As the Year of the Rat passes and we welcome the Year of the Ox, everyone is naturally keen to know what might be in store for themselves personally, and for the city and region. In Chinese folklore, the Rat and the Ox have an interesting relationship, which means some of the troubles of the past year are likely to continue for a time at least. And the Ox is considered strong but also stubborn, so we still need to keep a close eye on our personal affairs. CLOSER spoke with Mickey Hung, a government registered Feng Shui master and gaming industry Feng Shui consultant, to share his new year predictions for the Year of the Ox, and hopefully give us some good news!
2020 was the Year of Rat. Did it turn out the way you expected?
Our predictions are based on the laws of nature. When organisms violate the laws of nature, our lives are threatened. 2020 was a year of Geng Zi, and the nature of the five elements (including metal, wood, water, fire, and earth) of "Geng" and "Zi" is a combination of metal and water energy – metal produces water, which is considered a disaster as it causes nature to lose balance. Mother Sutra of Tongsheng (Almanac) ‘The 'Earth Mother Sutra’ also says, "I can only see silkworm cocoon but no silk, I’ve worked earnestly but yet in vain." This means that after a year of hard work, all efforts will end in vain, so I am not surprised about that.
After going through the pandemic last year, although we have less income and less freedom to go abroad, we may even have lost family and friends, we have learned how to show concern and take care of each other and understood the importance of health. Those are the takeaways from 2020.
Is it common for the Year of the Rat to be full of such challenges?
In the past 100 years, there have been many unpleasant events in every year of the Geng Zi. For example, the great famine in India in 1900, the 9.5 magnitude earthquake in Chile in 1960, and COVID-19 sweeping the world in 2020. We can say that it is a coincidence, but Feng Shui masters believe that there will always be disasters in the Year of the Pig and Rat, and people’s will be more difficult.
There are only four "Zi" in the Sexagenary cycle (A 60-Year Cycle), namely Jia Zi, Bing Zi, Geng Zi, and Ren Zi. Feng Shui experts believe that "Geng Zi" represents water prosperity, which is considered a natural disaster. Therefore, in the "Geng Zi Year", the people will inevitably suffer. These sufferings are the result of nature. For example, the flood in China last year, the global virus, and other disasters. As for why the Year of the Pig is disturbing, the reason is very simple, because the four years of dragon, dog, pig, and snake are called "Tianluo Diwang" (representing crime, disaster, and accidents) pattern, so COVID is also called COVID19, and 19 is 2019, Year of the Pig.
How do you think the Year of the Ox will be different from the Year of the Rat?
The ox and the rat are good friends, but this is just a superficial relationship because in Chinese folklore, the rat took advantage of the ox by standing on the head of the ox in order to become the first lucky animal of the Chinese zodiac at the birthday of the Jade Emperor (The Emperor in Heaven in Chinese folklore). This is how the rat became the boss of the ox. The ox pretended to be fine, but deep down inside he was unhappy. This said, the coronavirus in the Year of the Rat will still exist in the Year of the Ox and will not disappear completely. Therefore, everyone should pay attention to preventive measures and shouldn’t relax.
According to Feng Shui, the Year of the Rat will end on February 3, 2021, and February 4 will be the year of the Ox. Strictly speaking, the first half of 2021 is ideal, but August, September, October, and December in the second half of the year will be full of obstacles, many things will not go well. In the five elements, the rat belongs to yang (positive energy), and the ox belongs to yin (negative energy). The Year of the Rat is not good for people who were born in the year of Horse, Rabbit, Rooster, and Sheep. On the other hand, the Year of the Ox is bad for people who were born in the year of the Dragon, Horse, Dog, and Sheep. The "rat" is a rabble and always acts in a sneaky way. In contrast, the "ox" is more ruthless and impulsive. Thus, people should conceal their weaknesses in the Year of the Rat and be cautious about breaking the law in the Year of the Ox.
What are your general predictions regarding the pandemic, the local economy Macau and China, and the tourism/gaming industry in the city?
The pandemic
The Year of the Ox belongs to the earth element in the five elements. We called it “the earth ox” or “stone ox”, which is very strong. According to the saying in Tongsheng (Almanac), there will be viruses brought by animals. So we must pay attention to new diseases brought by animals even though we managed to fare relatively well amid this global pandemic.
The COVID-19 vaccines can be the savior of this pandemic, but the "ox" is more stubborn as a result of Tai Sui Star, which will make us more suspicious and unwilling to listen to the advice from the government and medical professionals. Therefore, instead of the fear of the virus, we’re more afraid that less than half of the people will be vaccinated.
The local economy
Feng Shui masters infer the economy of Macau based on the characteristics and astrological signs of the Chinese zodiac. Macau will have its eighth Feng Shui luck from 2004 to 2023. These strong stars are in the sky above the north-northeast of Macau. This is why Macau has always managed to dodge serious diseases.
Macau is a small, blessed land and will continue to reclaim land and develop in the next few years. The west area of Macau is Hengqin, the western position is the position of fortune in 2021, and Macau will benefit from Hengqin as it is positioned as the central government’s designated test site.
In 2021, Macau’s economy will gradually get better. Although the number of tourists is not very satisfactory, Macau has a sound financial foundation from the past two decades with no fiscal deficit. It is expected that tax revenue this year can balance various expenditures.
Macau and China
Macau is a part of China and is located at the mouth of the Pearl River. From the analysis of Feng Shui, the first spring day of Macau this year is "Ren" water. This is a very weak drop of water. In terms of the Five Elements, we say metal produces water. "Metal" is the mother, and Macau’s mother is China. In other words, China will help Macau and take care of the citizens of Macau. With the support of China, Macau will be stable and prosperous.
The tourism and gaming industry
The industries that benefit Macau in 2021 are tourism, entertainment and gambling, and shipping. As for the catering industry, it also accounts for a very important market. In terms of business strategy, store owners can consider providing online delivery services.
The terrain of Macau consists of three pieces of land connected together, surrounded by water on three sides, backed by Zhuhai Banzhang Mountain, and located in the lower reaches of the Pearl River. The water is shallow and turbid, which is a good sign for the development of the entertainment and gaming industries as they belong to "water" in the five elements. However, from the perspective of the eight-points, the power of water is not strong. Therefore, we can only say that the gaming industry will develop steadily. On the contrary, real estate is quite satisfactory under price cuts and concessions.


