FENG Shui expert and charms and crystals extraordinaire Joy Lim, who got her penchant for Ancient Chinese tradition from her family, has been in the practice and business of Feng Shui for the last 12 years and got herself as one of the most sought after Feng Shui consultant not only in the entertainment industry but in the whole country as well.
Owner of "Charms and Crystals" under her own signature, Lim has been a constant name in the showbiz circle as many actors, actresses, even politicians, thanked her for the attractive charm bracelets and feng shui advices she gives.
From its humble beginnings in Dapitan, Quezon City, "Charms and Crystals by Joy Lim" is now accessible in almost all big malls in the metro.
Forecast
When asked on what to expect in 2010, Lim said the Year of Metal Tiger will be a challenging year for everyone.
"It would be a difficult time for us, it will be a little bit competitive and things will not work smoothly as expected because based on the characteristic of the tiger, it already shows that it will be an aggressive year for us. Everyone will experience a very aggressive year," she said.
According to Lim, the year will start on February 4, 2010 and the Chinese New Year will fall on Valentines Day, February 14, 2010.
She said that difficulties will not only be felt in the business scene but also in the political arena.
More natural disasters is also expected to take place this year especially with the presence of the most dangerous star on Southwest direction, which brings love, marriage and luck.
Lim said that with love, marriage and luck on the southwest area, separation is very prone in existing relationships.
"It will be a difficult year for married couples because unexpected separation can take place," she said.
Lim added: "I suggest keeping the relationship tight. Lesser arguments is good because it may lead to separation."
On money matters, things are not looking very good as well. Lim said that we need to work extra harder and be very optimistic to be able to gain what we want for 2010.
Though 2009 was not a very lucky year for us in terms of job opportunities, 2010 promises a much better career year.
Chinese zodiac
Those who are born under the year of the rat, a better year is ahead of them according to Lim.
Though luck is on their side, three killings (number of misfortunes) will still be a hindrance for those born under this sign. Lim added that one killing can take place but there's also a possibility that as much as three can happen.
For those who are born in the year of the ox and tiger, they will have an affinity with illnesses and accidents.
Lim said that though this is the year of the tiger, those who are born under this sign are not exempted. She then added that bad luck is also waiting for them.
However it will be a better year for rabbits who suffered much in 2009.
For the dragon and snake, the presence of the violent star in the Southeast will be very mean to them. According to Lim a lot of people with bad intentions are coming near to those born under this sign.
She then added that it is better to play safe for both signs and patience will still be the key.
A stressful year is set for those who are born under the sign of the horse. They will experience arguments, court cases and jealousy. This will be a problematic year for them.
This will also be a not so lucky year for both goat and monkey with the former positioned on the opposite direction of the tiger and the latter being the enemy of the tiger.
According to Lim goats should not face the southwest and northeast direction this year while the snake, which leans on the god of wealth, will be the secret recipe of the monkeys for a better year.
On the other hand, it will be a victorious year for those who falls under the sign of the rooster while the dog and the pig will face good opportunities this 2010.
Celebrating the New Year
When asked on how can we cure all the bad luck and challenges we are about to face this 2010, Lim gives us few feng shui practices we can make use of before and during the Western and Chinese New Year.
Because the element of the tiger is wood and the element of the year is metal, water installations inside the house is very important according to Lim to nourish the wood.
"This year I suggest the water falls should be located at the East of the house, other directions are on the South East and South West. Although this is where the dangerous stars are, the heat can subside from those direct if there is water," she said.
Lim also said that it is important to put a dragon element near the water falls or fountain for the former to work as an activator to the later.
Lim is also suggesting to de-clutter the house and get rid of the broken stuff before the 4th of February, 2010.
Because of the competitive 2010, Lim is also suggesting to prepare apples for the New Year because it will symbolize peace and harmonious relationship inside the house.
Lotus flower is also advisable to be present during the New Year's Day, Lim added: "even though it grows in muddy places they grow to be a beautiful flower and they are being used by lucky Buddha’s in their seats."
Meat is very ideal to be prepared for the holiday because tigers loves to eat meat and it is a good way of welcoming them in this 2010.
The usual rolling of oranges from the main door to the inside of the house is also encouraged.
Oranges, from the Ancient Chinese is for good luck. They call it the Midas touch because the Ancient Chinese believes that orange turns into gold.
"The 13 fruits is okay but oranges alone will do a lot already because if you will buy a lot of fruits you might get fruits with black seeds," Lim said.
The tossing of coins will also bring prosperity inside the house. The coins should be showered in the upward position.
Sweet candies and chocolates should also be served in New Year's time, especially to those who are in the selling business, for a harmonious relationship inside the house.
Lim is also suggesting to prepare 10 kinds of meal during the Medya Noche. She added that sweet hams would be a very ideal food for the New Year.
The following are also very ideal for the New Year season: lettuce, for 100 kinds of fortune; shrimps and nuts, for it symbolizes happiness; fish, for it is available all year round; noodles or pancit (must be served uncut), for it symbolizes health and longer life.
Stocks of rice are also a must because it also symbolizes abundance, new beginnings and development.
Building a new house
For those who are under the sign of the rabbit, it is a good start for them to build a new house.
Lim said that the luck on building a new house will still depend on one's sign. She then added that renovations and building should not be done on the month of August for it is a Ghost Month.
She then said that for the year 2010, builders should avoid the Northeast, Southwest and North. They cannot start and end the building and renovation process in these directions.
Business and Investments
When asked on guidelines in building a business by 2010, Lim has this to say: "If you think you had a pretty great year this 2009, then you have bad year next year you might as well start it this year because February 14 is the start of of Chinese New Year."
"If you think you'll have pretty year next year and not so good this year, might as well start by next year," she added.
On investing in anything, Lim said that the rabbit has high stakes in getting a good deal but with those with not so good signs this year it is much better to check their sign and the other people whom they are making a business with.
She added that one should be knowledgeable and shows concern if working with a business partner.
Good News
Though tough year is ahead of us, Lim said that we can overcome everything.
"We can all be the best of us, we can be strong against all this odds because even though the metal can chop the wood, the wood can still be made into a useful chair," she said.
Lim then added that we should learn from our experiences instead of losing hope. We need to be optimistic even if things are not in its proper prospective because maybe there's something good in return for everyone.
She also said that feng shui is here to guide each and everyone but putting God first is still the most effective cure in all uncertainties.
"Never ending prayers is actually the first they need to do. They need to have relationship with God, never give up, be thankful, share your blessings with everyone and start with positive attitude and turn your troubles to positive attitude," she said.
Lim then said that all the challenges will soon pass.
Source: http://sunstar.com.ph
With everyone's busy schedule nowadays, finding a common time to be together for a weekend getaway is tough. We had to plan at least 2 months ahead for the date(s) and at least a month before to finalize the venue (Cocogrove). But it was well worth it as you can see from the smiles on our faces ;-) 
