A Business and Career Consultant-Coach who melds Chinese Metaphysics techniques with modern day Coaching to help you become the best that you can be.
A lifelong reader who cannot imagine life without books; a 25-year Communications professional with an expertise in sports communications, sports marketing and broadcasting.
June 2023. Counting down to the final six months before the ‘official’ debut of Period 9 and Fire is already blazing!
The Bazi chart for the month of June 2023 suggests a month of collaborative creativity, increased drive and passion, and be on the lookout for more AI platforms coming our way. Haven’t we already got plenty? Welp… apparently not!
Which of the 12 Zodiac signs will be affected by this months’ chart? I will only be listing the animal signs that are directly impacted by the month. Some zodiacs will not be in this list, meaning there is no relationship between the June Bazi Chart and that particular animal sign.
RAT – THE MONTH BREAKER
If you have the Rat anywhere in your Bazi Chart, just note that this is a clash month for you. Basically, your Rat pillar will be the Month Breaker in June. Much like how you would use the Year Breaker energy, this is a good month to take the initiative and make some small adjustments to your strategies.
Of course, the small changes you make would depend on where the Rat falls in your Natal Bazi Chart. If it falls in your Year Pillar, why not take the initiative to hang out with a different group of friends? If the Rat governs your Month Pillar, perhaps some small changes to your work routine? If the Rat is found in your Day Pillar, a small change in lifestyle or daily routine might be just the trick. And if it’s in your Hour Pillar, this could be the month to achieve a small breakthrough in your self improvement efforts.
In all this, setting realistic expectations will be quite important, especially as the Rat will still be feeling the effects of the Ungrateful Punishment with the Rabbit Year and Hour pillar in the Month’s Chart, as well as the Harm relationship with the Goat in June’s Day Pillar. After all, it’s just a month’s energy. No need to go all out. With the Rat-Goat harm, it’s pretty important to keep your stress levels under control.
OX
Another zodiac undergoing a minor clash is the Ox. While the Ox is not yet the Month Breaker (only in July), your Ox will also see a small Clash and a minor Bully Punishment with the Goat, as well as a Harm with the Horse in the month chart. Again, it’s only a month’s energy, therefore, only minor tweaks are required.
The Ox-Goat clash and Bully Punishment together tend to feel a little like you are stuck in a quagmire. This may just be a temporary doldrum that just disappears on its own after a few days. Try to keep tabs on this feeling. If it drags on, you may want to consider making some pro-active changes to trick your brain into getting out of the rut.
This could be changing your social habits (Year Pillar), work routine (Month Pillar), daily habits (Day Pillar), or even monitoring your mental habits (Hour Pillar).
RABBIT – THE GRAND DUKE
The Rabbit will see a Destruction with the Horse month, making this a great month for innovation and re-boot. A potential Three Harmony with the Goat Day Pillar also makes this a good month for networking.
A month’s Destruction energy is great for making strategic changes to your personal branding (Rabbit in the Year), create new innovations at work (Month), initiate a change of habits (Day), or a change of mindset and knowledge (Hour).
HORSE – SELF PUNISHMENT
Whoa there! For those with the Horse in your Bazi Chart, June 2023 may feel a little like you are trying to rein in a runaway horse. Well nigh impossible, I know. This added burst of Fire may have you feeling more competitive and impatient than usual.
These feelings can be triggering. However, this increased passion, drive and competitiveness can be exactly what you need to push past the obstacles and create a new breakthrough. Pace yourself, though! Next month is the month of the Goat, which means that this Fire will continue to burn!
GOAT – SIX COMBINATIONS
If you have the Goat in your Bazi Chart, here comes your combination month. The Goat-Horse combination creates Fire! With the presence of the Rabbit in the month’s Year Pillar and Hour Pillar, you could also benefit from the Hai-Mao-Wei Three Harmony combination. Cue: passion, drive, progress, and impatience! Regardless, it’s a great month to increase your impact, contribution and value!
DOG
The Dog may be feeling under pressure in June 2023. First we see a combination between your Dog Branch with the Year’s Rabbit. Then comes a Destruction and Bully Punishment with the Goat in the June 2023 Bazi Chart.
All this pent up stress is unhealthy. This might just be your cue to find a way to let off some steam in a healthy way.
PIG – THREE HARMONY
If you have the Pig in your Chart, you’d better be networking. Your Pig pillar is the missing link in this month’s Hai-Mao-Wei Three Harmony. Additionally, we also see a hidden combination with the Horse in the month chart. If you have been looking to build relationship with mentors and noble people, this is the month to find a way to offer your service.
All Bazi terminologies and the Bazi Chart referred here are copyrighted materials belonging to, and are used with permission from Dato Joey Yap and/or Joey Yap Research Group Sdn Bhd.
In Feng Shui, doors are considered one of the most important elements of a building or space. Doors are the main entry and exit point where energy (or Qi) flow in and out of the house. In any home, the front door always governs money and wealth opportunities. This is where energy flow into your house from the external environment.
If you are lucky enough to have a beautiful view outside of your front door, positive Qi flows in carrying good money, relationship, and career luck. Which then leads to the inevitable question: what then, constitutes negative Qi? Identifying negative Qi is quite simple – we want to avoid negative formations like sharp objects immediately outside the front door. These include the edge of another building, sharp objects like pylons, dead trees, or even pillars.
Here are some common knowledge about doors in Feng Shui and the logic behind them.
Door Logic #1: Opening too many doors in the house is bad.
True. One of the functions of Feng Shui is to bring the energies or Qi from the external environment and keep it circulating within the home. Too many doors open at the same time inevitably results in unstable Qi that cannot be contained inside your house. This will result in a high outflow of wealth, along with the possibility of relationship conflicts.
Door Logic #2: Poison Arrow or Cutting Knife directed into the front door is bad
True. The easiest way to visualize Qi is to think of the wind. As the wind flows around buildings and objects, it takes the shape of the object. Common Poison Arrows or Cutting Knife include road signages, lamp posts, electrical posts, or even the pillars of your front porch.
