Fall equinox, 2011 in Chinese astrology and feng shui

Fall equinox, coming exactly midpoint the Chinese fall and winter seasons, shows us a transition of energies, or shifting of the balance. Chinese fall started on August 8th, and winter starts of November 8th. While the seasonal transition is basically from Metal to Water, Metal being the element of fall and Water being the element of winter, the balances of the elements as seen from the perspective of the Chinese astrological charts drawn up for the beginnings of Chinese fall and winter this year show us a lot more.

The chart made for the Chinese fall shows a predominance of Metal element, and the chart drawn for the Chinese winter shows a strong predominance of Wood. Metal and Wood are opposites. This shows us that there will be a strong shift in the energies between fall and winter this year and that the winter will generally become more active than the fall.

The fall chart has 11 Yang elements and 4 Yin elements; the winter chart has 6 Yang and 6 Yin. You may remember how in August the stock market suddenly plummeted while there were severe storms, floods and fires. The energy at the beginning of Chinese fall season suddenly imploded, or contracted. The Yang energy of that energy made the contraction all the more forceful. The winter chart shows an even balance of Yin and Yang. This balance, with a predominance of Wood, shows rapid development of possibilities. The Wood element in winter time will generate lots of roots. Winter will be a good time to make plans for the future. Predominance of Wood may bring a lot of rain, wind and snow in the winter, especially in the east. Predominant Wood will also bring a lot of arguing and fighting in the world. It will also bring up a lot of business activity with promise of growth. For this reason it is good to gear up for future developments in business now. In terms of feng shui the attention goes to your place of work. We notice that the fall chart favors making significant changes or moves in business. The conditions around fall equinox, coming midway between Chinese fall and winter, should help you establish any moves or changes you make so that activities and future plans made through the winter become more fruitful.

The star for 2011, 7 Metal Star, is in the house of 1 Water at the beginning of fall and in the house of 4 Wood at the beginning of winter. This shows how the Metal of this year builds in the fall and profits in the winter. The winter looks lively. It favors communication, socializing, exploring new avenues, engaging in creative activities and making positive plans for the future. Pay special attention to the efficient arrangement of your work environment in all senses physical and mental.

The charts for both the Chinese fall and winter especially favor such activities as teaching, psychic and astrological counseling, therapies, medicine, scholarship, research, writing, designing, and careers involving behind the scenes activities.

The Chinese astrological charts reduced to I Ching hexagrams and lines gives us hexagram 58, The Lake, line 2 for the fall, and hexagram 1, The Creative, line 3 for the winter. The advice for the fall is to be confident in doing what gives you joy. You will have no regrets for the course you have chosen if it brings you joy. The advice for the winter is to be careful to avoid making mistakes. Impetuous moves are ill advised. Set your course in the fall; intelligently follow through in the winter.

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Raphael is available for personal Chinese astrological readings and feng shui consultations. To find out more about Raphael's services visit www.raphaelsimons.com.

Raphael's best selling feng shui book, Feng Shui Step by Step, has been reprinted and is available on Amazon.com and at www.createspace.com/3472024.

Changing your environment with feng shui

Changing your environment changes the way you see your life. If your life is stagnating or if you are anxious that your life isn't moving as you wish, short of moving out, change the arrangement of your home and see what happens. Moving is a drastic solution; it certainly gets things to change one way or another - at least until you find your way back into the same old stagnant patterns

Stagnation, the 12th hexagram in the Book of Changes, the I Ching, represents undesirable conditions at the end of summer. It is seen when the forces of Heaven and Earth move apart. It represents the consequences of over-expansion and extravagance. It gives an image of a bed-ridden man who is sick because he has been too ambitious. Another image of Stagnation is of people unable to cooperate. The I Ching says that stagnation allows evil people to succeed. It warns not accept help from exploitative and corrupt people.

How then do we get out of stagnation? First of all, it is most important to take inventory of where we are in our lives. In the traditional way, one gets one's Chinese astrological chart read to determine where one is, where one is going and how one can improve one's luck.

