2021

[Taomeow]

The year of the Yin Metal Cow -- note it's cow, not ox (Ox is the yang animal of the species and 2021 will be a yin Heavenly Stem year.) 

 

The Earthly Branch will be Earth, so it's going to be Metal sitting on top of Earth. 

Earth produces Metal.  Unlike in 2020, when Metal is positioned on top of Water, its Child phase (so the relationship is reversed and Child has to support Mother), in 2021 Mother will support its Child.  

 

Whatever that Heavenly Metal is up to, Earth will make it stronger.  

 

It's the 32nd year of the 60-year cycle, an alchemical number.  (The location of the lower elixir field is described in some texts as "heaven above 32, earth below 32.")  Yin Metal -- that's the gold elixir.  Looks like a rather inviting year for taoist alchemy.  Will be an interesting one to analyze, better start early.     

[Gerard]

Can't wait for this one to finish that you need to move on to the next? Lol.

 
How about my year 2026?

 

I'm still thrilled by the 'Iron' Rat. A lot of work on deep unresolved issues. The descend effect of Metal coupled by the Rat's action (Yang Water). Very exciting but also quite challenging. 

 

 

[Gerard]

On a side note, many of you won't see this winter until later on this year, make sure you eat lots of warming and Wood containing foods, especially beef. I have cooked some of the following recipes and they are very good:

 

20 Head-to-Toe Warming Winter Stews and Casseroles

 

Japanese Ramen with rich broths is a welcome addition to your diet. Sake, thick slices of unsalted butter, garlic, ginger, spring onions, red miso, bone broth, etc. are excellent ingredients to build a nutritious and warming Ramen broth.

Bon Appétit!

 

[Taomeow]

A very interesting month ahead -- to wit, December 7th through January 5th, the Rat month in the year of the Rat -- doubling up its qi.   Even more strikingly, the Flying Stars of FS are also doubled up -- in each area, the Month Star matches the Year Star.  Such an unusual energy chart is called Fu Yin.  Everything is amplified.  In areas influenced by benevolent stars their impact will be even more beneficial, while in weaker areas you need to be very careful.  

 

[thelerner]

37 minutes ago, Taomeow said:

A very interesting month ahead -- to wit, December 7th through January 5th, the Rat month in the year of the Rat -- doubling up its qi.   Even more strikingly, the Flying Stars of FS are also doubled up -- in each area, the Month Star matches the Year Star.  Such an unusual energy chart is called Fu Yin.  Everything is amplified.  In areas influenced by benevolent stars their impact will be even more beneficial, while in weaker areas you need to be very careful.  

 

 Any practices you'd recommend during this time?  Or simply doing more of what you're already doing?

thanks.

[Taomeow]

15 hours ago, thelerner said:

 Any practices you'd recommend during this time?  Or simply doing more of what you're already doing?

thanks.

 

Depends on how deep down the FS rabbit hole you want to go.  

 

Here's a brief overview of do's and don't's toward heeding these Flying Stars' qi rather than going against it:

 

Kan 1  White -- Northeast: avoid activating Fire in that area (of your home, business, country, planet, universe -- choose what applies depending on which of these is under your personal control.)  Don't burn candles in that part; don't use red, purple, pink, orange, burgundy colors in the interior.  If it happens to be your bedroom, put a heavy round metal object (e.g. a cast iron frying pan) under your bed.

 

Kun 2 Black -- South: avoid activating, keep very quiet.  No hammering, don't slam any doors if you have them in the South, etc..  Place a bowl with salt water in that area, and/or hang a "coin sword."

 

Chen 3 Jade -- North: keep quiet.  No renovations, no digging, no noise.  Red is good here -- place a red mat in that area, e.g..  No metal decorations.

 

Sun 4 Green -- Southwest: use for beneficial energy, aided here with blue, black, grey, charcoal colors.  Creative projects and romantic moments are enhanced in this area.  Watch for unwanted sexual advances and avoid them yourself in case you feel tempted under inappropriate circumstances.     