There are some school of thought that would recommend using plants or shades to block the poison arrows. This is a possible temporary solution. However, be aware that by doing so, you would be creating a smaller bright hall outside of your front door. The best remedy, in fact, is to try to reposition the front door. I know, repositioning the front door can be a costly affair.
Alternatively, if you have different door, for example, a sliding door is common in most landed homes, you can just simply close off the main door and use the sliding door as your main entryway.
Door Logic #3: A Building Sha is also known as a Poison Arrow or Cutting Knife
True. This, in fact, is the most severe form of the Cutting Knife. Imagine, the edge of a building pointing directly into your front door. Visually unappealing, and carries severe implications where Feng Shui is concerned.
Most practitioners will recommend placing a convex mirror to reflect the Cutting Knife away. Again, this could be a viable temporary solution, but the best is always to try to avoid this scenario. To remedy, most practitioners would recommend a bagua mirror. However, any convex mirror will do.
Door Logic #4: Main door facing another main door should be avoided:
This is commonly found in apartment buildings. I’ve seen plenty myself. In Feng Shui terms, this scenario is akin to two homes ‘fighting’ for the Qi. It leads to unfriendliness and a cold, distant relationship between neighbours. Perhaps that is why apartment-dwellers are known to be less friendly with each other?
There is no remedy for this, unfortunately. Awareness is the key.
Door Logic #5: The main door must be well-maintained.
The myth goes that if your main door and frame is rotten, decayed or mouldy, this will lead to illness in the family. The prescribed cure for this myth is to simply have the door replaced.
However, the decaying door is but a reflection of the problem, not the problem itself. The presence of mold or cracks on your doors are indicative of either dampness or stagnant qi inside the home. Merely replacing the door is not enough. Best is to conduct a thorough spring clean and declutter.
Door Logic #6: No suppressing beam above the door
True. A beam or an overhanging ledge directly above your door causes compression of the Qi as it enters your home. This carries health implications. In some apartments, we see air conditioning units placed directly above the door. Understandably, this was a space management solution. But it is not recommended.
In the Luo Shu chart, Gua 5 occupies the ‘middle ground’, like an emperor standing in a circle of court officials and ministers. Could we say that Gua 5 is the Gua of an emperor? In fact, why not? Admittedly, Star 5 has an unnecessarily bad reputation. It has been called the star of misfortune, disasters, calamities and various other tragedies. But as a life Gua? This, my friends, is the ultimate Gua of authority.
Your Gua 5 gives you strong leadership qualities and an aura of reliability and stability. You will often find that people automatically trust your judgement in many matters. Your energy to take matters into your own hands creates a sense of autonomy and independence. Better yet, you enjoy being in control.
Gua 5 is imagined as a vast expanse of earth and soil that is always productive and ever abundant. Therefore, people with Gua 5 tend to unconsciously radiate solid reliability. Unlike the other life Guas, who are more flexible, you are never fickle. Your principles are firmly established and you tend to be very determined and focused. The flip side of this trait, of course, is that you can be a little too rigid, stubborn, and domineering.
However, no matter how conservative and strict you may be on the outside, there is a soft core in the Gua 5 person that makes you compassionate and empathetic to those in need. By the existence of this hidden core, you can tell whether your Gua 5 is in a healthy or unhealthy state. As long as the compassion is still present, everything is fine! But if this core of compassion has disappeared and replaced by hunger for power, this is the first indication that your Gua 5 is in an unhealthy state.
GUA 5 AT WORK
A born leader naturally aspires to leadership positions, regardless of what one does for a living. The sheer reliability of Gua 5 makes you an asset to any organization. You are meticulous and organized, and have an amazing ability to get things done. Implementing and leading others is where you excel.
However, when climbing to the top of the ladder, the aura of Gua 5 can be intimidating. Combined with your strong sense of independence and self-confidence, socializing is one of the Gua 5 person’s weaknesses. The most important lesson for Gua 5 at work is to show flexibility and willingness to incorporate the strengths and weaknesses of others into your own rigid approach to work.
GUA 5 IN LOVE
The consistency and reliability of Gua 5 extends to your love life and personal relationships. You are like a rock to those around you, be it your life partner or your family and loved ones. But again, this aura of strength can be isolating for you. While others may rely on your strength, your conservative and rigid approach may unintentionally keep others at a distance. This is where you may need to learn to bend a little and have fun!
GUA 5 FAVOURABLE FACING DIRECTIONS
These are generic personal facing directions, one of the easiest Feng Shui methods to apply. It’s just a matter of shifting your laptop to face the direction you want. But in the case of Gua 5, there will be a difference between the two genders.
Use this direction for general advancement and growth in life. This direction works well for any business, career, or wealth-related pursuits.
Tian Yi (Heavenly Doctor): West (Men); Northwest (Women)
This direction is good for enhancing your mentor luck. If this direction is to be used in the bedroom, this is a good boost for your general physical wellbeing. Face this direction if you are looking to enhance your personal branding. This direction amps up your persuasive skill, and will have some impact on how you are perceived by others.
Yan Nian (Longevity): Northwest (Men); West (Women)
This is a great direction to build smooth interpersonal relationships whether at home or in the office. In short, it’s great for networking. If you are working in a career or business that requires multiple interactions with people from all walks of life, this direction will help you boost your career.
Fu Wei (Stability): Southwest (Men); Northeast (Women)
If it is deep focus and concentration you need, Fu Wei is the direction to face while planning, working, studying, researching, or creating. Anything that requires concentration, really. If you are into the art of meditation, facing Fu Wei while meditating can help you achieve calm and serenity much faster.
The ancient art of Feng Shui. Is it myth? Or is it fact? Is it magic and superstition? Or is there some logic to it?
No denying there are many misconceptions around Feng Shui. Some were caused by misinterpretations from oral teachings. Others, by pop-culture and merchandizing. Regardless, it has created an environment where many of us literally ‘know’ some Feng Shui at least.
Case in point – a common Feng Shui rule says that the stove must not be placed next to the sink. This is rooted in logic. If your stove is too close to the sink, what are the odds of a few drops of soapy water falling into your pot while you are cooking? Yuck, right?