Once we know where we are and where we are going in life, by using feng shui, we can set about rearranging our home or opt to find a new home to improve our luck. Conditions in nature change constantly. The way you arranged your home last year or 10 years ago may not be working for you now. The energy has changed. You have changed. Nothing in nature stays the same. To dwell in a stagnant place that might have been a delight once upon a time stagnates your internal energy and brings about conditions you don't want. Chinese astrology shows how energy changes cyclically through life. Traditional feng shui is like a spacial analogue of Chinese astrology. By working with the energetic patterns shown in your Chinese astrological chart feng shui can is used to mitigate and propitiate those patterns by adjusting the space in which you live and work.

Even if you don't know anything about feng shui, rearranging your environment in a time of stagnation and uncertainty will jog your mind and help you get new ideas and find new opportunities. Short of a professional consultation, use your intuitive sense to change the way you have your home arranged just simply to let in the spirit of success. It is like opening the window to let in fresh air.

If you think of selling your house, in addition to fixing it up, simplifying its decor and making it as neat as you can, you may want to use a special color device to help get it sold. To do this you have to ascertain the compass direction of the front door. Reading the compass direction of the front door is done by standing with a compass in the doorway, looking out and noting the compass direction you are facing.

If your doorway faces North use purple on or within eyeshot of the doorway.

If your doorway faces Northeast use black.

If your doorway faces East use red.

If your doorway faces Southeast use white.

If your doorway faces South use white.

If your doorway faces Southwest use white.

If your doorway faces West use light green.

If your doorway faces Northwest use dark green.

The time to put your house on the market is always critical. If you want to the house to sell and not sit on the market forever it is best to determine the best day in astrology to put the house on the market. It is also very important that if you are determined to sell that you are absolutely sure that you are letting go of any attachments to the house.

If you want to do construction and add on to the house, using Chinese astrology in conjunction to compass methods is essential for the luck of the house and your fortunes. Construction done in the wrong time brings misfortune. Construction done in the right time brings good fortune.

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Raphael's best seller on feng shui, Feng Shui Step by Step was recently reprinted and is available through Amazon.com and at www.createspace.com/3472024.

Raphael is available for Chinese astrological readings and feng shui consultations. To find out more about Raphael's work visit www.raphaelsimons.com.

Feng Shui for Summer

Due to the differences of our calendars, Western summer straddles both the Chinese summer and autumn seasons. Chinese summer starts on May 6th and Chinese autumn starts on August 8th. Western summer starts on June 21st, exactly mid-point Chinese summer and autumn seasons. When we talk of Western summer in the context of the Chinese calendar we are talking about a period of rebalancing energies in the earth and in our lives from expanding to gathering and contracting. This article covers the conditions seen in this period of transition for this year, 2011, the year of Metal Rabbit.

Looking at the Chinese astrological charts for the summer and autumn seasons this year we find Metal element extremely strong all throughout with Water element increasing in strength. In terms of weather this points to increasing drought conditions especially in the South with storms developing into the fall. In terms of human emotions it points to collective anxiety and growing fear. The antidote to the anxiety and fear is to get organized and make sure you have quiet time in which to clear your mind. In terms of feng shui this means to simplify and organize your home and business and make sure to give yourself quiet space.

The quality of C'hi throughout this period is overwhelmingly Yang. The balance of the elements for summer gives us 11 Yang and 3 Yin, and for autumn 9 Yang and 4 Yin. Predominant Yang favors lots of activity; it is good for starting up, making changes, initiating new interests, going out and moving forward. To add to this, both summer and autumn charts have what is called Traveling Horse star. Traveling Horse star calls for making changes in work, starting new ventures, traveling, moving house, and reorganizing the home. If you don't take advantage of this energy you may experience frustration.

The summer chart favors those who are in independent professions but warns against being overbearing and trying to force your way. The extremely overbalanced Yang Metal in the chart points to dangers of fighting. The way to use Metal successfully is to be decisive, orderly, to trust your hunches and to act skillfully. The nature of Metal is cutting edge and high style. Because the time is so intensely Yang it demands creative action. Decide to make affective changes in your life now. In other words, catch the wave. Take your chances.

The autumn chart also favors those who work alone, but more those who are involved in fields of research. It also favors doctors, scholars, designers, teachers, psychics, metaphysicians, astrologers, people who work behind the scenes, and so on.

