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West Meets East© By Caroline Patrick BorNei Certified Red Ribbon Professional of the International Feng Shui Guild
Year of the 2010 Metal Tiger, Grab on to His Tail!
Chinese New Year is special this year as it shares the same day as Lover’s or Valentine’s Day. The past five years have been quite a ride for most of the world and is believed by many experts that another rocky year is expected. The Chinese Zodiac calendar justifies this roller coaster ride being attributed to the all the Zodiac animals being in opposition to their natural element. As my Mom used to say, “Seven good years and seven bad years.” I think the truth lies somewhere between folklore, religious scripture, and our individual relationship with heaven to fulfill our purpose on the planet earth. Sometimes earth Chi gets a little muddy and we have to dig ourselves out of the muck. Feng Shui teaches us how!
Of course 2010 will be different for every person, as we each have different birthdays, destinies and relationships with the mythical Tiger. But the overall view is that if you kept your nose to the grindstone and plowed the fields diligently with the Ox’s help, you will be able to grab the Tiger’s tail easily as he leaps forward. If you didn’t, you still have a few days to clear the clutter from the past. I mean all of it. Dump old papers, forgive yourself and others, do 9 good deeds a day for 27 days to catch up. Be alert and watchful for the bigger picture. Praying, meditating and listening will bring clarity to those who haven’t got a clue what to do and support those who have faith in the unknown. Trust new ideas born from this practice as the wild cat’s courage and bravery insure success. Beware of tempers flaring and out-of-control behavior. Don’t melt the Metal of 2010; just mold it into successful ideas and tools, not swords! Stay cool. The round shape, which symbolizes Metal, will naturally cause condensation, dripping the Element of Water into Career opportunities. If things seem too hot to handle, recite a favorite prayer or chant the universal prayer, Om, Ma, Ni, Pad, Me, Hum to calm and protect right movement and your lungs. Lungs are also the organ of Children and Creativity, one of the aspects of Feng Shui. Breathe and create.
Right timing is needed for pouncing on opportunities. Be keen and honest. The power of Metal comes from the capacity to shape and refine. Those who are born with Metal Elements are deep thinkers and communicators who seek reason and beauty, and set high standards for themselves and others, if their Metal is well balanced. When unbalanced, they are distant, seem indifferent, have stiff joints, dry skin and muscular issues. The way His Holiness Grandmaster Lin Yin of leader of Black Sect Tibetan Feng Shui explains this year’s energy is, “When Tiger Roars, Winds Rise”. On one hand, lies will be uncovered, while on the other, expect advances in medicine. Science will uncover new cures for cancer. Good luck is expected in these areas. Tiger’s also are prone to lung problems related to old hurts and inner chaos. The spinal section known as T3 could be putting pressure on the lungs if it is misaligned. There are also many western and Chinese herbs which could help with healing and strengthen this vital organ.
Predictions for the Metal Tiger Year are as varied as the strips on a tiger! So, I will just share with you what I know about that playful, but fierce, old beast. Yes, I raised a Tiger and that makes me an expert on the subject. My cute little Water-Tiger seemed fearless at times. She climbed anything that was a challenge and before “Tippy Toes” was 18 months old, we found her on the last rung of a 12-foot ladder, stepping on to the roof. Shortly afterwards, in panic I would find her hiding on top of the refrigerator, both hands clasped over the mouth, covering delightful giggles. Sneaky and brave, full of courage, my adventurous wild kitten enjoyed watching chaos from a high safe place. She hated rules, still does, but loved to make her own and always had a pack of kids following her and her orders. They loved her leadership and marched to her drums, literally. When danger seemed eminent, she sent her brother forward as bait. Sometimes we ended up in the emergency room with the wounded sibling as the innocent little Tiger looked on. Long eyelashes blinked slowly in the sunlight. “Who me? Not me. I think I will nap now,” she seemed to say with that loving detached look. “What to love,” I would sigh. “Did I hear a soft meow somewhere?”
As anyone knows there are no real animals involved here, but ancient civilizations only had nature as a yellow-book type of referral dictionary. The animals were given an Element, an action, a season, a physical nature, etc. “Rats are faster than fast and run in circles. The Ox takes forever to plow but finishes. Tiger are courageous and quick. The Hare is fast, cute and fearful. A Dragon is magical. The Snake is sleek and wise. Horses move freely. Sheep love to be one of many. Monkeys, let’s face it, like to monkey around and be funny, and they love a party. The Rooster is a timekeeper. The Chinese Dog wags his tail one minute and then barks to send you away, and last, but not least, is the Boar who enjoys socializing and a good time,” it was determined. Of course the heavens, time and space were added to the mix in a mathematical system. Five to 6000 years of recorded material was hidden within the simplicity of these creatures. Turtles, frogs, flying stars, flowers, trees, insects and all living things were also woven into this ancient rich culture of religion, folklore and the environment.
It should be an interesting year for those getting married or falling in love. Maybe exciting is a better word. Take this opportunity to create good Chi for yourself. As you pass through the reception line, be sure to touch the bride and groom’s hands and make a wish. Wedding Chi is very special! The Metal Tiger does bring luck to those who have done their homework on budgets, listened to those wiser than themselves, and chose a perfect house nesting on a hill. Not too high up, not too low down, just in the middle of the “armchair” of the land for retreating to safety overlooking the valley below, observing your next opportunity.
PS. I will be coming to Benicia soon! A class is forming at Earth Touch Healing Center down on Grant St., 7:00 pm, April 7th. I can’t wait to see everyone. Call soon (707) 746-1566 to register, as space is limited in the cute brick building. I have lots to share, all new. I will be sharing Feng Shui secrets cures I have never shared before. How to increase money Chi and personal Chi. How to reevaluate, restore and reclaim your power in this economy. Please call for a private consultation, there are a few spaces left. I will also be doing work in Napa and two classes in Redding, CA on Friday evening the 16th & Saturday the 17th. For more info, call (503) 208-2960 or email to caroline@fengshuiartistry.com
Any suggestions given in this column are only for entertainment. Please contact your physician for any medical or herbal advice or diagnosis. Caroline Patrick is not responsible for any misuse of her advice or suggestions. Caroline Patrick Bor Nei is a certified Feng Shui Practitioner and a Red Ribbon Professional of The International Feng Shui Guild. Her abilities as a consultant and artist are widely known in the US and abroad. Caroline has completed over 5000 consultations for individuals, large and small businesses. Return clients appreciate the value of her suggestions both mundane and transcendental, providing support on multiple levels. As a college art instructor for many years, Caroline understands the power of color, its symbolism and the visual effect images have on individuals and their surroundings. Her home base is Portland, OR where she continues to write, teach, paint, do illustrations and give herbal medicine making classes. She is available for Feng Shui consultations; Feng Shui art consultant, advises builders, architects and mentors a few serious students. Call (503) 208-2960 or email caroline@fengshuiartistry.com
Caroline’s “West Meets East” weekly newspaper column, can be read from an archives on her website www.fengshuiartistry.com
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