Slow and steady growth in the Year of the Ox

By Dinna Chan Vasquez

The Lunar New Year, which begins on Jan. 26, marks the entry of the Year of the Ox. United States President-elect Barack Obama is an Ox, having been born on Aug. 4, 1961.

Those born under the Ox sign are said to be hardworking, tolerant and persistent. Others born during a Year of the Ox include former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, singer Bruce Springsteen, boxer Oscar de la Hoya, and actors George Clooney, Richard Gere and Dustin Hoffman.

They also include the late artist Vincent Van Gogh; Diana, Princess of Wales; and former US President Richard Nixon.

Feng shui expert Joy Lim of Charms and Crystals explains that the Year of the Earth Ox is a slow and steady year and one where patience and diligence will pay off.

?This is the year to take care of business and work hard,? she says.

The year 2009, says Lim, generally looks to be a good one with the earth year strengthening the Earth Ox. 2008 the Year of the Rat was somewhat difficult with the rat hiding and scurrying to get food while 2010 the Year of the Tiger looks to be erratic. Sadly, Lim says the crisis is here to stay. Thus, it is up to us to work with what we have.

Despite the worldwide economic crisis, Lim says it is not difficult to make things right in one?s life if the right feng shui is practiced.

?One of the most important things you can do is simply clean up. This means throwing out junk like excess paper, empty boxes and broken items,? she says.

Lim stresses that de-cluttering will go a long way in ?energizing? one?s home for prosperity, crisis or no crisis.

The year 2009 is one when water equals money. Lim suggests investing in a waterfalls with a Djambala treasure box to welcome the star of wealth. Djambala, also spelled as Dzambala, is the Tibetan god of wealth who was blessed by Buddha to bring spiritual and material wealth to anyone who has his image inside his home or business place. He is also believed to bring lots of treasures. Fill the treasure box with red envelope and coins to attract more wealth luck. You can also write your wishes on a piece of paper or cut out images of your aspirations and place them inside.

The #9 star, which is a magnifying star, flies to the center for 2009. Lim says there is both an upside and downside to this.

?This star can strengthen both positive and negative effects. It may mean opportunities and promise but at the same time there may be a need to be careful,? she explains.

Lim, who is the feng shui consultant to the stars, will embark on a tour of SM Malls. On Jan. 17, she will be at SM Fairview, SM North Edsa on Jan. 18, SM Taytay on Jan. 19, SM Pasig on Jan. 20, SM Megamall on Jan. 21, SM Marikina on Jan. 22 and SM Mall of Asia on Jan. 23. Consultations will begin at 3 p.m. for each date.