Dato' Joey Yap shares insights on the year of the metal rat

Source: The Joey Yap Group. Dato' Yap.

Dato' Joey Yap of The Joey Yap Group and founder of the Mastery Academy of Chinese Metaphysics, has consolidated guidance for the year of the rat on a portal, Everything About The Year of The Metal Rat 2020 All In One Place.

Browse the portal to:Jo

- Watch a video about what your Chinese zodiac animal sign can expect from 25 January 2020

- Download the Thriver's Guide to 2020

- View Facebook videos of past live Q&As (click on the ingot icon on the top right)

Dato' Yap has also shared individual forecasts for each animal:

RAT

Abundance is just a matter of perception. Instead of remaining idle, try to put in some effort and begin to notice it in every aspect of your life. It has always been there. In fact, it is your birthright, but perhaps you were too busy to notice its existence due to lack of awareness.

Wealth 

While there’s no denying the Rat’s efforts can and will yield monetary rewards, he or she needs to be extra cautious of unwittingly overspending this year and thus wasting their hard-earned cash. Conceiving a budget plan and adhering rigidly to it will keep the rat’s wallet comfortably plump in the year ahead.

Career 

 A one-man-army mentality will do you no favours this year. This is a period where you’ll find people in both your social and corporate circle that will willingly help and empower you in your pursuits. Be approachable and a team player, and you’ll avoid the backlash of corporate politics while gaining indispensable allies.

Health 

 Pay extra attention to your physical and emotional wellbeing this year. The rat has a greater chance of encountering urinary system issues this time around, but this will be of little issue if you respect nutrition, healthier living and medical check-ups when necessary.

OX

This year, with the rise of three auspicious stars, worry will be replaced with optimism and fear will be replaced with hope. Although inauspicious stars are lined up to potentially derail you from your dreams, a positive and focused mind will ensure that the stars’ negative effects won’t cause tears to roll down your cheeks Wealth You’ll see many opportunities to generate wealth cross various avenues, even beyond your day job. The ox may enjoy prosperity this year, but remember to appreciate the need for rest to keep burnout and stress at bay!  

Career

Your likeability will soar this year as superior and fellow co-workers become more receptive to you this year, enabling you to achieve a harmonious working environment. Polish your communication skills and you’ll be able to expedite this process!

Health 

The sturdy ox remains relatively impervious to serious illness in the coming year, though a good diet and eye for fitness will ensure that even common health concerns will hardly ever bother you this time around.

TIGER

Good luck awaits you this year in the form of travel and money-making opportunities. While it is always good to adopt an attitude of gratitude when you come across favorable situations. It is also important to remember that these lucky chances may not come your way twice!

Wealth 

While wealth opportunities will be aplenty if you’re receptive to travelling, suppress your urge to splurge as monetary loss is a very real threat this year. Minimising the financial damage is all about being prudent and keeping close tabs on cash outflow.

Career 

While the professional road ahead is rocky, upping your communicative prowess will go a long way to ensuring your efforts won’t go unrecognised while keeping the corporate drama coming your way to an absolute minimum!

Health 

The Tiger is daring, but now’s the time to channel that trait in ways that don’t involve any grave risk to both physical and mental wellbeing. Sticking to an effective health regime will allow the tiger to stay fit enough to tackle 2020’s ample opportunities.

RABBIT

For better or worse, the theme of rabbit’s forecast in the year of the metal rat is all about relationships. Almost all of the annual stars, both auspicious and inauspicious, touches upon your relationship aspect in one way or another. Though the current is looking to be less auspicious than the previous year, how it would actually play out depends on your decisions.

Wealth 

So long as you avoid any high-risk investments, the Rabbit will be hopping towards abundance throughout 2020. Remain diligent and assume an uncompromising work ethic – this will boost your already positive wealth luck and raise your chances for a well-deserved raise. Real estate investment should also be an activity on your radar this year, though it’s best to play conservative and select only low risk investments.

