According to feng shui master Marlyna Los, three things determine a person’s destiny — our actions, the energies we’re born with and where we live.
As millions around the world celebrate Chinese New Year next Thursday, it also means letting go of the Year of the Horse and ringing in the Year of the Sheep based on the 12 signs of the zodiac cycle. Los explains each of the 12 animal signs represents certain energies, which are also present in a person’s home. In order to welcome good fortune into the New Year, the Chinese participate in a ritual of thorough house cleaning days before the end of the year as a way to sweep away the old, accumulated energies of the past and prepare for the new energies of the coming months.
Positive energies are also commonly referred to as luck or fortune, which are optimized in the days leading up to Chinese New Year through holiday rituals and customs. The holiday lasts for 15 days of the first month according to the Chinese calendar.
Other rituals like getting a new haircut and buying new clothes for Chinese New Year are also ways to maximize good fortune.
“It’s like you’re psychologically prepared and ready for what comes and so that if an opportunity comes your way, you’re actually ready to capture it rather than be behind the eight ball,” says Los.
The words “feng shui” mean wind and water in Chinese. They are elements associated with good fortune. Feng shui is based on the Taoist understanding of nature, particularly the idea the land is alive and filled with energy. The practice of feng shui includes creating harmonious exterior and interior spaces that induce good fortune.
Los recommends placing auspicious symbols around the house that represent growth such as fruits, flowers, bamboo and orchids for their longevity.
“Whether you know about feng shui or not, pay attention to your front entrance,” added Los. “It’s the most important thing in feng shui for how energy comes into your house.”
It’s not uncommon for Los to reorient seating arrangements in people’s homes or recommend clients to switch bedrooms to invite more energy in.
After 20 years of studying feng shui, which first started as a hobby, Los sees no end in sight in learning the scholarly art dating back several thousand years in China. The study involves reading complex formulas and concepts.
In her consultations with individuals and businesses, Los insists her conclusions are always backed up with formulas. But despite the complexity, she acknowledges it’s part science and part “common sense.” In fact, good interior and exterior environments in feng shui are also common features potential buyers and renters consider when choosing a home, such as safety, landscape, and noise level.
“An environment that can grow a plant is usually an environment that can support a person,” says Los.
“It can’t be too windy… A good garden needs water, it needs sunlight, it needs protection. So front doors that have that environment already is considered lucky. Whereas a front door that is windy and dark and noisy and drafty isn’t so lucky.”
Another element that affects personal destiny according to feng shui philosophy is the timing of one’s birth. Fortune teller and feng shui master Sherman Tai was quick to dispel the misconception among some Chinese couples that those born in the Year of the Sheep won’t attract good fortune.
This misconception arises from the belief that people end up with qualities associated with their zodiac sign. Some couples believe Sheep Year babies may lack leadership qualities, be less creative and are followers. Tai calls these interpretations “wrong.” He says all zodiac signs have their flaws, but added the sheep is associated with virtues such as courage, patience and artistic.
Based on statistics, Tai predicts the coming year will be filled with changes. He suggests preparing so that when the right timing comes, “you need to have the courage like the sheep.”
Love in the sheep year using feng shui
If you want more love in your life, start with your bedroom, make sure it’s well designed for two people and has a nourishing sensual energy.
This applies to all decor elements — from your bedroom art to the texture and colours of your bed sheets. Next, move to your kitchen and bathroom — are they supportive of love energy? Are they clean, orderly and beautiful? Do you love your bedroom, your kitchen and your bathroom? In feng shui, they create the love trinity — an energy grid that, when treated right, supports the energy of love.
— Rodika Tchi, feng shui expert
