Fire Rooster: A hot year for romance??

MANILA, Philippines - As sure as the cock crows on a bright new day, we wake up to the Year of the Fire Rooster on Saturday, Jan. 28.

“The last time we had the Year of the Fire Rooster was in 1957, 60 years ago,” recalls feng shui queen Princess Lim-Fernandez at a lunch press event featuring good food and good fortune at New World Makati Hotel. “It will again take 60 years before the Year of the Fire Rooster comes back.”

The last time we had the Year of the Fire Rooster, that is, in 1957, the world population was a scant 2.888 billion (China alone has a current population of 1.385B — and counting); a gallon of gas cost only 24 cents; bacon sold for only 60 cents per pound, and eggs for 28 cents per dozen; a car fetched a not-so-pricey $2,000 plus.

Also in 1957, Toyota started selling its cars in the US, the first being the Toyopet Crown. The USSR launched Sputnik 2 with a dog, Laika, the first animal in orbit. The US Surgeon General Leroy Burney warned that smoking could cause lung cancer. Among the top 10 box-office hits were The Ten Commandments, Around the World in 80 Days, Jailhouse Rock starring King of Rock Elvis Presley,  and The Bridge on the River Kwai.

Fast-forward to 2017: Will this year’s Fire Rooster spew fire? What will leave burning imprints in our collective memory?

Princess Lim-Fernandez, who founded the Yin & Yang Shop of Harmony at New World Makati Hotel with her mother, Baby Lim-Fernandez, gives a forecast of what’s in store in 2017 Year of the Fire Rooster. She leads “2017 Enchanting The Fire Rooster,” Chinese New Year’s Eve celebration, on Friday, Jan. 27, at the Grand Ballroom of New World Makati Hotel.

THE STATE OF HEALTH OF PRESIDENT DUTERTE

In general, because of the presence of the “Sickness Star” in the Northwest, this denotes that all fathers, heads of the family, heads of companies and heads of state should pay close attention to their health especially if they are born under the year or day of the Ox, Rabbit, or Monkey.  Our President was born in the year of the Rooster and the day of the Monkey (both signs are affected by the Fire Rooster), so he, along with all heads of the family, should pay attention to their health especially related to blood pressure, heart, circulation, nervous system, eyes, brain, and respiratory system. 

ECONOMY: LUCKY/UNLUCKY INDUSTRIES

The elements associated with the Year of the Fire Rooster are fire and metal.  Therefore, industries that will be lucky this year are those related to water such as tourism, transportation, shipping, logistics, hospitality, hotels, trading, and other water-related businesses.

Fire-related industries will also do quite well this year and these are restaurants, entertainment business, media, glamour industries, energy, gadgets, electronics, and web-related businesses.

Businesses related to earth such as property, construction, building materials, livestock and agriculture will be very active and busy this year.  But money luck will not come easily. 

The industries that should be cautious this year are those related to metal such as banking, engineering, mineral, mining and hardware.  These industries will be very active this year but competition will also be very stiff.   

Businesses in the wood industry such as textile, paper, clothing, printing, and woodworks should rally and step it up since their wealth luck element is very weak this year.

Therefore, for businesses belonging to the metal and wood industries, put a pair of Voracious Tian Lu by the main entrance of their offices.

 ?BUSINESS: WHAT’S HOT, WHAT’S NOT

The industries that have good potential this year are those related to fire and water.  So, it will be good to explore businesses in industries like food and beverage, hotel, tourist spots, transportation and delivery, energy, gadgets, and trading. 

But given the overall characteristics that this 2017 Fire Rooster brings, people should approach investments this year with a degree of caution.  They should take the conservative approach as much as possible especially if they are a Monkey, Snake, Pig or Rabbit.

GOOD LUCK, GOOD HEALTH 

There is  disharmony in the relationship of elements of the year.  The fire melts the metal of the Rooster.  Since metal represents our skin and respiratory system, there will be a conflict that may trigger a flu epidemic, respiratory diseases or skin problems.  So, these aspects of health should be given more attention. 

It is best for everyone, especially for the signs that don’t have a strong health luck this year like the Ox, Rabbit, and Monkey, to carry a Health Medallion with them, and put a Longevity Peach in their bedroom.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY: NEW GADGETS/MEDICAL BREAKTHROUGHS

On the other hand, the Fire Rooster does not just bring all gloom and doom.  The strong “Academic & Creative Star” this year will positively benefit industries related to research and development, creativity, and innovation. 

Thus, we can expect to see exciting new innovations in the medical field, science and technology, particularly those that are non-traditional, new, and out of the box. 

The gadgets that will be popular this year are those mobile and web-based ones since those are related to the fire element.  There should also be a significant breakthrough in the medical field related to the brain, eyes or heart.

NATURAL CALAMITIES: WHERE’S THE FIRE?

For the Fire Rooster, like the 2016 Fire Monkey, we can expect the weather to be quite dry, sunny, warm with minimum rainfall, especially in the first half of the year.  Therefore, we need to be alert to accidents such as fires, explosions and other fire-related disasters. 

