2008
– The Year Of The Earth Rat
by Suzanne Metzger
Greetings & Gong Hee Fat Choy!!!
We are now completing
the period called the “Tail of the Boar,” which continues
until the Chinese Lunar New Year on February 6th or 7th (depending on
where you live). The Pig’s tail can be intense and come back and
smack you, if you it haven’t behaved and taken care of the details
of your life up to now. However, it’s almost over and the upcoming
Rat year will offer you many opportunities to resolve any incompletions.
Last month I mentioned that we entered a Universal One Year on January
1st and that the upcoming Year of Rat, the first sign in the Chinese zodiac,
is a One also. We are all beginning a new cycle,
regardless of our personal numerology or astrology. February 7th is also
the day of the New Moon (another new beginning) and a solar eclipse. All
of this intensifies and brings more energy to the New Year.
The few remaining days before the Chinese New Year are especially good for completing anything left over from last year. To prepare, it’s traditional to clear out anything no longer needed and to reenergize or upgrade your Feng Shui enhancements. This will free you to engage in new projects and enable you to make desired changes in your life. For more information on preparing for the New Year, see last year’s newsletter on the Year of the Pig.
In his annual forecast for the new year, HH Grandmaster Professor Lin-Yun Rinpoche cautions that in 2008 will continue to see a series of both natural and manmade disasters, as well as armed struggle and political conflict. He also believes that, although the U. S. dollar, the Euro, and the British pound will see moderate gains, investments in stocks and bonds should be long-term rather than speculative.
To offset any negativity in the new year, he further recommends that we wear or carry an Ox Charm for luck and protection, unless you are Horse or a Goat. Then you should use a combination Dragon and Monkey charm.
My own interpretation and feeling about the messages I’ve received about the coming year is that the shrewd little Rat can work in our favor with regard to both our safety and our material assets.
These
cunning little creatures are alert to danger. Sailors know that
if they begin to abandon ship, it’s time for everyone else to follow.
Rats are also thought to bring and protect prosperity.
They are considered lucky because they are able to reap great rewards
with little effort.
Even though the Rat is traditionally related to the Water Element and this year’s Rat is also related to Earth, I see a strong connection to the Metal element in his personality and feel that modeling the Metal aspect and other positive traits of this little guy can promote our well-being this year.
Positive traits to focus on now include his meticulous, honest, and hardworking nature. He is also practical, neat, and organized. These are characteristics that can help us to set boundaries for our spending and other areas where boundaries may be needed. They can also help us stay alert to danger.
Feng Shui-wise, I view this as an ideal year to cull, clean, and organize. It’s a great time to develop and perfect organizing systems. A positive quality of Metal is the ability to simplify and use space well.
Another positive Rat trait to cultivate now is compassion for both yourself and others. This is related to the Helpful People area of the Bagua, which is also one of the Metal areas.
The Rat is also charismatic, charming, eloquent, versatile, and a natural leader, making this an excellent time to develop or perfect these qualities.
Negative Rat traits to avoid are being manipulative, overly controlling, obstinate, resentful, power-driven, critical, or stingy.
Rug
“Rats” – Children Born in 2008
Children born this year are expected to loving and have a charming disposition.
They are likely to be possessive of the people they love and can be jealous
when their loved ones’ share their attention with others. Even if
they are naturally shy, they are group oriented, enjoy being with others,
and make friends easily.
Think of Walt Disney’s lovable character, Mickey Mouse: charming, intelligent, straightforward, and honest. Your child could be a little Mickey! Remember though that Mickey could also manipulate people into having his own way.
Warning: Don’t toss out any of his toys without consulting with him first. This child will know exactly what is his and what is not. He will not easily forgive this kind of transgression.
Next month we will resume discussions about the more traditional applications of Feng Shui.
Have
a wonderful year!
Suzanne
2008 Class Offerings:
For detailed class information, including exact dates for the 6 week classes, phone Suzanne at (719) 260-7207 or e-mail Suzanne Metzger @earthlink.net with the class name in the subject lin
Feng
Shui Basics
Monday, February 31st
7:00 to 9 p.m.
This is an overview of the information basic to Feng Shui. It will be
especially helpful for anyone new to Feng Shui or anyone who is confused
by the different styles of Feng Shui, the layout of the Bagua, or the
application of the Five Elements.
Creating
Wealth With Feng Shui
6 Weeks Beginning - Tuesday, March 25th
6:45 to 9 p.m.
(Please note this date has changed)
Natural
Eyesight Improvement
Saturday, May 10th
9:30 a,m. to 5 p.m
Feng Shui Information will not be presented in this class
Feng
Shui For Clutterbugs
6 Weeks Beginning - Tuesday, June 3rd
6:45 to 9 p.m.
Feng
Shui & Relationships
Saturday, July 19th
9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.