In this column, I reveal the logic behind some of the common rules, and may debunk a few in the process.
Logic #1: Feng Shui is ugly
This first misconception is perfectly understandable. This has been accentuated by pop culture surrounding Feng Shui and merchandizing. Buy this, and you will find your soul mate. Buy that, your luck will change. Before long, your home is cluttered with Feng Shui paraphernalia.
Now at this point, let me stress that I am neither promoting nor debunking the effectiveness of Feng Shui items and paraphernalia. The human mind is a powerful thing. If you really believe that placing a certain object in a certain location will help improve your luck, then by dint of the force of your belief, it’d probably work!
However, drilled down to its most basic, Feng Shui activations are nothing more than an interplay between the Five Elements – Water, Wood, Fire, Earth, and Metal.
Water
If you are looking to activate Water, a pail of water will do. Given our humid and tropical climes, we would recommend placing an aquarium pump into the water. Otherwise, heaven forbid you inadvertently start breeding mosquitoes for your neighbours. If this is a permanent placement, an aquarium would also work. It’d probably look better too.
Many people are drawn to water features. Unfortunately, these are less effective. A simple bucket of water works better because what we are looking for is the water pressure.
Wood
Plants are a good way to activate Wood energies. Some locations require water-based plants while earth-growing plants work better for other sectors. The only caution here is to prioritize the use of leafy plants as opposed to plants with sharp leaves such as the common Snake Plant.
Fire
Heat is the activator for Fire energies. If you are looking to activate Fire energies in your home, a pretty salt lamp typically works with most home décor. Or candles for short term activations!
Earth
Smooth river rocks are an ideal decorative yet useful activator for Earth energies. Other ways to activate Earth energies is to use items that are perpetually moving. By the way, this was the principle that created the popular Japanese cat with a single moving arm. You don’t need to buy a Japanese cat. Any moving object will do. In fact, a fan works best! Leave the fan churning at the lowest level permanently, will continuously churn and activate the energy in that particular sector for you.
Metal
Finally, placement of Metal activators can be any type of decorative metal vases. These can be (depending on your budget), either gold, silver, bronze, brass, copper, iron, or even stainless steel. Metal activators are typically used to supress or diffuse the Star 5 energies (following the annual flying stars). If decorative vases are not your thing, and you’d prefer to have this hidden, then metal weights hidden underneath the furniture will also do the trick.
A Feng Shui monthly strategy chart can be used in two ways. This is even more nuanced than a bazi strategy as Bazi tends to be Day Master specific. In Feng Shui, we can either apply the following directly to your Life Gua (a more straightforward way of predictive analysis), or we could apply this sectors to the person who spends the most time in that particular sector. This one’s for May 2023, based on the Month Replace Month Hexagram Chart.
SOUTHEAST (LIFE GUA 4): CONSISTENCY
Perseverance is the act of continuing to pursue a goal despite obstacles, challenges, or setbacks. It requires persistence, determination, and a willingness to keep pushing forward, even when progress seems slow or difficult.
For the Gua 4 individual, the Beginning hexagram in the Annual Year-Replace-Year Chart denotes the teething problems surrounding a fresh start. The arrival of the Consistency (or Endurance) hexagram in May is a message of dogged determination.
One common strategy for practicing perseverance is to focus on making incremental progress each day, rather than trying to achieve massive gains all at once. This can be described as the “1% rule,” which means that if you improve by just 1% every day, you will ultimately achieve significant growth over time.
To stay focused and maintain your momentum, it’s important to have a clear sense of your goals and priorities, and the flexibility to regularly reassess your progress and adjust your approach as needed. This may involve breaking down larger goals into smaller, more manageable tasks, and setting specific, measurable objectives to help you track your progress.
It’s also important to keep taking action, even when you encounter setbacks or obstacles along the way. For the Gua 4 individual, blessed with the gift of the intellect, typically prefers mental labour to actual execution. Instead of getting discouraged by minor hassles or setbacks, try to view them as opportunities to learn and grow, and to identify new strategies or approaches that may help you overcome challenges in the future.
Like the Consistency hexagram that sees Thunder on top of Wind, tiny droplets of water and crystals in the air bump together creating tiny sparks of static electricity. The static electricity gradually builds up, until finally… a burst of brilliance is achieved!
The 3-4 combination can cause arguments. If this is going to be a problem for you, use Fire to diffuse.
SOUTH (LIFE GUA 9): BEAUTY
Beauty is seductive. Like a splashy sunset illuminating the mountains, beauty can captivate our emotions, and inspire a sense of awe and wonder. But beauty can be distracting and blinding by dint of the strong feelings and sense of enchantment it elicits within us.
For the Gua 9 individual, the arrival of the Beauty hexagram is a reminder that
beauty is not always a reliable measure of value or worth. Just because something is beautiful, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it is good, moral, or beneficial. In fact, beauty can sometimes be used as a tool of manipulation or deception, as people may use their appearance or charm to gain power or influence over others.
The Beauty hexagram is also a reminder to look beyond the surface, and pay attention to the small fissures in the mortar that you may have been ignoring. This is the time to spot hidden weaknesses early on and rectify them immediately before the fissures turn into cracks.
Don’t be lulled by exaggerated promises of big achievements and grand profits. When an offer is before you, probe into its depths and do your own due diligence.
The 8-9 combination, however, can be used to your advantage. When the Celebration Star meets the Wealth Star, it promotes harmonious relationships and a general sense of wellbeing. More, this combination supports events that boosts wealth. Use this sector to improve your branding and plan towards events that can draw wealth opportunities your way.
SOUTHWEST (LIFE GUA 2): ALLIANCE
Creating alliances is an important strategy for building relationships and achieving success in any professional setting. When we form alliances, we create a network of support and collaboration that can help us to navigate complex projects, solve problems, and achieve our goals.
But building relationships take effort and time. Time to get to know the people you work with, learn about their interests, and understand their strengths and weaknesses. It’s about giving yourself permission to learn to leverage on the strengths of others. But more! It’s also about allowing yourself to be leveraged. After all, you can’t be a leader if you don’t have followers.
