Charms and Crystals > Marilyn Soriano

by Dinna Chan Vasquez

The Year of the Metal Tiger, which starts on February 14, will not be an easy year but it could be a good one for those who are determined to work hard and take risks.

Feng shui expert Joy Lim of Charms & Crytals says that the Year of the Tiger is a good time to start a new business.

“The #8 Wealth Star will bring luck,” says Lim, who is known as the feng shui adviser to the stars.

The year will not be without its challenges. As Lim explains, the Tiger is born to suffer and is not as well loved as other animals.

But it will be noted that another attribute of the Tiger is his incredible bravery, as evidenced by a willingness to engage in battle.

Tough tiger

Lim explains that metal has a negative relationship with the Tiger’s fixed element, which is wood. In fact, this is the fifth in a run of six years governed by an unlucky conflict of elements.

But she says the combination of metal and Tiger is not without hope as, together, it represents the kind of force necessary to accomplish the most difficult tasks.

“Like the Tiger, we need to be tough in order to overcome challenges,” Lim says. “We need to take a positive attitude and of course, we need allies.”

The Rat’s secret friend is the Ox; its allies are the Dragon and Monkey. The Rat is the Ox’s secret friend while its allies are the Snake and Rooster. The Pig is the Tiger’s secret friend and the Horse and Dog its allies. The Rabbit’s secret friend is the Dog and its allies are the Sheep and Pig. The Dragon’s secret friend is the Rooster with the Monkey and Rat as allies. The Monkey is the Snake’s secret friend; its allies are the Rooster and Ox. The Horse’s secret friend is the Sheep while its allies are Dog and Tiger. The Sheep’s secret friend is the Horse and its allies are the Pig and Rabbit. The Monkey’s secret friend is the Snake while allies are the Rat and Dragon. The Rooster has the Dragon for a secret friend and Ox and Snake as allies. The Dog has the Rabbit for a secret friend and Tiger and Horse as allies. The Tiger is the Pig’s secret friend and the Rabbit and Sheep are its allies.

Tuesday, January 12, 2010  

A year of breakups

The lucky signs this year, Lim says, are the Rooster and Rabbit. She notes that Senator Mar Rojas is a Rooster and his running mate Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino is a Rat, who will be lucky in love.

“2010 appears to be a year for politicians and business looks to be good due to the upcoming elections,” she adds.

But Lim warns that the Southwest is afflicted in 2010 and this could affect love and marriage luck.

“Couples who have been together for many years could break up,” she adds. To counter this, she advises making sure that the toilet is not located in the Southwest as this will flush out love and marriage luck.

Do not begin or end renovations in the Southwest either as this is believed to invite bad luck due to the presence of the Grand Duke Jupiter, Lim says

Businesses related to the metal and earth elements will be lucky and this includes those related to jewelry, engineering, computers, cars, construction, real estate and mining. Those in businesses involving water and fire, such as restaurants, will not be so lucky, she warns.

Career luck is also so-so with the Three Killings in the North but it will not be as bad as the previous year. To counter this, activate the North with the Celestial Guardians or waterfalls for good luck, Lim advises.

Hardy plant

Having waterfalls or aquarium in the house is a must, says Lim, along with a Tiger with scissors and shoe figurine. The lotus, a plant that grows in the most difficult conditions, will also be lucky and this can be worn in a charm bracelet.

Lotus is a hardy perennial considered sacred in Buddhism.

Lucky colors for the year are purple and anything gold. Of course, gold jewelry and an ultimate all-in-one charm bracelet, which Lim is offering for the first time this year, would also bring good luck.