The year of the Golden Rabbit in summary by Marites Allen

As the Year of the Tiger draws to a close on Feb. 2, feng shui expert Marites Allen reveals her forecast for the year of the Golden Rabbit. In a recent press conference at the Imperial Suites, Allen shared information for prosperity in 2011 and discussed how we can attract auspicious energies and redirect negative influences throughout the year.

In 2009, Allen revealed that the following year would bring political riots in many countries especially in the Philippines, Indonesia and Thailand. According to her, based on the dominant Earth element in the Feng Shui Four Pillars Chart, the year 2010 was marked by unstable Earth movements, which brought natural disasters such as earthquakes, landslides and volcanic eruptions. If we may recall, most of these predictions were accurate. That's why feng shui believers want to find out what lies ahead in the year of the Golden Rabbit.

"Challenges are inevitable this year but we can be in control of our future by using inborn talents and resources and knowing how to attract natural energies around us. I want to make clear though that being a feng shui expert is different from being a psychic. My predictions are product of careful and long-term analysis and computation. I'm not a manghuhula and everything that I reveal has basis and explanation," says Allen, who is also the president and chief executive officer of World Feng Shui of the Philippines.

A year to look forward to

According to her, 2011 will be an energetic year with new movements of younger generations. There will be social and political rebirth and establishment. Generally, this is the year to take opportunities and make money especially for those who were born in the year of the Dog, Boar and Dragon. Peach Blossom or 'Flower of Romance' is also present so this is a good year to get married. Those who are single have also chances of being in a relationship this year. But Allen warned that 2011 will also be a year of sex scandals and extra marital affairs will be higher compared to last year.

“The year also has the Heavens Luck so there will be lesser floods and other natural disasters compared with the year 2010. If you are planning to establish a business, entertainment, hotel and restaurants are the industries that will prosper. But I discourage businesses that have to do with agriculture like flower shops as well as that of metal such as jewelry stores and pawnshops,’’ she reveals.

The lucky colors, according to her, are colors between light yellow to light brown as well as black and blue.

Countering misfortunes

She also advised those who were born in the year of the Golden Rabbit, to lie-low and avoid taking risks.

“For this year, the Five Misfortune stars is present. But that doesn't mean that those who were born in the year of the Golden Rabbit can't pursue their goals and dreams this year. Generally, we can always counter negative vibes. We have cures and enhancers to counter misfortunes such as the Good Fortune Scarf and the Multiplying Mantra Scarf."

“There are good and bad occurrences every year. It all depends on how the five natural elements Fire, Wood, Earth, Water and Metal interact with each other,’’ she shares.

“With the help of feng shui, we can transform negative energies into positive ones by practicing the art of manipulation. An example of this is by arranging things in your surroundings in such a way that they attract positive energy or 'chi' so that life flows smoothly,’’ she adds.

“You still have to do your part—work hard and believe in the fate that awaits you.’’

Allen will discuss more cures and enhancers and give feng shui updates as well as a thorough forecast for the year of the Golden Rabbit in a convention slated on Jan. 22 at the Imperial Suites in Tomas Morato, Quezon City. She will also give specific forecast for each animal sign in the areas of wealth, career, romance, health and other personal aspirations. For more information, call 09209509390 or inquire at any World of Feng Shui Boutiques. You may also visit www.maritesallen.com.