Chinese New Year dawns on January 25 this year but the new qi for Year of the Rat or Geng Zi Year comes in on February 4, according to the International Institute of Tao Studies in Kuala Lumpur. A recent talk by Dr Geraldine Goh, Tao scholar and founder of the Institute, dwelt on auspicious ways to welcome in the New Year according to Tao studies, auspicious days to start work and what’s in store for those born under the different animal signs in the Year of the Rat.
Five approaches based on Tao Studies are used to find out what the Year of the Rat will bring. These include Qi and Symbolic Implication of the Heavenly Stem and Earthly Branch, the Six Cylinder Fate Theory, Numeric Implication and Theoretical Reasoning of Purple White Star, Implication of I-Ching Kua for the year and references from Zi Wei Numerology.
“Geng is the Heavenly Stem and Zi is the Earthly Branch. Geng is Metal, represented by the colour white. Zi is complete Water, represented by black. Qi is present in the Heavenly Stem and Earthly Branch, Five Elements, Yin and Yang,” said Dr Geraldine Goh.
“The phonic sound for Geng Zi is Wall Earth, and Earth is represented by yellow. The Purple White Flying Star 7 (Metal) manages the Centre Court.
“From here in terms of Five Elements, what is lacking is Wood and Fire. Phonic Sound Wall Earth likes Metal and Wood. It tells us that the coming year if you want better luck, wear green and white. However, white will be more popular.
“During Chinese New Year wear more green but add a bit of red to be auspicious. Do not wear too much red as Wall Earth does not like red. You may carry a green purse or wallet.”
Choosing the right date for events in your life. This Almanac is published every year by the International Institute of Tao Studies
Industries that are popular this year are those classified under Water, Metal and Earth. Water would be tourism, trading, shipping and communications. Metal would be finance and banking. Earth would be land, property and agriculture. However, a lot of industries comprise more than one element. For instance, mobile phones involve communications (Water) and electricity (Fire).
Industries under Fire such as energy, food and cooking as in restaurants would not do as well. This applies to Wood industries as well, such as education, textiles, newspapers, etc.
“From the approach of Zi Wei Numerology and Six Cylinder Fate Theory, the economy for the coming year will be quite stable. There will be no sudden wealth but if you work hard and continue what you have been doing, you can still make money,’ said Dr Goh.
“The Year of the Rat is the beginning of the 12 Zodiac. In the coming it’s good opportunity to resolve things and set on a new journey. The I Ching Kua says it’s the year to dissolve conflicts, unfasten knots, both personal and emotional, and end competition between countries, husband and wife, brothers and sisters.
“If you have problems in your business, it’s a good year to transform your products to a new look or introduce a new line.”
Here are dates for key activities for auspiciousness in the Year of the Rat
Friday 24 January, New Year’s Eve
From 12.01am to 2am, 2am to 4am and 2pm to 4pm, you may thank your work tools like your computer, handphone, car, etc placing on it 6 coins stacked on top of a red packet.
From 2pm to 4pm:
Cross a fire lit up with pine leaves.
Set auspicious decorations in position, get ready flower arrangement and set up CNY couplets.
Get ready angpows of RM168 (for prosperity) and RM159 (success and good health). Sleep with them under your pillow.
Eat chicken, two fishes, dumplings
At night light up the whole house
Stay up late for parents’ longevity
Saturday 25 January, Chinese New Year’s Day
From 12 noon to 2pm
Open the door to visit family and friends
Go for an excursion to a religious place and make a wish for the year. Walk towards the West direction to arrive at the place.
Tuesday 4 February, 8pm
It’s Spring Arrival Day with new qi coming in.
Auspicious Days to Start Work
3rd Day, Monday 27 January – 8am to 10am, 10am to 12 noon, 12 noon to 2pm
4th Day, Tuesday 28 January – 6am to 8am, 4pm to 6pm, 6pm to 8pm
6th Day, Thursday 30 January – 8am to 10am, 10am to 12noon, 2pm to 4pm
7th Day, Friday 31 January – 6am to 8am, 12 noon to 2pm
8th Day, Saturday 1 February – 8am to 10am, 10am to 12 noon, 10pm to 12 midnight
9th Day, Sunday 2 February – 2am to 4am, 8am to 10am, 8pm to 10pm
12th Day, Wednesday 5 February – 10am to 12 noon, 2pm to 4pm, 8pm to 10pm
13th Day, Thursday 6 February – 12 noon to 2pm, 2pm to 4pm
20th Day, Thursday 13 February – 4pm to 6pm, 6pm to 8pm
21st Day, Friday 14 February, 8am to 10am, 12 noon to 2pm