In Chinese astrology, there are 12 zodiac signs which are represented symbolically by 12 animal signs. These animal signs take their turn to govern a given year based on the Chinese solar calendar or Sixty Jia Zi system. Each animal sign has typical characteristic associated with the year of birth based on the five elements of wood, fire, earth, metal and water. Each year, one of the elements and animal signs will rule the year. The animal sign that rules the year is also given the peculiar name of Grand Duke Jupiter which is associated with the celestial bodies. In 2008, it is rule by the Grand Duke Rat and the ruling element is earth. When you combine the rat and the earth, it becomes the year of the earth rat.

Based on Chinese metaphysics or Feng Shui, a house is divided into nine grids within which there are eight sectors or directions - the center, four primary sectors/directions and four secondary sectors/directions. The four primary sectors/directions are North, South, East and West whereas the four secondary sectors/directions are NW, SE, NE and SW. The center of the house is not included in the compass directions. In 2008, the inauspicious energies known as Five Yellow, Year Breaker and Three Killings occupy the south sector. Five Yellow brings major illnesses and obstacles whereas Three Killing comprises the triple combo of negative energies associated with disaster, robbery (financial losses) and accidents. The Year Breaker is the animal sign which is opposite in direction to the Grand Duke Jupiter.

Every year, the Grand Duke Jupiter will move into a different sector in the house and the palace in which it occupies for the year will be afflicted with negative energies. These negative energies will in turn afflict the resident who resides in the sector concerned. This affliction will manifest in unlucky outcomes for the resident such as accidents, financial losses and illnesses. In order to avoid the ill effects of such affliction, the resident should keep the place undisturbed and there should not be any knocking of the wall, digging of the ground or activities that create noises and vibrations. Best of all, move away from the south sector.

In the year of the Earth Rat (2008), the Grand Duke Jupiter flies into the North sector of a house and its direction is north. If you were born in the year of the Rat, you are said to be offending the Grand Duke Jupiter of the year. What it means is that the energy in you or qi (the energy you were infused with at time of birth based on Chinese Astrology) is tuned in the same direction with the energy of the year and such an alignment of energy creates negative outcomes for the person. You will face with many setbacks and obstacles in the year relating to wealth, health and relationship. In order to avoid such bad luck, all residents in the property should not sit or sleep facing North direction, especially the resident with the animal sign of Rat. If you were born in the year of the Horse, you are said to be clashing with the Grand Duke Jupiter of the year. In other words, your energy or qi is tuned in the opposite direction against the energy of the year because the Horse manifests itself as the Year Breaker and it occupies the south sector. This will also have negative effects on you and the year ahead will be likewise stressful and problematic. The other animal signs that conflict with the Grand Duke Jupiter of the year are Goat (harmful clash) and Rabbit (destructive clash).

On the contrary, the Grand Duke Jupiter of the year can also bring positive outcome for residents who were born in the year of the Ox, Monkey and Dragon. To put it in an astrological perspective, the energy of the year combines with your energy or qi. It means that there is certain compatibility or affinity in the relationship between the Rat, the Ox, the Monkey and the Dragon. If you are one of these animal signs, the year ahead is auspicious and you will have success when it comes to people, relationship, health and wealth. However, a person will need to undertake an actual analysis of his or her natal chart in order to unravel what destiny really has in store for him or her, not only for this year but the years ahead.

This article only shows you one of the basic applications of the amazing vast fields of Chinese Astrology known as Four Pillars of Destiny. If you are interested to find out your destiny for free, you can visit www.proactive-qi.com/Destiny.html.