The Alliance Hexagram sees Water on top of Earth, a meeting of two conflicting energies that somehow still flows together is like a stream hopping happily over the rocks, it’s about understanding the importance of guiding and allowing ourselves to be guided in return.
The 1-2 combination is ideal to bring you support and help. All that is required from you, is the wisdom to build these relationships. But please be extra careful with your diet. This combination could indicate food poisoning or digestive issues.
WEST (LIFE GUA 7): TREAD
The arrival of the 6-7 combination is not particularly pleasant. Known as the Swordfight Sha, it heralds the possibility of power struggles, conflict and scheming.
In such instances, how you respond to these external triggers becomes the key to the month work for you. The Tread Hexagram, the unchanging and eternal image of the Heaven above the Lake is a reminder to always consider the impact of your words and actions.
Discipline and self-control is called for. Being sensitive and sensible will earn you more respect than the momentary and fleeting satisfaction of ‘putting someone in their place’ or ‘teaching someone a lesson’.
Are your words kind and respectful? What about the tone of your voice? What about the syntax or context of your conversations? And of course, be mindful of non-verbal cues.
Because your Dui gua is always about the act of verbal communications, pay attention to your speech and all manners of dealings involving interacting, exchanging ideas, thoughts and opinions.
If you are at all worried about the effects of the Swordfight Sha, you could temporarily place water in the West to weaken both the Metal stars. But here’s the thing about power struggles, conflicts, and scheming. When this combination is temporarily visiting, don’t you start the power play!
NORTHWEST (LIFE GUA 6): SMALL LIVESTOCK
When Chastity meets Military Arts (5-6 combination), the situation feels pressured and unsettling. There is stress caused by uncertainty and a lack of direction. Or perhaps even a vacuum of leadership.
Now is not the time to bulldoze your way through by using overly aggressive strategies. Instead, the Small Livestock hexagram, Wind on top of Heaven, represents a time to focus on the small details. Like tiny puffs of wind slowly gathering the clouds together, this is the time to pile one small success on top of another to achieve the momentum you need.
It’s a time to take ownership and accountability for your actions and decisions. In essence, be proactive and do what you can within your sphere of influence. If you are working in a team, be mindful of the need to keep everyone apprised of your progress. Just because there may be a vacuum of leadership does not mean that you must necessarily work in a vacuum.
NORTH (LIFE GUA 1): NOT YET ACCOMPLISHED
It’s a year of reinventing yourself for Life Gua 1 individuals. From the Reform hexagram in the Year Replace Year Hexagram Chart, to the Not Yet Accomplish hexagram in the Month Replace Month Hexagram Chart, it’s like the universe is telling you unequivocally that ‘you ain’t done yet, bro!’
The Not Yet Accomplish hexagram is the last of the 64-spoked wheel of evolution, signifying that life is never ‘done’. We are all perpetually work-in-progress.
The 9-1 combination is excellent for professional and career advancement. With the right applied action, it offers recognition for your talents and contribution.
So how are we going to use the opportunities presented in May 2023? Firstly, the 9-1 is a Combo-10 which suggests networking and partnership opportunities. Seek for opportunities to share your knowledge, ideas and thoughts.
Secondly, this combination is also good for academic achievements, suggesting a good month for some strategic upskill and research. Start by assessing your current situation and identify bodies of knowledge that will help you grow. Then, seek out resources such as classes, mentors or even online learning platforms.
That which you have learnt, remember to share. Knowledge sharing is one way we create a support system for our own growth.
NORTHEAST (LIFE GUA 8): INFLUENCE
Success, as you define it, is close at hand for individuals with Life Gua 8. In May the 7-8 combination brings you the gift of Influence!
Success is earned, not given. But after you have done everything in your power to shift the mountains and the seas to your favour, you need that one last factor to provide you with a final nudge – the support of other people.
The Influence hexagram look very much like a tarn – Dui (lake) on top, Gen (mountain) at the bottom – again, two conflicting energies that have somehow found a way to coexist in harmony. This is a reminder that no man is an island. No one truly stands alone. We all need others in some capacity to thrive.
This 7-8 combination is great to expand your sphere of influence by seeking to expand your social and professional networks. To take what you have already accomplished, and use it to build a larger strategic network. And as you do, stay open to the force of attraction by keeping an open mind and staying receptive to the opportunities and experiences that come your way.
On a lighter note, the Influence hexagram represents the power of instant attraction. Love at first sight! Boy meets girl, start the romcom!
EAST (LIFE GUA 3): RETURNING
The Advancement hexagram from the Year Replace Year Hexagram Chart promises a journey of steady progress for Life Gua 3 individuals. Things are moving apace. All you gotta do, is participate!
In May 2023, you are visited by the Returning hexagram, symbolizing a turning point in your journey. It’s message? Something needs to end so that something new comes into your life.
What could be the thing that needs to end? As the 2-3 formation is also known as the Bullfight Sha, perhaps lingering, unresolved tensions and fractured relationships. Or more specifically perhaps, your passive-aggressive approach to dealing with conflict.
This may be the time to resolve what you can, let go of what you can’t, and carefully develop new relationships that can serve you better.
The 2-3 combination (Combo-5) also represents unimpeded motion. It’s an exercise in neuroplasticity, asking you to focus on the next step forward, instead of dwelling on something that no longer serves.
As you advance with confidence, remember that things may sometimes take a turn for the worse before the situation improves. That final argument before a breakup is always the most painful. That uncomfortable interview with your boss prior to your resignation can be awkward. But better things are awaiting. Ultimately, the 2-3 combination is a reminder to face down the unpleasantries while keeping your eyes focused on better things to come.
LIFE GUA 5: WIND
Bruce Lee may have famously said ‘Be Water’. But for May 2023, the message to Gua 5 individuals is to be like the wind.
As an authoritative Gua 5, flexibility may not be one of your strong suits. But when the 4-5 Literary Arts meet Chastity, complications from outside meddling could be one of the possible outcomes. In this, your reaction to external provocation is key. Would you react with diplomacy or through a brute show of power?