 

Lian Zhen 5 Yellow -- East.  Ouch.  Try to protect this area every which way you can.  Do not activate.  

Some possible FS "cures":

 

Place a salt water bowl 

Avoid orange, purple, pink, burgundy and red decorations 

Hang a six rod hollow metal wind chime

 

Tell me if you are interested in heeding/doing any of these and I will address the remaining stars if you are.  (Life is short, Xuan Kong is long...   ) 

 

 

     

[RobB]

Hi @Taomeow - just wanted to say thanks for sharing this - I've not had a chance to study any of this material as yet but, for me, this knowledge seems to be where the Daoists shine - the OG village wisdom.

 

Thanks again!

[Taomeow]

2021, Yin Metal year. 

 

Compared to the heavy, bulky Yang Metal of the Heavenly Stem of 2020 that put an oppressive, immobilizing weight over Earth, 2021 is going to operate in a more insidious manner.

 

Yin Metal is associated with metal things that are fine and elegant -- like jewelry.  Things that are designed for appearances and meant to look delicate, finely crafted, and precious.   On a deeper level, at the heart of it, Yin Metal is cold and cruel, sneaky and brutal, hidden and deadly -- like a dagger.

 

The year of the needle.

[Maddie]

3 minutes ago, Taomeow said:

2021, Yin Metal year. 

 

Compared to the heavy, bulky Yang Metal of the Heavenly Stem of 2020 that put an oppressive, immobilizing weight over Earth, 2021 is going to operate in a more insidious manner.

 

Yin Metal is associated with metal things that are fine and elegant -- like jewelry.  Things that are designed for appearances and meant to look delicate, finely crafted, and precious.   On a deeper level, at the heart of it, Yin Metal is cold and cruel, sneaky and brutal, hidden and deadly -- like a dagger.

 

The year of the needle.

 

Goodyear for acupuncturists then?

[Taomeow]

1 minute ago, dmattwads said:

 

Goodyear for acupuncturists then?

 

The power of any needle (and any hidden dagger) will be enhanced.  Intent and motives behind using it will be amplified. 

 

      

[JohnC]

1 hour ago, Taomeow said:

2021, Yin Metal year. 

 

Compared to the heavy, bulky Yang Metal of the Heavenly Stem of 2020 that put an oppressive, immobilizing weight over Earth, 2021 is going to operate in a more insidious manner.

 

Yin Metal is associated with metal things that are fine and elegant -- like jewelry.  Things that are designed for appearances and meant to look delicate, finely crafted, and precious.   On a deeper level, at the heart of it, Yin Metal is cold and cruel, sneaky and brutal, hidden and deadly -- like a dagger.

 

The year of the needle.

 

Could you say more on this?

It sounds negative, but could it be positive as well?

 

Whatever thrust was happening of 2020, 2021 will cause it to be focused in impact?

[Taomeow]

59 minutes ago, JohnC said:

 

Could you say more on this?

It sounds negative, but could it be positive as well?

 

I'm sure there will be a lot of positive interpretations by FS new agers, but I was trained to look for problem areas first.   It's the general principle of all FS arts --- which are diagnostic and prescriptive like all healing arts.  You diagnose the problems first, you try to remedy them (and it can only be done if you are aware of them -- the body can't heal a wound if it doesn't know it's wounded.)  And then you look for where there's good things possible that can be enhanced and supported.  It's like going to the doctor to get your health evaluated -- yes, of course there's things that are problem free and will remain so in one's body, healthy organs, healthy habits, what not -- but you don't go to get a diagnosis of what isn't bothering you.  If nothing is bothering you, you might consult a sports fitness specialist, e.g. -- hey doc, my health is stellar, now what can I do to turn it into fame, fortune and glory?..  That's for NBA players and Olympic athletes.  Our world is not an Olympic athlete health-wise.   So I start with evaluating a broken leg, so to speak, and diabetes and the danger of stroke or anaphylaxis, rather than with praising the thick head of hair of the patient and beaming and promising that the new year will bring him an even greater shampoo and a more flattering haircut.  Which of course it might. 

