Enter the World of Feng Shui
By Maya Salleh

Ms Julian Wee and staff

Items displayed at the retail boutique

The World of Feng Shui's proprietor, Ms Julian Wee, an advocate of the science who has been practising it for many years, gave many predictions for the Year of the Monkey.

They are based on the Four Pillars of Destiny chart. Significant elements during this period are from the heavenly stem, Yang wood, earthly branch and Yang metal.

Due to these dominant factors, it is believed that Year of the Monkey will see international conflicts, assassinations, fire disasters and environmental problems. The belief is stemmed from the two elements of wood and metal as well as the fact that metal naturally cuts or destroys wood.

On the upside, these will induce a boom in property markets as she predicts that many building constructions are going to take place. She also sees mini-booms in the stock markets and in the last quarter of 2004, new technological advancements.

The tourism industry will also see a rise in travelling and transportation. However, on the down side, due to such an increase, traffic accidents are foreseen to occur more as well.

From a health perspective, those born in years of the Tiger, Monkey and Snake will be plagued with problems relating to the blood and heart.

For good Feng Shui, they are advised to wear a Citrine pendant with the dragon's image, amber or ammonite stone for those respectively born in Year of the Tiger and Monkey.

Meanwhile, those born in Year of the Snake are advised to protect their health and place a Wu Luo next to their beds to keep sickness away and promote healing.

Experts have analysed the annual Feng Shui chart, based on the Flying Star formula. Year 2004 shows the number five in the centre, which unfortunately coincides with the negative effects of the colour yellow and means that conflicts will prevail in places located at the centre.

For example, if one's living room is located in the middle of the house, arguments may occur more. Therefore, the best remedy to overcome conflicts is by placing the five-element pagoda in this room. The metal wind chime is also recommended.

If one's bedroom is located at the Southwest corner, where the Black star 2 is located, illness may arise. The most effective remedy is to hang metal wind chimes there.

The White Star 8, found in the Northeast, represents wealth. If one's office is strategically located at this area, it is best to sit facing Northeast.

If the door of one's home or office is facing Northeast, which is said to be very auspicious, leave it open for Chi to enter, increasing the energy of wealth. It is also advisable for students to do revision at this location.

Ms Wee also learnt that this year is the start of Period 8, which is when the cycle goes through 180 years, divided into 20 years (each period change occurs every 2 decades).

Period 8 foresees the rise of young men, who are predicted to rise in power such as CEOs of corporations, leaders and so on. Period 8 also predicts the increase in robotic inventions and it is believed they will be integrated into human lives within the next 20 years.

The last 2 decades, or Period 7, saw the rise of women and communications. Over this time, women have risen in power as they conquered the business and academic worlds with many becoming global leaders.

The innovation of communication technology was evident during this time with the revolution of mobile phones, which was greatly influenced by the association of "mouth" to number 7.

Ms Wee was a student of Feng Shui guru Lillian Too, who popularised the science. According to her, the guru will be conducting a one-day talk in Brunei come May or June, subject to confirmation.

The World of Feng Shui is a retail boutique that also provides training courses and consultation services.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin