Feng Shui & Geomancy for homes, businesses & you

The Feng Shui Gift Guide

Need an idea for that perfect present? 

                      Why not choose something using Feng Shui principles?

According to our birth date we have an animal energy in us that profoundly influences our world and how we view the world around us.

Wouldn’t it be great to give someone you care for a gift that really suits them?  Well, with the following information and suggestions, you can.

So, what’s it all about?

The Chinese lunar calendar, which is used in Feng Shui calculations, originated over 4,500 years ago and runs in 60 year cycles.

It is governed by the five elements (fire, earth, metal, water, wood) and twelve animal energy essences (Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig). 

The lunar cycle begins with the second new moon following the Winter Solstice (21st December) so it isn’t a fixed date.  However, it is generally around the first week in February.  Therefore, when calculating your animal for your birth year, you have to use the preceding year if you were born in January or before the start of the lunar new year.

Eg, someone with a birth date of 10th January 1974 would look for 1973 to determine their birth animal.

Use the table below to determine your birth animal.  If the birth date is the latter half of January or the first two weeks in February then email me with the birth date and I will let you know which year to use.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now you have your animal energy essence, don’t make any judgement.  We all have preconceived ideas of different animals that are based on our upbringing, the pets we’ve have or have had, the books we have read and the films we have watched.  Even our allergies tend to put us off certain animals.

That is why I call it your animal energy essence.  Each of these animals represent a type of energy and each has amazing and unique strengths that it brings to the party—after all life should be a team effort.

So, now you know the animal, lets get some insights and gift ideas.

 

The Rat

The Rat is ruled by the water element and is positive or Yang.  Positive water is strong, relentless and constantly moving—think of Niagara Falls.

Therefore, it’s no surprise that Rats are hard working and entrepreneurial.  As the first sign of the cycle they lead the way in finding new paths and getting round obstacles with their quick wit and alertness which allows them to excel in business.

They dote on their children and cherish their family and friends.  If you’re in the Rat’s circle you’ll always have a warm welcome, food and a bed to sleep in if you need it.  Their shrewdness helps them to amass wealth which they will gladly spend on their loved ones.  However, to outsiders they may appear frugal or miserly.

As perfectionists the Rat can be overly critical or worry if things don’t go well.  However, their strategic ability allows them to quickly find alternatives or solutions to problems.  The Rat is the expert on survival.

Gift Suggestions for The Rat

• A surprise party.  Surround the Rat with their nearest and dearest but organise it secretly so they don’t worry about whether it will go well or not.
• A family portrait.  Rats love mementos and keep sakes and their family orientation will make this a great present.
• A Personal Digital Assistant (PDA).  The Rat will work and work and work.  A PDA will keep them in touch and help them manage their time more effectively.

 

The Ox

The Ox is a stabilising influence.  Like its predecessor the Rat, the Ox is also ruled by water but it is negative or Yin.  There is a gentleness to Yin Water, a quiet strength which the Ox personifies.

The Ox has leadership qualities but is all about working hard to achieve goals and success.  Patient and pragmatic, the Ox has a strong sense of duty and is a traditionalist.  They like to live within defined boundaries and expect others to do so too. 

Methods and processes are important to the Ox which sometimes masks their aspirations.  They do have goals but accept that it may take time to achieve them.

If you’re with an Ox, you know you are with an Ox!  They will support you through good times and bad.  However, they’re not sentimental.  Head definitely rules heart and, although they’re fair-minded, they can also be stubborn.  Pride means ‘forgive and forget’ can sometimes be a problem for them.

Gift Suggestions for The Ox

• Anything practical will appeal to the Ox’s realistic nature such as an pressure washer to clean the car, patio and anything else that needs a clean up.
• A chess set.  A satisfying game of chess takes patience, process and a good partner which will suit the Ox who will happily play for hours.
• Visit a show that contains pomp and pageantry such as the Trooping of the Colour.  This will appeal to the traditionalist values of the Ox.

The Tiger

The dynamic Tiger is ruled by the wood element and is positive or Yang.  Wood energy comes from the Spring season when life is bursting forth and that mood of optimism and possibilities is held by the Tiger.

Like Tigger the Tiger bounces from being warm and sympathetic to obstinate and unreasonable.  However, the Tiger’s warmth and sense of humour ensures lasting friendships although they do value their independence which feeds their spontaneous nature.

