Charms and Crystals > Marilyn Soriano

by MS. JOY LIM OF CHARMS AND CRYSTALS INTERNATIONAL

Certified CHARMER
You've heard her name being thanked for by people from showbiz-- from hosts to TV guests--whose arms and necks are layered with her beautiful and attractive charm bracelets and necklaces. Next, big time politicians have endlessly sought pieces of her feng shui advice, from which she based on their birthdates. Then, commoners, whose only light of hope lies on her lucky items, would flock her humble main shop on Dapitan St. in Manila, waiting for their turn, no matter how long it would take, just to meet her face to face. She has been written and watched all over. Indeed, JOY LIM, of Charms and Crystals International, has become a household... click here to read on >>

The financial world has been hit hard with the worst financial crisis in years -- with the US and European markets hitting an economic slump. They all agree that the worst is yet to come. And to make things worse, analysts are saying that the Asian (read Philippine) market will be up next. We will only start feeling the impact of the crisis next year.  A foreshadowing of the things to come in the Year of the Ox? Not if you make things right in your universe – your very own homes.

Here are some Feng Shui ideas and remedies that can help create more energy to get your finances flowing again. Try these ideas to see if you can’t stimulate more prosperity:

Declutter

One of the most important things you can do for your finances is simply to clean up. Throwing out junk and getting rid of things like excess paper, empty boxes, and broken items can go a long way toward energizing your home for prosperity. Take particular notice of your windows and make sure to take out anything that blocks your main entrance.

Go around your house and replace broken stuff or anything that you don't need. Change everything like curtains and bed sheets. Get a new set if you can, but if you can’t, it would be good to at least have them newly washed. A good tip is to donate your unused things to charity -- the more you give the more blessings will be received.

Feng Shui Front Doors

Practitioners consider the front door extremely important; it is where all the good energy comes into the home. It must be clean, well lit, welcoming and USED.

If your door is facing NORTH make sure you avoid passing through this door; but if you have no other door to pass through, make sure to counter negative energy with the following charms:

      1)     Chong Kwei

      2)     5-Element Pagoda

      3)     2009 All in one 5bats Rat Charm.

Meanwhile the Year of the OX predicts danger if your door is facing EAST. A good precautionary measure is to have charms like the:

      1)     3 chi-lin

      2)     Rhinoceros

      3)     Rabbit Rhino charm w/ 3 chi-lin.   

Keep the Water Flowing

Water equals money. No water, no money. Consider investing in waterfalls with a Djambala treasure box to welcome the star of wealth from the Southeast. Djambala is the Tibetan god of wealth who was blessed by Buddha to bring spiritual and material wealth to anyone who has his image inside his home or business place.

Don't forget to display your Djambala as you welcome January 26, 2009. As water pours into the head of Djambal, he is at the same time blessing you with more wealth.

Have a Lucky 9 

The number 9 takes the center stage for the 2009 Year of the Ox.

To fuel the opportunities and luck that the number 9 brings, activate the center of your house with the symbol of OX with a bell and a Teapot, surrounded with bejeweled wishing crystals. The bell symbolizes a protection charm that warns the Ox in the case of danger; whereas the teapot give him strength--with hot water in his stomach-- to start the day right and finally the bejeweled wishing crystals signifies a harvest of good luck.

Meanwhile, for those who want to attract wealth wherever they go:

     1)     9 eye citrine bracelet

     2)     lettuce Peridot bracelet and a

     3)    Mantra leather bracelet are highly recommended.

Gains of Garlic

To the Chinese, a clove of garlic signifies new opportunities coming into your life. As is usual amongst the Cantonese dialect group, objects that have auspicious sounding names are always favored as symbols of good fortune. The Cantonese name of garlic is "Suin Mei" and this literally means having plenty of money to count.

Place 24 pieces of garlic on top of your dining table. This is a year-round ritual so don’t forget to replace it when needed. 

Rise with Rice 

The rice urn is considered as the stomach of a family, and it represents income, savings, business and wealth abundance.

Make sure to fill your rice urn with sack of rice. For those who are already practicing this ritual, this year just add money divided into denominations of 9 inside the red packet that was kept at the bottom of your rice urn last year. Remember never leave your rice urn empty as it symbolizes draining.

Enhance Your Prospects

Make peace with everyone to attract a prosperous year. Leave all you your anger and angst behind; and instead, learn to practice a positive attitude.

Another way to enhance your prospects is to make good use of wishing papers. Patiently write your wishes and don't stop even if you didn't get your wishes to come true last year. An estimate of 8 out 10 get their wishes immediately – remember that you can wish for anything, even if it seems impossible. Writing your wishes is just like writing a letter to God.

Discover Magic

An Ancient Magic Chart package, inclusive of wishing paper and a mantra bracelet is now made available for those who want to discover magic for the year 2009. Depending on your intention, you can experience charting first-hand. But always remember to only have good intentions (money, romance, etc.) —bad intentions will only backfire at you.

The package includes a mantra bracelet which can protect you from trials, heal your illness and take out your fears. The mantra bracelet works like ‘chanting’ because you have in your wrist a great protection from illness and accidents; from trials, worries and fear as well as protections from any obstacles in life. You can choose to wear the mantra bracelet by itself or together with a watch. It is a great gift for your love ones. Now only at $ 188 US dollar / package.

Fruitful Fruits

Many fruits, flowers and plants have deep symbolic meaning in them. Due to their individual properties, some have been classified in ancient texts as symbols of longevity, wealth, prosperity and fertility. Below are some of the fruitful fruits for the Year of the Ox:

1)     Pineapple – The pineapple is extremely auspicious and is said to be able to harness and accumulate abundance. Pineapple in Chinese is Ong Lay which means ‘the king is coming’ – symbolizing the abundance which the pineapple fruit brings.

