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An expert shares their tips to make this your most auspicious year yet.
With two new years in one month, January has shaped up to be quite auspicious. The world is eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Lunar New Year on January 22, 2023, which is also the Year of the Rabbit. But according to Feng Shui expert Patrick Lim Fernandez, it’s no ordinary rabbit year, but is what he calls, the year of the Romantic Water Rabbit.
“It’s romantic because the rabbit is a Peach Blossom Star, [which] in ancient China signified undying love. There are even signs that are going to be extra lucky from the relationship perspective: the tiger, the horse, and the dog. But in general, what it means for everyone is that if you’re single, it’s a good time to open yourself up to this energy, [as] there may be a good chance for finding the one. For people in relationships, it’s a good time to nurture them, and also those with family and friends as well,” he advises. This friendly energy likewise extends into the business realm, as Fernandez shares that it’s also an opportune time to strengthen bonds at work.
The year likewise has a Nobleman star, which he explains is kind of like a benefactor. “It’s someone in power or authority who will be able to help others, [meaning] you’ll be getting unexpected help sometimes. So, it’s a good thing if you are able to ask for help when you need it. At the same time, if you can be a benefactor to others, it would also give one good positive chi,“ he declares.
The geomancer comes from a family of experts that has run the Yin and Yang Shop of Harmony for more than two decades. Aside from being trained by his family and notable figures, he likewise holds an undergraduate degree in management, and is pursuing a masters in data science at Harvard. The latter he put to good use by downloading and analyzing data from NASA, sharing how the East and West can actually support each other. “There’s a good marriage of thought between modern structures and frameworks to analyze data, with ancient belief systems,” he believes.
He explains the concept of luck or chi, that is perhaps the basis of the ancient art of Chinese astrology. “Every year, there’s an alignment of the Earth with different planetary objects and the stars. And based on the specific imprint of the year, there are going to be energies that are stronger. And we find what these stronger energies are [that] we can utilize, and [we] use ancient Feng Shui books and astrology charts,” explains Fernandez.
Fernandez shares that we can think of one’s horoscopes as akin to a “weather forecast” for the energies of the year. It’s not written in stone, and there are a lot of things one can try and change, but it’s always good to be prepared.
Rat
Born in 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020
Those under the sign of the Rat are advised to make new friends, as a lot of their luck and money will come from the new relationships that they make this year. It’s a year that’s also good in the financial realm, so they should try and maximize, and diversify their income streams, both direct income and side hustle as well as passive income, like investments and rentals.
One thing to watch out for though is the presence of the Illusory Romance Star in their charts, which for those in relationships, means that one might get into temptations or morally gray areas. It is advised they apply their best judgment to avoid bad situations.
Ox
Born in 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021
The keyword for the Ox this year is planning. Those born under this sign are advised to come up with their goals and milestones for the year, and to do so in a detailed manner with a specific timeline. Additionally, they should hold themselves accountable to their plans, and have others hold them accountable, too. There might be unforeseen hurdles or obstacles on the horizon, so having a plan will allow them to come up with contingencies.
There may also be some fluctuating emotions for the Ox this year, so they should try to keep calm and avoid making decisions when they’re running either very high or low. They should also be mindful of their surroundings, and avoid risky activities, to eschew injury and keep themselves out of harm’s way.
Lastly, Oxen should pay attention to the health of the elderly in their family, especially in the mental and emotional aspect. They should make sure these family members are keeping healthy, and following the proper regimens.
Tiger
Born in 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022
Having just finished the year of the Tiger in 2022 where they were under the spotlight, those under this sign may see a little change in their luck. Nonetheless, there’s still something to look forward to, like the Enhanced Social Star, where people will regard Tigers well when they meet them and talk to them. This bodes well for public figures, the media, people of influence, or influencers even.
Tigers may get a little restless or anxious this year though, so they should watch out for their mental health and try not to let things get to them too much. Their overall health should also be a priority, so they should adopt a healthy lifestyle with good nutrition, sleep, and exercise.
Lastly, they should pay extra attention to their belongings, as they may have a propensity to lose small things—like perhaps a wallet, or a phone—this year.
Rabbit
Born in 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023
As this is the Rabbit year, it would be a good year for those born under this sign. It’s a chance for them to showcase their talents, as people will be watching.
The Rabbit also has the Intelligence Star, so they will be able to absorb information quickly. It’s the perfect time to learn a new skill, take up a new class, or even learn by just doing. Focus on something either for personal satisfaction, or for work, as one should pick stuff up quickly.
On top of that, there’s also the Wealth Star, so it’s a good year for earning and keeping money. If one is interested in investing in property or different assets, this may be a good year to consider that.
There will however be a Conflict or Discord Star in their charts, so they should watch out for any potential disagreements in the home or office. If they do arise, the Rabbit should try to be the bigger person so they won’t be an instigator of these fights, and will instead help cool things down.
