Feng Shui and the Chinese Calendar - 2007 The Year of the Fire Pig


The Chinese have a unique calendar system that provides us with information about prevailing elemental influences at any given point in time. It makes use of the five elements – water, wood, fire, earth and metal - and their cycles, to determine the various aspects affecting the world.

In Chinese astrology the Pig has many attributes that make up its character. The Pig is honest, simple and reliable. He is also an easy going personality, yet with a strong loyal streak.

2007 is the year of the Fire Pig and it is influenced by two elements – fire and water. This coming year is represented by the image of Yin Water sitting below Yin Fire. In accordance with the destructive cycle of the five elements – Water conquers Fire. Therefore, they are elements in conflict with the Water yielding the most influence as it is in the foundation. This elemental relationship represents a time less peaceful than 2006, with tensions, agitations and unrest. These two elements together can also bring about more accidents involving trains, air travel and shipping. There is also the possibility of fire disasters and explosions.

The Yin Fire sitting atop the Water Pig symbolises a year of struggles. However, the wood hidden within the Pig indicates new beginnings and the possibility of ‘something better to come’. The Pig also brings with it, in general, more travel than last year.

The Chinese calendar moves in cycles of sixty years. So, the last time we experienced the year of the Fire Pig, was in 1947. The second world war was over and yet, we could see 2007 as a little more turbulent. Whilst history tells us that overall, there was more co-operation in 1947, the Cold war between America and Russia began as did the battles between Pakistan and India.

The industries likely to perform well during the year of the Fire Pig are those related to the elements of Earth and Metal. Some of the industries related to the Earth element are Mining, Property, Insurance and the Chemical sector. The Metal industries such as Skincare, Machinery and Hi-tech/Computer businesses ought to see strong activity. The Wood industries; e.g. fashion, textiles, publishing, paper, forestry – will be productive but not as strong as in 2006. In general, the stock market will fare well from about February until June/July. Nevertheless, investors would do well to be cautious after this point.

The businesses most challenged during the coming year are those of the Water and Fire elements such as shipping, communications, entertainment, and airlines.

Traditional Chinese medicine is also based on the five elements and their cycles. Fire rules the heart whilst Water governs the kidney. However, Yin Fire in particular, also represents the brain, eyes and nervous system. Consequently we may see an increase in health issues relating to anxiety, depression, insomnia and even an increase in obesity. As a result, we need to pay attention to heart and mental health issues this coming year. It is also vital that this year, everyone gives their health greater consideration. Improving the immune system should be a top priority in the event of any widespread epidemic.

During 2007 there will be a clash that occurs for people born in the year of the Snake. Therefore these people should wear the symbol of the Tiger for protection. It also means that Snake people may feel restless and want to move house, change career and travel more – however, it is recommended to not travel in the Northwest direction.

For those born in the year of the Pig it is also advisable to carry or wear a Tiger pendant or charm.

With respect to Feng Shui you will find a troublesome influence coming from the Northeast bringing with it difficulties and obstacles. If this part of your home or business is very active; e.g. entrance, family room, passage or living area then this energy needs to be dealt with by placing an all-metal wind chime or bell in this area particularly during the months of February, August and November. The Centre will require a string of six meta coins to be placed in this area, and this is particularly important if this is the kitchen or a major thoroughfare.

Finally, do not sit with your back against due West whilst working. It’s also advisable to not carry out large-scale construction work in the Northwest for the coming year, as this is the location of the ‘Grand Duke’. Place a Dragon Tortoise to the Northwest should your home face this direction.

Juliana Abram is one of the leading Feng Shui consultants in Australia having been traditionally trained in Hong Kong by Chinese Feng Shui Master Raymond Lo.

Juliana specialises in ‘Flying Star’ Feng Shui and the Four Pillars of destiny.

Juliana runs her own Feng Shui consultancy ( see http://www.fengshuicentre.com.au ) and her own online Feng Shui store ( see http://www.fengshuishop.com.au ).

The History Of Tarot - the 4th Son Of Ramesses II - Khaemwese


I personally believe that the symbolic system, which is portrayed in the tarot system, was started through the knowledge, which a pharaoh prince named Khaemwese had or gained from his ancestors.

To be even more precise he was the 4th son of Ramesses II (also known as Ramesses the Great), because Ramesses II became so old and hereby ruling for so long, he outlived some of his sons. It is well known that Ramesse the II favorite son was Khaemwese which he praised with many titles. For me personally there relationship seem much like Dozer’s and Imoteps relationship, that it can amazed me of their likeness. Khaemwese would make himself noticed through all of his many talents, just like Imoteps once did 1000 years before Khaemwese’s time. Archeologists believe Khaemwese was born while Ramesses was still young, even before he was crowned. His mother is said to be Queen Istnofred (Isisnofret). Ramesses the II most famous wife was Nefertari, but his second wife which was Queen Istnofred (Isisnofret) was probably as great an influence as Nefertari. She would be the queen who gave her king the greatest sons/men of his time, namely Merenptah and Khaemwese. Merenptah would be Ramesses the II successor and Khaemwese would until this very day capture the attention of the one who listens.

Khaemwese was said to be very intelligent, and had a very deep love for his ancient ancestors. But this was only one among the many talents which this person seemed to have had. In ancient text, he earned a reputation which today eludes the public, still. He became Ramesses II favorite son, even thou he wasn’t a war hero like his father. Khaemwese was the greatest magician of his time, and a scholar, remembered for over a thousands years after his death. I would call him ‘the Imoteph’ of his days, which I believe can still be seen. And when his tomb like Imotephs tomb is found, wonders will be revealed – it could be that their tombs are empty, like some others are… An inscription from him can be found at the Serapaeum at Saqqara, where he states that he was at a very young age when he joined the Ptah priesthood, thereby dedicating his life to the knowledge of Ptah. Ptah was a God, the god-father of The Triad of Memphis, his wife was Sekhmet and his son was Nefertem. But Ptah was a kind of description of the priests that was dedicated to the 'knowledge of truth - Matt' (another form of this could be the later 'wisdom Lovers' – philosophers Plato Socrates and such people).