The summer chart has three Robbing stars, the autumn chart has one. Three is a lot. It favors sharp minds, and warns against sharp practices, manipulations and theft. Protect yourself, your accounts and your home against thieves, and be aware of your own desires and aquisitiveness. Extreme greed will lead to misfortune. Too much Yang and too much Metal makes it hard to see danger. There is danger. It can be curbed and averted by setting clear boundaries for yourself and well as for others. In feng shui there is a secret method for protecting a property. It involves using the person's Chinese astrological chart and compass reading of the home and burying certain objects in the ground at certain points. Robbing star does not necessarily mean being robbed literally. It can mean being taken unfair advantage of as well as taking unfair advantage of others.

The vital element for both the summer and autumn charts is Water. What is vital to well being is calm, clear reflection. Water, in Chinese terms, is intelligence. It is also pleasure. The compass direction of Water is North. The qualities of Water will keep all in healthy balance.

Raphael is available for private readings in Chinese astrology as well as feng shui consultations. To contact Raphael please visit www.psychicarts.net.

Raphael's best selling book Feng Shui Step by Step (by T. Raphael Simons) was recently reissued and is available at Amazon.com and at www.createspace.com/3472024.

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Feng Shui tips for spring 2011

Spring Equinox comes midway between the Chinese spring and summer seasons. The Chinese springtime begins on February 4th and summertime begins on May 6th. So, what we have here is a transition of conditions. The Chinese astrological chart for springtime has predominant Wood element, and the chart for summertime shows predominant Metal element. Wood and Metal are very opposite elements. Wood expands and Metal contracts and focuses. Use the spring (up to May 6th)to plan and the summer (after May 6th) to execute your decisions.

The weather conditions for spring shows rain and wind, and the conditions for summer shows dry. This means that the weather patterns will shift noticibly through May. In other words, the energy will shift. The general trend through May and beyond is to get focused and organized.

The spring chart shows checkered, and highly unstable business conditions. There is a predominance of Yang Wood. This means violent conditions especially around the spring equinox when it shows a big upset in the world. We just saw a terrible event in Japan, and we can anticipate more to come. Be careful of potential upsets in your personal relationships and career around this time as well. While the chart favors romance it also warns of conflicts. Be especially careful if you are prone to jealousy. Lots of people are pressing their luck. It may work for some but not for others. If you are not good at speculating be very careful. The chart strongly inclines to speculating. If you are sharp and shrewd this is an opportune time, however.

Feng Shui tips for the the spring center around things to do to support your career and work interests and to seek good relations with others both at work and close by. The simplest thing to do around work is to keep the place in order. Simplicity is best. Make sure, if you work in an office, to sit diagonally opposite the door, facing the door. But, do not sit right in front of the door, facing the door, as that invites annoyances and confrontations. Also do not sit in front of a window so that your face is shadowed. Keeping the light behind you so your face is difficult to make out inspires mistrust. In the area of your relationships, create a peaceful environment that allows free movement and relaxation. Provide necessary space in yourself as well as in your home for open, friendly dialogue. Sitting face to face is getting in someone's face and can cause nervousness, unwillingness to communicate and anger. It is best to sit at a comfortable angle to one another to allow for more ease. A favorable color to use this spring is yellow.

The summer chart brings out competitiveness. It especially favors independent, entrepreneurial types. The strong Metal of the time also favors cutting edge and high tech interests. Pay especial attention to your career. Make sure your home office is kept in order. White is the favorable color to use. The area of relationships appears to be calmer, not so charged. Business is the main focus. The summer especially favors those who are enterprising.

All in all the spring into summer favors independent career interests, innovative and exploratory approaches, speculating, taking chances while being careful not to get into conflict. Both the spring and summer charts are predominantly Yang. This means that this is altogether a time for taking initiative. Make sure to simplify your home and work environment so that you are more able to move forward with your plans without creating conflict.

The summer chart also favors moving house, or reorganizing your house or work space. Moving for professional reasons is most favored.

For your personal Chinese astrological forecasts and helpful insights in making the right decisions and moves visit www.psychicarts.net.