Career 

The rabbit is liable to being swept up in gossip at the workplace, though prioritising work over corporate drama will allow you to minimise the backlash of the wagging tongues. Despite the rumours surrounding you, you’ll nonetheless enjoy helping hands from colleagues throughout the year. Return the favours as they come and you’ll design a better work experience for yourself this 2020.

Health 

A change of lifestyle and daily routine could be wise to preserve the rabbit’s physical and mental wellbeing. Prevention is far better than cure; the rabbit should adhere to this maxim strongly by committing to a stricter fitness regime this 2020.

DRAGON

A journey like no other is this year’s theme for the dragon’s forecast. The way you respond to a situation and the meaning you give to each moment is what really matters as it determines how your year will unfold. There will be challenging times, but remember no matter how tough a situation may get in life, you will still have the power to turn the tides in your favor.

Wealth 

It’s prudent to rely on those far superior to you in terms of financial management this 2020. The dragon should be looking at investments into fixed deposits as well as better saving plans; expert advice will certainly help with such financial strategising.

Career 

Look at the silver linings of every career-related issue that may test the dragon’s perseverance this year. Miscommunication and backstabbing may dominate your professional life this time around, but such hardships are also an opportunity for you to discover ways you can improve your interactions with those at the workplace.

Health 

This year is one where the dragon should refrain from any extreme physical activity. Exercise is of course never frowned upon, though you should nonetheless be mindful of overexertion as you’re more prone to physical injury this year. Meanwhile, pay special attention to any potential health concerns pertaining to your waist and stomach area.

SNAKE

This year presents many opportunities for you to find the silver lining in every situation. Although good luck will come to you in the form of support and new relationships, the way you approach every situation will determine its final outcome. Life can be filled with so much drama due to the presence of the inauspicious stars this year, but if you choose to look at life in a more positive away, you could turn the tides in your favor.

Wealth 

 Thankfully, there will be opportunities for the snake to accumulate, save and spend money in a more relaxed manner compared to the previous year. Nonetheless, toughen up the security around your assets if possible, to prevent any possible loss in wealth due to theft.

Career 

There are high chances of a promotion this year as your rapport with your superiors improve overall. Don’t be afraid to voice out what your contributions are; silence and false modesty are poor traits to get your talents noticed by those above you.

Health 

Cast away your frivolous attitude towards your health this year. Don’t underestimate minor health concerns; treat them before they worsen while paying more attention towards your diet. If you are not mindful enough, you could have urinary system-related issues or foot-oriented problems, so don’t let your health take the backseat!

HORSE

Your aim for this year should revolve around being patient, kind and appreciative because everything else will fall into place once you get into this type of mindset and attitude. In other words, you will step into a much more comfortable scenario even when life seems to lean towards a negative direction due to the presence of inauspicious stars.

Wealth 

Wealth opportunities will be elusive if you do not exert the necessary effort; a diligent workhorse is the best horse this 2020. Meticulous planning and heightened wariness will also save the horse from a lot of financial heartache. Be careful when signing any contracts or agreements, for instance, to avoid unwittingly losing money thanks to carelessness.

Career 

Meditation and charity work will be a source of attaining calm and appreciation for others; this is an important counter to the added stress you’ll endure at the workplace this year. Don’t allow a lack of recognition encourage you to throw in the towel. Persevere at your current workplace against all odds and your hard work may just be rewarded.

Health 

As implied earlier, stress may be a dominant issue for you if you allow work issues to cascade into your personal life. Counteract this by ensuring you have ample amounts of rest, sleep, vitamins and nutrition. Taking a much needed sabbatical every now and then can do wonders for your physical and mental wellbeing too!

GOAT 

The essence of the infinity symbol seems to have a strong connection with you this year, where issues tend to subside and absolute truths are revealed, thanks to the five lucky stars’ ability to tune you into this year’s miracles and wonders. A smooth path ahead is definitely anticipated, but if life takes a detour, it would be best to lean more towards the positive side.

