Our fresh start would be complete with the kicking off of the lunar new year this midnight. I don't usually celebrate this event but I look forward to it because of the festive mood of our Filipino-Chinese community. I love watching the lion dances and and the fireworks. Also, I look forward to the yearly forecasts and feng shui tips. But I also did some preparation like cleaning my room and getting rid of old things.While walking around MOA yesterday, I bumped into lots of people flocking around a column in the main mall atrium. It turned out that the column was painted (or wall-papered, I'm not really sure) with the forecasts of each of the twelve animal signs. The people around were reading their luck for this year as well as taking notes of the items that will bring them good luck or prevent bad luck.
The general forecasts are created by feng shui expert Marites Allen, president and CEO of World Feng Shui Philippines.Well, based on her forecasts last year, which I read on the Philippine Star, some went true for me so I think it is worth your time to go through her readings. She will offer "Feng Sui Updates 2008" on friday, 4pm at MOA. You can attend that event or you can just read the 12 month forecast on the Philippine Star tomorrow. If you want to learn more in detail, you can visit their boutiques at The Podium, SM malls (North, MOA and Cebu) and Serendra; or visit the site www.wofs.com.
According to the forecasts, the Horse is the only animal sign that is unlucky this year. Horse-born people, including me, are filled with mishaps, bad luck, obstacles and misfortune. It said that it is important that I apply the required cures and remedies. Woh! But I am awed with all the items I should wear or have and where to put them. I guess I have to put my fate to the ultimate power that is above feng shui, the one who controls the bad and negative energies. I believe that God is above these all so I put my trust in Him. I believe that He would not allow any misfortune/mishaps to happen to me just because I have bad luck this year. If I am indeed to encounter obstacles and suffering, it is intended to strengthen my character or return my attention to Him or to fulfill my part in His divine purpose. I should not be afraid to the extent of surrounding myself with all these items. I have the most powerful weapon and shield, my God, to take care of me and I know I will be alright.
Well, there's no harm in trying to get as much help as you can to have good luck. Even Mari tess Allen had said that we should not rely on feng shui for everything because it is just one third of our luck; the remaining two thirds are: heaven luck, which is something we are born with and the luck we make for ourselves. As for me, I just do not want to spend effort and money or stress myself too much over that one third.
Back to fresh starts, this is a perfect time to start anew because the rat is the first of the 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac's 12-year cycle and it symbolizes new beginnings. Have a great lunar new year everyone!
Big hugs and lots of cheer! 