So, everyone should take extra precaution in their homes, especially during the summer months and even more if your house is facing South, East or West.  

 The countries or provinces in the center and the South like Central America, South Korea may have water-related disasters.

ROMANCE: TO GET MARRIED OR NOT

A year that has Double Spring, which we call “Shuang Chun Yen” or double spring year, means it is a very auspicious year to get married especially for those signs that have a blossoming “Romance Star” in their chart like the Rat, Monkey, Dragon, and Horse.

Auspicious months to get married are March, May, July, late September, November, and January 2018, but please take note: Choose an auspicious date that is not in conflict to the couple.  For assistance on choosing an auspicious wedding date, visit the Yin & Yang Shop of Harmony at the New World Makati Hotel Makati City or consult the Yin & Yang Shop’s annual publication 2017 Feng Shui Diary & Your Luck in 2017 Year of the Fire Rooster.

For those signs who would like to get married but have a dim romance luck, it would be good to display a Magpie Charm in the heart of their home. 

FAMILY: A GOOD YEAR TO HAVE CHILDREN

The Fire Rooster is one of the two, the second being the Water Rabbit, among the 60 zodiac signs that has inborn academic and benefactor luck.  Given this unique inborn trait of the Fire Rooster, it is auspicious to have a baby this year as this child would be born with inherent academic luck and benefactor luck. 

Having inborn academic luck symbolizes intelligence and a strong thirst for learning. Having inborn benefactor luck will give this baby a charmed life that is blessed with support from others and helpful people like guardian angels all around to help make things smooth and easy.

These traits are essential for a successful life and thus, a year with both benefactor and academic luck will only occur again in 2023 and the next one is in 2077.  So, for couples who are still contemplating on when to have a baby, this is definitely one year they should seriously consider.

TRAVEL/TOURISM: BEHIND THE SCENERY

Since this is a good year for tourism and transportation, it is going to be a good year for travel.  But it is best to avoid traveling towards the South and West.  Traveling, movement, and a change of scenery will help improve the luck of the Rabbit, Snake, Monkey, and Pig.

It will be good to display the Garlic of Opportunity so that travels this year will not only bring rest and relaxation but can also open new horizons and opportunities.

TERRORISM

Given the discord in the relationship of the fire and metal (Rooster) elements of the year, this may translate to conflict in relations between countries, between ideals or between those in authority and their citizens so it might not be a very peaceful year.  The best approach is to try to come up with non-traditional and out-of-the-box solutions to these obstacles and conflicts.

What’s there to crow about in the Year of the Rooster?

 (1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008)

Naughty or mice, the luck of Rats this year is steady and good.  The “Romance Star” on their chart will help them forge new relationships and strengthen existing ones which will greatly benefit their personal and professional life.  Having a female benefactor will help reduce their challenges and setbacks.  This also means that female Rats will have better luck than male Rats.  They should not be too sensitive; otherwise, this will lead to unnecessary misunderstandings and disputes which can be quite distracting to the point of causing unnecessary anxiety and emotional distress.

* * *

(1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009)

Not an A-OK year for the Ox. The Oxen had their heyday during the Year of the Fire Monkey and as life is a cycle, this year, their luck may fall back slightly.  They must be quick to act in situations so they don’t fall into unseen pitfalls that may affect their health and wealth like a sudden lawsuit or the like.  The Ox should be aware that this year, he/she will have the tendency to be quite emotional.  They shouldn’t let the situation get the better of them by giving in to the stress and getting overwhelmed.  In fact, they should tap their inborn stubbornness and try to find a creative solution.  To give them some distraction and a change of pace, the Ox should try to learn something new.   

* * *

(1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010)

Tigers can now roar and breathe easy this year as the pressure and stress of the 2016 Fire Monkey on them is finally easing up.  The patience they displayed and lessons they learned last year should pave the way for a progressive year for them.  They have the potential to do quite well in their career and business endeavors.  But Tigers should adhere to the Chinese saying: “When people work with one mind, they can even remove Mount Taishan.” Working with a team will bring smooth realization of goals for them.  But throughout this busy year, they should not let their health take a backseat lest they regret it in the future.

* * *

(1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011)

Sorry, but it won’t be a 24-carrot year for Rabbits since they’re directly in conflict with the Rooster, and should thus brace themselves for a potentially tumultuous year. But with perseverance, they will be able to overcome the trials that come their way, just take it one step at a time. They should adopt a positive mindset and see this period as a chance to grow and learn from their encounters this year. That way, with their added knowledge and experience, they will be able to make the most out of their good luck when 2018 comes around. The conflict with the Rooster may also bring about movement for the Rabbit.  If they don’t stay in one place for a prolonged period, then they can reduce the effect of this conflict. Having a “Big Drain Star” in their sign this year means that Rabbits must be very prudent with their spending. They should pray more and do charity work to improve their luck.

To help alleviate this clash with the year, Rabbits may attend the Tai Suey Blessing on Feb. 19. (For more information, call the Yin & Yang Shop of Harmony at 752-5882.)

