Tell me, are you feeling lucky today?

Mandarin Oriental’s resident geoman-cer Joseph Chau describes 2006 as "a good year" for the Philippines. "As I said in 2004, the Philippines will have six years of good luck, until 2009. This year, only one thing is not so good. The Philippines is in the hot-season region, and this is a Fire Dog year – too much fire element. How to achieve harmony? Government should build more fountains to bring in good luck. It’s very important."

And of President Arroyo, is it going to be a good year for her? "I will not say anything about your president since I am not a citizen of the Philippines," he says with a laugh. "My teacher always said, don’t talk about politics, only your subject. I can only say that she was born in the Year of the Pig, and it is a lucky year for the Pig just as it was in 2005. In 2006, the male Pig is luckier than the female Pig. She has to get the help of a male Pig, and she has to be careful with people, otherwise she will be isolated."

Chau says the lucky careers are tourism, trading, and anything related to water – transpor-tation, shipping, tourism, hotel/resort industry.

But because the conflict star is in the center, offices, families and countries will easily fall into disruptive conflicts. "Generally speaking, people will be moody. In the office, you can avoid this by putting in the center a red carpet or a red flower on the desk. The conflict star is a wood element, so we use fire to harmonize it."

If you are unlucky this year, what should you do? "Very simple: keep a low profile. Avoid jealous and envious people. You have to manage your work by yourself, don’t depend too much on other people. You must be sincere and keep your promises. Pay special attention to contracts."

And if your stars say you are lucky, how can you take advantage of it? "It means you will have more chances and opportunities to be promoted, to advance your business, to invest well. But you should not be proud or arrogant or you will fail. You should be more humble, approachable and easy to contact, and you should listen to people’s advice."

Sounds like good, practical advice, doesn’t it? If you were born under those signs that won’t have it so good this year, don’t despair. The Mandarin Oriental’s Yin and Yang Shop of Harmony offers feng shui charms and cures to improve your luck.

Wealth Bowl

This chest is in the shape of a yuan bao, the money used in the olden days of China. This chest contains several special elements and depicts the eight fairies of Chinese legend. It is used for inviting good luck in money matters and to enhance the "wealth location" of the year. This is also used to help prevent money leakage. Especially recommended for those zodiac signs with a Robbery Star under their sign.

Four Treasures

According to the Chinese fortune chart, four animals – Dog, Dragon, ox and Goat – symbolize treasure and wealth. Having these "four treasures" together will ensure money luck. This is also symbolic of property luck. It signifies stability and security of assets and property. Especially recommended for those zodiac signs with weak money luck this year as these symbolize having treasure for all four seasons throughout the year. This is exceptionally good for the current year since the Dog is one of the four treasures. (Made of Pure Jade and limited availability.)

Flying Pei Yau

This is considered an infinite creature and catcher of money. It is said to have a voracious appetite for wealth. In the old days, the Chinese put images of this animal outside the government offices and casinos. It is believed that the Pei Yau can catch and keep money. Together with the Pik Che and the Tin Luk this forms a Trinity of Money Catchers. Especially recommended for those zodiac signs that have gambling luck and luck in the lotto this year.

Lucky Fuk Bat

Symbolic of prosperity flying in and is ideal for stores and businesses. This is good to hang by the main entrance door to attract grace to come into the establishment.

Crystal Pagoda

A special design for enhancing the chances of getting a promotion in one’s career. Also good for students to get higher grades in academics. It is symbolic of going one step beyond and for business growth it means step up to success. Put it in the "promotion direction."

Jade Mandarin Ducks On Plate

For a faithful and harmonious relationship, these ducks are symbolic of lovers who never part and thus have a happy, harmonious and long-lasting union. Also used to strengthen a romance that is just beginning or one that is going through some unsteady times.

Harmony Tortoise

Ancient Chinese symbol mainly used for protection against criticism, backstabbing, conflict, jealousy, rumors, gossip and lawsuits. Since the "Conflict Star" is located in the center this year, it is exceptionally strong and will generally affect everyone. Carrying this tortoise helps scorch out the discord before it can do major damage. Also serves as one of the money catchers and is symbolic of long life and business success.

Master Protection Pendant

This pendant depicts the Master of the Tai Suey of the year. Since the luck of the Dragon, Dog, Ox, Goat, Rooster and Rat are in conflict wit the current year, wearing this pendant will guard and protect them. Also since the Disaster Star this year affects all females in general especially females in positions of authority, this will harmonize their luck and protect them from accidents and ill-health.

Tortoise With Ling Chi

This is a symbol of long life and good health. Ling Chi is a good herb that looks like a mushroom that is very good for maintaining and improving health. It is also an appropriate gift for birthdays since it symbolizes long life.

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The Yin & Yang Shop of Harmony is located at the ground floor of Mandarin Oriental Manila. Call 752-5882, 750-8888 local 2722, or send e-mail to yinyangmandarin@yahoo.com.