Some believe that the Tarot deck first came about around the 16th - 17th century, but I personally believe it was here even before 13 century. Dear Sir Michael Anthony Eardley Dummett dismiss the idea that the Tarot system came about before 18th century, but he does admit that the system was in use in other ways.

Personally I don’t believe this, Sir Michael Anthony bases his thoughts on the mere fact that no evidence has been found so fare, which would pre-date the 17 century. I perfectly understand why he is not able to state any theories, like I can. When a person becomes a scholar/professor and even a Sir, their statements will be noticed in a totally new light. Many people tend to ‘believe’ what is stated not understanding that it is so fare only on a theory level. So usually Professors keep their theories to the private hours, I personally think this is sad because their theories are as valuable as their known knowledge. From a theory comes and idea, and from the idea and the theory together a reality can accrue (or so I think). As I try to state as often as I can, I truly love all the universes teachers, but a teacher will always need his/her students questions, also the ‘why’. I personally believe a teacher is the worlds’ most lazy student, never ending his or her terms, because they KEEP ahead of his or her students, so their can guide them in the best manner, and with moral (which apparently the world is in a total lack of).

Gian Giacomo Girolamo Casanova was born in 1725 in Venice, he was not like the many romance thoughts that exist about him. Rather he was a man of many scandals, he was accused of raping a young girl, and he had dug a freshly buried body up, just for playing a particle joke (no respect for the ones that have passed on).

In July 1755, at age thirty, he was arrested and convicted for his interest in magic (witchcraft) by the Inquisitori di Stato in Venice, and imprisoned in "I piombi" ("The Leads"), a famous prison attached to the Doge's palace.
From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giacomo_Casanova

Now I personally believe that it is here we first see Casanova had knowledge of the tarot cards. He is said to have had a young Slave/prostitute/peasant named Za�re, this girl would lay a deck a cards and tell people about their fortune – a fortuneteller. For his companion in those days to do such with cards, is in fact Tarot readings.

Other evidence shows that Sir Michael Anthony Eardley Dummett could be very mistaken in his thoughts about the tarot deck.

It is believed that it was in 1499 when France conquered Milan that French and Swiss soldiers first were introduced to the Tarot deck of Milan.
http://www.tarothermit.com/marseilles.htm

The misconception about fortuneteller could in terms be said to be the understanding about the tool in itself. Actually it is not the ‘tool or the object’ that contains the ancient old ‘Heka / Essen’s of Magic’, it will always be the life force in itself. The tool which at first was just numbers has through time now been classified as ‘Numerology’. The next tool was the word or the letter, which was at times combined with the numbers, which would give a more accurate telling. When the time of the ancient Assyrians and Aztecs, and Egyptians and Sumerians, it was them all combined into an image.

Around 1465 50 Copper-engraved plates/images emerged, which is probably where the Milan tarot deck came from. These copper engravings were not cards, but rather images portraying that cultures god system and its symbolism.

The first known tarot deck of 78 cards was commonly known as Visconti-Sforza Tarot deck (Trionfi /Trump), and this deck of cards came from the old ruling houses of Milan and Lombardia. In each level the information was rapped into symbolic meanings, which have their roots in ancient times. Like with so many other words, they change through time, through systems (either it be school or religion and so on). Tarot is a modern word, for this kind of card-readings, Tarok is an older and a more northern word. The oldest word known for this conception of symbolism in an image was the word ‘Trionfi’. In a handwritten letter dated to 1442, it refers to the word Trionfi.

The original note states: "MCCCCXLII Maistro Iacomo depentore dito Sagramoro de avere 10 fiebraro per sue merzede de avere cholorido e depento le chope e le spade e li dinari e li bastoni e tute le fegure de 4 para de chartexele da trionffy, e per farle de fora uno paro de rosse e 3 para de verde, chargate de tonditi fati a olio, le quale ave lo nostro Signore per suo uxo; tanssa i prexii per Galiota de l'Asassino chamarlengo de lo prefato Signore de chomissione de lo Signore, in raxone de lire zinque per paro .......... L.XX"

Translation:
To Maestro Jacomo Sagramoro, painter, 13th day of April, five or 20 lire marchesane for two of his orders, that is to say one for his trouble in having painted the backs of one pack of triumph cards, which Piedro de Schiveto had for the use of the aforesaid our Lord, and for his trouble of having painted one box with the arms of the said Lord, which Maestro Nicolo had from the crossbows to hold the "vere" (arrows ?) when the Lord shot the crossbows, as in the "Journal AA" of ussita, at c. 30 ... L. V.

- The painter was paid for having colored the cups, swords, coins and batons and all the figures of 4 packs of trump cards and making the backs for a pack of red cards and 3 packs of green ones, embellished with roundels painted in oil, which our Lord has for his use.
http://www.geocities.com/autorbis/ferrara1442.html

Tarot symbolism has changed a lot through the century the symbolic system could also be called Alchemy decks. Because the symbolism, that are illustrated in the decks, even today, is the 12th century alchemy symbolism. Much of the alchemy symbolism is much like the symbolism in a tarot deck, only meaning different things. I personally see it as a writing system, pretty much like the ancient hieroglyphics.