Wealth

Careful financial planning is all it takes to mitigate the possibility of minor wealth loss this 2020. Beyond this, your wealth opportunities are looking very positive, though your own negativity may make you too blind to notice how fortunate you truly are. Shift your mindset and you’ll be rewarded accordingly.

Career 

The first half of 2020 will be a crucial time for you to establish a foundation for your career. Suppress your impatience and don’t mindlessly jump at every career opportunity you see; some of these so-called opportunities won’t benefit you in the long run. Only commit to something outside your primary work after careful consideration!

Health 

Be extra careful of what you decide to ingest, especially if you are an older billy goat! You might want to consider having more homecooked meals instead of regularly eating out; this affords you better control of your food’s nutrition level and cleanliness.

MONKEY

2020 is shaping up to being the year that would truly test your resilience in life. This is a great year to learn and grow through the many challenges that may come your way. Most people take their joys and blessings for granted and start grumbling about what they do not have when they are faced with problems and troubles.

Wealth 

 Your boost in wealth will rely a lot of the assistance of others this year, perhaps in the form of expert advice on what to invest in or how to shore up your financial security. Don’t take their help for granted though; be sure to pay it forward by helping the less fortunate and the universe will have its way of repaying your kindness!

Career 

It’s in your best interest to find ways of showcasing your talents more prominently to garner the attention of your superiors or other figures of importance. At the same time, be extra careful about who you trust and what you say, as your newfound recognition at the workplace may invite jealousy and potential backstabbing.

Health 

While no major illnesses are expected to be concerns for the monkey this year, it’s still recommended to resist the allure of exceedingly tasty, yet extremely unhealthy and oily foods. Stress could also be an added issue this time around, though you can easily alleviate this by making exercise and meditation a prominent part of your routine.

ROOSTER

While many people out there are looking for ways to find the light which represents solutions, happiness and fulfilment, they often overlook the most important part of all which is to actually become a light onto others. Serving others will be much easier for you as you will be experiencing quite a smooth year in 2020.

Wealth

It’s time to diversify your options for attaining wealth. Don’t just stick to what you already know; research on various methods on how to increase your finances, then seek out professional help to pinpoint the best route toward gradually upping your bank balance.

Career 

It may not be the most smooth sailing of career journeys, but the rooster will nonetheless encounter good opportunities, such as the possibility of enrolling in a special career development programme or more company trips to improve connections both within and beyond your workplace. Be extra nice and accommodating of the people in your professional circle to keep these opportunities coming.

Health 

You may be surprised at just how much of a different maintaining a healthy diet and eyeing your eating habits can make. It’s also advised for you to embrace nature a little more than usual, since this will help you mentally and stayed energised emotionally.

DOG

Nothing is ever achieved without some trials and tribulations. The first step in moving beyond those circumstances is to remain positive. When you reverberate positivity – the quality of your thoughts and feelings improve. Remember that you can’t control everything in life, relationships or business, so embrace the adversity and dig in even further to drive a positive outcome.

Wealth 

A solid financial backup plan will be your line of defence against the constant possibility of monetary loss this year. Don’t be so quick to invest your money as a means to counter this lacklustre wealth period. Avoid high-risk investments at all costs and focus more on simply saving money.

Career 

Influential people will have your back in the professional space, deterring potential backstabbers and opportunists from fully exploiting you. Be sure to show your appreciation of the people in power who will assist you; by aligning your efforts with those who have greater authority, you stand a fair chance of turning your career prospects around.

Health 

You won’t have any difficulties finding the best medical assistance should your health deteriorate, though it’s far better if you take care of your wellbeing before it comes to that. Minor physical injuries are also more likely this 2020, so avoid extreme activities especially if you have not prepared any essential safety measures beforehand.

BOAR

A great year ahead in terms of wealth and learning a good star that would boost your monetary gain, particularly through information gained through carefully-researched investments. There are many ways of looking at your life this year and the outcome is determined by your state of mind and the actions you choose to take during every moment.