Raphael's best seller Feng Shui book Feng Shui Step by Step is now reprinted and available from Amazon.com and at www.createspace.com/3472024

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Chinese astrological view of the year of Metal Rabbit

Chinese New Year began this year with the New Moon of February 2nd. The Year is called Metal Rabbit. Metal Rabbit is assertive and diplomatic. The elements in Metal Rabbit combine to produce Wood. The nature of this combination is to plan and decide. Plans and decisions begun last year, the year of Metal Tiger, will be brought to completion this year.

This year is also the year of 7 Metal Star. 7 Metal Star has the quality of diplomacy. It strives for agreements and is shrewd and calculating. It's weaknesses lie in fantasizing about unrealistic outcomes and in engaging in legal conflict.

The chart made for the start of the New Year gives us the following signs. The year sign is Metal Rabbit; the first month is Metal Tiger; and the first day is Earth Ox. The first hour of the New Year varies with locations.

Looking at the charts of China, Japan, Australia, Pakistan, India, Afghanistan, the Middle East, Europe, the UK and the US we see the strongest elements as Earth and Wood. The relation of these elements produce what are called the Deities of Authority. The Deities of Authority are the strongest in the world this year. This means on the one hand that this is a year for people to stand up and assert themselves against odds, and on the other hand it means that people who are not so brave have to show loyalty and trustworthiness. Deities of Authority cause stress and dangers of injuries while acting to break barriers. We will see heroic actions being taken this year along with many people being injured.

In addition to the Deities of Authority, we have a secondary emphasis of elements, these being Earth and Metal. And these are in a relation that brings out the Deities of Talent. The Deities of Talent will stimulate creative intelligence, thinking and acting. This is a good year for realizing one's creative potentials. A lot of innovative thinking will be happening.

The chart for the entire world shows four stars: Tien Yi, Nobleman, Heaven Medicine and Death. These stars have the following meanings:

Tien Yi is the most fortunate star of all. Tien Yi is a deity whom all demons fear. She resolves predicaments and encourages people to help one another.

Nobleman Star brings people together to work for mutual benefit.

Heaven Medicine Star on the one hand points to illnesses in the world. On the other hand it is pointing to breakthroughs in medicine.

Death Star adds to the courage shown by the Deities of Authority and it amplifies planning abilities. The negative side of it is that it will encourage legal fights and harm to alliances.

The chart for China is very fortunate. China, while holding a perfectly friendly attitude toward everyone, is acting independently and is prospering despite unstable business conditions. In addition to this, China has it so that everyone is helping them to succeed.

The Chart for the area that includes Japan and Australia shows unstable business conditions on the one hand, and strong creative activity on the other. Conditions in the earth and atmosphere in this region are unstable. There will be more volcanic and seismic activity.

The area of Central Asia that includes Pakistan shows urgent conditions that necessitate change. There is a strong chance of change in the government of Pakistan. Violence is growing. People will become destitute and homeless and will be traveling.

The area of the Middle East is showing able leaders rising up. These people are imposing and will stand out. They will characterize the nature of the Deities of Authority, In all the turmoil opportunities for independent entrepreneurial activities will be found by those who seize the moment. At the same time there is a trend in the Middle East amongst the people to help one another in a kind-hearted way toward stabilizing and clearing away obstacles and to look for chances to prosper. The Middle East has a chance to grow positively through its ordeal.

The region of Europe and the UK and down into West and Central Africa will be luckier than they might think. They can escape disaster this year by showing courage and doing some intelligent and farsighted planning. Quarreling, however, can easily break out and damage alliances.

The United States and the countries of Central and South America, while facing great odds, have two stars of Tien Yi to help toward resolving their predicaments. The US also has the Academic Nobleman Star. It says that if the leaders of the country use their intelligence they may be able to turn the adverse situation around. But they can also fail to see their opportunity by showing arrogance and looking down on others. The country is suffering from a bad case of anxiety. The health of the country is poor.

Basic personal predictions from the Rabbit are as follows.

For Rat this is a year of challenges. You must use the energy this year is producing to be productive. Don't let your frustrations with work get the best of you. Strive forward against odds. It will only make you stronger.