Predictions for the Year of the Ox
According to Feng Shui, this year is the Year of the Earth Ox, and five zodiac signs will be in conflict with “Tai Sui”: the Dragon, the Horse, the Sheep and the Dog. The wealth fortune for the Sheep and the Ox will be under particularly big impact. The love fortune for the Rat, the Snake and the Rooster will be relatively good, while the career fortune for the other zodiac signs will be just average. Try not to put red objects in the southeast position. You can place a yellow crystal ball in the west to boost your wealth.
鼠
Rat
The Rat is a good friend of the Ox. You will have good wealth fortune, with unexpected profits. You can try speculating on the stock market: the most favourable months will be March, July and December on the Chinese calendar, and the worst time will be May on the Chinese calendar. Businesspeople can explore new markets in the north, but not Southeast Asia. If you want to stay in Macau and start your own business, consider tourism-related industries. Single or divorced people will have a chance to meet someone, but may have a few minor quarrels in their relationship due to the influence of the “Surpassing Path Star”. For those who are studying, you will not see the “Scholar Star” this year; wear green clothes more frequently to broaden your thinking. Lastly, your health fortunes will not be not ideal. Pregnant women should not sleep in a north position.
牛
Ox
It will be a testing year this year. You will encounter three unhappy events, one of which is the betrayal of a friend. If you are new to love, take care of your contraception-related matters, as the “Indolent Star” is not good for pregnant women. If you are married, do not place too many plants in your house. Keep your home bright and reduce the frequency of opening south-southwest windows. Since you will be in conflict with “Tai Sui”, you are bound to have some troubles and encounter some vile characters. If you drive, pay more attention to safety on the roads, especially in March, June and July on the Chinese calendar. Your wealth fortunes will not be good throughout the year, so remember not to speculate in stocks. It is best to save your money for later use. Lastly, do not sweep tombs or travel to the southeast this year, but it is important that you attend more banquets.


虎
Tiger
The Tiger’s good fortune lies in the movement of the “Propitious Star”, which symbolizes romantic occurences. Those who are in a relationship can consider getting married, and those who are single will also meet the love of their life this year. However, married men should be aware that your wives may be in a bad mood and you should be prepared to tolerate it. The “Nobleman Star” will arrive, bringing a rare opportunity to do business. You will meet helpful people and can try to start an online business, but not a brick-and-mortar one. For employees, the chances of promotion will be high, as the “Success Star” will be present to give you positive energy. Your wealth luck will be exceptional. The God of Wealth is coming to your home on the 5th day of the first lunar month, so please welcome him with joy. Lastly, you should care more about your family’s health; use more blue, beige and white decorations in your home to help improve your fortune.


兔
Rabbit
There will be no “Benefactor Star” for you this year. Simply put, you are all on your own. You will have negative emotions and even bring them home with you. Family members share collective karma. If you have elderly people living with you, take care of their health and take them to the hospital for a medical check-up at the beginning of the year. In the workplace, you will have a new colleague or two – he/she is no friend to you, so do not tell them any secrets of the company. Single men and women are in for a fantastic romance. If you are married and don’t mind getting pregnant, the beginning of the year will be a great time. Lastly, if you are investing in stocks, don’t let the simple ups and downs of the market disorient you.


龍
Dragon
It will be difficult to break up or get a good marriage for the Dragon this year. The Dragon is a career-minded person. If the Dragon has to choose between career and love, choose career because the “Emperor Charm Star” will be present while the signs of good marriage will not be present. In short, keep your relationship the way it is and don’t think too much about it this year; instead, focus on work and you will make a big difference. For those who are in business, you will be able to do well and the end of the year will be a good time for harvesting. Your wealth fortune is generally satisfactory, and you will be rewarded for your efforts, especially in the area of speculation. Lastly, you should be careful with your personal safety when abroad due to the impact of the “Entanglement Star”: someone has been watching you for a long time. To single female Dragons: avoid going off in the early morning or staying outside late at night; watch your “drinks” or you may be left with unpleasant memories.