 

That said, of course there's always some positive things for someone somewhere even under circumstances that are not that fortunate for others or for most.  E.g. at a glance (pending a deeper analysis) I expect people who have extra Yang Fire to fare better this year than those who are Fire deficient.  I expect Roosters and Snakes to be in a better situation this time around than Oxen and (especially) Goats.  I expect Yang Wood to take advantage of the Nobelman Star.  For a more focused analysis, I would have to do more work, I've just started with an overview of the qi of the Heavenly Stem and Earthly Branch of the year and at a glance it looks rather precarious, but of course I'll be looking for loopholes and wormholes into positivity.  I'll report on my findings.   

Edited December 11, 2020 by Taomeow

[Taomeow]

I'm not the only stochastic fortune teller in town.  Here's The Economist's 2021 cover.  

 

[Taomeow]

Spoiler

 

I lost all desire to dig into the ancient taoist wisdom for my forecasts.  Sometimes it's enough to stare at the blank wall to see the writing thereon.  I see this blank wall of masks, the live human face hiding behind it, waiting for the boot prophesied by Orwell to stamp on it forever.  I also see the wall above it too, right where live human eyes used to be, that are now a wall of petrified impenetrable insanity.  

 

Of course change is always a possibility.  It's a matter of odds.  There's a chance that the following scenario won't pan out, a slim chance.  Barring that... 

 

In 2021, most people on earth who thought 2020 sucked will pine for it as the good old days.

 

In 2022, 99% will remember 2021 fondly as the last livable year.

 

In 2023, those who are alive will envy the dead.  

 

In 2024, those who are dead will envy those who were never born.     

 

I'll post someone else's forecasts, because mine are beyond hopeless and that doesn't sell -- which is just as well as I'm not selling them.  Just sayin'.  

 

Here's Kung Fu Magazine's prophecy.  I agree with some of it and disagree with some of it.  Posting FYI.  

2021 The Year of the Metal Ox

By Wilson Sun (with Gigi Oh and Gene Ching)

Chinese New Year is celebrated on February 12^th, 2021. However, the cycle for the Year of the Ox (lichun 立春) begins on February 3^rd, 2021 at 10:59 PM and goes until February 4^th, 2022 at 4:50AM. This year is characterized with sadness (bei 悲) and fame (ming 名).

A widespread tragic sentiment will pervade this year and the whole world will be full of negative emotions. This is the inevitable result of the changes of heaven and earth. Humans must use positive energy to improve people’s spirituality, and actively respond to various impending unexpected disasters. In Chinese, this is called yi zheng qu xie(以正祛邪) or ‘righteousness to eliminate evil’ and it is an attitude that we must address as human beings. While heart disease requires medical treatment, sadness is psychological. Everyone must find various ways to relieve their negative emotions. In this regard, borrow the Chinese medicine theory of nu sheng bei (怒勝悲) which literally means ‘anger overcomes sadness.’ However, ‘anger’ here means ‘determination, bravery, and justice.’ When you exert yourself and are determined to overcome challenges, pessimism will disappear.

Fame means that various opportunities to chase fame and fortune abound. This reflects in the greed of the heart, and expresses its meaning within documents, public opinions, articles, contracts, and in other ways. There will be a lot of lawsuits, and a lot of unreasonable, rude, and forceful behavior, but it is an indication that world reform is beginning. We must always remain objective and fair. Humans must live in peace. Human hearts must be kind and generous. Vain fame and fortune are only short-lived experiences and will not stand the test of history.