Their recklessness makes any adventure attractive and, although fearless on the outside the Tiger can be a cuddly kitten at times.

Tigers generally support humanitarian causes, and in an active way rather than passive.  They love animals and will take in those in need if necessary.  They are not materialistic and their choices are not motivated by money.  Rather their optimism tells them that somehow, someway, they will succeed.

Gift Suggestions for The Tiger

• Adopt an animal.  Tigers love to have a cause to support and they love animals so a thoughtful gift like this may lead them into further work for your chosen charity.
• An adventure holiday or short break.  Depending on your budget this could be a fortnight trekking in the Himalayas or a parachute jump.  Whatever your choice the Tiger is likely to say ‘Let’s do it’.
• Something exotic or rare such as an individual piece or art or a plant that is not well known.  The Tiger likes the unusual and an item that will be a talking point will be valued.

The Rabbit/Hare

The Rabbit is ruled by the negative or Yin Wood element.  Where they have the same ability to shake things up as the Tiger, the Rabbit moves in more mysterious ways.

Although ambitious their determination is quiet and that’s the type of life they like often avoiding situations of conflict.

The Rabbit is sensitive and sensual.  They appreciate beauty, have empathy for others, are tactful and gracious.  Together with their ability to communicate they are extremely diplomatic.  However, don’t let that outward cuddly bunny stuff fool you.  They can be very goal oriented and will work in an underhand way to get what they want if necessary.

But their preferred route is always the quiet, tranquil one with, preferably, a little luxury thrown in.  As a friend the Rabbit can be sympathetic and give good advice.  They offer an intellectual view rather than emotional one.  Generally the Rabbit is said to be blessed with longevity and good fortune. 

Gift Suggestions for The Rabbit

• A cashmere jumper or scarf.  Luxury and elegance will always suit the Rabbit.  Even if they don’t like the colour, they’ll love to snuggle into it.
• A piece of sculpture.  Something that will appeal to the senses on more than one level.  The Rabbit will not only want to look at the sculpture but touch it as well.
• A philosophical tome.  There is nothing the Rabbit likes more than to stretch its mind around thoughts of the meaning of life and all things metaphysical. 

The Dragon

The Dragon, a creature of myth and legend shares the same fixed element as the Tiger—Yang, or positive, Wood.  And, like the Tiger, you certainly know when you’re around a Dragon.  Enchanting, eccentric, whimsical and egotistical, the Dragon’s energy is a force to be reckoned with.

The Dragon is a straight talker, will tell it like it is and hold no grudges.  Although Dragons are at ease with power, they will not use cunning or manipulation to get it.  What you see is what you get with a Dragon and the Dragon often expects that from other people so misjudging those with hidden intent.

Fiercely loyal to family and friends Dragons will come to the rescue of those in trouble and can become fanatical over any cause that captures their imagination.  However, sentimentality and romanticism do not figure very highly in a Dragon’s personality.  Proud, prone to act first and think later, the Dragon lives very much in the present.

Gift Suggestions for The Dragon

• A course of yoga or meditation classes.  The Dragon is a cyclone of energy and faces a real danger of burn out.  Something to slow the mind and bring the attention inward will benefit the Dragon greatly.
• Anything that will celebrate an achievement such as a framed photograph or certificate with the Dragon as the subject will feed the Dragon ego and confirm that the world revolves around them.
• Anything executive: briefcase, day planner, car (depending on budget!).  Dragons see themselves as leaders in all situations.

The Snake

The Snake is ruled by the element of Fire and is negative or Yin.  This type of fire is a slow burn which makes the Snake passionate but not in an overt way.

If you know a Snake you will know a charming, elegant and wise person. But you won’t really know the person as the Snake is extremely private and, whilst it’s exterior is cool, calm and smiling at you, it’s mind is calculating its next move.

The Snake is graceful, likely to be attractive and loves the good things in life..  They are also passionate, chasing the object of their ardour and wrapping themselves around it like a python.  However, if they don’t want to be involved with anyone or anything, they are very good at wriggling themselves out of the situation. 

Independence is important to the Snake, both physically as they maintain their privacy  and mentally as they nearly always rely on their own judgement rather than others’ advice.