* * *

(1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012)

The Dragons will spew a lot of fire this year, being very compatible with the Rooster. They will have a chance to finally get back and recover from the losses they suffered these past years. This is their time to shine and breathe fire. They have numerous auspicious stars in their sign this year so they should strive to make the most of it and stock up in preparation for next year.  Wealth, career, and relationships are looking rosy and bright for the Dragons. But they should not overindulge or drive themselves too hard or else their health might get affected.

* * *

(1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013)

Snakes may have a lot to hiss about as they experience a downturn this year. Thus, they should be very careful of what they say and the advice they give, otherwise it may backfire on them.  Having inauspicious stars in their sign that invoke discord will translate to disruptions in their relationships, both at home and in the workplace.  So, Snakes should exercise caution in managing all aspects of their lives this year — be it wealth, career, relationships or health.  It will be best for Snakes to try to have a change of pace occasionally to give them a change of environment that will also help give them a shift in perspective. Snakes should always be prepared and be at least one step ahead this year to help improve their luck.  As the Chinese saying goes, “Coming events cast their shadow before them.”  So, if the Snakes stay vigilant and alert, they will be able to mitigate the effects of the inauspicious stars.

* * *

(1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014)

Horses will kick-start the year with an abundance of auspicious stars so expect a very auspicious year, Horses.  They will have smooth sailing (or is it riding?) this year and have the chance to reap what they sowed in the past.  In other words, the grass is greener this year, which can be deemed as “harvest time” for Horses.  They should treasure and appreciate their good fortune this year and make the most of it.  They should not be complacent or get tempted by vices or else, like the fire of a candlelight, everything can also be easily extinguished. 

* * *

(1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015)

Don’t whine now, Goats, even as your inauspicious stars far outweigh the auspicious stars.  This year may be quite stressful, troubled, and restrictive for Goats.  Since they may have some difficulty accumulating wealth, they should save what comes their way and protect their existing treasure.  Goats should be mindful of what comes out of their mouths since, as the Chinese saying goes, “A spoken word can never be taken back.”  Older Goats should watch out for any illness because if not immediately addressed, it may quickly progress to something severe.  The sliver of hope for the Goats this year is that if they are consistent and hardworking, conservative, and patient in their career, then a promotion may be in their horizon.     

* * *

(1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992 2004)

No monkey business please, because even as the pressure on the luck of the Monkeys from last year will start to alleviate, they are not yet in the clear.  This means that even if the year is kinder to the Monkeys, it does not give them license to be aggressive and take risks.  Caution in managing their wealth, relationships is still advised.  Even if there will be some breakthroughs in their career that will give them relief and an elevated status. Monkeys should pay extra special attention to their health.  The physical and mental health of the Monkeys should be their priority.  They should neither worry too much nor should they allow the challenges in their relationships and career to take a toll on their health.  Having a “Romance Star” will help them get support from their friends and loved ones.  On the personal relationship front, a lot of potential partners will crop up, but Monkeys must discern well who is for keeps.

* * *

(1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005)

Though it’s supposed to be your year, don’t be cocky now and don’t flap your wings. Because normally, when your sign is the same as the current year, your luck will start to fluctuate.  The Rooster this year is no exception, but the good thing is that despite having a “self-penalty” with the current year, the Rooster has numerous auspicious stars in their sign that will help make the year a relatively auspicious one for them.  Wealth opportunities will crop up for the Rooster, but they should remember that “all that glitters may not be gold.” They will have the chance to grow their wealth, but they should remember that a lazy or risky decision can also deplete their finances. They should keep their emotions in check and monitor a chronic health issue to minimize risks.  Since the Rooster is the Grand Duke in charge of the year, their luck is still affected despite the numerous auspicious stars. 

* * *

 (1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006)

Dogs will have something to bark about as this year will be a much better one after the trying Fire Monkey of 2016. Dogs can expect some exciting times ahead.  Having a “Sun Star” means they will have the support and backing of a powerful male who can open doors of opportunity for them.  But because of the energy of the Fire Rooster, if the deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.  Dogs will do well in their career and gain power and even a promotion.  Since this looks like a busy year for the Dog, they should take occasional breaks to achieve a good work-life balance.  Single Dogs will have a chance to change their status, but Dogs already in a relationship should put in some effort and when squabbles start simmering, they should remember what made them fall in love in the first place. The Dog still has a half-conflict relationship with the Rooster, so they may attend the Tai Suey Blessing on Feb. 19 to minimize the blocks to their auspicious year.

* * *

(1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007)

Don’t feel so low, dear Pig, and keep your snout up, even as you face a tough year, which may take a toll on your emotional well-being. Pigs should take things in stride and not let anything overwhelm them.  Try not to make any major decisions when you are emotional.  Pigs should be open to inputs and advice from others before investing in or embarking on a significant change in their lives. Every opportunity for travel should be seriously considered as this may open doors for a better career for Pigs and also give them a change of environment.