Festive seasons are one of the happiest; the best time for family and friends to bond over good food and good cheer… not to mention the opportunity to do a little bit of catching-up (read: gossiping!) over what everyone else has been up to.
But, it can also turn out to be one of the busiest, as people get down and dirty with thorough spring cleaning, renovation, and redecorating works.
Who wouldn’t want a home that’s been given a new makeover (just in time for Chinese New Year too), for visitors to envy “ooh” and “aah” as they visit during open house sessions?
Now, as we gear up for the year of the Metal Rat 2020, we decided to get some of the best tips and advice for how YOU can go about harnessing the right energy and maximising the benefits for each area of your home/office – all with the help of Feng Shui.
That’s right, we attended the Joey Yap Feng Shui & Astrology Live Seminar 2020, held at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) Kuala Lumpur on January 12.
So, if you’re planning to make the best of the new year and kick off on the right foot, this is where you read on, and give yourself an upper hand in life!
But first, what exactly is Feng Shui?
This traditional practice can trace its origins back to ancient China, when it was first used to teach people how to harmonise their environment and lifestyle with the principles of the natural environment.
It means that you can design or position your surroundings in a way that’ll allow you to balance out the energy around you. That’s when you’ll be able to achieve specific improvements in your life.
Now, these energies are known as “Qi”, and as they’re in constant flow, knowing the possible effects for 2020 will ensure you activate the strongest areas and lessen the effects of the unfavourable ones.
Bear in mind though, that it’s not as simple as placing a piece of crystal in the corner of a room, or demolishing a connecting wall.
When it comes to Feng Shui, you can only block or enhance the energy for a particular purpose, but you gotta do all the hard work of making something turn out in your favour!
So, how do you go about using the Qi?
Here’s where things may get a little bit complicated – but we’ve got you covered, with Dato’ Joey Yap’s simple step-by-step guide:
- First, you’d need a compass (psst, your smartphone has one!), and the floorplan of your home and/or office.
- Next, divide the floorplan into 9 segments, so that you can easily mark down which area falls under what direction.
- Then, stand in the middle of your home/office and use the compass to determine where the North is.
Once that’s done, use that floorplan and compare it to the Annual Flying Stars for 2020 Chart (provided below).
This chart, created by Dato’ Joey Yap, plots out the different influences of Qi at their respective directions for 2020, and here’s where things get personal!
Using the 9 simplified grids, you can now identify the favourable and unfavourable sectors of your home using the table below, and make more or less use of the corresponding rooms.
Southeast
6 White
Authority, power, good name
- All your efforts will be rewarded with recognition and career progression, possibly an increment and/or promotion.
- It’s a good area to position your work desk if you’re looking for career opportunities.
- Having a main door in this area signifies that there’ll be greater responsibilities for you.
- Activating the energy here if you’re in the business industry would allow you to enjoy branding, business expansion and potential partner collaborations.
South
2 Black
Sickness, stress
- This area is related to health problems, so if you already have an existing illness, there’s a potential for it to get worse.
- A work desk here would mean that stress may easily pile up on you, and career progression won’t be on your horizons.
- If your main door is in this area, be extra mindful of your health, go for regular check-ups, and don’t take it lightly if you fall sick.
- If you can’t avoid this area, you can reduce the unfavourable effects by placing heavy metal objects made of brass, copper, bronze, iron, or pewter here.
Southwest
4 Green
Romance, academic, artistic pursuits
- Good luck falls in this area for those who have a bedroom or study room here, and are looking to boost the romance, academic and/or artsy side of their lives.
- Put your study desk here to increase your inspiration and focus.
- This area contains the “Peach Blossom Star”, which is great for anyone seeking a serious relationship.
- If you spend more time or place a water feature here, you can see the positive outcomes in due time if you take proactive steps in addition to activating the good energy here.
West
9 Purple
Investment, promotion
- This Star has bountiful effects on those who’re looking for general happiness and success in their career.
- Growth in profit, fruitful investments, new opportunities, fame, and recognition await those who have their work desk or main door in this area.
Northwest
8 White
Wealth, finance
- Here lies the main wealth sector for 2020, so you’d better capture that prosperous energy!
- If your main door is located here, you’ll be able to reap great returns on your investments.
- You can still usher in the positive energy without a main door, just by activating it with a water feature, or merely spending more time in this area.
North
3 Jade
Arguments, gossip
- Actively avoid this area if you value your peace of mind and want to stay away from troublesome disagreements, conflicts, lawsuits, or legal complications.
- Having your bedroom here would mean that you and your spouse/family will face a quarrelsome 2020.
- If your main door is in this sector, try to use another exit; otherwise, never make any decision when you’re upset/angry. Remain calm, walk away from the disturbing situation, and think through any action you need to make.
Northeast
1 White
Good for reputation, recognition, noble people, advancement
- Strongly linked to self-improvement and better communication, this is THE area you want to be in if you’re looking to enhance your literary and communication skills.
- Placing a main door, work desk, or study area here would provide great opportunities in 2020, in terms of career advancement, wealth accumulation, academic success, and better relationships, to name but a few.
East
5 Yellow
Danger, problems, setbacks, calamities
- Now, this is one area you need to AVOID AT ALL COSTS if you want to prevent unwanted events from happening. This Star is infamous for disaster and misfortune, so to lessen the ill effects, place heavy metal objects made of brass, copper, bronze, iron, or pewter here.
- Otherwise, you’ll find that triggering the energy of 5 Yellow would lead to you experiencing bad fortunes, mishaps, and accidents.
- Stay away from refurbishment, renovation, or any activities that involve drilling, hammering, and digging so as to keep the energy here dormant.
*Editor’s note: When you use a water feature or spend more time in an area to activate the energy, remember that you only need to do so for a minimum of 2 weeks, to a maximum of 1 month!
Now that you’re armed with all the necessary Feng Shui tips for your home/office, the only thing stopping you from reaping the benefits of these good energies is YOURSELF.
So, check out some of these ideas for a beautiful home renovation on a budget; exactly what Dato’ Joey Yap has recommended for you to activate the good Stars!
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