蛇
Snake
This year, you will continue to worry about your children’s schooling. Place four small bamboo branches on your desk in the east of the house, where the power “Scholar Star” is the strongest, to help enhance the academic aura. Single people will fall in love, but it will not be the last time. For those who are in love, one thing to note is that it is not advisable to get married this year, as couples who have the “Weeping Star” in their horoscope are prone to squabbles. Try to figure out whether the person in front of you is really the love of your life. Also, the “Coniving Star” indicates that you will meet vile people who will cause lot of obstruction, so beware of betrayals. Lastly, don’t leave your car keys, documents, house keys or valuable items with your roommate, or you will suffer financial losses.


馬
Horse
This year, you will not see the “Scholar Star”, only the “Peach Blossom Star”. It’s not good news for students, and they need to concentrate in order to have a clear mind and better performance. The “Deathly Star” will also be present, so drivers should be careful, especially when driving abroad. Married women may suffer domestic violence this year. Remember not to argue with your husband between 11pm and 1pm the following day. These hours are when the Horse is hot-headed and will only generate negative energy. You may have financial difficulties in the middle of the year. Do not lend money to friends or borrow from banks. Pay extra attention to people with “Cheng” or “Chun” in their name. Lastly, the month of November on the Chinese calendar is the month of Zi, which conflicts with Wu. If you are speculating in stocks, remember not to trade in this month.


羊
Sheep
Beware, you will be in direct conflict with “Tai Sui”. Be careful when you go on business trips this year. In this year of negative energy, you need to know about the supernatural events that have happened in the hotel before deciding where to stay. Don’t wash your hair after 8pm, and never hang your underwear on the window shelf (it might attract wandering spirits). In terms of work, your career fortune will be inevitably hampered this year. Your idea of changing jobs started last year, but this year with even more inauspicious stars, it’s better to take no action and wait. If you are in love, you should not display photos or gifts of your ex-boyfriend/girlfriend in your room. If you are single, spend your time studying and meditating instead of trying to find a spouse. The ominous stars of “Year Breaker” and “Grand Erosion” will be here, and you may argue with your partner about money. Before that happens, pay attention to the position of north-northeast and try not to hold meetings there.


猴
Monkey
The Monkey is not in a clash with the Ox. In principle, your love fortune will be quite stable, and this year will be a good time to tie the knot. Don’t rush into marriage if you are not in a relationship now. You will meet someone, but they are not the right person for you – they may be married and are deceiving you. For people in business, this year you will see the “Major Disaster Star”, which is bad for your wealth luck. Watch out if the door of your shop faces east. The wealth fortunes of wage earners is actually not bad. You will enjoy promotions and pay rises, and the overall wealth luck is better than last year. If you are a stock speculator, you will have a second chance to enter the market this year. Don’t take the long-term approach, get the time right and you’ll be blessed by the God of Fortune. Lastly, don’t confide in anyone whose name has the components (犬), (冫), (疒), (饣)or (亠).


雞
Rooster
As the Rooster and the Ox are highly compatible, this will be a good year for the Rooster. Your overall fortune will be particularly good. The auspicious “Resolution Star” and “Thriving Star” can play a powerful role at key moments and continue to boost the Rooster’s luck. But you might feel that your spouse is becoming a strange bedfellow, with little communication between you two. Your financial situation will improve this year. Your boss appreciates your work and intends to promote you. Don’t be too humble, just accept the promotion. Lastly, don’t get too financially involved with the Rabbit of the opposite sex; you are merely acquaintances.


狗
Dog
It’s your wish to change jobs. The idea came into your mind three years ago, but you were unlucky last year. This year, you will be approached by a R company, offering a high salary. Why not give it a try when you know you’re lucky now? For businesspeople, you will suffer from the inauspicious “Triple Punishment Star”, which brings three troubles: disputes, mental distress, and lawsuits. Unmarried Dogs should be careful not to have too much personal contact with the opposite sex alone. You are not clear-minded under the influence of the “Torturing Tai Sui”; dangerous things may happen when you go out together. Don’t put any religious implements of unknown origin in your home; send them to a temple instead.


豬
Pig
This year, the Pig will see the “Horse Star”, which is also the travel star. So, the Pig must move around to be successful. Be careful when you are away from home, and always learn about the background of the hotel you want to stay in. In terms of wealth, it will be a year of more work and more rewards. It is good for businesspeople to invest, build factories, and start companies. In terms of romance, it may sound strange, but for those who are already in a relationship, someone else of the opposite sex will appear this year. For those of you who are studying away from home, you will meet a pursuer from your school, and he/she will make a good impression on you. Lastly, if you want to speculate in stocks, don’t be too confident or try to enter at the lowest point. Wait for a few rounds of market fluctuations before you buy.
Facebook: Mickey Hung
WeChat / Line: macaumickey