West Meets East©

By Caroline Patrick

Use The Energies of the 2008 Earth Rat's Cleverness

Happy Chinese New Year (February 7th 2008)! Last year's Fire Pig energies certainly took us to task and demanded transformation. The Chinese twelve animals, of course, are not real animals, but describe how the coming year's energies can be used to understand who we are and how to live in harmony with nature. The 5 Elements are repeated over and over throughout the calendar. There are Wood years, Fire years, Earth years, Metal years and Water years. Each animal is then given an Element and so it goes, repeating itself every 60 + years. Sometimes we have good years and some not so great. As my mother would often say, "There are seven good and seven lean years." There are many theories from many cultures about the interactions of nature and human life, but today here is a bit of trivia from the Chinese prospective. Feng Shui is a great way to support the flow of "wind and the flow of water" in your home and personal life. Each Element contains an energy, body part (Chinese medicine and acupuncture information such as meridians on the body), color and aspect, such as marriage, money and career.

According to legend, when Buddha invited the animals of the Kingdom to come before him, it was the Rat who scurried quickly ahead of the other creatures to see what was up. He was first in line to help Buddha with creating the Zodiac Wheel of life's energies. Never one to miss out, the Rat loves new information and new ideas. Fast action and innovative ideas set the pace for 2008. Inventions such as Apple Macintosh, the first personal computer to use a graphical interface and "mouse", where launched in a Rat year. CD-ROM, genetic fingerprinting and laser also followed the pioneering spirit brought on by the opportunities this little industrious guy produced.

Entertainment and communication, like the world's BBC, began its first regular television service in a Rat year. This year will again show advances in technology. Although there are favorable economic trends this is still not a time for complacency or extravagance. Don't stretch your resources too far, or problems could arise. Invest wisely.

Health will be featured and many governments will launch initiatives to promote healthier lifestyles, and new hospital and health-related services will come to the forefront. A world health co-operation between countries and sharing of research will lead to breakthroughs in some diseases.

Global environment is the focus as we are confronted with global warming. New planets and solar systems could be discovered. Political leaders could find themselves being called to account for previous actions. Debates in the U.S. over policy and direction will be closely watched and contested. Many changes will happen and the Rat year will be considered a pivotal of change. Rat years have been significant for royal families from the abdication of Edward VIII in favor of George VI. Princess Diana and Prince Charles divorced in a Rat year. Watch for more major changes in the royal family's future.

For the individual it can be a time of opportunity. Energy and vibrancy are in the air. It is a time for enterprise and action. Some of the 12 Zodiac Animals are in harmony while others "don't play well together, " such as the Rat and Ram, being the most incompatible in 2008, and those born in the year of the Horse are said to be in direct opposition. The Hare and Rooster are encroaching upon the Year God, so these 4 signs should wear or carry a small Ox with them, such as a necklace or bracelet. A small carved, three-dimensional Ox in your purse or a pocket gives an added bonus, as he is the best friend of the Rat. Now the energies of these 4 animals will hopefully communicate better! Another way to bring peace and protection is to carry a 3-harmony charm. Find out your personal animal and wear the charm that contains your animal and the two compatible friends. The friendly combinations are strung together on a red woven strings to bring good luck to the owner. I have listed them below. I personally tie one set on my purse and wear another. They are fun gifts for your friends and family.

1. Tiger, Horse, Dog; 2. Hare, Goat, Pig; 3. Rat, Dragon, Monkey; 4. Ox, Snake, Rooster. Or if you are in doubt carry a little Ox or buy an Ox statue and place in view to remember this ancient Earth creature's tenacity.

You can find these charms available on some websites. Call me at (360) 424-1501 for that information.

The best advice to those who are not friends with this Earth Rat of 2008 is to learn to be like the rat. Rev up your abilities and take your share of the harvest. Your friend is the Ox, slowly but surely plowed the fields, with strength and diligence, for your new beginnings. Eat your fill of grain and chew to your heart's content. Bless the Ox and your Ox friends. Adjust your Chi! You may learn a lot about yourself and others in the process.

ATTENTION: I WILL BE COMING TO BENICIA THE LATTER PART OF APRIL (around the 15th to 23rd). Please call now to book a consultation, "check-up," workshop or speaking engagement. Can't wait to see everyone! caroline@fengshuiartistry.com or (360) 434-1501.

WHAT IS CUSTOMIZED FENG SHUI MENTORING?

· It is for those wishing to study with me privately, with the experience of over 4500 consultations. ONE ON ONE, starting where you need to start.

· A six-month commitment is necessary.

· A monthly mentoring date is set for at least one to two hours of phone conversation, at different intervals.

· Packets are sent for you to study each month. Emailing and faxes will be part of the course as we go over floor plans.

NEW CLASSES COMING IN 2008……… THE YEAR OF THE EARTH RAT!

Please visit www.fengshuiartistry.com and click on www.moongateschool.com for current local and out-of-state class schedules in Feng Shui, Art and Medicine making with Herbs. Caroline is available for teaching and speaking engagements.

Caroline lives in the Northwest Region of the US, called The Puget Sound in Washington State. She is a Feng Shui Practitioner, writer, author and artist. She gives workshops in Feng Shui, Elements of Art; private mentoring for serious students lectures and writes for newspapers. She combines teaching and traveling to other locations, here and abroad. Her 2008 schedule includes workshop and classes in the Northwest, Southwest, Midwest and Alaska. She is available speaking, teaching and consultations.

Please consult your physician for physical problems as this article only gives ideas and suggestions. Caroline is not responsible for anyone using these suggested plants or advice for cures or healing any problem either medical or Feng Shui claims. This column and article is for entertainment only. Please seek help from a qualified physician, naturopath, herbalist or other certified person for treatment.

Caroline Patrick Caroline's Feng Shui Concepts Mt. Vernon, WA 360-424-1501

caroline@fengshuiartistry.com www.fengshuiartistry.com www.moongateschool.com