Wealth

You will see a positive shift in your wealth luck this year as more door opens for you to get better part-time jobs as well as other alternative sources of income. While none of these opportunities are particularly spectacular, effort on your part to harness these changes will be enough to afford you peace of mind.

Career 

Thankfully, you won’t be needing to struggle in your professional life too much thanks to a generally positive relationship between you and your colleagues. In fact, you may be primed to elevate yourself to a better corporate position by leveraging on the assistance of the bountiful of helping hands you’ll enjoy this year.

Health 

Don’t use your busy schedule as an excuse to omit healthy additions to your lifestyle. There are plenty of quick, cost effective ways to care for your health, nutrition and overall fitness without compromising the progress towards your goals. Find out what works for you healthwise and commit to it!

In addition to founding the Mastery Academy of Chinese Metaphysics – an education institution for fengshui, bazi, qi men dun jia, mian xiang, Yi Jing, date selection and face reading, Yap is the best-selling author of over 172 book titles published in seven different languages worldwide. He engages with students in more than 37 countries.

Explore:

Identify your animal sign

Hashtags: #AskJoeyYap, #FengShuiByJoeyYap

Three ways to boost career success

Modern working life can be gruelling, but there is hope with fengshui. Fengshui philosophy says that there are ways to find greener pastures for yourself. Dato' Joey Yap, the founder of the Mastery Academy of Chinese Metaphysics, has sone fengshui insights for a career pick-me-up, beginning with arranging the bedroom wisely.

WorkSmart Asia (Q): The bedroom..?

Dato' Yap (JY): You might be asking yourself, what does my bedroom have to do with gaining career success? Well, for starters, the bedroom’s probably the most important room in your entire house since you basically spend a third of your life here, including sleeping.

Speaking of sleep, getting some good sleep is especially important to your health too! Therefore, the type of qi that affects your bedroom is crucial to your overall well-being. If your fitness levels are low due to disrupted sleep, that in turn could force a downgrade in your work performance which doesn’t bode well for your long-term career goals!

Fengshui-wise, a pillar right in the middle of the bedroom doesn’t aid your sleeping endeavours as it’s looked at as an unfavourable formation known as a Pole in the Heart Formation. This formation significantly affects qi circulation in the room, which might disrupt that good night’s sleep you’d like to get from the comfort of your home. 

Q: What about moving furniture around? 

JY: It’s best to place your bed’s headboard against a stable yin feature like a wall instead of a yang feature like a window so that the passive yin energy can encourage better sleep as opposed to the active yang energy.

Source: Pixabay, via Joey Yap. In this day and age, if you’re a working professional who doesn’t have your own home workspace, even if it’s a simple setup, then you’re missing out on truly being productive in your career life.

Q: Are there other spots in the home that could affect your career?

JY: Many working individuals, especially entrepreneurs, possess their very own working space at home in order to continue their work, if needed, away from the office. Having a personal workspace like this is key to setting up your career success! Even if you’re someone who doesn’t have to work from home, having a designated study room in your house could prove to be beneficial for any other side tasks or activities that require focus and success.

Q: How would you set up the workspace at home for career success?

Fengshui can help you to further cultivate a sense of urgency and concentration when utilising your home office. Firstly, make sure you avoid Yin Sha* by inviting natural sunlight – that’s not blocked by thick greenery outside your house – to shine into the room. This is because Yin Sha could incite a drop in focus levels in the room which is something you clearly wouldn’t want to experience when trying to be productive! 

Fengshui could also boost your focus levels in the room if you ensure that the door to your home office opens to a spacious area. This spacious area is known as a Bright Hall which is a place where good qi can collect and circulate before flowing into other areas like your home office!

Q: Light and space are certainly positive in any setting. What's a third thing that people can do to help their careers?

JY: The #8 Facing Star (also known as the Wealth Star) is the qi type to focus on if you want invite more wealth opportunities. This Facing Star can help bring about long-term improvements to your finances if you’re already generating your own stream of monetary wealth. Moreover, the #8 can still be used to increase your chances of getting a pay rise or job promotion if you’re financially lacking at the moment.

