New Moon of March 6, 2019

The new moon comes on March 6th at 11:05 AM EST. Sun and Moon are at 15 degrees Pisces, conjunct Neptune at 16 degrees Pisces, (intercepted in NYC) in the 10th house, and square Jupiter in the 6th house. This is a remarkable configuration, denoting waves of anxiety, and confusion related to matters in Government. Sun rules the 3rd house ruling the media.
Mercury, ruler of the Ascendent in Gemini, has just turned retrograde at 29 degrees Pisces in the 10th house, also square Jupiter in the 6th confirming the confusion that will happen. Also Mercury turning retrograde just before going into Aries, says this is nothing new.
What IS new, however, is Uranus just entered Taurus. Uranus will be in Taurus until May, 2026. The last time it was in Taurus was from July, 1934 to May 1942, a period of rising totalitarianism and outbreak of World War II. Uranus in Taurus could also bring about large scale economic reforms.
It is interesting to note the situation in Britain at this juncture of confusion and hesitation.
Financially, for the east coast, because Moon is the ruler of the 2nd house, this month will bring several changes. For two weeks, at least until the full moon, the watchword will be caution. Big expectations could backfire, although there is reason for hope nonetheless.
This new moon marks the 2nd Chinese month, the month of Fire Rabbit. Seen against the year sign, Earth Pig, this month is good, and productive. This will be a good month to get work done.

Raphael studied western astrology with the late Ivy Jacobson, and was her teaching assistant.

Raphael also studied Chinese astrology (Bazi, and Jiu Xing) and Feng  Shui withTerry Lee,  and wrote three books on Feng Shui, published by Crown and Random House (Feng Shui Step by Step, Feng Shui Strategies for Business Success, and The Feng Shui of Love).

Raphael also uses a Burmese system of astrology (Mahabot).

In addition, Raphael reads the Belline Oracle cards, and Tarot.

For personal readings, contact Raphael at www.raphaelsimons.com (212-502-0775).
If you are in New York, you can see Raphael at Quest Books of the New York Theosophical Society.
Call for an appointment (212-758-5521). 

Chinese new year's predictions for year of Fire Rooster: 2017

The new year came in Beijing at 8:08 AM, 1/28, or 7:08 PM 1/27 in the USA. The charts are showing the East more active than the West, this year. In the chart at Beijing there are 4 Wood and 2 Metal, Wood showing the east and Metal showing the west. In the charts for the EU and UK there are 4 Wood and 1 Metal, and 3 Wood and 1 Metal, resp. In the chart for the USA there are 3 Wood and 4 Metal.
The US may pose a challenge to China, but China is leading now.
The chart for China is positively expansive, or yang, whereas the chart of the US is contracting, or more yin. 
Strong Wood and Fire generally predict storms, and high winds, especially in Asia.


The Year's predictions for each of the 12 signs. This is only general. For complete personally accurate predictions, you should have an astrological chart made and read to you.
These prediction are for the year and/or day of your birth.

Rat is neutral, neither good nor bad, with Rooster, but the relationship is productive. Business and creative work are good. If there have been predicaments, they should resolve this year. You may receive assistance and a promotion. The year may also bring love to you. This year favors all talent related professions. 

Ox is favored by Rooster. Ox is in a relation to Rooster of being resourceful; it finds expression in caring for others.  You need to watch your health. The study of medicine, psychology, philosophy and divination are good this year. This year favors psychics, astrologers, scholars, doctors, researchers, and writers.

Tiger is neutral, neither good nor bad, with Rooster. But Tiger is lucky this year, and if there have been problems, you will find the way to resolve them. Tiger is challenged to stand out and take the lead. Your intelligence becomes sharper. There is a danger of being robbed, however, or of having others take unfair advantage of you and your time. This year also brings love to you. The year favors finances, entrepreneurship, investment, and trading.

Rabbit clashes with Rooster. Rooster brings the necessity of change to Rabbit. Rabbit can take advantage of this by taking the lead and looking for better conditions at work. Greater prosperity is possible. The year favors speculative professions such as stocks, trading, bonds, and so on.

Dragon is in harmony with Rooster. Dragon is in a relation to Rooster of being resourceful. It finds expression in caring for others. Love comes to you. If you are involved in any art, this is a good year for you.  This year also favors teaching, nursing, researchers, and so on.

Snake is favored by Rooster. Nonetheless Snake is challenged to stand out. Snake will succeed. But, be careful not to lose your patience, your temper, and become overly aggressive, causing you unnecessary trouble. This year favors administrative, managerial, legal, and legislative fields.

Horse is neutral, neither good nor bad, with Rooster. You are challenged to stand to stand out this year, however. There is love, and the prospect of greater prosperity for you. There is also the danger of being robbed, cheated, or having others take unfair advantage of you. Your intelligence is sharp. This year favors adventure. It is good for instructors, judges, specialists, doctors, the military, and so on.

Sheep is neutral, neither good nor bad, with Rooster. Sheep is in relation with Rooster of being resourceful. It finds its best expression in caring for others. It is a good year for artists of all types. It is also good for metaphysical studies, psychics, astrologers, scholars, designers, librarians, and so on.

Monkey is favored by Rooster. It has the possibility of love. The year favors adventure. You may need to engage is independent trades with no constraints to be happy this year.

Rooster clashes with Rooster. This is a dynamic year, when you show your best (and worst) qualities. If you have been having problems they should resolve this year. You will glow with vitality and vigorously carry things through to the end. This year holds the promise of increasing fortunes, and is very good for practicing divination, astrology, and religion. You can stand out to advantage. You will be happy if you are independent and work for yourself. This year favors being friendly but independent.

Dog is in an ambivalent relation with Rooster. It can get along well, and it can clash. So the year may be marked by ups and downs. Dog is in a position of resources to Rooster, best expressed by caring for others. But others can take unfair advantage of you, either robbing you of your time or money. The year brings the possibility of love. It favors teachers, philanthropists, nurses, researchers, metaphysicians, artists, and so on.

Pig is neutral, neither good nor bad, with Rooster. Pig is in a supported relation with Rooster, good for pursing business interests and creative work. Take command this year and move forward with your career. This year favors all arts, invention and innovation, also careers in sales, foreign relations, and so on.