It’s about finding common ground and learning to consider matters from the perspective of others. It’s a willingness to negotiate, to sacrifice some short-term benefits in return for long-term gain.
Learning to change direction and speed quickly like the wind can help you navigate unexpected changes and challenges more effectively. It’s the ability to allow things to unfold naturally and be more open to hidden opportunities. Exactly what the Wind Hexagram is all about.
In many instances, soft influence shows more strength of character than direct confrontation.
SIDE NOTE: HOW TO DETERMINE SECTORS IN YOUR HOUSE
Simply, stand in the middle of your house. Face the door. Use the compass app in your mobile device and turn to look for the relevant sector that you intend to use. Once identified, just do the activity related to the objective.
Scholarly, refined and the most romantic of all the life guas, Life Gua 4 is the star of literary arts.
Regardless of your Day Master, the presence of Gua 4 as your Life Gua imbues you with a degree of scholastic aptitude and a love of literature and the arts. Much like a scholar, the beauty of the inner world will typically be more important to the Gua 4. In an external world that turns increasingly ugly and hostile, your inner world is a refuge. Nothing delights the Gua 4 more than hours spent immersed in research and study. You love nothing better than a good brain-ache. So go ahead. Embrace your inner geek.
A love for learning is strong in most Gua 4 individuals. You need not be a voracious reader, but you will still be a champion of lifelong learning. Because of this love of learning, most Gua 4 individuals will tend to be more open-minded and less inclined to be judgemental. You value refinement in thought and enjoy probing into the nuances of different positions. As such, it’s quite easy to change your mind. Strong principles, loosely held? Certainly!
While this openness to different points of view can make you adaptive and ingenious, it can also infuse a certain degree of fickleness and a tendency to be easily swayed by other people’s opinions. If an argument is presented in an eloquent fashion, you’re probably 50% there!
On the plus side, your wide-ranging interests makes you a fascinating conversationalist in social settings. However, do be on the watch for when your innate sense of intellectual superiority (stemming from a lifetime of study) inadvertently pushes people away instead of drawing them to you.
GUA 4 AT WORK
Imaginative and insightful, Gua 4 individuals excel in careers and businesses that place a high emphasis on creativity and out-of-the box thinking. While the Gua 4 thrives in environments that require brain-work, execution is one of its weak points. Like the Yi Wood that it represents, Gua 4 has a tendency to be a little dependent and clingy. How this could potentially work out would depend on the office culture.
GUA 4 IN LOVE
The most romantic of all the life gua, Gua 4 individuals tend to be in love with being in love. When you fall, you fall hard! You enjoy the drama, passion, and sheer giddiness of the surge of hormones brought about by new love. But fireworks can be short-lived.
The fantasy of love concocted within the depths of your fertile imagination cannot survive the humdrum messiness of daily life. At this point, a choice will need to be made – to come down to earth with a whump… or to stay on the chase.
GUA 4 FAVOURABLE FACING DIRECTIONS
These are generic personal facing directions, one of the easiest Feng Shui methods to apply. It’s just a matter of shifting your laptop to face the direction you want.
Sheng Qi (Life Generating): North
Use this direction for general advancement and growth in life. This direction works well for any business, career, or wealth-related pursuits.
Tian Yi (Heavenly Doctor): South
This direction is good for enhancing your mentor luck. If this direction is to be used in the bedroom, this is a good boost for your general physical wellbeing. Face this direction if you are looking to enhance your personal branding. This direction amps up your persuasive skill, and will have some impact on how you are perceived by others.
Yan Nian (Longevity): East
East is a great direction to build smooth interpersonal relationships whether at home or in the office. In short, it’s great for networking. If you are working in a career or business that requires multiple interactions with people from all walks of life, this direction will help you boost your career.
Fu Wei (Stability): Southeast
If it is deep focus and concentration you need, Southeast is the direction to face while planning, working, studying, researching, or creating. Anything that requires concentration, really. If you are into the art of meditation, facing Southeast while meditating can help you achieve calm and serenity much faster.
SUGGESTED SECTORS FOR 2023
Now that you understand the gifts of Gua 4 and how to use your personal favourable directions, here are some suggested sectors for Gua 4 to use in 2023. Gua 4 has a plethora of choices this year. But
please note that when we say use, it literally means to carry out a certain activity within that sector of your home. On that note, please be practical. If a particular sector is missing from your home, then just be very Gua 4 and use a different sector!
North (recommended): North in 2023 is literally the sector to use for the Gua 4 individual. This is the sector for a blossoming of your talents and will boost your networking efforts by increasing your popularity.
Southeast: If you are looking to complement intellectual challenges with action and execution, Star 3 in the Southeast is exactly what you need. The presence of Star 3 here can boost your ability o respond to difficulties with speed, alacrity and intelligence. The only caution for this sector, learn to filter the people offering collaboration and partnerships. Not all will come with noble intentions.
Southwest: Star 1 in the Southwest of 2023 is great for focus and concentration. This will work very well if you are looking to complete works that require high concentration such as writing or research.
East: Star 2 in the East of 2023 is ideal for the laying of foundations and groundwork. Think of this as creating works that can generate passive income from the fruits of your creativity such as royalties through intellectual property. However, do be aware that this sector may cause issues between women living in your household.
Centre: If your lifelong dream is to be a veritable walking Wikipedia, Star 4 in the Centre is the place to go. When you have absorbed enough information, go to a different sector to make use of the information.
West: Be cautious about using Star 6 in the West of 2023. If the external landforms in this sector is positive, Star 6 can bring a boost to your leadership skills. But if the external landforms are negative, using this sector can feel suffocatingly stressful.
Northeast: Similarly Star 7 in the Northeast of 2023. Positive external landforms can usher in romance luck and smooth relationships. The opposite is likely to occur if the external landforms are negative. But if improving on your networks is one of the steps to reach your goal, you can consider using the Northeast judiciously.
South: Star 8 in the South of 2023 can be harnessed to bring you investment opportunities. However, note that the Star 8 does not deal with fast money. Success will only come through persistent action and perseverance.
