The noble horse should bring luck and harmony to those who make the proper observances.
WE are four days away from ushering in the Chinese New Year and I’m
swamped with queries from readers as to how they can improve their luck
and prosperity in the Year of the Horse.
Local and foreign geomancy experts have been giving varying views about this year’s outlook.
Several astrologers and feng shui experts have predicted the Year of the Horse to be a better year than the previous one and there are some who have forecast financial struggles and challenges.
Some people attribute their successes and windfalls to feng shui and spiritual practices and there are groups who relate them to hard work and coincidences.
The horse, the seventh animal in the Chinese zodiac, embodies characteristics such as strength, perseverance, speed, purity and loyalty. – EPA
Local and foreign geomancy experts have been giving varying views about this year’s outlook.
Several astrologers and feng shui experts have predicted the Year of the Horse to be a better year than the previous one and there are some who have forecast financial struggles and challenges.
Some people attribute their successes and windfalls to feng shui and spiritual practices and there are groups who relate them to hard work and coincidences.
The horse, the seventh animal in the Chinese zodiac, embodies characteristics such as strength, perseverance, speed, purity and loyalty. – EPA
So which philosophy is correct, or which one do we follow?
It depends on which faith system (Chinese or Indian) you observe.
I spoke to several experts recently on the subject of metaphysics to get some insight on the different schools of philosophy.
Feng shui consultant Henry Fong from Kuala Lumpur said that if one wants to have better luck and harmony in the Year of the Wood Horse, they would have to follow the orientation of certain things in their home.
For dwellers living in a house that is facing south, he said, they should not carry out renovations or they would activate Tai Sui, which would create problems for the occupants.
(Tai Sui refers to stars directly opposite to Jupiter. They influence the Chinese zodiac, and are involved in religious Taoism and feng shui.)
Fong urged people not to renovate the north sector for fear of triggering the three killing energies resulting in obstacles, disaster and robbery.
He said, however, that it would be good to occupy and spend time in the north, south and south-west sectors.
Fong said the north-west and east sectors should be avoided and if they are unable to do so, they should place metal items there to neutralise the negative energies that can lead to health problems.
Luck and fortune according to Indian vedic astrology is determined by the placement of the nine planets on an individual’s birth chart based on the date, month, year and time of birth.
According to Vasthu Sastra consultant and astrologer Master Yuvaraj Sowma from Chennai, luck and fortune are uncontrollable and people only get what they deserve based on their astrology and not what they desire.
He agrees that luck can be induced through spiritual practices like performing specific rituals to woo the energy of positivity.
Yuvaraj said the first six months of this year would produce better results than the second half.
From the Chinese almanac, the horse is naturally lucky when it comes to finance and career; meaning those born in the Year of the Horse will enjoy a better period.
To enhance destiny, luck symbols are made available in feng shui because of the belief that such products help chi flow gracefully through rooms, homes and offices.
Energy consultant and author Janarrdhana Guptha from India promotes good luck symbols as an effective way to manifest things that an individual wants to attract into his or her life.
According to him, symbolism is popular in almost every culture and symbols impact our subconscious mind, stimulate confidence and offer good outcomes.
“When the geometric shape, size, meaning and their other nuances are properly understood and activated, it results in transmission of energy which is the vital force that governs everything in the universe.
“Chi has the power to alter and amplify energy flow in any space,” said Guptha, who is the author of Guide To Feng Shui Good Luck Symbols.
He said the end result of using good luck symbols, charms, amulets and talismans is that they create an environment rich with positive energy that produces positive thinking, focused minds and confidence, and removes blockages.
In order for symbols to produce the anticipated results, the products should be cleansed and energised before use.
As for horse figurines, Guptha said the Chinese have always associated it with gifts given to emperors.
The horse is the seventh animal in the Chinese zodiac and it embodies noble characteristics such as strength, perseverance, speed, purity and loyalty.
For those who wish to have their talents and hard work acknowledged by their superiors, Guptha said they should place a flying horse figure in the south of their homes.
The horse statuette is ideal for those who are in marketing or the travel industry, and are frequent travellers.
Vasthu Sastra talk and astrology talk
T. Selva will present a talk on ancient secrets, Vasthu Sastra and the astrology forecast for 2014 from 3pm to 5pm on Feb 15 at Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (Utar), Jalan Universiti, Bandar Barat, Kampar, Perak. Admission is free. To register, call 012-329 9713.
> You can follow T. Selva on twitter@tselvas and write to him at tselvas@thestar.com.my. This column appears on the last Sunday of every month.
T. Selva is the author of the Vasthu Sastra Guide and the first disciple of 7th generation Vasthu Sastra master Yuvaraj Sowma from Chennai, India.
