‘Backstabbing star’ and other feng shui influences on Metro life

A palace by a “sickle” that needs constant cleaning.—Edwin Bacasmas

It’s that time of the year for consulting the feng shui chart. And, like in the case of homes or buildings, “location, location, location” can influence  how Metro Manila cities will fare in the Year of the Fire Rooster.

But while the individual prognoses may vary, a feng shui expert said there’s one surefire magnet of good fortune for the Philippine capital and the country as a whole: Clean surroundings—especially along Pasig River, that watery “sickle” that cuts through the metropolis and slides by Malacañang.

Princess Lim Fernandez, showing the Inquirer a feng shui chart for 2017, said some cities in the metro may receive more luck than others, particularly those located in the north, southeast and northeast.

Taguig and Pateros would be quite fortunate this year, she said, noting that they are under the prosperity star in the southeast.

Marikina finds itself under the career and academic star this year, but Fernandez said the city can also thrive by building new landmarks and places of interests to attract more visitors.

Trouble and disruptions

Meanwhile, those in the south should be more careful, particularly Muntinlupa, where there might be “some trouble and disruptions.”

“Whoever is in charge there should be clear in his policies and communication to avoid disaster,” Fernandez said in an interview on Saturday.

The “sickness and backstabbing star” would be in the northwest this year, so those living or working in Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas and Valenzuela should be more careful of diseases related to the heart, respiratory system and skin.

And all travels up north look good, according to this year’s chart, Fernandez added.

As the lunar new year begins, it may also be time to upgrade the old adage: Cleanliness is next to godliness—and may bring good fortune, too. For city dwellers, it’s always good feng shui to keep one’s yard free of trash, filth and clutter to promote harmony in life, Fernandez stressed.

Those occupying the seat of power in Malacañang are no exception.

Fernandez cited the state of the Pasig River as an example of how cleanliness can be a driver of luck: A dirty river wrapping itself around the presidential palace could send “dirty politics” washing up on its steps.

Backside of the blade

“Pasig River is cleaner now because of efforts of environmental groups and the government,” Fernandez noted. “But this is the feng shui effect: a dirty river can influence the politics in Malacañang, the center of power.”

The meandering river is “like a sickle,” she said, but unfortunately, the Palace lies along the backside of the blade.

This is not a favorable position. “Whatever authority we have in Malacañang, there will be a force that will undermine it or cut its influence,” she said, adding that policies emanating from this power center may not get implemented quickly.

“I keep on telling people to go back to basics: Be aware of what’s around you. If there is a dying tree or patch of grass (near your house), then it is not in harmony. Do something about it.”

People tend to believe that luck is all about having lots of money, she said, but it is just one aspect: Good fortune also means good health and good family relationships.

“The premise of feng shui is when you have balance in your life, then everything is in sync and in harmony,” Fernandez noted. “When things go smoothly, that’s what we call luck.”