Q: How do we take advantage of this Star?

JY: Once you locate where the Star is in your home, all you need to do to activate the #8 Facing Star is place a water feature within the area of your home the Star is in. However, water features aren’t always practicable items to place. For example, placing an aquarium in your bedroom can have adverse effects on your moneymaking prospects as the noise of the active water can disrupt your sleep and consequently disrupt your work flow.

This can be resolved by using other yang items, such as televisions, air conditioners and fans. Though in order for the qi to move and stay active, the room needs to be frequently used and not just have these yang features present. The more you use the room and utilise these yang devices and features, the more the qi circulates. 

Also, make sure room is brightly lit (through natural sunlight during the day) for an ideal activation of the #8 Facing Star.

Q: What can people do if they would like to know more?

JY: If you’d like to learn more about the subject of fengshui and Chinese metaphysics and the role it could play it enhancing your work life, you can head to this website: www.joeyyap.com.

In summary:

Arrange your bedroom wisely
A fengshui-compliant bedroom could lay the foundation to changing career prospects for the better.

Organise your home office
A working professional with their own home workspace has a truly productive career.

Find and activate the Wealth Star
Fattening up our wallets or purses is, to some extent, everyone’s main priority when it comes to their career. It’s nothing to be ashamed about, and fengshui can help you on that front.

In addition to founding the Mastery Academy of Chinese Metaphysics – an education institution for feng shui, bazi, qi men dun jia, mian xiang, Yi Jing, date selection and face reading, Yap is the best-selling author of over 172 book titles published in seven different languages worldwide. He engages with students in more than 37 countries.

Dato' Yap has also conducted professional consultations for a wide range of clientele from the UK, USA, Canada, France, Germany and all of Southeast Asia. For all things Joey Yap and more, connect on www.instagram.com/realjoeyyap. Email info@joeyyap.com about one-on-one consultations.

Explore:

Watch the video on how to find the Wealth Star in 2019. The stars move from lunar year to lunar year.

Hashtag: #FengShuiByJoeyYap

*Yin Sha refers to something that generates too much yin energy, which is not encouraged as people become less energetic. 

Date selection tips for doing the right thing at the right time

Source: Unsplash via Joey Yap. Diary with pen.

In fengshui philosophy, there are ideal times for executing important life decisions and facilitating better outcomes.

"Timing is truly everything. The fact there are some days which are better than others for certain activities isn’t rocket science. To optimise your time and ensure the outcomes you want are realised, you cannot neglect the all-important aspect of dates," says Dato’ Joey Yap, the founder of the Mastery Academy of Chinese Metaphysics.

"Let’s look at some important decisions the average person may contend with during their lifetime and how date selection can pick out the right days to usher in the positive outcome of those choices," Dato’ Yap elaborates:

Date to get a fresh start to life

"It’s not uncommon for people to be in an emotional rut after a huge career or personal setback. Regardless, picking yourself back up and working towards a better, stronger you is mandatory to get the most out of life," he says.

"For this, Initiate Days are great days for new beginnings. As the name implies, Initiate Days are typically ideal for initiating or kickstarting something.

"Such days would be even better if it has the Mound Star present, since its highly favourable for key personal activities and one of the rare stars with zero downsides."

Initiate Days are one of 12 types of days which are ideal for specific activities. The Mound Star is one of nine stars in fengshui philosophy. They are involved in the timing of events and circumstances and also represent the movement of celestial bodies and their impact on Earth and people.

Date to facilitate smoother surgery 

"Commencing surgery on the right day can speed up recovery time among other benefits. That said, the best option is a Success Day if the surgery or medical procedure is relatively minor. For surgeries involving the removal of something like a cyst or appendix, for instance, Remove Days are the better choice.

"Barring those two, Stable Days are a less ideal yet acceptable alternative as such days possess favourable qi for activities that require setup or are scheduled well in advance," Dato’ Yap says.

In fengshui philosophy, qi refers to energy forces.

