IT WILL be the Year of the Metal Rat in the Chinese Zodiac starting on the Lunar New Year (Jan. 25). BusinessWorld, attending a luncheon at the Marco Polo Ortigas last week and got this year’s lucky feng shui forecast from geomancer Master Hanz Cua.

Because the Year of the Rat is the first sign in the Chinese zodiac (legend says that the rat won a race organized by the Jade Emperor), the Year of the Rat augurs a “year of new beginnings and renewals.” “Long term projects have great chances of being satsified in the future,” said Mr. Cua in a presentation.

As for people born under the Year of the Rat (1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, and 2020), Mr. Cua predicts that their lucky direction is in the Northeast, their lucky number is eight, and their lucky colors are white and beige. Their lucky months are in April, October, and December, and their unlucky month is in September.

He says that those born under the sign of the Rat need to be careful with misunderstandings with clients or bosses, to avoid lawsuits, and warns against poor career advancement, and borrowing money and placing themselves in debt. As for their health, Mr. Cua warns against low energy, liver and gallbladder-related illnesses, injuries to the foot and the arm, exerting themselves too far in physical activities, and knowing their limits when it comes to food.

As for their relationship luck, Mr. Cua warns against rushing into decisions lest couples separate; but says that relationships can be harmonious if they pay attention to their partner’s needs. Singles, meanwhile, need to be more patient in finding the right partner.

Here are Mr. Cua’s predictions for the rest of the Animal signs in the Chinese zodiac:

Ox
(1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009)
Lucky directions are the Northeast and Southwest; lucky numbers are 12 and 18, and their lucky colors are pink, yellow, green, and orange. Lucky months are in January, September, and November; an unlucky month is May.

For wealth luck, innovation is encouraged in business, as it will lead to success. Fame and recognition in their career, along with an expansion in business is predicted, but Mr. Cua warns against joining a new venture. When it comes to health, improvements in their conditions related to the kidneys, the ears, and the reproductive and lympathic system can be seen on the horizon. Energy and possibilities will seem endless, possibly related to a recovery from a previous illness.

The Ox will have luck in finding new relationships, and 2020 is a good year for pregnancy and fertility, marriages, and strong bonds between current partners — if they can prevent being attention-seeking and being clingy.

Tiger
(1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010)
Lucky directions are in the East and South, lucky numbers are 15 and seven, and lucky colors are green, yellow, and peach. Lucky months are in February, March, and September, and an unlucky month is set for October.

This year promises a good fortune in career and business, and finding more opportunities in forging connections and networking. A Tiger will find support from a higher-up, but must be careful for a coming minor money loss. Mr. Cua also advises being flexible and adaptable in terms of work and business.

Travel is advised to improve Tigers’ health conditions, so long as they watch out for STDs, diabetes, and ear infections. To keep the mind nimble, lessen the use of gadgets, keep the mind active, and read more.

Singles need to mingle, and a reconciliation in relationships are afoot, due to a strong love star. For the Tiger, there will be a desire to be more independent and dominant.

Rabbit
(1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011)
Lucky directions are in the Northwest and Southeast, lucky numbers are 11 and 3, and their lucky colors are pink, white, and blue. Lucky months are in March, July, and November, and January is a bad month for the Rabbit.

You’ll need a lot of motivation to achieve a goal, despite many obstacles — which will include stagnant career development, and a possible failure in business and investments. Don’t quit — Mr. Cua does not advise changing work.

You will also need to exercise and get into sports, and take care from exhaustion in the daily grind. Pregnant women should be careful with regards to miscarriages, and you’ll need more sleep. Meditation might help.

Rabbits might have relationship problems stemming from distrust, and a difficulty in maintaining long-distance relationships. This will lead to misunderstandings and arguments, and the rabbit should not be stubborn and unreasonable.

Dragon
(1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012)
Lucky directions are in the North and South, lucky numbers are three, seven, and nine, and lucky colors are gold, yellow, and violet. Lucky months are in July, October, and November; tread carefully in September.

Dragons can expect a windfall, perhaps due to a career promotion (influential friends might be able to help in this regard, among other matters). Mr. Cua advises reading contracts thoroughly and staying within the bounds of the law.

The Dragon needs to take care of their lungs, large intestine, and bones, and is advised to achieve a better work-life balance (try out new activities while they’re at it), and to remain calm in stressful situations.

Single Dragons might find the love of their life in a new acquaintance, and marriages will improve and become more romantic (just prevent your jealousy from showing).

Snake
(1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013)
Lucky directions are in the North, Northeast, and Southwest; lucky numbers are five, 13, and 19, and lucky colors are silver, aqua, orange, and pink. Lucky months are in March, July, and November, but there’s an unlucky October.

