On February 14, our Chinese friends will be tossing yee sang and celebrating the New Lunar Year. At the same time, couples and lovers will be tossing good money on romantic dinners, chocolates and flowers for Valentine's Day. This week, Malaysian Today combines the best of both worlds by bringing to you feng shui predictions for your Tiger year of 2010 and love advice.

 

Tigers, look out! This will be a tough year for you. But worry not, if you stay low key and avoid getting entangled in the rumour mill, you will weather through this memorable year.

Jennifer Too, one half of the power duo of World of Feng Shui (WOFS) with her mother, Lillian Too, advises that while Tigers are in for a disappointing year, those who work hard and persevere will do better.

And whether you believe in it or not, the art of feng shui is all about finding the right flow of chi energy  and alignment with astrology, as well as the elements around us for the best luck, prosperity and happiness.

After all, it was thousands of years ago that the Chinese developed a method of observing and adhering to the flow of chi (energy) in the elements and objects around them.

Now, it has adapted to be a useful ancient technique juxtaposed against modern situations and challenges to allow us to prepare for the year ahead the best we can - no mystic mumbo jumbo required, just a positive balance with the things that surround us every day.

So put away those Harry Potter-type notions of magic, and take a look at what's in store for you this year.

 

RAWR for 2010!

The Rat (born 1996, 1984, 1972)

This year, the Rat gets distracted by romantic liaisons caused by the Star of External Romance. This star manifests in romantic opportunities for you, but whether this is good or bad depends on you! Attached Rats should be careful not to have their heads turned by outside third parties, as this could make trouble for you in your relationship. Those of you who are single however could find this an exciting time. Rats also benefit from the luck that governs acquisition of knowledge, so if you are looking to learn something new, or to master a new skill, the year holds out a lot of promise. But beware of letting yourself get distracted, as this could hamper your progress career-wise.

 

Ox (born 1997, 1985, 1973)

This year brings a special kind of good fortune with the Big Auspicious Star making an appearance, but unfortunately you are handicapped by the illness star. While big things may happen for you, you could find yourself suffering from a case of low energy. Always remember to look after your health in your quest for success; falling sick at the wrong moment could cost you more than a day of classes! Continue to chase your dream and build on your vision but remember to temper your pace so you don't run out of steam just as you are getting things completed. The best advice for the Ox this year is to persevere. There may be months that are more tough-going than others, but Big Auspicious Luck is on your side, so hang in there!

 

Tiger

(born 1998, 1986, 1974)

The Tiger faces a rather mixed year and some Tigers will do better than others. There are, however, competitive pressures coupled with some politicking on the work-orientated front. Do not let yourself get sucked into the gossip mill - if you rise above it you are more likely to come out unscathed. Be careful of the company you keep; there's a chance of bad company leading you astray. Think through your decisions carefully as hasty action could cause you to make some bad decisions. All Tigers are in for some disappointment this year, so it is a time to be more accepting of adversity and to stay low key. Tigers that make too much noise could amplify bad luck coming their way.

 

RABBIT

(born 1999, 1987, 1975)

After the tiring year of 2009, the Rabbit's luck improves with gains in health, money and success. The annual Heaven Star brings you plenty of help, which means you will have a generally smooth and productive year. There will be some obstacles during certain months of the year, so be wary of people who come with opportunities that sound too good to be true as there is a tendency to attract unscrupulous people who could take advantage of you.

 

Dragon

(born 2000, 1988, 1976)

While Dragons are somewhat less lucky than they were last year, help from certain quarters will offset bad luck remarkably. While Dragons lack their usual vitality in 2010, your normally arrogant persona takes a back seat, and many of you will become less demanding and more tolerant. Surround yourself with your allies, the Rat and the Monkey. For those of you looking for romance, love luck is average, but if you can find yourself a Rooster or Snake partner, he or she could well be the one!

 

Snake

(born 2001, 1989, 1976)

The Snake can look forward to a truly dynamite year despite the troublesome robbery star flying into its home location. In addition to the Star of Heavenly Seal, you also benefit from a set of powerful indicators which brings success, career, health and inner strength. In fact, of all the 12 animal signs, you are probably the luckiest in 2010! People take notice of you and many new opportunities will come your way. Your social life becomes more active leading to new alliances and friendships with influential people. However, do not take anything for granted. You can afford to stick your neck out a little bit, but when success takes hold, don't start becoming arrogant or judgmental of others. Stay honourable or you could lose it all.

 

Horse

(born 2002, 1990, 1978)

The Horse can afford to gallop with confidence into 2010, for the Tiger is your horoscope ally. It is a strong year for you, with plenty of energy, self-confidence and inner fortitude helping you forge ahead, perhaps too much because you can be somewhat feisty this year! You could be louder and more hotheaded than ever. As such, you should develop more patience and curb your irritableness, as you are afflicted by the quarrelsome star this year. You come under the protection of the Earth Seal Star, which causes you to be more down-to-earth when it comes to daily activities.