SIDE NOTE: HOW TO DETERMINE SECTORS IN YOUR HOUSE
Simply, stand in the middle of your house. Face the door. Use the compass app in your mobile device and turn to look for the relevant sector that you intend to use. Once identified, just do the activity related to the objective.
One of the more garrulous Life Gua, Gua 3 infuses you with a strong personality and a stubborn insistence on living life by your terms and your terms only. Bold and persistent, the straight-talking Gua 3 can come off as a little too intense. You’ve always believed that honesty is the best policy, preferring to be straightforward and frank as opposed to verbal sophistry.
To make the best of these traits that have been gifted to you by your Life Gua 3, communicating your actual intention is very important. Others need to understand, that when you come across strong, it’s actually driven by a need for growth. Wanting growth for yourself and others is not a bad thing. Like the Yang Wood that you represent, growth is your number one priority. Sometimes, you may find it hard to understand how others can fail to be as invested in the next stage in life.
This need for growth is further complemented by a healthy dose of courage. This courage give you that persistent can-do attitude, boundless energies and bullish optimism.
GUA 3 AT WORK
Gua 3 will tend to find early success in their careers, all thanks to your never-say-die attitude and your confidence in your ability to convince and persuade. Endowed with so much energy, sitting behind a desk from 9-to-5 will be a deal-breaker for the Gua 3. Instead, you prefer to gain autonomy and recognition for your ability to self-motivate and take on a more active role.
Gua 3’s frank approach to communications, however, may come as a bit of a liability in a corporate culture that is too political in nature. This may be the only way your career growth can be stymied, by constantly butting heads unnecessarily.
GUA 3 IN LOVE
Like everything else in a Gua 3 life, love is approached with relish and zeal! Here, learning to rein in your enthusiasm, may be the key as a passionate Gua 3 can be quite overwhelming!
GUA 3 FAVOURABLE FACING DIRECTIONS
These are generic personal facing directions, one of the easiest Feng Shui methods to apply. It’s just a matter of shifting your laptop to face the direction you want.
Sheng Qi (Life Generating): South
Use this direction for general advancement and growth in life. This direction works well for any business, career, or wealth-related pursuits.
Tian Yi (Heavenly Doctor): North
This direction is good for enhancing your mentor luck. If this direction is to be used in the bedroom, this is a good boost for your general physical wellbeing. Face this direction if you are looking to enhance your personal branding. This direction amps up your persuasive skill, and will have some impact on how you are perceived by others.
Yan Nian (Longevity): Southeast
South is a great direction to build smooth interpersonal relationships whether at home or in the office. In short, it’s great for networking. If you are working in a career or business that requires multiple interactions with people from all walks of life, this direction will help you boost your career.
Fu Wei (Stability): East
If it is deep focus and concentration you need, North is the direction to face while planning, working, studying, researching, or creating. Anything that requires concentration, really. If you are into the art of meditation, facing North while meditating can help you achieve calm and serenity much faster.
SUGGESTED SECTORS FOR 2023
Now that you understand the gifts of Gua 3 and how to use your personal favourable directions, based on the 2023 Flying Stars, here are some suggested sectors to use in 2023. Please note that when we say use, it literally means to carry out a certain activity within that sector of your home. On that note, please be practical. If a particular sector is missing from your home, then just be very Gua 3 and get creative!
North (recommended): A great sector to upskill. The arrival of Star 9 in the North, where the Gua 3 is concerned, brings clarity of thought. Use this sector for anything related to creativity, strategy, intelligence and imagination.
Southwest and Centre: When thinking moves into the realm of execution, Star 1 at the Southwest and Star 4 can assist to focus your concentration. Again, safe to carry out work-related activities, although this comes with a caveat: you may find it tiring to use these sectors. Please do not do any activations in these sectors, just usage is OK.
Northwest: If a stronger network is what you need in 2023, Star 7 in the Northeast can help improve your ability to persuade and convince. You can use this sector to conduct meetings, attend online networking events or even knowledge sharing workshops. You can also use this sector to plan your networking strategies – your target markets and audiences.
South: If you already have a side gig running, Star 8 can help boost sales and transactions. Be aware that using this sector can also be tiring for you.
SIDE NOTE: HOW TO DETERMINE SECTORS IN YOUR HOUSE
Simply, stand in the middle of your house. Face the door. Use the compass app in your mobile device and turn to look for the relevant sector that you intend to use. Once identified, just do the activity related to the objective.
Think Mother Earth! Nurturing, patience and forgiving are some of the most common qualities of anyone bestowed with the Life Gua 2. One of the most gentle and unassuming of the nine life star, Life Gua 2 individuals excel at seeing only the best in everyone, and will dedicate their all to bring out the best in the people they care about.
Kind to the point of almost being self-sacrificing, Gua 2 individuals are extremely forgiving. You dislike burning bridges. Even when wronged, you find yourself somehow offering people second chances… and third… and fourth. There’s a bit of a people-pleaser in you, which can be detrimental as you deal with the more aggressive personalities out there.
GUA 2 AT WORK
At work, Gua 2 individuals are known for your diligence, dedication and reliability. But again, watch out that your tendencies to be a little submissive does not result in you taking on work that is not yours to begin with.
GUA 2 IN LOVE
In relationships, Gua 2 are at their most sentimental and giving. Pliant and submissive, you have a tendency to ‘lose yourself’ in a relationship, finding it hard to figure out where you end and your partner begins.
GUA 2 FAVOURABLE FACING DIRECTIONS
These are generic personal facing directions, and is one of the easiest Feng Shui methods to apply. It’s just a matter of shifting your laptop to face the direction you want.
Sheng Qi (Life Generating): Northeast
Use this direction for general advancement and growth in life. This direction works well for any business, career, or wealth-related pursuits.
Tian Yi (Heavenly Doctor): West
This direction is good for enhancing your mentor luck. If this direction is to be used in the bedroom, this is a good boost for your general physical wellbeing. Face this direction if you are looking to enhance your personal branding. This direction amps up your persuasive skill, and will have some impact on how you are perceived by others.
Yan Nian (Longevity): Northwest
South is a great direction to build smooth interpersonal relationships whether at home or in the office. In short, it’s great for networking. If you are working in a career or business that requires multiple interactions with people from all walks of life, this direction will help you boost your career.
