Since ancient times, we Filipinos have always been superstitious, except skeptics who believe in natural explanations. Nonetheless, superstitious beliefs guided us on how to prosper and avoid misfortune. But as other civilizations made their way onto Philippine soil, we began to adopt some of their superstitions as well.
The Chinese superstitions are among the ideas that we follow today, one being the practice of feng shui. Yet feng shui is much more than just abstract beliefs. It is known as the ancient Chinese art of arranging buildings, objects, and space in an environment to achieve harmony and balance. Feng shui has roots in early Taoism but remains popular today. China, its neighboring countries, and even the Western world continue to practice this ancient art.
One basis of feng shui is the Chinese zodiac. Twelve animals represent the zodiac sign, which is, in order, the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig.
The Chinese believe that a person’s horoscope, personality, and love compatibility are closely associated with their Chinese zodiac sign. And since feng shui looks at the physical environment, including heavenly bodies, feng shui experts use the Chinese zodiac to determine the proper placement of things.
In 2022, the Chinese horoscope falls on the water tiger. During this year, each of the 12 Chinese zodiac signs has new challenges or opportunities in store for them.
Here, Master Ang, a Quezon City-based feng shui expert who has been in the industry since 1998, offers some tips on how the 12 Chinese zodiac signs can live prosperously this year.
Year of the water tiger
Master Ang clarified that although your Chinese zodiac reigns in a particular year doesn’t mean it will all be sunshine and rainbows throughout its entirety. On the other hand, it means that those born under the year of the tiger need to exercise caution to avoid misfortune.
For instance, those born under the year of the water tiger need to focus on their health as sickly individuals may face problems concerning their well-being this 2022. And since we’re in a pandemic, it helps to be vigilant about possible health risks and identify the proper course of action to stay on top of it.
However, there are some items based on feng shui that could protect people from negativity in their environment, such as a charm called “Tai Sui,” which means guardian of the year in Chinese astrology. Feng shui experts believe that carrying around a Tai Sui, along with its proper Taoist invocations, helps people overcome some difficulties in life.
“It can be a bracelet or placed in a wallet. The Tai Sui can also be a pouch containing all of its different kinds and meanings to invoke protection for this year,” Master Ang said in Filipino.
On the other hand, those who want to become prosperous this 2022 should display a statue of the deity Guan Gong (or Kuan Kung) in their homes because it symbolizes loyalty and wealth. Buddha idols are also good to have around because these invite prosperity, success, and happiness in any establishment.
“Among all the lucky charms and figurines, the Buddha is the only one seen smiling. Whenever we see Buddha, we feel more positive,” Master Ang added.
Those born under the year of the tiger aren’t the only ones who need protection. Master Ang advised that those born under the year of the monkey, dragon, and snake also need to invest in the proper charms or statues for their protection.
Master Ang also emphasized the importance of exercising caution when finding charms. This is because not all charms are compatible with the bearer, especially if they have contrasting Chinese zodiac signs. For example, those born under the three signs mentioned shouldn’t wear tiger’s eyes bracelets, because it might bring more hardships instead of good fortune. Meanwhile, any zodiac sign wearing a Pi Yao bracelet should be warned that misfortune will be coming their way.
“Pi Yao means little dragon. And although it’s been a fad lately, not many people know that wearing it during the year of the tiger is considered bad luck because the tiger and dragon are not compatible with each other,” the feng shui expert said.
Fortunately, three other zodiac signs are considered lucky this 2022: the horse, dog, and pig. But Master Ang advises that those born under these signs shouldn’t feel complacent about the events of the year and continue to strive towards success to help increase their chances of having a prosperous year ahead.
Making charms work
While most people believe that wearing good luck charms is enough to invite good fortune into their lives, Master Ang says otherwise. There are some practices that people need to consider for their items to work as planned.
Lucky charms are often worn almost everyday in every circumstance. The feng shui master advises against this, especially if the wearer is going to do something negative or go to a negative space. This includes arguing with someone and gambling. If doing so, the wearer needs to remove the charms from their body.
The charms invoke positivity in one’s life, and to amplify their effects, wearers need to continue doing good or surround themselves with positive energy.
However, if the charms weren’t removed during a negative event, the best thing to do is have them cleansed by feng shui experts. This is where the public should exercise vigilance.
“Cleansing charms require special incantations that are hard to pronounce if you’re not an expert. Don’t be fooled by shops that sell charms that just knock the charms against a cleansing bowl several times rapidly,” Master Ang said.
Instead, conduct research on which experts and shops provide authentic service to avoid wasting money. But if experts or shops are unavailable, he advises people to cleanse their charms by soaking them in rock salt, no water, for five minutes before wearing them again.
As the year of the water tiger unfolds before us, there’s no harm in exercising caution or seizing new opportunities, according to the Chinese horoscope and feng shui ideas. But remember, it’s our actions and decisions that make a big difference.