Date to get toxic people out of your life

Remove Days are also ideal for severing toxic relationships, Yap says. "However, the key here is to diffuse the situation in a way that doesn’t leave any animosity or grudges festering. This is why it’s better if the Remove Day of your choosing is paired with the Heavenly Virtue Noble Star as it has a pacifying effect on negative activities and helps infuse it with positive energies," he added.

"Alternatively, the presence of the Net Star can also help you end relationships with toxic people in a relatively pleasant manner, as the star facilitates harmonious outcomes and peaceful discourse."

Noble stars are considered particularly auspicious as they facilitate positive outcomes for a person.

Date to request a raise

"Both Success Days and Open Days are typically great for convincing your boss to up your salary. While Success Days are superior, Open Days are usable as the qi present is making people a little more open to your point of view," Dato’ Yap advises.

"The presence of the Horn Star, which always falls on a Thursday (though not every Thursday) would help as it ushers wealth and good tidings."

There are days to avoid, too. "Regardless of what important activity you’re planning to accomplish, the general rule of thumb is to avoid all Year Breaker, Month Breaker and Personal Breaker Days as the energies present on such days would undermine the success rate or smoothness of your plan’s execution. Keep this in mind and you’ll be a step closer to optimising your days ahead,." Dato’ Yap said.

Explore:

Yap’s expertise in the study of Chinese metaphysics is often sought after. He is also a bestselling author of 179 books published in seven different languages, with more than 4.2 million copies sold worldwide. He has conducted professional consultations for clientele from around the world, including Southeast Asia. Earlier this year, some 20,000 participants attended his Live Seminar to hear his expert insights on Chinese metaphysics. For more information, check out Joey Yap’s website.

Find out more about the different Days and how fengshui can facilitate a better life with Dato’ Joey Yap’s guide.

Joey Yap has an official store as well.

Joey Yap's pointers for the 12 animal signs for 2019

Dato' Joey Yap, the author, speaker and Chinese metaphysics consultant, has prepared forecasts for the 12 zodiac signs as well as a flying stars chart, based on one of the formulas used in the world of Chinese metaphysics.

Predictions for the different animal signs for the year of the earth boar, beginning February 5, 2019, running through to 24 January 2020 are as follows:

Dog

Birth years: 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018

Overall luck

Great year ahead in terms of wealth – a good time to increase monetary gain, particularly through carefully-researched investments as well as other helping hands.

You might feel a little overwhelmed with work, but this is not the best climate to venture out in search of something new.

Your words and communication might be a little misconstrued, so it is best to watch what you say to avert any possible outburst.

Wealth

The doors to wealth opportunities may open this year.

You may see yourself receiving a lot of help in achieving your desires in wealth accumulation.

Before embarking on any possible investment opportunities, research the area you wish to delve into well.

Career

You may feel a little bored at work which would greatly affect your motivation to contribute much.

Not the best idea to move jobs – be patient and make the best of the situation at hand.

You might see work stress get you into little disagreements at work, so keep calm and carry on.

Health

Some minor health dangers may be present this year.

Exercise is crucial as well as eating a healthier, more balanced diet.

Take care of yourself – indulge in some rest and relaxation to recharge your batteries.

Pig

Birth years: 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007

Overall luck

Good stars will help mitigate the presence of inauspicious stars.

Great capacity for learning and chasing after academic pursuits, as well as opportunities for personal advancements.

May be some likelihood of getting into minor squabbles and disagreements at work as well as potential for office rumours.

Wealth

May be some lack of movement in terms of monetary growth this year.

Best to curtail high spending habits that may deplete gained wealth.

Increase work productivity which will in turn guide you to better savings with higher returns.

Career

Work is going to be momentous this year in terms of movement and progress.

Staying calm and focused is key to getting the attention of your superiors.

You are surrounded by strong people who will help guide you in your career quest.

Health

Unfortunate health prospects this year.

There may be some likelihood of minor accidents – be extra cautious when heading out.