Fu Wei (Stability): Southwest
If it is deep focus and concentration you need, North is the direction to face while planning, working, studying, researching, or creating. Anything that requires concentration, really. If you are into the art of meditation, facing North while meditating can help you achieve calm and serenity much faster.
SUGGESTED SECTORS FOR 2023
Now that you understand the gifts of Gua 2 and how to use your personal favourable directions, based on the 2023 Flying Stars, here are some suggested sectors to use in 2023. Please note that when we say use, it literally means to carry out a certain activity within that sector of your home. On that note, please be practical. If a particular sector is missing from your home, then just be very Gua 2 and get resourceful!
South (recommended): Use this sector work on your income streams, particularly finding ways to make your money work for you in 2023. Gua 2 has good affinity with real estate and property. This would be a good sector to use to create your property investment strategies and other related activities.
West: Alternatively, Star 6 in the West can also bring financial gains from your real estate investments. If you happen to be a student of Chinese Metaphysics, studying or researching in the West sector in 2023 will help deepen your connection with the arts.
Northeast: Looking for inspiration? Star 7 in the Northeast in 2023 may be just the thing to galvanize you into action.
North: If you are looking to improve your relationships, the North sector is also usable for related activities. However, if you have any pre-existing medical conditions, please use this sector judiciously.
SIDE NOTE: HOW TO DETERMINE SECTORS IN YOUR HOUSE
Simply, stand in the middle of your house. Face the door. Use the compass app in your mobile device and turn to look for the relevant sector that you intend to use. Once identified, just do the activity related to the objective.
The dynamic art of Qimendunjia is excellent for short-term tactics and strategies. While monthly Bazi strategies are great for activities aimed at the strongest energy of the month, Qimen brings a psychological layer into the picture. In short, my chart; my perspective. Read on for the April 2023 Qimen Strategies.
Take particular note of the labels inside your own chart and determine the sectors/palaces for each of your key palaces. For example: your Destiny Palace may be in the East palace. You will see a red box inside the East.
I would highly recommend that you keep your focus strictly on just a few key palaces – the Destiny Palace, the Career Palace, the Wealth Palace, and perhaps the Relationship Palace.
The following description is the likely opportunities or challenges that you may experience in those sectors of your life in April 2023.
SOUTHEAST: PRIORITIZE THE IMMEDIATE PROBLEMS
The Southeast palace is not exactly pleasant in April 2023. The Sitting Palace Structure meeting the Death Door creates a scenario where you could feel a distinctive lack of support. At a psychological level, this structure creates a me-against-the-world mentality, one where you find yourself battling against a number of obstructions, hindrances, and worst of all, red tape and bureaucracy!
This is not the time for long-term play. Before you look too far ahead, April is the month to hunker down and dismantle your immediate obstacles first. The arrival of the White Tiger into one of your key palaces heralds a tendency for over-exertion. In a scenario where constant fire fighting is the order of your days, learning to prioritize between the urgent and the important can help you conserve your energies for the long haul.
SOUTH: A REPUTATION FOR DIPLOMACY
What should have been easy-peasy has turned stressful due to the opinions of other people. Many other people. You might find yourself stressing out there are simply too many conflicting information and agendas.
This is where your diplomacy skills come into play. April 2023 could be the month for you to gain a reputation as someone who can bring different agendas together and create win-win solutions for all.
That would be the ultimate use of the South Palace in April 2023. At a personal level, this could be the month to put your filter in place and learn that not all opinions are created equal.
SOUTHWEST: WHEN THE DOORS OF OPPORTUNITY OPEN
You’ve been working hard since the beginning of 2023, and the doors of opportunities are finally cracking open. You have the knowledge, the execution abilities, and the support. This is a good time to set your plan into action.
To keep your competitive edge, there is, however, some cautions from the April 2023 Qimen Chart. There is a distinct need to manage and be strategic about the amount of information you are releasing to the public.
WEST: MISDIRECTION AT ITS FINEST
From a Qimen perspective, the West sector in 2023 is a particularly contentious sector. More so if this governs any of your key palaces. Perhaps you find yourself tiring of all the power struggles and endless bickering? Fed up with the ongoing arguments, do you find yourself drawn to short cuts and unconventional means to get what you want?
Before we get any further, let me stress again that Qimen is a system developed for the business of war! And this system was created to win by any means necessary.
Having shared that caveat, the West sector in April 2023 is good for misdirections. To suss out the true intentions of others without revealing your own. In essence, it is about doing something to provoke a response from your opponents, thereby revealing their true intention. Another interpretation is to create something that will cause confusion and disrupt their thinking. Misdirection at its finest!
NORTHWEST: SHORT-TERM MILESTONES IS THE KEY TO INCREMENTAL CHANGE
Humans are funny creatures. We complain when things are not going our way. But at the same time, we get suspicious when things are going too smoothly. If the Northwest governs one of your key Qimen palaces, this may be the condition you are feeling in April 2023. Things are in place. Everything is supposed to be moving smoothly. But somehow, you feel sluggish.
There is a reluctance here to leave your comfort zone. Perhaps it is out of a misplaced sense of loyalty. Perhaps you have become too invested into a certain status quo. Or perhaps your plans are just so big, that they scare you.
April 2023 is a good month to break that big plan down into smaller goals and then focus your energies to crush each goal systematically. Change is unsustainable when you try to go too big. Smaller, short-term goals are easier on the psyche, and helps you create change in a gradual manner.
And if it’s encouragement you need, there is a Green Dragon Returns formation in the Northwest to bring an additional oomph to your efforts!
NORTH: OVERCOMING MARKET SATURATION
If the North sector governs one of your key Qimen palaces, you may find yourself grappling with an oversaturated market in April 2023. As opposed to digging in and waiting for the month to past, the energies of the April 2023 Qimen Chart brings an opportunity to revitalize your business or career by making a conscious effort to re-brand and effectively create a new market for your services.
This reboot can come in the form of revising your pricing strategy through competitor research, or by simply creating a new niche for yourself to reach a different type of consumers.