Dragon
Born in 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012
There’s a lot of yang energy coming from the Sun Star this year, so a lot of their luck will be coming from the males in their lives. This could be their dad, brother, male colleagues or friends, so they should pay attention to these relationships.
It’s also a good year for professional advancement. If one is in the corporate world, there’s good energy to rise up in the ranks or even to the top. This year will also be good for their businesses, and students with the Dragon sign are also likely to do well.
However, there might be some unforeseen instances that may come up, so one should just be adaptable. Dragons may also get a bit disinterested, withdrawn or isolated. So it would be advisable for them to try to focus on the positives and be flexible.
Snake
Born in 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013
The Snake has the Travel Star this year, so it would be the perfect time for them to travel, especially if they are crossing a body of water as this will enhance their chi even more. Travel in this sense also means expanding horizons, as this star brings with it an air of change. A lot of lucrative opportunities may come from new connections, so one should be open to meeting new people.
One thing to guard against is that the Snake may have a propensity to get into a bad mood this year. Snakes who may find themselves in one of these moods, should be aware of it so as not to strain their relationships. Or, if one is in a relationship or friends with a Snake, one should try to be more understanding of them this year.
Horse
Born in 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014
For the Horse, this is where the Yin energy is this year. They are advised to put effort into building relationships with the females around them, be it family, colleagues or friends. It would also be good if one has a business that caters to women, to leverage this energy.
This is also a good year for relationships as they have the Peach Blossom Star, so make sure to spend time with family, and focus on renewing bonds with loved ones.
The Horse should however be careful, and not be too aggressive as they may end up biting more than they can chew. In doing so, they could end up feeling overextended or stressed out. It’s likewise key for them to have the appropriate level of expectation with things. They should try not to do everything at once, or overinvest in anything financially.
The Horse should also be extra careful of what they say or write, as some words may convey a double meaning. Context is key.
Goat
Born in 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015
In the Chinese zodiac, the Rabbit has two friends, the Goat and the Pig. Being in such a favorable position, it could be a good year for expansion, be it in terms of your business, or in the scope of your work if one is in the corporate field.
There’s also this Creative Star, which could allow you to come up with new ideas, products, and services, or even innovative ways of solving old problems. It’s also a good year for creative fields. Goats should try to get as much good advice as they can from different people, so as to obtain more nuggets of inspiration.
There is however this star in their chart that may make them feel like nothing is happening, even if they may be working hard. Goats may also get irritated or stressed out a little easier this year. It’s wise to stay patient, and not to get frustrated, as things are happening in their time.
Monkey
Born in 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016
Last year was a little challenging, as the Monkey clashed with the Tiger. This year will hopefully be a little better for them.
For the Monkey, there’s a Leadership star, so it may be time to show off their abilities. They should try and take the lead, and put themselves out there. If there’s a vacancy in a leadership position, Monkeys will likely do well. They should also try and widen their networks and look for mentors, as one will get a lot of knowledge from them this year.
Because of the Small Drain Star, those under this sign may end up spending on a lot of little things that will eventually add up. Guard against impulse buying, and pay attention to one’s credit card bills.
Rooster
Born in 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017
As the Rooster is positioned directly across the Rabbit, this sign is the clash or conflict sign of the year. If it is you clash year, it may be good to host or attend happy celebrations as this brings up your chi. Take this also as a reminder to give to charity, volunteer, and pay it forward more.
It also has the Big Drain Star, so that could signify money going out or financial losses. To help counter the effects of the clash, you could consider making good, solid and safe investments. Thus, even if money is flowing out, it would be an asset instead of an expense.
There is also the Legal Star, so Roosters may get into legal or contractual disputes. You should review everything carefully, and have a lawyer go over contracts to avoid confusion.
Dog
Born in 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018
The Dog is the best friend of the Rabbit, and those under the canine sign likewise have the Emperor Star this year. This is good for their wealth, career and authority. It will also be a good year for problem solving, as the Dog may be able to solve problems for themselves and others.
They should however watch out for arguments and false expectations. Dogs shouldn’t have too high of an expectation with others, or be unclear with their expectations, so as not to feel disappointed. There’s also the Health Star, so like in some other signs, Dogs should to adopt a healthy lifestyle.
Pig
Born in 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019
The Pig, another friend of the Rabbit, has the Sky Chef Star this year, which refers to happy celebrations and food. Overall, it’s a good year to both attend and host parties, as a lot of one’s good chi would be coming from this.
For the Pig, one thing to watch out for is losing focus or resolve this year as a result of too many goals. They should make sure to see things through, so they don’t end up with half-baked ideas or projects.
Pigs should also watch out for false information. People may tell you false things and you may make decisions using bad intel. Pigs should be more discerning, and also be careful not to spread fake news as well.