 

SHEEP

(born 1991, 1979, 1967)

You are afflicted by the Five Yellow Star which brings aggravations. Obstacles that block your progress will manifest throughout the year and problems stand in the way of your success. To make matters worse, your chi strength is a double negative. This indicates a lack of inner confidence. Despite this, you are resilient and blessed with good staying power. As such, those of you who press on and persevere will find success. Although the path may not be smooth-going, there is money to be made, as most Sheep people possess good financial luck this year. If you stay focused, you will come out of 2010 stronger and wiser.

 

Monkey

(born 1992, 1980, 1968)

You are in direct conflict with the God of the Year, which means your luck is generally not that strong. However, there are other influences that balance this out, allowing those of you with good inner chi essence to achieve success. Although the year brings some problematic moments, by and large, the Monkey will manage to stay ahead this year.

 

Rooster

(born 1993, 1981, 1969)

The Rooster can look forward to a bonanza year filled with achievements and a whole variety of auspicious events! Your luck is augmented by a high degree of vitality so good fortune comes easily to you. Obstacles disappear and there will be few hindrances to block your ability to shine above the competition. Work and business developments will be exciting and bring recognition and promotion luck. The luck of the Big Auspicious lends an additional helping hand and you can expect to see excellent financial gains. But although your luck forecast is positive, do take some precautions because there will be months when your luck takes a dip.

 

Dog

(born 1994, 1982, 1970)

You enjoy the Luck of the Small Auspicious this year, which means there will be a series of small but meaningful reasons to celebrate. While nothing earth-shattering may be coming, in a variety of small ways you have many reasons to smile! In terms of the year's feng shui, there are good opportunities for establishing projects that bring long-term gains. The year will be kind as the Tiger is your ally, but overall your intrinsic energy is weak, so grand success may be difficult to achieve. Make full use of your network of friends as they will provide the most help to you in a trying year.

 

Pig

(born 1995, 1983, 1971)

2010 brings success luck in both your career and personal life. There will be good luck periods through the year and you will find small but significant success. The Tiger is your secret friend and so the year will bring you help. Some Boars suffer from afflicted feng shui and the presence of petty thieves could lead to some financial loss, but by and large, this year brings the chance to lay a good foundation for future prosperity. It is important that you have the right attitude at work, as arrogance and impatience will only lead to problems. Keep a positive attitude and stay optimistic and you will do very well indeed.

 

General Advice

What's Love Got to Do With It?

Now, having Chinese New Year coincide with Valentine's Day is not a surefire ticket to love, because this year of love is a double-edged sword, and Jennifer advises young couples everywhere (and of every animal sign!) to use this love-luck to their advantage, stay alert, but also not to let hearts get broken.

"This year is one where the Star of External Romance can cause problems, though for young people this is not so much the case," says Jennifer. "There is plenty of romance luck on the horizon, and young people looking for love will most definitely find it."

However, she warns against getting entangled with a third party and to keep a keen eye out on the one you love, and this advice applies to all animal signs this year.

"There is danger of getting romantically entangled with an outsider. Love triangles, affairs and scandals are thus the danger here. If you are happily going steady with someone, just watch he or she doesn't get snatched away from under your nose - don't take your loved one for granted and don't be overly trusting of best buddies or bosom pals!"

"While you don't want your partner to stray, be good yourself - don't let yourself get tempted or seduced into doing something you regret," she adds.

 

Burning the Midnight Oil

Students have cause to sigh in relief as there is a positive outlook for all the animal signs. So, despite the clashing Metal and Wood elements of the year, there are opportunities for success.

"Students can do well with hard work, tenacity and determination. Whether the year turns out good for you will depend on your own personal motivation and actions," says Jennifer. "Work hard, mug if you have to; because the fruit is there for the grabbing. They may not be low-hanging fruit, but for the creative and ingenious among you, go find a ladder and success is very attainable."

Also, blues and blacks are good colours for this year, as they represent Water, which is the lacking element of the year. Good news for students born in the Rat years: they have the scholastic star on their side, so they will find this a good year when it comes to their studies.

"Rat born people also have the advantage of their intrinsic element of Water - since the year is short on Water, their own element will most definitely help them this coming year."

And in terms of students who have graduated and are out to look for jobs, the truth is that some will be luckier than others - the Snake, Rooster and Rabbit are the most fortunate.
"These animal signs enjoy a smoother ride than the others and achievement comes more easily. This does not mean they will be the most successful, because other factors come into play, but they have the edge when it comes to career success, job interview success and so forth," explains Jennifer. "The Ox and the Tiger need to watch they don't "burn out" as they may tend to get exhausted easily during the year. In their hunger for success, don't overdo things."

Also, she adds, the Monkey definitely needs to lay low - better for this animal sign not to blow his/her own trumpet too much. The Dog and Boar are lucky as long as they do not become over ambitious - for them, this is a year to work towards the future.   

So, no matter your animal sign, be prepared as this Tiger year is one that is never dull, says Jennifer. "Tiger years are always memorable years, be it for good or for bad!"