Visit Raphael's website  www.raphaelsimons.com

Raphael's book on fengshui, Feng Shui Step by Step, is reprinted and is available at Amazon and at  www.createspace.com/3472024

Theresa May: Chinese astrological portrait

Theresa May was born on October 1, 1956 at 10:55 AM. (The astrological time of her birth was rectified by Theodore White).
The Chinese signs of the year, month, day, and hour of Teresa May's birth are  Fire Monkey, Fire Rooster, Metal Ox, and Water Snake, respectively.
She was born in the 8th lunar month on a day designated as fair and stable. This characterizes what she wants: to be fair, just, and to keep things stable. This is her essential motivation.
The chart has 7 Metal, 3 Water, 0 Wood, 3 Fire, and 3 Earth. There is an extreme imbalance in the chart between Metal and Wood. She can have quite a delemma taking sides. When Wood comes up in progressions she has difficult challenges. This imbalance of Metal and Wood can cause her to change sides expediently to adjust to, or take advantage of wherever it is she feels power, or to get around difficult conditions. The chart shows that she can be unstable, taking one side or another. She's a good negotiator. But this quality can also bring her career into turmoil.
Predominant Metal makes her shrewd, cutting edge, sharp, and skillful. No Wood brings up big challenges for her in years and cycles that bring up Wood. Such cycles show up for her between her ages 18 to 38, and then between 58 to 78. As you can see, she, at age 60, is currently in a Wood cycle. She needs to exert command, and she will get stiff opposition from several sides.
Theresa May's ruling element is Metal. She was born on a day of Metal in Metal Season, and Metal overwhelms her entire chart. Her vital element is Water. Water would have signified children if she were able to have them, but, because, as her chart shows, she wasn't able, it signifies her career. Her career is of vital importance to her life.
May's chart deity is called Amiable. This defines her career. While she is generally friendly, she is very independent. She will shift alliances according to what is expedient. She acts independently, and her moves can surprise others.  Her birth Star is 7 Metal. This makes her a shrewd judge of character. She is a subtle, sociable, and cool character. She is able to weigh the different sides with equanimity. She is highly sensitive, questioning, and resourceful. It takes her a long time to make up her mind, and she does not trust easily. Her decisions and insights can take others by surprise. She is very happy in her work, and thrives among those who work enthusiastically along with her. Where others are unsupportive, she will tend to lose interest. She succeeds by shrewd planning and perserverance. She has excellent social skills and is appreciated especially in her professional circle.
She has strong self-discipline, is clever, and is an able leader. She shines in Government. She has good foresight. Her chart, nonetheless shows that her career may tend to be unstable and tumultuous.
There is a Knife Blade in her chart. It shows that she can be unbending, obstinate, and resentful of others' opinions, and that she can be a risk taker.
May's progressed chart shows her from her age 58 to 68 to be in a Metal Rabbit cycle, and from 68 to 78 in a Metal Tiger cycle. Both of these show her forced to stand up and assume the position of power. Metal Rabbit (58 - 68) completely revolutionizes her career. This year, 2016, the year of Fire Monkey, is a pinnacle year for her. Metal Rabbit, the sign for her cycle, 58 - 68, galvanizes her personally. Metal is her birth element. She is very strong. Rabbit, however, a Wood sign, promises to make this a challenging period. It will test her mettle. She's got opposition to contend with. Her Administration will not be uneventful. She, however, is tough, commanding, and shrewd. She can even be cold and ruthless.
2016 is a pinnacle year for May. She is strong. Her vital element is abundant this year. It is very fortunate for her career.
2017 looks like a dramatic year for her career. It is the year of Fire Rooster. May was born in the month of Fire Rooster. Rooster fights with Rooster. She will have much to contend with. Her vitality is strong in 2017; she will take a dominant position and will shine out; she will show strong discipline and cleverness; and will be able to get a good following, which is needed. She has a huge job in reforming and unifying the diverging trends in the Government. 2017 looks like a make or break year. The 10 year cycle she is in, from 58 - 68, Metal Rabbit, being opposite the sign of her career at birth, Fire Rooster, is transformative for her career, and could possibly break it. The sign of 2017, Fire Rooster, is the same as the sign of her career at birth chart: Fire Rooster. 2017 appears to be critical. It brings her career into a crisis make or break point. She has a lot going for her, however, therefore a good chance of succeeding. Her birth star, 7 Metal, is also in the house of 2 Earth, showing every step she takes making it better and better, while every step could be hard. 7 Metal in a year of Rooster is in a good place and has protection.
Looking beyond 2017, 2020 is a pivotal year in May's life.

Raphael Simons.  www.raphaelsimons.com

The death of Prince seen in Chinese astrology

Prince was born on June 7, 1958 at 6:17 PM. The Chinese signs for his birth year, month, day, and hour are Earth Dog, Fire Snake, Wood Rabbit, and Wood Rooster, respectively. He was born in Chinese summer season; its element is Fire.

The element count in Prince's chart is 4 Fire, 3 Earth, 3 Metal, 3 Wood, and 0 Water. 00 Water is most interesting, as it points to danger in years and cycles of Water. Prince's chart shows two cycles: his age 50 - 60, and 60 - 70 ruled by Water (Water Dog, and Water Pig, respectively).
Water rules over cold, wet climate. Living in the north, such as in Minneapolis, was a challenge to his vitality, especially in these Water cycles.
Prince's vital element was Metal. The best fengshui advice for him would have been to move to a dry, cool climate by age 50. It would have prolonged his life, although his vitality would have weakened nontheless. He could possibly have lived another 10 years. Metal climate is clear mountain air.

Prince's chart shows a generally favorable run of luck from his late teens to early 50s, His strongest vitality was in the period of his mid-30s to early 50s, a period that also favored romantic relationships.

The zodiac sign of his cycle from age 50 to 60 is Water Dog. Combined with the signs of his birth chart, this generates Wood and Fire. Prince's vital element is Metal. Wood and Fire destroy Metal. This means that Prince's vital element was destroyed in this cycle. His resistance to disease became poor. Had he come for a Chinese astrological reading, the advice would have been, since age 50, to look after his health seriously.
Breaking down the signs Water and Dog, Dog came up in Prince's age 55 to 60. Dog combines with the sign of Prince's day of birth, Rabbit, to generate Fire. Fire killed his vital element, Metal. This, happening in a cycle ruled by Water, should have been a warning to him. What's more, the life cycle he was in from age 50 to 60 is called 'Burial.' It all means he was weak and unable to withstand illness. Had he managed to fight his way out of this, he would probably have died sometime in his life cycle of age 60 to 70; it is called Death.

The year 2016, Fire Monkey, especially the 1st half of the year, from February to August, is a Fire year. He died in the spring, whose element is Wood. Wood and Fire came together and killed his vital element, Metal. Monkey, the zodiac sign of 2016, combines with the signs of Prince's birth chart to bring out two stars: Traveling Star, and Robbing Star. These obviously acted as malefics. He was robbed of his vitality and is now moving on.  4/20/16 was the day of Water Monkey, and 4/21/16 is the day of Water Rooster. The Water of both of these days confirms the matter. We wish him well.

In his relatively short life, he accomplished much. His life was rich.

Raphael offers personal in-depth Chinese astrological readings and psychic readings. For information visit  www.raphaelsimons.com

Chinese new year predictions for year of Fire Monkey, 2016

2016 is the year of Fire Monkey. As with all signs, Monkey comes every 12 years, each under a different one of the 5 elements to complete its cycle of 60 years. There is a Fire Monkey, Earth Monkey, Metal Monkey, Water Monkey, and Wood Monkey.
The Fire Monkey is particularly active and smart. For the world this means 2016 is going to be a particularly active year with lots of fluctuations in the markets and lots of political drama, especially in the west.
In fengshui, south directions are not considered lucky this year. Avoid sitting with your back to the south at important events this year unless you wear or use the color green.