This year will also manifest a strong sense of belonging. People will unanimously hope for a powerful strength to lead and protect them, just like babies need a mother’s care. Losses will be vivid. People will awaken to the many disappointments of reality. These will be replaced by the pursuit of religion and faith, an inevitable global trend. Self-confidence, peace, and calmness is also a kind of belief. Don’t worship anything blindly. Concentration produces wisdom which will enable you to see everything in the world fairly. Peace brings you wisdom that leads to optimism. And optimism leads to courage and determination.

Over the past year, everyone has experienced the torment of the pandemic and remains in fear of death. Adopting a positive perspective, this indicates that the world is on the precipice of massive change. Things swing in the opposite direction when they become extreme. This is an inevitable law of the universe. Good will rise from the heart of evil. The new will replace the old. Every major historic change is a thrilling experience. From the theory of Tai Chi and the Book of Changes, this produces Yang.

The effects of the pandemic cannot be ignored. Medical methods to save mankind will emerge. The virus will begin to become contained after March 2021. Human wisdom is indelible.

In 2021, the climate will shift to be relatively cold, different from 2020. Last year, KungFuMagazine’s Feng Shui Master Wilson Sun predicted 2020 would be a year of fire and there were major fires everywhere. This year, it will be floods, hail and freezing. This will be extremely dangerous for regions with hidden water issues if they are not treated in advance.

In addition to pandemic containment issues, the health outlook foresees stomach problems. Digestive and gastrointestinal problems are prevalent. The magic weapon for good health is to protect the stomach and keep warm. For those prone to cold, it will be difficult to stay healthy. Women may have umbilical issues. Be cautious.

The prevalence of sadness will bring many secret fights. War will take the form of battles of wits, hidden weapons, assassinations, and conspiracy plots. Everyone must be vigilant. As it is said, ‘Do not have the heart to harm others, but have the heart to guard against others (hai ren zhi xin bu ke you, fang ren zhi xin bu ke wu 害人之心不可有，防人之心不可無). Kind people must be clear-headed. Don’t just echo the views of others. You must use your own wisdom to reason and think about everything. This is the magic weapon to guard against hidden harm.

There will be some strange disease outbreaks and wind disasters in Southeast Asia. The northern countries of the world will encounter the threat of war and disease. Southern countries will have greater impact on world politics. Corresponding situations will occur in the southeastern regions of the United States. The north will be plagued by the pandemic again, along with incidents of fighting. The south will have some luck, improvements, and reformations. The northeastern economy will undergo great changes.

From a global perspective, many official will lose their posts and change positions. There will be big, unexpected changes of chief government officials.

Favorable food: Chinese yam, millet, milkvetch (astragalus), bai zhu (atractylodes macrocephala 白朮), fu ling (poria mushroom 茯苓), ginseng and cinnamon.

The three auspicious directions are West, Northeast, and South.

West: Lucky for wealth, real estate, career, herbs, and healthy foods. If you want to make a fortune, go west. If the gate to your home or company faces west, grasp the opportunity to change your luck. Corporate women in power are incredibly lucky – the younger they are, the more powerful they might become. Women must take advantage of the opportunity to give full play to their strengths, secure their positions, and increase their wealth. The 3^rd daughter or the youngest is favored. To glean the most luck, make big plans.

Northeast: Communications and public relations can be facilitated. There are great advantages in emotion, making friends and developing customer groups. Careers related to clothing, beauty, decorations, and aesthetics are lucky. If the gate of the house or company faces northeast, this has the advantage of the times, however the external area must not have any sharp objects or Feng Shui evil spirits, or the power will be broken. Young men and 3^rd sons are lucky. Companies should employ more young men because they are likely to bring popularity and opportunity. This is especially true for marketing and public relations, where young men can make incredible gains. Enabling young male students for temporary work or internships is a wonderful secret.

South: Good for communication, affection, studies for examination, and making money. When the gate for the home or business faces this direction, popularity and fortune are dominant. Careers related to energy, beautification, arts, and electronics are lucky. The 2^nd daughter is lucky. Middle-aged employees work effectively and are stable in doing things. They are the backbone that cannot be ignored. If all these people are deployed well, a company’s foundation will be solid.

