By Jose Paolo S. dela Cruz
After a year that had many of us scampering like mice, would the “Year of the Metal Ox” prove any better?
“Absolute power corrupts absolutely.”
This line, according to Feng Shui consultant and crystal jeweler Paul Tan Caoili, is one that might be wise to keep in mind in a year where Fire – the pillar of abundance – is lacking. Instead, we get an abundance of Metal, which could “corrupt people and make people in authority abuse their power;” and Water, “which could make 2021 a year of betrayals, treachery and conflict.”
And while this forecast might read like a Game of Thrones summary, worry not though, for Paul reminds that the incoming year is also the beginning of a new 60-year and 120-year cycle. In short, it’s also a season of new beginnings.
The year that was
Before we get into the future, Paul delves into the year that was. If the Metal Ox is a reboot, The Metal Rat (2020) marked the end of the 60- and 120-year cycles. That’s why, according to him, many well-known business and political figures of an advanced age bade us adieu in the years leading up to it. The Rat, according to him, is also commonly associated with plagues and pestilence, so… well, you know what happened there!
“I’ve been warning my clients about 2020 since 2016. Endings usually come with a culling, so that new beginnings may arise,” he shares. As for Paul, who trades in fine jewelry, he used the years leading up to 2020 to establish a home essentials business, which eventually helped him sail a steady ship when the time of crisis finally came.
Year of the Ox: Power play
“People who managed to walk away from the past years with power in hand will naturally want to hold on to their authority, even more so because of an abundance of Metal in the elements,” Paul warns.
That being said, he advises everyone to keep a friendly, patient demeanor in the coming year, especially when dealing with people in authority. Office politics will also be at a high and many people will react to anything you might say like an exposed nerve. Backstabbing and tittle tattle will be prevalent. So, if you’re planning on saying or doing anything that might border on the offensive, best to, well, just shut up.
If you find yourself in a leadership position though, it would also help to keep your ego and methods in check. While as a general rule, the Metal Ox favors those in power, it would be wise to remember that power alone cannot bring you happiness.
The first 15 days are essential
Not only are you starting a new year, you’re starting a new cycle. As such, the next 15 days following the Lunar New Year is of utmost importance to set the tone for the year – and the years ahead. Wear your lucky colors, make sure that money sleeps overnight in your wallet before spending it and invite only positive energy, especially in the next 15 days.
Lucky colors (and then some)
To counter the abundance of Water in the charts, Paul advises that one steers clear from wearing blue (especially dark blue and black) in the coming days. This will help steady relationships and ward off personal conflict and betrayals.
Red, on the other hand, is a must in a year where Fire (the element of abundance) is absent. From red accessories to underwear, to all-red ensembles, this is one color you’ll always have to wear all the time. This replicates the aura of fire, and therefore ignites prosperity in your life.
Green is also a good color to always have, in a year where the Wooden Element brings forth a lot of purpose of being and creativity. Plantitas, ergo, will find it refreshing that keeping plants in the home has never been more in! Be careful not to put succulents and cactus, though. They don’t offer anything quite as rosy as the rest of them.
Cash is king
Like the hard-working Ox, rewards will come to those who double their efforts and work hard for their keep. “New beginnings, or the season of sowing, requires lots of effort to yield a harvest,” Paul reminds.
He also notes that since Metal reigns supreme, cash, is most definitely king. It is for this reason that he advises everyone to use the following steps in dealing with money this year. First, let your cash (especially when received as payment for services), sleep with you overnight. The next day, it is imperative to deposit it to your bank account before withdrawing it and finally spending it. This way, money will not always funnel out so easily. This, according to him will also inspire your clients to pay you in cash!
Paul also says that it’s a year of “praying for what we have and not what we want.”
Beware of scammers
Since money is king, scammers won’t be far behind. Paul cautions against lending money, especially to those born in the Years of the Ox, Pig, Goat and Rabbit. “People with these signs are very bad at collecting money. Do not lend money. Always do your due diligence before investing, especially if you fall under these signs,” says the Feng Shui expert.
Relationship goals – or not
Good news, love may come in the “Year of the Ox,” too. One advise that Paul gives is to create a love altar in the east side of your home (face your main door from the inside and use your phone compass to determine this). Then put things that you love in that area, from wedding photos of your parents, to your favorite plants, artworks etc. Make sure they come in twos, too.
Meanwhile, friendships and professional relationships – thanks to Water – will be tested. “It will be a year of revelations. Circumstances will reveal who your real friends are, and who are just playing friendly,” says Paul. “Regardless, do not burn bridges. Do not resign unless you can no longer handle the pressures of work. Always strive towards clean breakups.”
Accessorize, accessorize, accessorize
To harmonize with the metal elements, it would also be good to always wear some gold, silver or any metal jewelry. This helps us forge new alliances and create new friendships, instead of being at odds, with people in power.
Shades of green – found in emeralds, tsavorites, green garnets, green tourmaline and jade – can, on the other hand, enhance the inspiring purpose brought about by the Wooden element.
Meanwhile, the Earth element brings powerful energies that can greatly influence promotions and advancements in the professional sphere. Grounding or earthing – a therapeutic technique that involves doing activities that “ground” or electrically reconnect you to the earth – can also be very helpful. Crystals such as golden topaz, amber, yellow sapphire and even yellow diamonds also help enhance your connections with the Earth.
Who’s lucky (and who’s not)?
Paul says that those born under the Years of the Horse, Snake, Tiger, Rooster, Monkey, Rat, Dog and Rabbit are the luckiest of them all. Not so lucky are those born in the Years of Ox, Goat, Pig and Dragon.
With that said, the four latter animal signs are advised to stay away from sharp objects, refrain from visiting the sick or attending wakes and follow their intuition. It’s also best for them to not stay out late. Wearing annual charms and protection and doing charitable deeds will also do wonders for their good fortune.
Ultimately, Paul says that it will be a very, very busy “Year of the Ox.” New industries and new powers will rise, new opportunities will present themselves to those who work their way to them.
On that note, shall we begin?
A certified Usui Reiki Ho Master and Feng Shui Consultant, Paul Caoili may be reached through babaylangdilim@gmail.com or 09274990877.