2)    Apple – To keep a sense of peace and harmony inside of the house, it is recommended that you place 24 pieces of green and red apples at the center of your home.

3)     Oranges- To welcome the pot of golden opportunities that the year 2009 brings, it’s best to have oranges all over the house and roll them when the New Year strikes.

Ride the Wealth Ship, Plant the Wealth Vase

If you already have a wealth ship, remember that you need not change its direction for the coming year. The auspicious direction is calculated based on your birthday so it does not change. The only thing you need to do is to add more charms every year (ie..More coins).

Aside from the wealth ship, don’t forget about the wealth vase. Remember to swear to heaven “I am so blessed that I couldn't thank God enough, my wealth vase really works!” Adding soil to your wealth vase is also advisable.

Ang Pao for Long-Life

For longevity, grandparents, elders should give " Ang Pao" (red packet) to the children inside the house and the family. Another alternative is to give these red packets to less fortunate children in the street. The “Ang Pao” may not necessarily be a big amount, the important thing is for elders to share their blessings.

The Business of Quiat-Quiat

The quiat-quiat tree is arguably the best-known symbol for a prosperous business. You may choose to create your own version or buy the ones available in the market. Remember to hang red packets of money as well as a ‘heaven’s luck windchime’ on top of the quiat-quiat tree.

On the eve of the Chinese New Year, rolling 88pcs of Quiat – Quiat from the main door towards the house/inside the house will also bring in a more prosperous Year of the Ox.

What you Should Avoid

Avoid using sharp objects during Chinese New year as this symbolizes operation and surgery.

For your dining table, avoid using white plates and use a red table cloth in welcoming the New Year. Meanwhile, 15 days after January 26, 2009, avoid wearing black or white; instead wear bright-colored shirts with lucky symbols.

New Year, New Luck

For those who have experienced really bad luck the previous year 2008, start your year right. Cleanse your self from misfortune, take a bath before the midnight of the eve of New Year with pomelo soap, use new yellow bath towel to dry yourself and spray on sandalwood cologne. If you have pomelo tree, boil the leaves and use the water for taking a bath.

Using a pomelo soap and the sandalwood cologne all year round is also good to constantly contradict the negative energy that is causing the world economic crisis.

Another tip is to wear the ‘life-changing destiny bracelet,’ – this charm is a good way to your destiny from the bad to good.  You just have to wear it everyday and not to not use it only as an accessory. Take care of it and in return, you'll see changes in your life.

Aside from the ‘life-changing destiny bracelet,’ here are other must-have items for 2009, exclusively available at Joy Lim’s Charms and Crystals:

1. The Ox with Bell and Tea Pot – Place at the Northeast of your house to bring you luck and protection.
   
   
2.  Brass Money Coin Tree- Ideal to be put in the Southeast direction awesome luck, stability and business  growth this 2009.
   
   
3.  8 Immortals – An all-in-one good luck charm that’s supposed to be placed in the Northwest part of the house.
   
   
4.  Silver Box – Bills, Bills, Bills that you want/need to pay ASAP! Place the silver box northwest of  your bedroom, house or living room. Anf for Love, put the silver box in the Southwest direction to  bring in a good and loving boyfriend or partner.
   
   
5. Money Yellow Buddha – A good way to attract money inside the house, this charm is ideally placed at the entrance of your home.
   
   
6. Djambala Treasure box – Very Good for wishes most especially those that are related to finances.
   
   
7. Camel – Ideal for those suffering financial difficulties. Must have one to overcome!
   
   
8. Medicine Buddha – Recommended for those who are sick or who have loved-ones afflicted with illness. Best to be placed in the Western direction or at the bedside of the sick person. Note that the medicine Buddha has some rituals attached to it.
   
   
9. Money Collector –  Really good for business – with the Money Collector, you’re sure to have plenty of money to count.
   
   
10. Red Buddha –  Place 6 pieces in the Southwest portion of the house an expect unexpected happiness in your life.
    
    
11. Tiny Brass Tibetan goddess – Good for cars and bags—these handy goddesses bring  wealth charm and  protection.
    
    
12. The Happy Buddha Mantra – A praying Buddha that brings wealth, protection and good health to your family.
    
    
13. Golden Ruyi Buddha – if you really want a promotion and is looking to activate luck in your career, this charm is the one for you. Best placed in the northern part of the house.
    
    
14. Chong Kwei – This charm is effective in  diffusing the fatal effects of  5-Yellow star  (bringing mishaps, death, accidents, big losses) If you invite Chung Kwei in your house, irrespective of where the flying star for 5-yellow is,  the Chung Kwei’s image will be able to  protect the entire family.
    
    
15. Wei Tuo –  also known as the God General, he is seen as a great protector of Buddha and Kuan Yin ( the Goddess of Mercy). He is regarded as the unwavering, faithful servant of Buddha while at the same time protecting Buddhism treasures and objects of the Dharma.
    
    
16. The Animal Zodiac Sign –  These charms cures sickness and brings luck  depending on your year of birth.
    
    
17. Auspicious Sticker -  Stick at the main entrance, bedroom and cars depending on your concern.
    
    
18. Wealthship – more weathship, means more unexpected treasure. This charm is best placed in  the auspicious direction of every member of the family living in the house.

Lastly, if you were born in the year of the Rat, Rabbit, Goat, Rooster, and Tiger, it is greatly advisable for you to wear red on the day of the Chinese New Year.  Again, don’t forget to take a bath using a pomelo soap (or boil pomelo leaves and use the water to wash yourself) and definitely spray on a sandalwood cologne.

And just like our tradition, please feel free to call or pay us a visit at Charms & Crystal, we will be able to give you more advice, a consultation, and let you know what are the other charms that you need.