The two ferocious directions are North and Southeast.

North: Unhealthy and the constant cause of trouble. Be especially careful when your gate faces north. It is important to improve the Feng Shui pattern of this in advance to prevent problems before they happen. People living in a north-facing house will face poor health and relapse of old illnesses. Attend to medical care and avoid being aggressive. The 2^nd son and middle-aged men should pay special attention to their health. Don’t stay up too late or overdraw on physicality, otherwise illness will be inevitable.

Southeast: Easy to cause trouble and bring disaster. If the gate faces this direction, you must be extremely careful. Unless the Feng Shui position is defeated, there will be disputes, harm to health, and disaster. The eldest daughter must know how to take care of herself this year. Avoid overworking and fighting with others and be sure to heal minor illnesses immediately. Older women in companies will have heavy responsibilities, more pressure and receive little thanks. They must be patient and bear the burden. They must be incredibly careful doing things or they will make mistakes and encounter problems and setbacks. Deal with things calmly.

[JohnC]

What do you agree and disagree with?

[Taomeow]

2 hours ago, JohnC said:

What do you agree and disagree with?

 

My strongest disagreement is the whole tone of a "cold reading," of the usual pop astrological prattle where assertions are made that are so vague and "universal" as to appear believable regardless of whether they're  full of shit or not.  The "mark" will interpret them based on his own beliefs sprinkled with platitudes.   Most of "Chinese astrology" out there is for entertainment purposes only and is produced from the same tabloid blueprint of a cold reading most Western pop astrology is.  Which is the outcome of these sciences having been long relegated to the status of entertainment and/or superstition -- it's been a while since they attracted the minds of true scholars, let alone the mind of a great scholar, let alone the mind of a great prophet.  Consequently the field is full of charlatans and ignorami.  They talk the talk but it isn't rooted in anything -- every paragraph of the above prediction, I could ask the authors, "Why?"  The real fortune teller would immediately offer taoist scientific proof for this probability: "A interacts with B in such and such way, therefore C is a strong possibility."  I like taoist sciences, I don't like pseudotaoist pseudoscience.    

 

The parts I agree with are mostly also of this nature -- a mere "hit" in a "hit and miss" cold reading.  E.g. that 2021 will be cold.  Or that "corporate women in power are extremely lucky."  Or that  "War will take the form of battles of wits, hidden weapons, assassinations, and conspiracy plots."  Doesn't it always.   

Edited February 5, 2021 by Taomeow

[natural]

Next you will tell me fortune cookies are fake.

Where does it end?

[Taomeow]

33 minutes ago, natural said:

Next you will tell me fortune cookies are fake.

Where does it end?

 

[liminal_luke]

Don´t laugh but I do take fortune cookies seriously.  My method is to ask the cookie a question before breaking it open and consider how the message inside might be an answer.  I´m probably "cold reading" myself but I´ve found some of these fortunes illuminating.

Edited February 5, 2021 by liminal_luke

[thelerner]

13 minutes ago, liminal_luke said:

Don´t laugh but I do take fortune cookies seriously.  My method is to ask the cookie a question before breaking it open and consider how the message inside might be an answer.  I´m probably "cold reading" myself but I´ve found some of these fortunes illuminating.

& I believed if you didn't eat the paper fortune, it wouldn't come true.  

 

In Chicago, most of the New Age shops and books stores have been long closed.  Pity, some were great to grab a pastry, coffee, peruse a book.  Some offered a palm or tarot reading.  Not that I'm a true believer in such, but every year I'd partake, to give myself food for thought.  Focal points to dwell on.

 

We live in a Rorshachian world, and perhaps it's better to look upon it and give values and interpretation, then to ignore the designs we see, altogether.