The following are predictions for each of the 12 Chinese zodiac signs. To get complete, detailed predictions, of course, you want your entire Chinese horoscope drawn up and read. But what follows gives a pretty good idea, especially if you were born in a year or day of one of the following signs.

Rat is in harmony with Monkey. Monkey is in a creative relationship with Rat. It supports and helps Rat. This is a good year for improving your home, learning new things, and cultivating whatever supports your health and well being. This is also a good year for initiating a new project, starting a new job, moving to a new location, or starting a new adventure in life.

Ox is in a time that is good for making plans, tending to works in progress, and saving money. Monkey encourages Ox to be courageous and use planning ability to advantage. This is a good year for you if you are an artist or work in a talent related profession. Be careful to avoid fights. This is not a good time for lawsuits, or legal entanglements. If you are married, or are in an intimate partnership, Monkey warns that it is to your advantage to be supportive of your spouse to prevent any unnecessary trouble or misfortune. 

Tiger may have a lively year head. This year favors moving, traveling, making needed changes in your career, and/or redesigning your home. This may be a productive year of increased vitality and good health. And it may be socially lively. People may make demands on you that you will have to stand up to. Fire Monkey can also challenge your reputation, cause entanglements in love and even harm your relationship if you are not careful. If you are a woman, however, this could also be a year to get married. You are attracting attention.

Rabbit This is a good year for romance. At the same time, Monkey, being your Robbing Star, while making you sharp and smart this year, warns that you can be used, and taken unfair advantage of, even robbed if you don't protect yourself. Monkey also tells you to be practical. You can manage your affairs very well and be successful at work, and with your finances this year.

Dragon is in harmony with Monkey. The combination of Fire Monkey with Dragon is highly intelligent. This is a good time to develop your projects and career, and to take up a new study. Monkey also favors you if you are an artist, or are in a talent related profession. To build up your work will bring money.

Snake may have a complicated year ahead. Fire Monkey encourages Snake to be independent, to be confident, stay focused with your own ideas and opinions, and achieve your goals, and prosper through sheer diligence. Monkey gives you the courage and planning ability to do that. If you are alone, that works well enough for you. But if you aren't, for all your work and productivity, demands will be made on you that could make you feel lonely or misunderstood. Avoid needless fights. If you are married or are in an intimate relationship, pay attention to your spouse, especially if they are having trouble.

Horse is at a high point this year. This could be a year of great success. It could also be a year in which you precipitate a disaster. The Fire Monkey gives you a Knife Blade star. You may find your patience tried. This year favors you, nonetheless, if you are determined, competitive, tough, decisive, flexible, and opportunistic. It works well if you are in a speculative career. You could make a lot of money. Monkey encourages you to make strategic changes in your career this year, also travel, move house, and/or redesign your home. If you are married, be careful; Fire Monkey does not favor relations with in-laws this year.

Sheep is in a year good for harvesting, or reaping the rewards of work begun in the past. Monkey favors those Sheep who are creative, or who pursue talent related professions. The down side of the year is that you might feel lonely at times, even if you are in a relationship, and could be taken unfair advantage of, notwithstanding, Monkey gives Sheep a keen mind that helps in making shrewd decisions.

Monkey This is your year. Fire Monkey gives you the ability to take advantage of any difficult situation, and get out of anything you got into that you don't like. This is a good year for initiating a new life, new path in life, or new lease on life. It also favors exploring things metaphysical and gaining from alternative sources of knowledge. If you are independent you can make good money. It is very good to take the lead now.

Rooster is at an end in some respect. Something significant reaches completion this year. A predicament is resolved. Fire Monkey favors Roosters who are trustworthy, upright, disciplined, and forthright, and who are good at management. It also favors Roosters in legal and legislative fields. It seems this year is, at least in part, about letting go of the past and tending to the practicalities of life.

Dog is in a good year to accumulate wealth and to bury old stuff. The past is the past. It is time to move on. Monkey is Dog's traveling star. This is a good year to take up something new in your career, travel, move house, redo your home, or fix it up finally. If you are an artist, or in a talent related field, this is a good year for you. Money comes as the result of productive work.

Pig welcomes everything new this year. Don't lay back. Monkey clashes with Pig, and can make a mess of your affairs this year if you do. Monkey favors you if you do some research and investigation, maybe such things as metaphysical studies too, and devote your energies to helping others. Monkey also gives you a sharp, bright mind, and warns you not to let others drain and take unfair advantage of you this year.


Raphael gives in-depth personal Chinese astrological readings. They cover everything in life. For information visit  www.raphaelsimons.com 

Raphael's book on fengshui, Feng Shui Step by Step, is reprinted and available at Amazon and www.createspace.com/3472024

Trump vs. Bush: a Chinese astrological view.

In current polls the leading Republican hopefuls are Trump and Bush. Trump is leading by a small margin. Here's what the Chinese charts have to say.

Trump was born 6/14/46 at 10:54 AM. Bush was born 2/11/53 at 8:50 PM
The year, month, day, and hour signs for Trump are Fire Dog, Wood Horse, Earth Sheep, and Earth Snake, respectively. Trump was born in Fire season.
The year, month, day, and hour signs for Bush are Water Dragon, Water Ox, Water Snake, and Water Dog, respectively. Bush was born in Water season.
The two are worlds apart.

Trump has 7 Fires, 7 Earths, 2 Metals, 0 Waters, and 2 Woods. So much Fire and Earth with no Water, makes him intuitive, unreflective, stubborn, and outspoken. His chart has a double knife blade. It gives him a sharp tongue, and warns him of a disaster in later years. It also makes him extremely restless in later years. No Water in the chart shows no reflection, little patience. Trump fairly much speaks and acts on the spur of the moment.
Trump's chart shows him to be strongly intuitive, psychic, and sharply insightful. This has, no doubt helped bring him to success in his career. He plays his hunches. He is outspoken and honest. His sharp tongue, however, can easily offend others. He is diligent, and knows the needs of others. He can care for others, and when he does he prospers. He is zealous and far seeing, and has the ability to be a leader. If he goes too far in his zeal and becomes intolerant of others, however, he causes them to rebel and turn against him. He is impulsive and proud.
Trump is in a 10 year cycle from his age 68 to 78. The cycle is Metal Ox. It is an empty cycle. He may be overestimating his friends. Metal Ox clashes with the signs of Trump's career, Wood Horse. He is being challenged.
This cycle is good for Trump to make gains. He is resourceful and creative.
2016 shows Trump having a lot of fun doing what he does; he is outgoing and really enjoys being in the public. Whether he wins the Republican nomination or not is a question. If he doesn't, and goes on speaking, running as an independent, he will devastate the Republican party, and may say some shocking things about them. His candid way of talking to and engaging his audience, notwithstanding, his worst danger lies in insulting the wrong people.