Gift Suggestions for The Snake

• A trip to the theatre will suit the Snake but make sure the show appeals to their wit or intelligence.  And make sure you get the best seats or, even better, a box.
• Designer clothes or jewellery.  Choose classic rather than the latest trend to match the Snake’s elegance.  If jewellery, make sure it’s the real thing.  There’s nothing fake about the Snake.
• A first edition.  Snakes love good books and they also love an investment so tick two boxes with this gift for the discerning Snake.

The Horse

The noble Horse is ruled by Fire and is Yang or positive.  This makes the Horse detest inactivity.  Their fire is not hidden but is evident in their spontaneity, liveliness and unpredictability.

The cheerful and popular Horse will have lots of friends and acquaintances and will always be found at the centre of things.  However, although popular Horses can also be considered superficial with their changeable nature, hot-headedness and blowing hot and cold.

The Horse loves to move so will be athletic and agile with a mind to match although there is often so much going on in their mind that forgetfulness and absent-mindedness may be a problem.  Their body may be with you but their mind often goes off somewhere else.

The fire in the Horse will show up in the Horse’s flashy and sometimes gaudy dress sense.  Try anything once is the Horse’s motto.

Gift Suggestions for The Horse

• The brightest jacket you can find.  The Horse will want to enter a room and walk down a street and be noticed so help them out.
• A day planner.  The Horse’s mind jumps from one subject to another so a way to manage their time will keep them focussed.  You won’t be able to tie them down but you can tether them just a little.
• Any sort of activity holiday.  It doesn’t matter what but make sure there are plenty of things to do and absolutely nowhere is a relaxing massage to be found.

The Sheep/Goat

The Sheep shares the negative or Yin element of Fire with the Snake but their temperament is at the opposite end of the spectrum.

Sheep are hopeless romantics and like to be taken care of.  Because they are so good tempered and likeable it is not normally a problem for them to be treated that way.

The fashionable Sheep is usually artistically inclined, loves nature and animals and is very child friendly.  This is probably due to its peaceful and generous nature.  If the Sheep is your friend, it may not fight for you because it hates conflict unless really pushed, but it will comfort you, feed you and make you feel better.

The Sheep will achieve its goals in a round about way rather than directly but there is no malice or manipulation in the way the Sheep behaves.  However, there is a tendency within the Sheep to think the grass may be greener elsewhere.  Although they love their family and home, there is usually a yearning to see just what’s over the horizon.

Gift Suggestions for The Sheep

• A family camping trip will allow the Sheep to indulge their love of nature and family but don’t leave the Sheep alone and make sure you know how to put the tent up before you go so the holiday gets off to a flying start.
• The latest trend will appeal to the Sheep’s fashion consciousness.  Whether that’s clothing, accessories or gadgets.
• Romance, romance, romance.  A picnic on the beach, flowers, rose petals or a horse and buggy ride in the park.  The soft Sheep will be like putty in your hands.

The Monkey

The Monkey’s element is Metal and it is Yang or positive.  Metal is focussed, intense and, when positive, rigid.  This forms the core of the Monkey but outwardly they are social, quick-witted and generally fun to be around.

The Monkey creates and causes things to happen: intelligent to see opportunities; innovative to find solutions; charming to get everyone else involved.

The Monkey expects to be successful and this can create an air of superiority and a dash of jealousy if the Monkey isn’t the top dog.  However, with a number of different sides to their versatile character, Monkeys are usually well liked and popular.  And the superiority isn’t an act.  Monkeys just have masses of self confidence in their abilities.

A Monkey’s curiosity is insatiable but, with such sharp minds Monkey’s will soon lose interest when they’ve explored the object of their fascination.  The term ‘Clever Monkey’ is very apt.

Gift Suggestions for The Monkey

• A brain training game will keep the Monkey occupied as long as the games are set at advanced level and there is plenty of variety otherwise the Monkey will discard it very quickly
• A trip on the Orient Express.  Not because the Monkey will like the romance of it, but because the Monkey’s ego will like the luxury of it.  This is travelling in style.
• The latest phone.  Monkeys like gadgets but it has to be the latest version and it has to have lots of functions that the Monkey pick up and use—until it’s time to upgrade to the next version.

The Rooster

The negative or Yin element of Metal rules the Rooster.  As a results Roosters are focussed, determined and out to win.  Our view of the Rooster will be one of showiness, eccentricity and, sometimes, aggression.  However, on the inside this bird is very conservative and quite pragmatic liking order and rules—their rules.