NORTHEAST: RESOURCE PLANNING
The Northeast sector in April 2023 encourages research and resource planning. Ideally, this activity should include the all-important contingency planning for yourself and your business. The arrival of the 9 Earth into this sector brings a bit of a slow build. So if you are the impatient type, April may feel a little too slow for your liking. Being persistent is the key here.
EAST: PRIMING YOUR MIND
If the East sector governs any of your key Qimen palaces, April 2023 is a good month to focus on personal brand building activities. It’s time to stop hiding behind the scenes and step into the spotlight, even if the spotlight is a scary place for you.
It’s common knowledge among professionals that if you want to get promoted, you start acting like you are already in that position. It’s not so much about fooling others. It’s about priming your own mind. Likewise, if you aspire to be an entrepreneur, start thinking, acting and talking like one. Eventually, you will find that you have morphed into that version of yourself – of who you aspire to be.
Colourless, formless, adaptable, and flexible, Life Star 1 or Gua 1 carries all the common characteristics associated with the Water element. A fluid intelligence and creativity tops the list.
There is always a fascinating duality to the Water element. Water can either be still or moving. When Water is still, this reflects the more reticent, reflective, and secretive parts of your personality. When the dam is removed and Water starts flowing, you become virtually unstoppable. Like a hidden mountain spring gushing into a waterfall, you will ride rough shot over obstacles, impatient to get to the sea.
But still or moving, all Gua 1 individuals share a single commonality – the tendency to seek out the path of least resistance. You are the best at going with the flow, confident that you will always find your way.
Better yet, Gua 1 individuals are superb at discovering solutions that are not always immediately visible to others. This gift comes from Water’s ability to think laterally. This is the ability to blend theory with practice, unencumbered by norms, rules and regulations – the ultimate gift of freedom of thought.
LIFE GUA 1 AT WORK
At work, Gua 1 individuals tend to show their more diplomatic side. Remember how Water prefers to go with the flow? Seeking out conflict is certainly not your way. There is, however, a deep need for spontaneity and autonomy. How can you possibly enjoy freedom of thought when you are constantly boxed in by rules?
LIFE GUA 1 AT PLAY
Socially, Gua 1 individuals easily blend into any existing ecosystem. This is where the adaptive power of Water is most apparent. Getting to know you is easy. Learning to understand you, is a whole different kettle of fish.
LIFE GUA 1 IN LOVE
In relationships, Gua 1 individuals tend to be very observant and sensual. However, there is a side of you that will present as cold and aloof. Water is, after all, the star of emotions. And emotions is what you have plenty of. Because the depth of your feelings scare even you sometimes, you have developed a self-defensive knack of keeping others at arm’s length. This level of inscrutability comes at a cost. It’s difficult for those who care for you to figure out what you actually think, thereby, making it hard for them to support you.
LIFE GUA 1 FAVOURABLE FACING DIRECTIONS
These are generic personal facing directions, and is one of the easiest Feng Shui methods to apply. It’s just a matter of shifting your laptop to face the direction you want.
Sheng Qi (Life Generating): Southeast
Use this direction for general advancement and growth in life. This direction works well for any business, career, or wealth-related pursuits.
Tian Yi (Heavenly Doctor): East
This direction is good for enhancing your mentor luck. If this direction is to be used in the bedroom, this is a good boost for your general physical wellbeing. Face this direction if you are looking to enhance your personal branding. This direction amps up your persuasive skill, and will have some impact on how you are perceived by others.
Yan Nian (Longevity): South
South is a great direction to build smooth interpersonal relationships whether at home or in the office. In short, it’s great for networking. If you are working in a career or business that requires multiple interactions with people from all walks of life, this direction will help you boost your career.
Fu Wei (Stability): North
If it is deep focus and concentration you need, North is the direction to face while planning, working, studying, researching, or creating. Anything that requires concentration, really. If you are into the art of meditation, facing North while meditating can help you achieve calm and serenity much faster.
SUGGESTED SECTORS FOR 2023
Now that you understand the gifts of Life Gua 1 and how to use your personal favourable directions, based on the 2023 Flying Stars, here are some suggested sectors to use in 2023. Please note that when we say use, it literally means to carry out a certain activity within that sector of your home. On that note, please be practical. If a particular sector is missing from your home, then just be very Star 1, and find another way!
North (recommended): Use this sector to gain recognition for your talents and contribution. In 2023, for you the Gua 1 individual in particular, this is the sector that is most usable for career advancement. If you are a business owner, boosting recognition for your contribution can help attract partnerships your way.
West (recommended): Use the West sector if you need a boost to turn your many Gua 1 ideas into reality. In short, this is the sector to make things happen.
Centre: If you need an environment that is conducive to learning and research, the centre of your home is the best place to be in 2023.
The above three sectors (North, West and Centre) are the less stressful sectors to use. But sometimes, we have to take some hardship in order to create a breakthrough. The following four directions will be a little more stressful.
South: Star 8 in the South in 2023 boosts wealth prospects by increasing your productivity and workload. It can help you make money, but the activity may not be to your liking. Use this sector for the delivery of your services.
Northeast: If you feel that boosting your likability will help achieve your goals in 2023, the Northeast is the sector to use for any activities related to networking. Remember? Gua 1 personalities can be a little reticent. If you have always been burdened by more than your fair share of shyness, this sector is a good boost for your communications skills.
Southeast: If you have everything prepared, and all you need is that final courage to breakthrough, courageous Star 3 in the Southeast in 2023, is the sector to use. Use this sector for any activities where you challenge yourself to do better. Be mindful though, Star 3 increases the likelihoods of arguments and temper tantrums. So please be mindful of that.
East: If you need directions. If you need people to tell you what to do, East is the sector to use. Mind you, this sector can be quite stressful. To benefit from this, you must be open to advice.
SIDE NOTE: HOW TO DETERMINE SECTORS IN YOUR HOUSE
Simply, stand in the middle of your house. Face the door. Use the compass app in your mobile device and turn to look for the relevant sector that you intend to use. Once identified, just do the activity related to the objective.