Bush has 7 Waters, 1 Wood, 1 Fire, 4 Earths, and 3 Metals. The predominance of Water and weakness of Fire shows him not to be intuitive, but to think a lot. He is calculating. Bush's chart shows something of a paradoxical character. He is independent on the one hand, but very set in tradition and close to his family on the other. Bush is mild mannered, but insensitive. No Yang Wood in his chart shows Bush to be indecisive. He will bend with the wind to fulfill what is expected of him.
Bush is in the 10 year cycle from his age 58 to 68. It is Earth Sheep. Sheep is empty for him. This, just like in Trump's chart shows Bush to be in a relatively weak position. And like Trump, these signs challenge Bush's career signs, Water Ox.
2015, the year of Wood Sheep works more or less favorably for Bush, but 2016, the year of Fire Monkey, doesn't. Monkey is his Death Star. If he is the Republican candidate he will probably lose.

It boils down to the suggestion that, although Trump and Bush are the front runners, it is questionable that either is a winner. Trump has the better chance. Whether someone else comes forward to take the lead or not has yet to be seen.

Raphael gives Chinese and western astrological readings and psychic readings. For information visit  www.raphaelsimons.com

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Bernie Sanders in Chinese astrology

Bernie Sanders was born September 8, 1941. The birth hour is not known, but the signs for the  year, month, and day, give us enough to get a good look at his chances to get the Democratic Party nomination.

Sanders was born in the year of Metal Snake, month of Fire Monkey, and Day of Earth Sheep. He is forward looking and has leadership skills. He is also unbending, independent, and is a risk taker. He is fortunate and has friends and allies.

His chart leans on the side of Yang, so he is proactive. The predominant element of the chart is Earth. This makes him practical, controlling, and responsible.

Sanders is in his 70 - 80 ten year cycle. It is Earth Ox. Ox is empty in his chart. Earth Ox clashes with his day of birth, Earth Sheep. Empty Ox spares him, but the cycle is turbulent, hence his political activism at this time.

Looking at him through an astrological system called Nayin, Sander's month of birth and day of birth are both Fire. His 70 - 80 ten year cycle is also Fire. This is good for him. It gathers people around him.

2016, the crucial year, is Fire Monkey year. Sanders was born in a month of Fire Monkey. The signs of 2016 match the signs of Sander's month of birth. This will make 2016 a most challenging year for his career, potentially good. The elements of the year bring him support and make him productive. The Fire of Fire Monkey year combines with the Metal of Sander's year of birth, Metal Snake, to produce Water. Water for Sanders represents the prize. He needs it. It is there. On the other hand, Monkey of 2016 combines with Sander's Snake to produce Water, but this is like poison; it is a clash. There could be treachery. He is up against powerful figures, possibly in the Democratic Party, who secretly work against him.

Looking at a King Wen I Ching reading, asking whether Sander's will win the nomination, it looks like he's in very complicated conditions. It looks like he's got a battle. In the King Wen chart, his significator is empty, meaning, too weak. There may be secret forces working against him.

It appears he has a fair chance, as he is strong, but I would not be surprised if the nomination is taken away from him.

Sanders was born under a Knife Blade. The Knife Blade for him is Snake. It makes him unbending, strong, and tough. In Sanders' chart the cycle of age 30 - 40 was a Snake cycle, in other words, his peak cycle. If this current cycle, 70 - 80 were his peak cycle there would be no doubt of his winning.

Sanders is going to become a very strong force in the Democratic Party between 2015 and 2016. His chance of winning the nomination, to be fair, is questionable.

Raphael gives in-depth personal Chinese and Western astrological readings, psychic readings, and fengshui consultations. For information visit  www.raphaelsimons.com

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A Chinese astrological portrait of the new royal baby princess

The royal princess was born May 2, 2015 at 8:34. The Chinese signs for the year, month, day, and hour of her birth are Wood Sheep, Metal Dragon, Earth Tiger, and Fire Dragon, respectively. She is a gentle, yet dynamic soul. She can be quite playful, romantic, and surprising. Her day of birth, Earth Tiger, is a Peach Blossom, showing her to enjoy good social status. She can be seductively attractive.
She also is gifted with a brilliant wit.

She has Proper Authority Deity. She will be graceful, trustworthy, upright, moral, rational, responsible, disciplined, and forthright. Nonetheless, she has her own mind, is a genius type, and can act eccentrically. There is something glamorous about her. Proper Authority Deity makes her skillful in areas of diplomacy, Government, and in legal and legislative fields. She is a great asset to the UK.

She will be quite a lady. She will be devoted to her family and country.

She is innately sincere, and positive, and when she makes a decision she will be extremely determined. She has strong intuition. She can be conceited and severe and stand offish, although she is also kind and will show love toward those she regards. She can make peculiar decisions. She can be jealous with strong capacity for love and hate. She does not forget injury, and is very conscientious. She has great good fortune and will have many powerful friends. 

The elements of her chart are 6 Wood, 3 Fire, 5 Earth, 1 Metal, and 2 Water.
Wood and Earth are the strongest elements. She is full of ideas, plans, and has a romantic mind. She also is very caring, and can be prone to worry.

The balance of yin and yang is perfect: 8 yin and 8 yang. This balance gives her good health. It is easy for her to keep good health.

Her vital element is Earth. Her person element is Earth (she is born on an Earth day), and her body element is Earth. She attracts many friends, and loves comfort. 

She has 1 Tien Yi Star. This is lucky. It resolves difficulties that may come up, and promises help and assistance wherever she goes.

The area of marriage and children is going to be a challenge. Not that it is written in stone, but the chart shows the danger of taking an unfortunate spouse, having difficulty having children, and potential misunderstandings with in-laws. This is an area of experience her soul attracts. We wish her all the happiness in the world. 

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Raphael posts a daily Chinese astrological I Ching blog at http://raphael-fengshui.blogspot.com

To find out more about Raphael's work and offerings visit www.raphaelsimons.com  

Chinese new year predictions: Year of Wood Sheep 2015

The lunar year of Wood Sheep starts on February 19, 2015 at 7:48 in Beijing. This is the 31st year in the 60 year cycle. The signs of the year, month, day, and hour of the new year are Wood Sheep, Earth, Tiger, Fire Tiger, and Earth Dog, respectively.

General Predictions

The balance of elements are 5 Woods, 5 Fires, 6 Earths, 1 Metal, and 0 Waters. The elements are extremely unbalanced on the side of yang. There are 11 yangs, and 5 yins. This is going to be an extremely active year. The predominance of Wood and Fire makes it potentially violent. The extreme overbalance of Earth (5 yang Earths, 1 yin Earth) make it fretful and troubled. This is the general political atmosphere. The world is restless.
In terms of weather, there will be a trend of hot and dry with intense storms, fires, and droughts. There will also be a lot of seismic, volcanic activity. Because there is no Water in this chart, the winter of 2015 will probably be intensely cold. In other words, weather goes to extremes and produces some violent storms.