[Taomeow]

1 hour ago, liminal_luke said:

Don´t laugh but I do take fortune cookies seriously.  My method is to ask the cookie a question before breaking it open and consider how the message inside might be an answer.  I´m probably "cold reading" myself but I´ve found some of these fortunes illuminating.

 

Methinks there's a lot of truth in that approach.  Anything can become a diviner's tool with the right mindset, it's just that some tools are more reliable than others, some yield to a "rational" explanation better than others, and some need a very deep understanding of the fabric of reality to be understood -- and relied upon to tell the truth.  Chinese taoist divinational arts are in this latter category, and if mastered, allow the diviner to "roam the root of heaven and earth" and know what's what as well as she know her own kitchen.  And, to continue with the cookie/kitchen metaphor, you can make many things out of what you store in your pantry and in your fridge if you know how to cook.    

[Vajra Fist]

On 05/02/2021 at 6:26 PM, liminal_luke said:

Don´t laugh but I do take fortune cookies seriously.  My method is to ask the cookie a question before breaking it open and consider how the message inside might be an answer.  I´m probably "cold reading" myself but I´ve found some of these fortunes illuminating.

 

I remember once when I was a teenager, after dropping a load of acid, I opened a fortune cookie. It said 'you will have to think quickly'. Two minutes later, while eating the cookie I started choking. I turned around and saw a mate drinking beer, so I ran over and grabbed the can for a swig. I immediately remembered the fortune cookie message and then, in the state I was in, convinced myself it was the intervention of an angel. 

 

Having done a lot of acid, I spent almost the entirety of the next 12 hours in tears. 

 

On 11/12/2020 at 6:55 PM, Taomeow said:

The power of any needle (and any hidden dagger) will be enhanced.  Intent and motives behind using it will be amplified. 

 

Thanks so much for this post @Taomeow. If you don't mind me asking, would this be a good year for learning taiji sword?

Edited February 10, 2021 by Vajra Fist

[natural]

Well grasshopper the best year to learn anything has passed.

As will this year, sooner than one expects.

Not to needle you but what you sew is what unravels.

[Taomeow]

14 minutes ago, Vajra Fist said:

 

I remember once when I was a teenager, after dropping a load of acid, I opened a fortune cookie. It said 'you will have to think quickly'. Two minutes later, while eating the cookie I started choking. I turned around and saw a mate drinking beer, so I ran over and grabbed the can for a swig. I immediately remembered the fortune cookie message and then, in the state I was in, convinced myself it was the intervention of an angel. 

 

Outstanding.  An apt illustration of what I meant when I said

 

On 2/5/2021 at 11:34 AM, Taomeow said:

 

 Anything can become a diviner's tool with the right mindset

 

 

I always pay attention to voices that bring a sudden clear snippet of a conversation between some strangers passing by, or talking outside my window -- when all you hear is an indistinct mumbling of voices (or nothing at all) but then some word or statement stands out and sounds loud and clear.  I usually take this as a comment to what I'm thinking, talking about or writing at the moment, and make a note of it.  Once I was teaching walking qigong to a very disturbed, very unresponsive to any healthy interventions young woman, and she was behaving better than ever, cooperating and being uncharacteristically reasonable and open.  I felt encouraged and hopeful.  Some guys went by on bicycles, talking as they pedaled, and just when they were passing us one of them yelled, "Don't count on it, it will get much worse in three days."  Maybe they were talking about the weather, who knows, but the statement came right on the heels of my thinking "maybe things will start improving with her," and it was the only part of the conversation I heard, so I couldn't help a mental "uh-oh..."  Three days later, the young woman did something crazy enough to wind up in a mental institution. 

 

16 minutes ago, Vajra Fist said:

Thanks so much for this post @Taomeow. If you don't mind me asking, would this be a good year for learning taiji sword?

 

My pleasure.   Yes, taiji sword is a practice very compatible with the qi of the year, generally speaking (i.e. if there's no personal bazi contraindications).  

[Taomeow]

Year of the White Cow