The Rooster believes firmly is service to others but believe they know best so can be a hard taskmaster in getting you to do things for ‘your own good’.  If you have a Rooster helping you out tensions will be there but the Rooster will help you achieve your goals.

Real Roosters strut around the farm yard surveying their territory and showing themselves off.  The Rooster will also do the same thing given the chance being a snazzy dresser and loving to be the centre of attention.  To feed their ego Roosters love awards and will show them off at any opportunity.

Gift Suggestions for The Rooster

• A home office—or a corner of a room that can be their domain.  Roosters like to rule the roost and a place for them to do just that would be ideal.
• A wall of achievement.  Gather all their awards, medals and certificates together in a display.  Include photos of the Rooster meeting people or receiving  accolades.  This will become the Rooster’s pride and joy.
• A statue of the Rooster.  Or a painting or drawing will appeal to the Rooster ego and, provided it’s given with love and best wishes, the Rooster will be cock-a-hoop.

The Dog

The Dog is ruled by Yang or positive Metal and is a straightforward creature.  Like real dogs the Dog person is loyal, friendly and protective.  Above all else, Dogs are family people.  They like their home and are introverts at heart.

If you have a Dog for a friend, you’ll always have a Dog for a friend—unless you do something really, really awful.  Dogs are not deserters.  They’ll always be there for you.  Be honoured that the Dog is your friend.  They are extremely good judges of character so be pleased that they have accepted you into their pack.

Great humanitarians, Dogs are idealistic with strong morals.  However, they can show their teeth and will speak their mind if necessary.  But the Dog doesn’t get hung up with issues.  If there’s a problem the Dog will tell you and then forget it.

Gift Suggestions for The Dog

• A comfy chair, right by the fire.  Dogs love their homes and can have a tendency to laziness at times so a great chair, in their favourite spot will make them happy.
• A living gift.  The Dog’s values mean they want the world to be a good place.  A living gift, where you buy something for somebody in need, in the Dog’s name will be appreciated and the Dog won’t mind not receiving a physical gift themselves.
• An intimate, low-key, family dinner at a quiet restaurant will suit the Dog who is not keen to be the centre of attention but loves to celebrate with their family around them.

The Pig/Boar

The Pig, or Boar, is ruled by negative or Yin Water.  As a result, Pigs can often disappear into the background.  They won’t be the centre of attention but they’ll always be there when you need them.

Pigs are extremely sociable, more likely to host the party than be in the centre of it, and love their homes.  They make great friends, are great optimists and are usually blessed with good fortune.

Luxury is very important to the Pig and the more extravagant ones will pursue pleasure within a hedonistic lifestyle.  If you’re in this Pig’s circle of friends you’ll be taken along with them.

The Pig is the ‘nice guy’ of all the animals and is happy to organise things to ensure that everyone else is having a great time.  However, if the Pig comes to your party you will be expected to be as generous a host.  So stock up the larder and wine cellar.

Gift Suggestions for The Pig

• A luxury hamper—as big as you can afford.  The Pig will delight in unwrapping all the goodies and will share them with all.
• A spa break.  Either a weekend or a longer indulgence will have the Pig squealing with delight.  Just make sure it’s about indulgences such as massages and facials rather than detox treatments.
• A gym membership.  This may not go down too well with the Pig but that hedonistic lifestyle does have a price and the Pig may have an expanding waistline.  If you take out a family membership you can persuade the Pig that it’s a social thing.  Good luck with that one.

 

And finally…

I hope you’ve enjoyed a brief glimpse of the energies that rule each of us according to our birth date.  However, it only really scratches the surface and there are many layers in Chinese Astrology that define and shape our worlds.  As in western astrology, many of us have the same sun sign (I’m a Gemini) but the placement of the other planets at my time of birth have an influence on me, both when I was born and every day as the planets move around.

So it is with Chinese astrology and the gift ideas may be a little tongue in cheek but should create some ideas for you.

Our birth dates are very important in the study of Feng Shui to show us how we interact with our environment at any particular time.  Feng Shui will typically look at how you can interact with your environment in a harmonious way—going with the flow rather than against it brings real rewards.  Your home is an expression of you: your desires, your opinions of both the world and yourself.  So, take care in what your house is saying about you.