The chart brings out the Deity of Implicit Talent. This favors all creative, artistic activities and professions. This is a good year for the arts and for creative, inventive fields. This could be a tremendously creative year.
Wood Sheep encourages building up money, and with Fire Tiger day, the year allows for prosperity and good fortune.
Tiger day in the year of Sheep tells us that this is a good year for making plans, but bad for getting into fights. The danger of violence is high this year.
The chart, with 5 Woods and 1 Metal, favors the east over the west. The west is now in a weak position.
Fire Tiger day brings out Peach Blossom Star. It is a good sign for social relations and activities, and allows for love to develop. It also allows for scandals to flare up, considering the volatility shown by this chart.

In fengshui, in a year of Sheep, the directions of Monkey, Rooster, and Dog are unlucky. These are generally westerly. Sheep also makes the direction of Ox unlucky. Ox is north by northeast. If you have furniture oriented to these directions you would want to mitigate the shar (bad luck) that comes from these directions. Also, this being the year of 3 Wood, shar is also due east and west. There is no "one size fits all" solution for this. If you don't know the compass and astrological methods used in fengshui, you will benefit from having an expert analyze your place and make necessary recommendations for adjustments.

The year, month, day, and hour of the new year calculated to the I Ching gives us hexagram 25, line 2. Hexagram 25 is Wuwang, The Unexpected. It tells us that circumspection leads to success. It is good to persevere. If you are not as you should be, you will have bad luck. If you are as you should be, you will have good luck. Get right with yourself. This hexagram is fortunate in springtime. We are in Chinese spring season. Line 2 says not to expect long term results too quickly. In other words, don't count your chickens before they hatch. Take actions for their own sake.

Predictions for Each Sign

Sheep favors people born in years, months, days, or hours of Sheep, Pig, Rabbit, Horse, Snake, and sometimes Rat; is neutral with Monkey, Rooster, Tiger, and Dragon; and clashes with Ox, Dog, and sometimes Rat. These are just general ideas. A detailed examination of your Chinese astrological chart will show precisely what this year brings to you. 

Rat is the Flower of Romance for Sheep. Romantic affairs can develop, and be interesting. If you work hard this year you will profit. This is a good time to move forward in your career, possibly to change your job or move house too. Watch your health this year. If you are having trouble it should resolve favorably and good fortune will come of it. If you need help it will not be difficult to find. 

Ox is challenged by Sheep. The best attitude in face of this is to be friendly and independent. It will help increase your circle of friends. This is a good year to build up money. Take care of your health. If you are well you will flourish. If you are ill you need to pay attention. This is a good year for research. Look into the hidden meanings. With correct understanding you can change your situation for the better.

Tiger in the year of Wood Sheep is favored. This is a peak year, the downside, however, is that this is also a Knife Blade year. If you lose patience you can make unnecessary trouble for yourself. If you work hard you will accomplish what you want. The year presents opportunities for making money. 

Rabbit is in a strong position. If you are involved in a creative, or artistic field this is a good year for you. The year also favors making money. Face your challenges directly and take the lead. 

Dragon is in a good time for self-cultivation. If you are learning something new this is a good year for it. The year also favors moving forward in your career, also moving house, rearranging your home or workplace, or making career changes. It also favors being competitive. 

Snake is in a good year generally for romantic relations; the year favors pleasures. Take time to enjoy yourself. The year also favors financial growth. It is also a good year for research, metaphysical interests, and for caring for others. 

Horse is in a period that favors research and development of new ideas. Horse has a Knife Blade this year, meaning, you can become impatient and make trouble. But, having an Academic Nobleman Star you can get around trouble easily and turn misfortune to advantage. If your patience has completely run out, you could break ties if necessary. 

Sheep in Sheep year is in a relatively good place. It is best this year to be friendly with all, but act independently. Pay attention to your plans if you want them to develop. If you are involved in a creative, or artistic field this is an excellent year. Your money can also build up this year.

Monkey is in a position to make an entirely new start. Pay attention to what is about to bud. If you like it tend to it. If not, nip it. This is a good year to move forward in your career, move house, or change your home and/or work environment. If there are problems you can come up smelling of roses. You can turn adverse conditions to your favor. 

Rooster is at an end. This is a good time for endings / beginnings. Finish old projects to start new ones. This is a good year for creative activity. Whatever problems there are will resolve favorably. If you need help it is not difficult to find. 

Dog is in a favorable time for making investments. On the other hand, it is time to put the past in the past. Whatever you have learned will serve for future developments. Accept challenges this year. If you find yourself in competitive situations, accept the challenges and go for it. 

Pig is in a time when it is good to let go of whatever it was in the past that is over. Look for what is new. Opportunities for making money come up. If you experience difficulties they resolve favorably and good fortune comes. If you need help, friendly people appear. This is a good year for creative thinking and artistic work. 

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Raphael gives private in-depth Chinese astrological readings and fengshui consultations. For information visit www.trs-fengshui.com or www.raphaelsimons.com

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Raphael writes a daily Chinese astrological I Ching blog. To read it go to http://raphael-fengshui.blogspot.com

New moon, 11/22 in western and Chinese astrology

The new moon of 11/22 came at 7:33 AM EST. Here is what it brought.
We have in the USA chart Mercury, Saturn, Sun, Moon, and Venus in the 12th house, putting emphasis on issues of crime, espionage, and secret enemies. Venus is conjunct the ASC, softening the untoward indications; things are not as bad as they might seem. But Pluto and Mars are rising in the 2nd house showing trouble coming up. Pluto is square Uranus in the 4th house showing that trouble connected to conflict in the Government. Uranus in the 4th house afflicted also shows storms and potential earthquakes coming. Uranus, in mutual reception with Neptune also reads in the 2nd house along with Mars and Pluto. These planets in the 2nd house do not register well for the economic outlook this month. They also warn of erratic conditions in the stock market.

The Chinese astrological chart shows the following. The signs for the year, month, day, and hour of the new moon are Wood Horse, Wood Pig, Fire Rooster, and Wood Dragon, respectively. The season is winter, i.e., Water.
Wood element is strongest, and Metal element is weakest. The strong Wood points to anger, but a lot of creative energy. The weak Metal points to weak boundaries. Watch what is happening.
The entire configuration of the chart favors people who are benevolent, and caring, who endure hardships, work hard, and who seek tranquility, also people who are engaged in academic studies, and the pursuit of knowledge. It favors such professions as academics, research, teaching, publishing, the arts, metaphysics, religion, nursing, and philanthropy.
The configuration allows for high intelligence and makes it possible to change problematic situations to advantage.
The stars called Tien Yi, Tien de Gui Ren, and Yue de Gui Ren appear in this. Together, they resolve predicaments, ease conflicts, and bring good luck.
For people born in the year or day of Monkey, Rat, or Dragon, this month favors romantic affairs.
This month encourages people born in the year or day of Snake, Rooster, or Ox to be proactive in developing their careers.
This month favors people born in the year or day of Horse with prosperity. It is a good month to develop your prospects.
People born in the year or day of Tiger are encouraged to take advantage of every good opportunity that shows up this month.
In general, the month favors those with sharp intelligence and perception.