For Ox this is a year to assert yourself and take initiative to overcome obstacles. Take the lead and you will succeed.

For Tiger this is a good year for romance. It is also a good year to work out your plans and be productive.

For Rabbit this is your year to increase your circle of friends and acquaintances. Make sure, however, that those around you respect your boundaries. Take time for yourself.

For Dragon this is a year to pay attention to the needs of others in your close circle, especially children. You need to exercise tolerance and forbearance and be welcoming. If you are a woman this year also favors marriage.

For Snake this is a good year to settle down in a relationship and to make a comfortable home. It is also a good year to learn new things to enrich your life.

For Horse this is a good year for romance. If you are not in a relationship you will have a good chance now. If you are in a relationship it can only get better.

For Sheep this is a harmonious year. Advance in life by accepting challenges and moving forward with self-confidence. You have a good chance to make and save up money.

For Monkey this is a good year to make money. If you are a man this year also favors marriage.

For Rooster this year offers you a challenge to look into different angles to make money. It could change your outlook.

For Dog this year offers happiness and support. It is a good year to settle into a good home and to take up a new interest. If you are a woman this year also favors marriage.

For Pig this year will be creatively productive. Pursue your business and creative aims. Many new ideas will come.

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Raphael is available for private consultations in Chinese astrology and Feng Shui. To find out more about Raphael's work visit www.psychicarts.net

Raphael's book Feng Shui Step by Step was recently reprinted and is available through Amazon.com and www.createspace.com/3472024

Feng Shui Tips for the Year of the Tiger and 8 Earth Star

Based on this writer's two prior articles on the Chinese New Year, as seen on http://www.examiner.com/x-34155-Albuquereque-Metaphysical-Examiner, here are some Feng Shui tips that you can use to help make this year go more smoothly and increase your luck. This is the Year of 8 Earth Star and Metal Tiger.

Being the year of 8 Earth star, the first thing to look at is the position of 5 Earth. 5 Earth is the Star of Distruction. It is in the Southwest this year. If your front door looks out to the Southwest you will need to protect it and your home against destructive influences. This is done simply either by attaching a Bagua Mirror over the front door outside, looking out, or, if you don't choose to do that, put five pennies under the doormat. Arrange the pennies in an inverted V pattern so that it points out, not in.

Next, the Star of illness, 2 Earth Star, is in the Northeast. If your door looks out to the Northeast, it will help if you put a small gourd on the door. The gourd is a traditional talisman for medicine; it relates to Lu Tung Pin, the most popular of the 8 Immortals in Taoism. If you don't want to hang a little gourd from the door handle, you can use the cure of the 5 pennies under the doormat. It works just as well.

Another cure that is used to ward off illness and destructive spirit is to hang a Money Sword from the door handle. This is a talismanic sword that is made of Chinese coins. It can be found in Chinese shops.

8 Earth Star is the money star for the present 20 year cycle that runs from 2004 to 2024. Being in the middle of the 9 Star Map this year, it signifies that money is limited and in a transitional state. To insure that you have a maximum flow of money this year, make sure that the center of your house, all the rooms that include the middle of your home, is open and clear of any clutter. Clutter in this area this year is particularly critical and can obstruct your money and cause needless distress in your life and health. 9 Fire Star is the star of future wealth. It is a very lucky star. If you want to build your money, put money symbols in the East area of your house; 9 Fire Star is in the East this year. Money symbols include two Chinese coins tied together by a red silk string, a vase of flowers, a pot of coins, two gold fish, a conch shell, and the famous money toad. Generally, however, a money toad should be placed high up and facing the front door. To get the money toad to work you have to replace the coin in its mouth with another coin once every new moon.

This is the year of Tiger. If you were born in the year or on the day of Snake, Rooster or Ox the direction of Tiger - East/Northeast - is particularly unlucky. Don't sit with your back, or sleep with your head to East/Northeast this year, next year (year of Rabbit) or the year after (year of Dragon) if you were born in the year or on the day of Snake, Rooster or Ox.

