It is almost the end of 2008. As we approach the New Year, you must be wondering what awaits you in 2009.

Those dabbling in the share and financial markets have gone through a challenging time this year, especially towards the fourth quarter. Will 2009 be better or worse? A number of financial reports have mentioned the advent of a recession next year. Will it occur? What awaits us?

I would like to have a look at the ‘luck’ of 2009 through Feng Shui principles. It could show us what awaits us; whether it will be a better or worse year, and how we could face it.

There are a number of methods to forecast what is termed as ‘Luck of the Year’. I will use what is known as the ‘Four-Pillar Analysis’ to forecast the luck of different industries, how good luck can be enhanced and bad luck overcome.

The above is the Four-Pillar chart for 2009. As it will be the Year of the Ox, the Earthy Branch and Heavenly Stem will both be Earth elements. This indicates that next year is expected to be smooth and harmonious with no conflicts and fewer natural disasters. This is definitely good news.

In addition, all the five elements are present in the chart – also making it a balanced one. There is expected to be political stability and fewer misunderstandings between people.

With regards to the Earthy Branch, the Ox and Rat are considered secret friends, while the Rat and Dragon are allies. This means that there will be mentors to help us in times of difficulty. This again is a good indicator as mentor luck is important, especially if financial difficulty and instabilities are looming.

The Self Element is a Metal element. As metal is weak, the Earth and Metal elements would be needed to help strengthen the Self element.

Wood represents Wealth in this chart. As there is a Yang Wood and a hidden Yin Wood in the chart, this indicates that there will be money luck. These are in the form of direct or indirect Wealth luck. Expect to see money in the market in 2009, especially in the second half of the year.

The only setback is the Wood element, also considered weak. As Wood needs Water to survive, we need to strengthen the Water element in order to capture Wealth luck. It is crucial to activate the Wealth spot of your property with a Water feature, such as a fish pond.

Earth is the most favourable element of this chart, indicating that industries related to development, construction and real estate will enjoy excellent luck in 2009.

Those in these industries should activate the Wealth spot of their offices to capture the right opportunities – more so if it is in the south-west sector. You would also need to strengthen the north-east corner with a crystal to strengthen your business’ Earth energy.

There are two Fire elements located next to the Metal element in the chart. This indicates that although Metal is a favourable element, industries related to metal may face strong competition internally and externally. However, thanks to the mentors, we can expect some recovery in the financial sector in the second half of 2009.

What is crucial for those involved in the Metal industry such as banking, shares and motoring should take care of their north-east, south-west, west, north-west and centre positions. The centre position relates to Flying Star Feng Shui where the ninth star is located.

This could likely cause problems to the metal-related industries. You would need to place lots of Earth energy such as crystals and stones in the centre of the office or shop to transform ‘deadly energy’ into one that strengthens metal. You could also place a metal decorative in the north-west corner to enhance your mentor luck and help see you through tough times.

Although Fire is not a favourable element in the 2009 chart, it remains strong. In Flying Star Feng Shui, Fire Star nine is located in the Centre sector, meaning it could be good news for those in the fire-related industries such as restaurants, cosmetics and wellness.

Companies that do not have a strong financial standing may have some problems in cash flow as expenditures rise for them next year. My advice is apart from working hard, try to improve your profit margin. This makes it important for you to activate the Wealth spot of your shop or office to generate Wealth luck.

The south represents fame and recognition luck and should not be affected in 2009, but do place warm and bright lighting in the South corner to enhance your fame and recognition luck. Also try to counter the Robbery Star by placing a blue decorative or water plant in the East corner of your business.

As mentioned previously, Wood is an element that represents Wealth in the 2009 chart. On the surface you may see money in the Wood related industry but there may be hidden dangers and problems. This is because the Wood energy in the chart is weak. Wood needs water to survive and there is only one Water element in the chart, which is also weak.

Based on the Flying Star analysis, there will be a shortage of water in 2009 as Fire Star 9 will govern the year. Those in Wood industries may face some obstacles; expenditure may increase and you may have cash flow problems.

Place a water feature such as a regular or fish pond in the Wealth spot to generate Wealth luck. Do also take care of the north, north-west and west corners. Place lots of metallic items in these areas to strengthen the Water energy.

Those in Wood related industries include those involved in education, publishing, printing, furniture, medicine and fashion.
 
Water will not be a favourable element in 2009, so those in related industries may be affected. Be cautious and conservative. Do not think of expanding or taking on new ventures.

Ensure that your shop or office is protected against bad influences and chi. You would need to suppress the north, east, west and north-east corners of your property. The crucial thing is to be able to locate the Wealth spot and activate your Wealth luck with a water feature. This will help you to generate income and profit. You would also need to place a ‘still’ water feature in the North corner, and some sort of metal decoration in the west and north-west corners of your property.

Those involved in Water industries include sales, promotions, hotels, tourism, travel agencies, show business, mobile business, transportation, the music industry, air-conditioning and the liquor business.