Raphael is available for private in-depth western and Chinese astrological readings. To learn more visit www.raphaelsimons.com and www.trs-fengshui.com

Chinese astrological portrait of Robin Williams

Robin Williams was born July 21, 1951 at 1:34 PM in Chicago. The signs of his year, month, day, and hour of birth are Metal Rabbit, Wood Sheep, Water Dog, and Fire Horse, respectively. His birth stars are 4 Wood, 3 Wood, and 6 Metal. He was a gentle, very lively, creative soul. His personality, as shown by the signs of his year and day of birth, shows a keen sense of discernment, intuitive sensitivity, aesthetic sensibility, and the ability to understand others objectively. He was very subtle, and made an art of life. He also was a deep thinker, and had the ability to hide what he thought. He had the ability to appear nonchalant and ebullient when he was troubled. He was very sociable and inclined to entertain others. He was gregarious and suspicious, and prone to confusion as he didn't trust his own better judgement and had an aimless habit of anxiety. It was extremely difficult for him to resolve doubts. Over and above this, he had a very charming manner.

Williams' birth stars show him to have been an expert navigator, but prone to recklessness, and apt to take on more than he could handle. He ran into serious difficulties several times in his life.

Williams' chart has 1 Water, 3 Woods, 4 Fires, 3 Earths, and 2 Metals. Fire is the predominant element, showing a very active character. Water is the weakest element, very dangerous for him, because he was born on a day of Water; he was ruled by Water. 1 Water for him was a sitting duck waiting to get shot. Weak Water, especially as the birth element, shows vulnerability of emotions, sexual functioning, nerves, bones, and brain.

Because of the weakness of his birth element, and because his chart has Heaven Medicine Star, it is obvious that Williams' was prone to serious illness. His suicide followed severe depression. He was emotionally ill, and had serious addiction problems. It is also reported that he had the beginning stages of Parkinson's.

The weakness of his birth element, Water, indicates that Metal was Williams' vital element. Metal was strong in Williams' chart between his age 35 and 55. Despite any untoward circumstance in his life, he was going strong in those years. Prior to that period, in the cycle between his age 25 and 35, he appears to have been having a rough ride. The cycle 25 to 35 is Water Dragon. The Water of that cycle brought out his worst weaknesses. Personal relations in that cycle were also turbulent.

The balance of yin and yang in Williams' chart shows 10 yin and 3 yang. It is extremely unbalanced, denoting a proneness to illness; he had a weak heart. The extreme yin of his chart also shows that he took in a great deal, and was easily affected by others. It is reasonable to say that his illness was triggered by the insanity of the circles in which he moved and worked. He was a victim of Hollywood.

The chart deity of Williams' chart is called Explicit Talent Deity. It shows that he was cut out for a career in entertainment. Had he managed to get past this period of illness he would have reached his peak in the cycle between age 65 and 75. But, between age 55 and 65 he was going through an impossibly difficult time.

Williams' birth element was Water. The cycle of 55 to 65 is Earth Ox. It is extremely strong Earth. Earth kills Water. Williams' weakest element, his birth element, was being killed in his cycle of age 55 to 65, hence his falling into his illness that lead to his suicide. The signs of Earth Ox also clash with Williams' career signs, Sheep and Horse, showing that he was discontent with his career toward the end.

Williams' vital element, the element that could have saved his life, Metal, is extremely weak in the 55 to 65 cycle. And in the year 2014, the year of Wood Horse, Metal is destroyed. Metal is weakened by Wood, and is killed by Fire. Horse is Fire. So, Wood and Fire ganged up and killed Williams' Metal. This year also put Williams' birth star in a pivotal position; this was a pivotal year in Williams' life. It shows that he was very angry toward the end of his life. He was in tremendous conflict. 8/11, the day of Williams' death was the day of Wood Tiger. Tiger is a Wood sign. So, there was extreme Wood. The Wood exhausted Williams' Metal, and so he died.

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A look at the July full moon in western and Chinese astrology

The full moon came on July 12 at 12:26 PM GMD. The Moon and Sun at 20 degrees Capricorn and Cancer, respectively were square to Uranus and Mars to form a grand cardinal cross, making this very tense. At the full moon we also see Mercury at 29 degrees Gemini, and Jupiter at 29 degrees Cancer, showing people running out of patience. At the same time there is a tight trine between Venus and Mars, very favorable for matters of love, but, considering the other aspects, it brings out passionate conflict. We can see this in the rise of anger and hatred in the word these days especially in the middle east and the Ukraine. The Moon was in her 23rd Mansion, called Casiah; it is unfavorable for coming to agreement, and indicates strife, envy and jealousy.

The full moon charts for the UK and EU have the Sun in the 10th house, the Moon in the 4th house, Mars in the 1st, and Uranus in the 7th, all showing tremendous tension in political and public affairs. There is great tension between the leadership and its opposition. The people are in opposition to the ruling class. Mars and Uranus in these charts show great anger and danger of violence. Saturn is in the 2nd house retrograde, shows poverty. The trine of Venus and Mars shows international agreements being made, but not to benefit to the people; the people are angry.

The full moon chart for the US has the Sun in the 12th house, the Moon in the 6th house, Mars in the 3rd house, and Uranus in the 9th house. These all indicate news coming late, trouble with public services, and heightened possibilities of air, car, and rail accidents. Be careful on the road. Violent storms are also indicated. The trine of Venus and Mars show agreements made between the Executive and Congressional branches of the Government in face of developing international emergencies. Mars in the 3rd house opposite Uranus in the 9th shows the matter of illegal immigration urgent. Mercury at 29 degrees Gemini in the 11th house shows members of Congress running out of patience. Jupiter at 29 degrees Cancer in the 12th house is unfortunate for children, possibly meaning a rising death rate.

The Chinese signs for the year, month, day, and hour of the full moon are Wood Horse, Metal Sheep, Wood Monkey, and Fire Rabbit, respectively. The chart has an aspect called Knife Blade. It is bad for children, and indicates dangers of accidents to the elderly. The chart shows unstable conditions in the days around the full moon, and encourages self-reliance. The elements in this chart are 4 Woods, 4 Fires, 4 Earths, 2 Metals, and 1 Water. The energy is profusely active, and needs limiting. If matters go on unchecked, relations are undone. The chart calls for discipline.

