Love, reconciliation and peace in the Year of the Water RaBbit

Beginning Jan. 22, which marks the first day of the Year of the Water Rabbit, everyone can expect a more peaceful and less tumultuous year compared to the ferocious “roaring” Water Tiger. The Water Rabbit, according to Feng Shui expert Marites Allen, focuses on love, reconciliation, and peace.

Marites would like to make it clear that Feng Shui has nothing to do with religion and it’s not a superstition. Feng Shui is a science.

“When we say science, we can talk about location or direction inside the house that is lucky for money to enter this 2023. So, if you want money, then activate the south corner of your home because nandiyan ang ating suwerte sa pera,” said Marites, who was garbed in a satin fabric green dress, which she described as her wealth color, during our exclusive interview.

She pointed out that with Feng Shui, a person’s destiny can be mapped based on his or her birth data. And this can be used to enhance the positives and minimize the negatives.

“As the time changes, as the year changes, meron talagang masuwerte at hindi masuwerte sa isang taon at nalalaman natin ito at pwede nating kontrahin. Kung maswerte naman ‘yung taon mo, pwede natin i-enhance.

“Feng Shui is not about fortune-telling. It’s based on Chinese metaphysics. For example, all of us, we’re born in a particular hour, day, month, and year. So, depende doon sa pinanganakan natin na oras at panahon, meron tayong talagang swerte. Every year, there are lucky animal signs and there are also challenging ones at ‘pag nalaman natin ‘yan, ‘yun ang tinatawag na forecast. It is called forecast because (it means) this is what most likely may happen,” she explained.

Marites said that Feng Shui is part of Chinese astrology and it’s been around for 4,000 years. “If there’s no truth to it (Feng Shui), it will just fizzle out,” she said.

Based on the year of birth, people can easily identify which animal sign on the Chinese zodiac represents them. People born in the Year of the Rabbit are believed to be gentle, amicable, vigilant, and witty. They have a decent, noble and elegant manner.

Have you wondered how the 12 animal signs became part of the Chinese zodiac? Are you now also beginning to wonder why the Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, etc., were selected and in that order? How come the cat was not included?

According to Marites, there was a Chinese Emperor in the olden times who wanted to select 12 animals to form the zodiac. He sent the message to all the animals to come to him by crossing the river because he wanted to choose the best, the fastest, and the most beautiful animals.

“There was like a race called the Great Race to cross a certain river and then because of that, these 12 animal signs came in accordance to the ranking. So, nauna si Rat because maabilidad si Rat. In order to cross the river, Rat jumped at the back of Ox and held onto its tail and while they were nearing the shore, Rat jumped off the ox and took the first spot then followed by Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Boar.

“Then, there’s also a story on why the cat was not selected. What happened was they left the cat sleeping and they did not wake the cat up because it’s a contest, pagalingan ito.”

Marites said what the Year of the Water Rabbit has in store for us individually will mainly depend on the Chinese zodiac sign we were born under. She emphasized that Feng Shui serves as a guide to navigating the new year and reminded that people must remain prayerful.

Here’s a summary of Marites’ forecasts for the Chinese zodiac signs in the Year of the Water Rabbit:

Rat (1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020)

If you are single, this is the time for you to have a special someone due to the so-called Flower of Romance. In terms of money, cash flow opportunities can be expected “at dadami pa even towards the end of the year” because people born under the rat sign are blessed with the so-called Future Prosperity Star and whatever they start on can multiply nine times.

Ox (1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021)

Ox-born people are advised to spend more time with their partners because there’s a possible breakup or separation if they spend too much time with work. Their health is also at risk if they continue to focus solely on their work. In terms of money, wealth opportunities are great but they have to be very careful because there are threats of robbery and losses.

Tiger (1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022)

In terms of love, they have to be careful because Tigers have the so-called Robbery Stars that can put a challenge to their romantic relationship. In health, whatever your previous health issues last year could come back so it’s advisable for people under the Tiger sign to get a medical check-up. In terms of money, wealth opportunities are very strong.

Rabbit (1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023)

2023 is your year and there are many blessings coming your way. Romantic opportunities are very promising, too, so it’s time for single Rabbits to mingle. However, Rabbit-born people have to be mindful of their health as they carry the “Illness Star.”

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

The presence of the so-called Argumentative Star will affect the affairs of the heart of the Dragon-born people. They should be careful with their words or what to say to their partner. Try also to be more forgiving and patient. Otherwise, there will be heartaches.

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

Health is so important. That’s why this is the best time to find a group that will encourage you to be healthy like Zumba or Yoga group because health is very important. Potential increase in income is very possible and you will get additional work responsibility as well. In other words, people born under the Snake sign can get a promotion this year.

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

Horse-born people will be blessed with good fortune in 2023. But this is not the time to take it easy but continue to work hard to achieve unlimited funds and promotions. Wealth is okay but of course don’t forget to take care of your health.

Sheep (1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015)

Rabbit and Sheep are good friends and therefore, Sheep-born people have the opportunity to be engaged, to have babies. In terms of wealth, the presence of the Victory Star will give them plenty of opportunities to earn good money, especially if they are into businesses because the year 2023 is a good time for them to expand their businesses.

Monkey (1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016)

The Year of the Tiger was a terrible time for Monkey-born people so this is the time for them to bounce back after a time of great struggle as they will be blessed with Victory Star. In love, it’s time for rekindling romance and rebuilding lost family ties. This is the time for you to reconnect with them. But if things don’t work, you just move on. In health, the lethargic feeling is present for the first three months of the year but then you will be inspired to work hard from April until the end of the year. In fact, the accumulation of cash is good until the next three years.

Rooster (1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017)

Roosters could experience ups and downs as 2023 is your conflict year. So, take it easy and move around and make some necessary changes, or if you can afford it, try to travel and go to different places. In terms of love, there will be misunderstandings so be careful if you don’t want to lose ties with the ones you love. In health, moving around is best. There will be unexpected cash blessings for you.

Dog (1948, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018)

Rabbit and Dog are secret friends so love is there. Dog-born people are encouraged to stay faithful to their partners. It’s a good time for them to get married. In terms of health, Dog-born people should pay attention to their skin to avoid any skin disorders like skin irritation or rashes. Cash flow is good this 2023 but they are advised to spend only on necessities.

Boar (1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019)

Like Dogs, Boars are also friends with the Rabbits. This is the time for exciting prospects for love. So, people born under the Boar sign will somehow feel the love-at-first sight scenario. But they are encouraged to take extra care about their health. Wearing metal element colors and accessories such as white, gold and silver will be helpful. In terms of money, there will be lots of financial opportunities for them this 2023.

(For Feng Shui consultations, visit maritessallen.com or frigga.com.ph.)