rat, 1972. Kennedy’s election also represented the change of order and the impulse of the new which was to become known as the 60's replacing the incumbent retiring isenhower and defeating the Republican candidate Richard Nixon. His election marked the beginning of a new era. We are now also at the beginning of a significant new era with the election of Barack Obama. But as with any beginning the direction and future remain uncertain.

    2008 has seen a tremendous year of change highlighted by the impact of the Global financial crisis and the election to Presidency of Obama. The change of cycle correlating with the end of the old order and the birth of the new. This is also evident in that in the last year to 18 months there have been changes of leadership in nearly every major government in the world, often with a fresh new face replacing an older long term leader of out dated vales and ideas. Bush, Blair, Chirac, Howard, Clark (NZ), Castro, Mbeki, 2 Japanese Prime ministers being replaced by Obama, Sarkozy, Rudd, etc. The world financial structures have also collapsed showing their inadequacies. This is catalysing enormous change. The Year of the Ox will encourage us to re-evaluate our direction goals and motivations. The impulse of the Earth Ox is a humanitarian one. We can harmonise with the impulse of the year by making choices about our life direction that are an expression of our deeper essential soulful values and heart felt impulses.

    Businesses and projects that can be successful are ones that are service and humanitarian oriented. They are harmonising with the energies of the time. Those not in harmony with the energies such as purely profit based enterprises, unethical and immoral money making schemes and fast money seem limited. More of these kinds of enterprises will be exposed.

    The principle energies Earth represent Stability, coherency and centering. The year of the Ox gives us the chance to consolidate and integrate the changes of the previous year, the Rat. It can also be a year of planning of new strategies that can be implemented in the following years of the Tiger (2010) and rabbit (2011). These years represent creativity, new growth, implementation of new strategies and paradigms. The Ox being earth represents patience, endurance, and sustained effort toward a goal and adopting these qualities will help us negotiate the continued challenges of the year.

    The changes on the earth will continue but the way thru will be thru remaining centered, this meaning focusing on an internal spiritual center from which we can effectively operate in the world

    The earth traditionally represents stability, groundedness, coherence, the resistance to change. However, rather than being an inert mass of soil, mud rocks, sand, minerals and geological substance, the earth is alive. Alive, physically and energetically. Physically as deep within the earth are tremendous forces creating construction and destruction that are constantly driving the earth in its evolution. There will be continues changes this year in the areas of finance, business, jobs, education etc as was catalysed last year.

    In an earth year and time period we could do worse than studying the ancient earth sciences such as Geomancy and Dowsing, perhaps even geology, to give us knowledge and insights about the earth, its complexities and mysteries. Tuning into the earth's wisdom if you will. This would contribute to solving the environmental and climatic crisis that faces us. It seems that the crisis may also propel research and insight into these fields that will reveal more of the earth's secrets and mysteries. This is very much the theme of an earth year in an earth Age. This could thereby catalyse solutions to the problems and bring healing that is required on the grand scale now demanded

    One of the major leaders in this field is anticipatory design scientist Bill Mc Donough. As Time Magazine's man of the year in 1999, he remains on the leading edge of eco sustainable design and his work demands attention.

    At this point it would be remiss not to acknowledge the passing in December 2008, of the designer of Sydney Opera House, Danish architect Joern Utzon. The most Iconic building of the contemporary era and now widely appreciated and admired, the Sydney Opera House design incorporates archetypal and esoteric themes in its structure, orientation and design, the influence perhaps not even fully understood to this present day. Interestingly Utzon was often seen referring to 10 ancient Chinese building design books (Feng Shui?) from the Sun Dynasty in the midst of his work, particularly when a difficult problem presented itself. The great tragedy was that he was not understood at the time, a dilemma often experienced by revolutionary and innovative thinkers. His work will be increasingly acknowledged not only as a building but as an art form for years to come when the esoteric significance of the design is identified.

    Another earth science of particular relevance that also has a cosmological connection is Feng Shui. Feng Shui application to building whether existing or for new designs is also evolving. The subtleties of space, color, shape, dimension, alignment etc, are being further explored through the sciences of sacred space and geometry. Why is it that Feng Shui, an ancient science of thousands of year has only recently surfaced and become prominent? The impulse of the time and the age and as we approach the transition of the Age of Pisces to the Age of Aquarius (2150) demands deeper soulful and spiritual alignment. Our buildings then also have to have alignment to the forces of influence. A building is the interface between man and the cosmological forces. We can use the Year of the Ox to bring our homes and workplaces into greater harmony and alignment. The movement toward sustainability and harmony is gaining momentum as we are feeling the need for our buildings to support us.