Boiled down to an I Ching hexagram, the full moon gives us hexagram 62, Preponderance of the Small, line 1. The hexagram says that when the bad days are over, everything will return to normal. The hexagram does not favor ascending; it favors descending, doing small things, and paying attention to details. The hexagram is not lucky in summertime. The 1st line of the hexagram says, make sure to be prepared before you act. Premature action brings inevitable danger.

All in all, this is pointing to a need to maintain self-control and be watchful in face of turbulent forces.

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The June new moon in western and Chinese astrology

The new moon came on June 27 at 9:10 AM GMD. It was at 5 degrees Cancer forming a trine with Neptune to bring lucky breaks for those of us who have planets at or near 5 degrees Cancer, Pisces, Scorpio, Taurus, and/or Capricorn.

In opposition with Pluto, the new moon also tells those of us who have planets at or near 5 degrees Cancer, Aries, Capricorn, or Libra to avoid compounding complicated conditions. The absence of someone depended on may frustrate you. Cooperation and patience are best.

Mercury is retrograde at the new moon pointing to minor hesitations, or changes of plans. Mercury at the new moon was at 25 degrees Gemini. He goes into direct station on Saturday, June 28, and turns direct on Wednesday, July 2. When in direct station, decisions will begin to firm up, hesitations notwithstanding. When direct, all will start moving forward once again. Where depends on the house in your chart in which Mercury turns direct. For example, if Mercury turns direct in your 10th house, your career should take a turn for the better. Mercury turns direct at 24 degrees Gemini when the north lunar node is at 24 degrees Libra. Being in the same degree, the turning point of Mercury will have strong impulse that should register in whichever house the north lunar node is transiting at this time as well. For example, if the north lunar node is transiting your 2nd house, it will register in your finances. The Mercury direct trine north lunar node is fortunate; it supports positive decisions and actions, including signing of papers, money transactions, business and financial deals, communications and possible travels.

Venus at the new moon is at 4 degrees Gemini, a critical degree, and is forming a square with Neptune, showing a danger of wasting money, indulging in the wrong things that can cause illness, and being prone to disappointment due to pie in the sky.

The piece de resistance in this chart, however, is Mars exactly opposite Uranus, an explosive aspect. Mars is in Libra and Uranus is in Aries. And both of these are square Pluto in Capricorn. This generates tension. We can see the effects of this tension in the violent turmoil happening in the world, not only in all the fighting and quarreling, but in seismic and volcanic activity. If you have any planets at or near 16 degrees Aries, Cancer, Libra, and/or Capricorn you will feel this tension and may have a hard time controlling your temper.

The new moon seen in the UK and EU is in the 11th house showing changes coming in parliamentary activities. Because the new moon is both trine to Neptune and opposite Pluto, with Pluto involved in a T-square with Mars and Uranus, activities will be both beneficial and difficult. Difficulties appear to be related to diplomatic and international affairs as well as to commerce. There also appears to be dangers of car, rail, and/or air crashes this month. If traveling in the UK or Europe this month, be careful.

The new moon seen in Washington DC is in the 2nd house shows much activity developing in financial and stock market affairs. It is both good and bad. On the one hand, the trine to Neptune shows great gains possible. But, on the other hand, the opposition to Pluto square Mars and Uranus shows dangers of loss. Uranus is in Aries opposite Mars in Libra. Aries is in the NY Stock Exchange 10th house. This makes the market conditions potentially volatile.
In the new moon chart in DC we find Uranus in the 11th house with Mars in the 5th. It speaks of difficulties, angry arguments, and unexpected developments in Congress with the danger of an accident or disgrace to one of it members.
Neptune is in the 10th house in this chart. Neptune is square to Venus in the 12th house, Venus being in a critical degree. This brings a degree of disgrace to the Potus in connection with a woman, or women, not necessarily his wife, but someone who talks behind his back; Venus is in the 12th house-of-secret-enemies. We find Neptune in mutual reception with Uranus connecting him with someone in the Congress. There appears no way around trouble, the mutual reception notwithstanding, because mutual reception Neptune is in opposition with Mars and is square Pluto. There is a mess brewing.
Mercury is retrograde in the 1st house. Mercury also rules the 1st house in this chart. This means that the people are in a indecisive mood,  but this mood will change, as Mercury is soon to turn direct.

The signs for the year, month, day and hour of the new moon seen in DC are Wood Horse, Metal Sheep, Earth Snake, and Fire Tiger, respectively. This is the month of Metal Sheep. It is somewhat aggressive in tone as it clashes with the year sign, Wood Horse.
The element count is 7 Fires, 6 Earths, 2 Metals, 00 Water, and 3 Woods. The energy is very hot and dry. The chart wants to produce Metal, meaning it strives to get to the cutting edge. This has ominous meanings for military activity, but very good meanings for the arts and fashion.
The predominance of Fire makes this month extremely active. It could bring intense heat and fires. So much Fire and Earth could also bring a spike in volcanic activity. In the human sphere it could bring out anger and anxiety. In areas of the world in military conflict this will be an extremely hot and ugly month.
The yin/yang balance in this chart is 7 yin and 8 yang. This is very good, as yin and yang are almost perfectly balanced and support both beginning and ending. The energy of the month supports productivity.

The new moon reduced to an I Ching hexagram gives us hexagram 20, line 4. Hexagram 20 is called Observation, or waiting, and implies trust. It has the symbol of abundant flowers in full bloom, a sign of prosperity. But because hexagram 20 is not good for summer, the good indication is modified.
The advice given by line 4 is to take a broadened outlook, to be open minded, and consider what is of universal benefit.

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Raphael is available for personal consultations in western and Chinese astrology. For more information visit www.trs-fengshui.com.

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Summer solstice in western and Chinese astrology

Summer solstice, the Sun's ingress into the sign Cancer, came on June 21 at 11:52 AM GMD. This brings the Sun into a grand cross with Mars, Pluto and Uranus in Libra, Capricorn, and Aries, respectively. The grand cross will register through later June and earlier July, but its effects will continue to be felt through the summer; it means increased tension in the world. It could bring violent weather and seismic activity as well as more political turmoil. The world is discontent.

In this chart we see the Moon at 21 degrees Aries, separating from conjunction with Uranus and applying to square with Jupiter. This says that changes coming up will be sudden, and wasteful.

The Sun's first aspect is a trine to Neptune. This is like sugar coating on the poison shown by the grand cross in formation. Considering the surprises shown by the Moon's conjunction with Uranus, this says that we may be in the dark, or unprepared for what may be coming.

Mercury is retrograde. This says that we can expect changes of mind and reversals of decisions that may work both favorably and unfavorably, depending on circumstances, and that may contribute to the trend of wastefulness shown by the Moon's square with Jupiter.

The solstice chart in the UK, and the EU has the Sun in the 10th house with Mars in the 2nd, Pluto in the 4th, and Uranus and the Moon in the 8th. This adversely affects economic conditions and, with Mercury retrograde in the 10th house, shows difficulties in the Government, and disgrace to public officials, with dangers of a coming defeat of the current Government. Mars afflicted in the 2nd house warns of trouble coming up. It shows possible losses in the stock market, great expenditures, and waste of public money.

