Feng shui predictions for 2017

Some people believe in feng shui, others don’t. But a multitude of people are curious about it. That’s why the country’s Feng Shui Queen Marites Allen is so visible these days.

TV shows invite her to discuss her predictions and seek advice for the Year of the Fire Rooster, which kicks off on Jan. 28. Reams of articles are written about her.

After all, Maritess’ life is a shining example of good luck. She rose from humble beginnings to become the globe-trotting, popular feng shui master that she is today.

Her Frigga stores all over the country sell books, clothes, fashion accessories and others purported to bring the best of luck. She’s happily married to a British businessman, with whom she has four children. They shuttle between the Philippines and the United Kingdom, where they maintain homes.

Maritess studied the art and science of feng shui for years to become the go-to person in the field that she is today.

Here are some of her predictions for 2017:

• Earth colors — cream, beige and terracotta — are lucky this year. That’s because the Earth element is missing in this year’s chart. They’re important to balance the elements of metal, fire and wood.

• Bb. Pilipinas-Universe Maxine Medina has a good chance of winning in the upcoming Miss Universe pageant set in Manila on Jan. 30. The coronation date, explains Maritess, is a stable one for those born in the Year of the Horse like Maxine. The other good news is that the pageant night is set in the Hour of the Rooster.

• The era of women leaders is giving way to the rule of men. Look at our very own President Rody Duterte and US President-elect Donald Trump. Women leaders, on the other hand, will go through challenges, ranging from political unrest, long-term lawsuits, injuries and sickness.

• The economy looks rosy in summer, but will have a “challenging downturn” in late 2017.

• Social media will be even more powerful.

• Those born this year are doubly lucky. They have the blessing of the Nobleman and Academic stars, which bring intelligence and success.

• Those born in the Year of the Rabbit will face big changes, like a new job or relocations. They should be careful lest they figure in accidents or suffer injuries and back problems. The rabbit is the conflict animal of the rooster.

• The stock market will do well in spring and summer, but will go through challenges late this year and onwards.

• We should watch out for devastating effects on the stock market in August.

• Businesses that rely heavily on fire, like restaurants and food concerns, will boom.

• The same thing applies to businesses dealing with wellness, like yoga, sports, exercise and others.

• Prospects are just as bright for the beauty, fashion and entertainment sectors.

• Roosters and rabbits have the Flower of Romance. This makes estranged couple Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt — both rabbits — the pair to watch.

• Rabbits and boars will enjoy travel opportunities.

• More refugees will seek shelter in many countries.

• Tiger and Ox people will see the world, seek further studies, get married and start a family. They have the Romance and Education luck on their side.

• Roosters must stay cool lest their defiant, argumentative side would plunge them in legal issues.

• Roosters will find happiness when they settle down and start a family this year. The Marriage Luck is with them.

• Take that flu shot now! A serious type of pandemic flu may infect many.

Be that as it may, destiny still rests, not in what the animal sign means, but in what we do in life.

Maritess herself says there are three kinds of luck. Those born richer, prettier and more talented than others have Heaven’s Luck. Those who work harder have Mankind Luck, while feng shui practitioners have Earth Luck on their side.

A successful, happy life is a combination of these kinds of luck.

Here’s wishing you all of the above in the Year of the Fire Rooster! — With reports from Almed Garcia and Julian Mauricio