New opportunities at work, and a business expansion is foretold, but be careful of accidents (broken bones are a particular concern), and watch out for constipation and pneumonia.

It’s a good year for Snakes to find a love partner, and a Snake’s kindness will find itself coming back to them. This is possible if one lowers their pride and ego for more harmonious relationships.

Horse
(1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014)
Lucky directions are in the Northwest, Northeast, and the West; lucky numbers are nine, 11, and two, and lucky colors are yellow, silver, green, and beige. Lucky months are in April, August, and January — and definitely not October.

It is advised not to be aggressive in business dealings and changing careers, and it is also advised to choose safe investments and avoiding risky deals — one should also be careful of backstabbers.

Fatigue is expected, despite high levels of energy. A Horse is advised to take care from accidents and miscarriages, and poor health in the abdomen and the digestive system might be an issue.

A Horse will need a clear mind when it comes to relationships, which will prevent rash decisions. This will come in handy when one feels bored in a relationship, which needs spicing up from new activities. Lone horses — well, might remain alone.

Sheep
(1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015)
Lucky directions are in the Southwest, West, and Northwest; lucky numbers are six, two, and 15, and lucky colors are brown, orange, green, and white. Lucky months are in March, July, and September — October seems to be a bad month for most people.

Place money in long-term investments, and invest time in attending events and seminars. Always have a backup plan, and be careful in cheating and betrayal in business — this can lead to recognition and promotion to a higher place at work.

Speaking of higher places, you might be prone to accidents and injuries from high places. Watch out for injuries in the arm, leg, and head, as well as lung diseases. Avoid watersports, and don’t overwork your body.

In love, the Sheep should keep communication lines open, and avoid third parties in relationships. Avoid office romances, especially since it’s not a good year to enter a new relationship (no news on if it’s any good to rekindle an old one).

Monkey
(1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016)
Lucky directions are in the Southeast, Northeast, and the North. Lucky numbers are three, six, and 12, and lucky colors are maroon, silver, and beige. Lucky months are in March, February, and November and an unlucky month is set for April.

A monkey should focus more and avoid distractions — an opportunity abroad might beckon. If not that, you’ll at least have luck in the import-export business, as well as in food.

Take care from breast cancer, asthma, and heart problems; exercise more, and don’t forget to drink your water.

Monkeys should avoid scandal because of opportunities for finding a soulmate, charming a partner, or even a marriage.

Rooster
(1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017)
Lucky directions are in the West, the North, and Northeast, and lucky numbers are nine, five, and 12; lucky colors are in shades of red, brown, pink, and blue. Lucky months will be in February, July, and September, and there’s an unlucky month in December.

Looks like there’s strong wealth luck for the Cock, as well as opportunities abroad. The Rooster should take care to donate to charity, and building an emergency fund.

A Rooster should take care with regards to eye diseases, heart attacks, and their blood pressure problems. They should remain active, and eat their vegetables — and maybe prepare for surgery.

The Rooster will be cocky (as expected), with a high self-confidence that might lead to affairs for singles (couples are warned against infidelities too, so there’s that). Conflicts may arise with family this year.

Dog
(1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018)
Lucky directions are in the Northwest, East, and West; lucky numbers are eight, one, and 16, and lucky colors are gold, red, and yellow. Lucky months are in April, August, and November, and an unlucky month is in July.

Dogs are told not to abuse their power, despite an increase in fame and recognition. Practice contentment and abstain from greed — it’s a five-star year with regards to wealth, and it’s good for Dogs to purchase property this year (unnecessary expenses are not advised).

Listen to your doctor, watch your food and drink, and you’ll have “oral problems,” so might as well watch your vices like smoking and drinking.

Dogs should be attentive to their partner’s needs (this goes for everyone), and you can expect support from your partner. For singles, we’re looking at a short-term fling, coming from a love-at-first-sight encounter.

Pig
(1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019)
Lucky directions are in the Southeast, East, and Northwest; lucky numbers are seven, five, and 19, and lucky colors are blue, green, and red. Lucky months are in February, June, and September; January is an unlucky month.

The pig finds passion in work, and hard work from the past will come to fruition. Government projects are predicted for the Pig, as well as luck in a water-related business, possibly from predicted business opportunities from the opposite sex.

Pigs are told to abstain from mental and physical stress, and to focus on personal improvement (which includes not staying up late at night). Diabetes, allergies, and back pain are predicted for the Pig.

Pigs are told not to be choosy and materialistic in love, and problems with partners can be resolved easily this year. Single Pigs should go out more, and a friendship might blossom into romance. — Joseph L. Garcia

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