The solstice chart in Washington DC has the Moon and Uranus in the 10th house showing sudden developments in the Government. Uranus rules the 8th house. It suggest an unexpected death in the Government, or upper circle. The Moon conjunct Uranus and square Jupiter show the Government unpopular. It also shows scandals in Government circles, and an eminent woman suffering some degree of disgrace.
Jupiter, whether afflicted or not, in the 1st house protects the people against whatever untoward conditions there may be. So, this is probably a fairly good time for the people in general in the sense of business, health, and work. Still, Mars in the 4th house opposite Uranus in the 10th shows sharp political fighting coming up.

In Chinese astrology, the signs for the year, month, day, and hour of the solstice are Wood Horse, Metal Horse, Water Pig, and Wood Rabbit, respectively. This is a fairly dynamic configuration. There are 4 Woods, 3 Fires, 2 Earths, 1 Metal, and 2 Waters. The predominance of Wood and Fire make it very active. The energy of this period up to Chinese fall season, beginning August 8, is very lively. The yin-yang count shows 7 yins to 4 yangs. The energy trends to yin, meaning it it is easier to finish what has been begun than start something new. The vital element of this chart is Earth, meaning it is best to bring everything into balance and harmony. Be practical.

Reduced to an I Ching hexagram the solstice gives us hexagram 56, line 3. Hexagram 56 is The Traveler. It is lucky for people born in the year, month, day, or hour of the Monkey. It is good for career development, and tells of riches coming. The Traveler, however, symbolizes flourishing followed by withering. It signifies impermanence.
Line 3 warns not to get into arguments unless you want to be rejected by the person, or the people you depend on. The advice is to adapt your self to your circumstances. If you are offensive and follow the wrong course you will suffer bad consequences. This holds true for individuals as well as for Governments.

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Balance in Chinese astrology and fengshui

Dynamic balance is the key to good health and good fortune. When balance is broken for a long time illness and bad luck come. When illness develops we can correct the imbalance, and return to normal health.

There are two systems in Chinese astrology that address this question directly: Bazi, and 9 Star. In Bazi (ba tze) we have a calculation that gives us what is called the vital element. The vital element is what your life depends on. Your vital element determines the best orientation for your bed, and how you sit; it also gives you the best colors to wear for supporting your health; and it describes your best climate and season. Knowing how to work with your vital element can help you get over illnesses and extend your life.

In Chinese astrology, whenever your vital element comes up in long cyclical progressions, as well as in years, months, and seasons, your life goes better. When it is absent, and you start to have troubles, the situation can be mitigated by adjusting your environmental conditions, and by using the right colors.

Unfortunately, the vital element calculation is very involved, and cannot be made without undertaking a detailed study of this difficult system. Learning how to calculate the vital element is one of the most important steps in studying the authentic old tradition of fengshui. Not many people grasp it correctly.

We find a fair alternative in the 9 Star system. The 9 Star system, while much simpler than Bazi, is good, and it is important in fengshui. While 9 Star doesn't reveal your vital element, it gives what is called your balancing element. This, by the way, is not widely known; it is a secret method. 9 Star works with the system of trigrams, seen above. Your balancing element works to bring your innate energy into harmonious balance; it supports your life and fortunes. The balancing element can be used to determine a good orientation for your bed, and it can give you a very good color to use.

The 9 Star system is very ancient. It is the basis of the Lo Shu compass system, an important part of the traditional Chinese fengshui compass.

The system of balancing elements, based on the 9 Star system, is fairly easy to grasp. To find your balancing element you have, first, to find your birth star number. The birth star numbers repeat cyclically every 9 years. According to Chinese method the 9 Star cycle is opposite for males and females. Given below is the basic cycle from 1990 to 1999. To find your birth star either subtract or add 9 or multiples of 9 from or to the years given, keeping in mind that the 9 Star year begins always at the beginning of Chinese spring season which almost always is February 4. So, if you were born between January 1 and February 3, you have to calculate from 1 year earlier. For example, if you were born February 1, 1970, you would calculate your birth star number from 1969. The years with their numbers for males and females are:

1990 for males is 1; for females is 5
1991 for males is 9; for females is 6
1992 for males is 8; for females is 7
1993 for males is 7; for females is 8
1994 for males is 6; for females is 9
1995 for males is 5; for females is 1
1996 for males is 4; for females is 2
1997 for males is 3; for females is 3
1998 for males is 2; for females is 4

Supposing you are a male born in 1973. 1973 + 18 = 1991. 1991 for a male is 9.
Supposing you are a female born in 1973. 1973 + 18 - 1991. 1991 for a female is 6.

The star numbers with their elements are as follows.
1 is Water.
2 is Earth.
3 is Wood.
4 is Wood,
5 is Earth.
6 is Metal.
7 is Metal.
8 is Earth.
9 is Fire.

The balancing elements for the 9 star numbers with their directions in space and colors are as follows.

The balancing element for 1 Water is 9 Fire. Its direction is South, and its color is purple.
The balancing element for 2 Earth is 6 Metal. Its direction is Northwest, and its color is white.
The balancing element for 3 Wood is 4 Wood. Its direction is Southeast, and its color is dark green.
The balancing element for 4 Wood is 3 Wood. It's direction is East, and its color is light green.
The balancing element for 5 Earth is 6 Metal for women and 7 Metal for men. The direction and color for 6 Metal is Northwest and white. The direction and color for 7 Metal is red.
The balancing element for 6 Metal is 2 Earth. Its direction is Southwest, and its color is black.
The balancing element for 7 Metal is 8 Earth. Its direction is Northeast, and its color is white.
The balancing element for 8 Earth is 7 Metal. Its direction is west, and its color is red.
The balancing element for 9 Fire is 1 Water. It's direction is North, and its color is white.

Supposing your balancing element is 3 Wood, and you are finding this to be a stressful period. You would then consider aligning your bed so your head points to the east, and you would consider using light green as a color to help balance your energy. Orientation in fengshui is always figured by what your head points toward when lying down in bed, and what is to your back when sitting in a chair. If your balancing element was 3 Wood, the best way to sit would be with your back to the East.

These are just very basic considerations in fengshui. Of course, if the space doesn't permit using these indications, and if you are a couple sleeping in the same bed, energetic bridges can be made. Fengshui as part of the Chinese astrological systems is complex.

Fengshui is the spacial projection of Chinese astrology. Imbalances that show up in your Chinese astrological chart can be adjusted and mitigated in your space. Traditionally these two always go hand in hand. To do fengshui correctly you have to know how to do Chinese astrology. This is the tradition.

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Raphael is available for personal consultations in Chinese astrology and fengshui. To find out more, visit www.trs-fengshui.com.

Raphael's book Feng Shui Step by Step is reprinted and available at Amazon and at www.createspace.com/3472024.