If you are born in the year or on the day of Pig, Rabbit or Sheep you need to pay attention to your Marriage Element to protect your spouse or partner. In the simplest Feng Shui terms, this points to the area of your home to the farthest right hand as seen from the perspective of looking in from the front door. Make sure this area of your home is in a good and balanced condition. Disorder in this area can inspire discord in your relationship and, at worst, lead to legal problems. The Star of Romance for Tiger is in the East. The East direction is a very sensitive area for attracting and generating love this year. Put a picture of love birds in the East area of your home to improve your luck in love this year.

If you are Buddhist or Taoist place a statue of Kwan Yin in the South area of your home this year for love and protection for your home and loved ones.

If you were born in the year or on the day of Ox make sure your home is protected especially if your door looks out to the North/Northeast. Make sure the locks are good; you may want to install an alarm system if you don't already have on. Tiger is the robbing star for Ox.

If you are planning on adding onto your house avoid building onto the Southwest or Northeast areas of your house this year. Also avoid building onto the West/Southwest area of your house.

Make sure the South area of your house and land is free of hazards. Accidents and sudden happenings can happen in that area this year.

For a more complete and indepth Feng Shui reading of your home, you may want to consult with me. My website address is www.trs-fengshui.com.

In general, the year of Tiger is going to be full of surprises for many people. That kind of energy can be taken well. The most important thing is to know what you want to see open in your life and prepare for it. Feng Shui teaches that the skillful arrangement of the home and business environment influences what happens in our lives and fortunes. Feng Shui is deeply rooted in the 9 Star and Batzu Chinese astrological systems with their compass methods.



by Raphael Simons
Astrology, Psychic Readings, Chinese Astrology, Feng Shui, Get a telephone consultation or reading

The Year of Metal Tiger in Chinese Astrology: Predictions

The Chinese Lunar New Year began at New Moon, February 13 - 14, 2010. This is the year Metal Tiger. The month is Earth Tiger. The day is Wood Sheep, and the hour in Washington DC is Fire Sheep.

For the world in general this is going to be a turbulent year with pronounced dangers of violence. People and governments will become angry, go to extremes and get into fights. Patience is lacking. Acts of terrorism are likely. The vital element, or watchword, for the world, as shown by this chart, is strict maintenance of law and order. The danger lies in defiance of order. The wrong people will try to take the lead and make heros of themselves. Many people will suffer.

Alliances between nations appear to be shaky. Fortunes are unstable. Quarrels will strain international relations. The chart shows the powers of the East far overbalancing the West. This is good for neither the Asian nor Western powers. China is now too strong. If China does not curb its growth, but continues as it has been going, it will see economic upsets coming.

The chart has two very interesting stars. They say that by studying the signs and practicing divination, astrology and religion the noble-minded will come through difficulties unscathed.

For the US in general the chart is favorable for all professions involving financial and commercial matters; money management; entrepreneurship; investing and trading. Playing precious metals is good. If you play the stock market, however, be very cautious after the summer. It will take more than 2010 for the economy to turn around. The elements in the world are severely out of balance.

The chart has a preponderance of Wood and Metal elements. It is extremely Yang. It suggests that there will be much heat and storms this coming spring and summer and a probability of floods especially on the east coast.

If you were born in the year or day of Monkey, Rat or Dragon this is an important year for you to make a significant change. Either travel, change residence, make an important career change, or change your house around. Metal Tiger is such a strong sign that if you don't do any of these things, you will become extremely discontent, waste a lot of time and money and/or clash others.

If you were born in the year or on the day of Snake, Tiger year will be a challange for you. Tiger is friendly to Pig, Horse, Dog, Rabbit and Dragon, and is neutral to Ox and Sheep. To find out how you will fare this year you may want to get your own personal Chinese astrological chart reading done.

Reduced to an I Ching hexagram, the beginning of this year of Metal Tiger yields hexagram 32, line 2. It says the great person stands firm and does not change direction. Changes come with the changing seasons. This is a time to persevere. Be calm and adapt to the time. If you maintain balance you will have a good year. Going to extremes is not wise.




by Raphael Simons
Astrology, Psychic Readings, Chinese Astrology, Feng Shui, Get a telephone consultation or reading