    Being an earth year (in an Earth cycle the Age of 8!), perhaps there will be new information revealed about the Earth and the secrets and mysteries. We can also listen to the artists, poets, writers and musicians of our time who often have the ability to tap into the collective material and illuminate the way ahead.

    The earth Ox represents humanity, so family and social values are highlighted here. The effort should be made for reconciliation and harmonization if possible. The earth represents healing so advance in this area are catalysed this year. Interesting Barack Obama's inauguration speech very much represented this where he offered negotiation and engagement with those countries previously considered enemies. Obama and his values represent the impulse of the time and his inspiration has touched us all. We can help him by holding him in our thoughts and adopting his philosophies. However the year of the Ox is not considered a favorable one for Obama. It brings him challenges so it is expected that his first year may not be so smooth and be fraught with challenges.

    Interestingly the trend of new world leaders is moving away from the dictatorial power dominated paradigm. What are emerging are leaders of intellect and vision such as Obama, Rudd and Sarkozy.

    The nature of the movement of the earths force is centripetal, this means directed toward the core by gravity. A centering force if you will. As our physical body is represented by the earth element in an earth year, we can harmonise with the energy by doing Centering exercises physically and psychologically. For example in the practice of Tai Chi, Aikido and many martial arts the emphasis is to the focus energy internally to our physical centre or Hara as we move, interact with partners and do Jo, Sword, kata or movements. The Hara, also called the Tai Chi is the physical centre of the body and is located approximately 3 inches below the navel. Centering is done through conscious movement, concentrating our energy in the body at this point. As this is done it harmonises the body as it creates a fulcrum around which the rest of the body moves. The consequence is an ease of movement and consciousness becomes meditative and centred. We feel in harmony, centred and the energy is out of our heads and lower in the body. We learn to use our Chi or Ki as it is termed in Japanese. There are some schools which teach disciplines of mind-body centering. True adherents of the martial arts spend a lifetime developing this as the energy deepening the training. It is an infinite process and the internal universe is also infinite, awaiting discovery and unfoldment. Deeper potentials can be identified and accessed in an earth year.

    Centering in all its facets, physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually are the themes of the year as externally we are still up for more change to stimulate transformation. To be psychologically centred also follows being physically cantered. This could be discussed in many ways and much material devoted to the study. Suffice to say in an earth year the emphasis is to develop our sense of physical, psychological and spiritual centeredness. Undergoing a spiritual practice such as Tai Chi, Aikido, or Yoga will put us in resonance with the rhythms of the year. More moderately a holiday retreat or walk in the country is also highly recommended. This is beneficial anytime of course but in an earth year, the body, which represents the earth, is emphasised.

    Eating centering earth quality natural soulful food is also recommended. Healthful foods including grains and vegetable that assist us in being calm and centered and assist the assimilation and integration, and transformation of life experiences. There can be great gains with focused attention to health improvement this year.

    The Lunar New Year begins on January 26th and the Solar New year on February 4. As with 2008 the Lunar New year correlates with an Solar Eclipse followed by a lunar eclipse on February 10th. An eclipse usually brings change either external or internal, triggering emotional, spiritual, physical shifts. The purpose of which is to show more clearly the souls intentions and the possibilities of the future. Eclipses usually involve letting go of something but its difficult to predict what that will be. But it's often of something that is no longer appropriate, very much in the vein of the current cycle of years. However it is wise to proceed with caution, centering and patience through an eclipse cycle.

    In conclusion the Year of the Ox represents as year to consolidate, digest, integrate the changes of 2008, as well as move and remain centred with the ongoing necessary shifts that are emerging. It is wise to be patient and develop well thought out strategies and projects that can be implemented in 2010 and 2011, the year of the Tiger and the Rabbit. We are in an era where the old structures that are no longer serving us are being broken down. The answer is not to save the old but create new paradigms for the new emerging humanitarian world that can take form in the next few years.

    About Vic Ketis

    Vic Ketis is the principal of the Australian Academy of Feng Shui, offering Certificate training and education in Feng Shui, Chinese Astrology and I Ching theory and divination. With over eight years teaching experience in the field, he is a professional speaker both Australia wide and internationally. Having over twenty years experience in the health industry, he maintains a strong focus on creating solid foundations for holistic balance and wellbeing through the intricate teachings of these Chinese Science and Philosophies.

    Visit Vic's website : http://www.australianacademyoffengshui.com.au