MANILA, Philippines – A feng shui expert believes that 2011 — or the Year of the Rabbit — will be good for most people.
The luckiest ones, however, are those who are in banks and law firms, as well as people in car, hardware and telecommunications companies, according to Maxie Tiu.
Those born in the Year of the Rooster (1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993 and 2005) are not so fortunate based on feng shui, said Tiu, but she assured that they’ll be fine as long as they “think positive and have a good heart.”
“Hindi dapat ‘yung nagsasabi tayo na ‘ang hirap’ o ‘wala tayong pera.’ Think positive po,” Tiu told ABS-CBN News.\
For those who feel like it’s going to be a bad year in 2011, several shops are offering charms, crystals and figurines, all of which are said to bring good luck in terms of money, health and relationships.
Among them is Sylvia Mariano, owner of Minex Crystals, who guarantees that there’s a crystal for every person’s needs and wants as he or she welcomes 2011.
One can even get a bracelet that contains all kinds of crystals, she said, ideal for those who want to play on the safe side this year.
“But we should always use this for good, not for evil,” Mariano said in an interview at ABS-CBN’s Umagang Kay Ganda.
The lowdown
Mariano showed different kinds of crystals, each said to have its own “powers” that can bring luck and energy to people and their homes and businesses.
These can be bought as raw, uncut pieces of rock or as polished stones which can be placed in beds, bottles, vases and accessories such as bracelets and necklaces.
There’s the quartz crystal, which symbolizes power and authority, and is said to help enhance brain function and give peace of mind.
The black tourmaline, on the other hand, is said to help repel negative energy from other people. Mariano noted that this can be used against those who easily get jealous or hold grudges.
For those who want to have better luck in finding friends, there’s the blue sodalite, which symbolizes friendship and unity.
The rose quartz, Mariano said, is among the best-selling crystals in the country. Known as love stones, these are said to help control emotions, develop self-confidence and give comfort to those who are heartbroken.
On top of these, she said the rose quartz can help make people look more pleasing or attractive to others.
Still on love is the emerald rock, a less expensive version of the emerald gem variety.
This green rock, according to Mariano, helps attract unconditional love — whether it be from relatives, friends, colleagues or employees.
To support the emerald rock is the garnet, a stone that can strengthen one’s commitments with other people, she said.
Amber, meanwhile, is a victory stone that symbolizes renewal of marriage vows and fulfillment of promises. Mariano said this yellow crystal is ideal for couples whose relationships are under threat.
Another popular choice is the citrine, which promises luck in terms of money, business and career. Mariano said this is usually bought as a small stone accompanied by 8 coins.
To wish for good luck, she said one needs to hold the stone and coins using both hands. While shaking the contents of both hands, he or she must recite the wish 16 times.
After this, Mariano said one needs to imagine that his or her wish has been fulfilled, then gently blow the stone together with the coins.
Finally, the amethyst is said to lessen stress, tension and depression, help cure insomnia, and prevent nightmares.