You are protected from harm as long as you exercise diligently and avoid extreme activities.

Rat

Birth years: 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008

Overall luck

The perfect year to start your climb up the corporate ladder.

Great stars ahead that will aid your work performance and put you in the talent limelight.

Be proactive in your endeavours and do what it takes to succeed - use the positive energies coming your way to your best advantage.

Wealth

Prepare for some bumpiness in terms of wealth.

Opportunities abound if you keep your eyes and ears open.

Avoid risky and speculative investments this year as the outlook might not be in your favour.

Career

Practice patience and perseverance as you face some minor career challenges ahead.

Embrace help from generous people you will better guide you in your career quest.

Health

Pay extra attention to your health as some minor threats are likely to emerge.

Take prudent care of your health – exercise and watch your consumption of fatty and oily food.

Wear masks and take vigilant precautions particularly around viral epidemics that may appear.

Ox

Birth years: 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009

Overall luck

Time to introspect and retrospect and see what brings you internal happiness this year.

The pursuit of wealth and success may witness you being stressed and bogged down and this is the year to try and get your life back in traction and focus on yourself.

Time to re-evaluate your spending habits and look into saving a little more – material pursuits are only temporary.

Wealth

It would be wise to place few expectations on monetary gain.

Balance your finance outflow and inflow and check your approach towards spending on what is unnecessary – perhaps seek out financial planning advice.

There is the possibility of unwise and hasty decisions – take your time to consider any decisions made.

Career

There might be a slow decline in your progress at work.

You might need to be patient in your efforts to right the course of things.

Show loyalty and steadfastness toward your superiors, heed their advice and this will be the stepping stone for future successes.

Health

Oxen may be a little more vulnerable to viruses and illnesses. Take caution.

Use spare time to look into your health – take the time to exercise and improve your diet with better food choices.

Be vigilant when driving or undertaking high risk activities to avoid any potential mishaps.

Tiger

Birth years: 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010

Overall luck

You will be front and centre this year.

Your time has come to shine at work and the year is looking bright for you to gain the recognition you have wanting in your work.

Wealth stars will prove to be working in your favour and therefore the year is ripe for some sound investments.

Wealth

Look out for valuable tips and seek out good advice when discussing and making potential investments choices before committing to them.

Business owners should consider looking into investing in innovative technologies to amplify their business and stock assets.

Be tactful with your words as a little slip up may leave you open to malicious gossip and rumours which could affect your wealth outcome.

Career

Expect some minor disputes stemming from misunderstandings with superiors and colleagues - exercise tolerance and patience.

Helpful people will likely guide you out of sticky situations.

Be reminded that everyone has differing opinions on matters and issues and it is best to be respectful of this.

Health

Your mind and body are in prime condition to tackle 2019.

For further optimum performance, exercise, eat and rest well – these will aid you in putting your best foot forward in all areas of your life.

Consider partaking in team sports, if company is what motivates you to exercise.

Rabbit

Birth years: 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011

Overall luck

Expect to have a fantastic year – if you’re aiming for career growth, this is year you will see movement in the direction you want to go.

With auspicious stars lined up, your career and wealth  bode well with ample growth and successes on both fronts.

The presence of noble people (贵人) is likely to be the boost that you need to spur you to go further and see endeavours progress smoothly. Noble people are people who step in to provide support at the right time.

Wealth

You will get the edge that you need to enjoy better wealth prospects this year.

There's a spike in improvement to your financial management skills which in turn will see you save more.

It's best to seek outside counsel, particularly from financial experts on matters of investment before putting your money in any potential opportunities.

Career

Great developments in career this year – may be some likelihood of you getting a bigger office space.

A good rapport with your superiors is on the cards, leading to more chances to showcase your abilities at work.

Opportunities are abound and you need to be brave in capitalising the chances that present themselves to you to make a shift.

Health

Some injuries and illness may be prevalent this year – be wise to partaking in risky activities that may be to your detriment.

Pay attention to possible issues with your digestive tract – avoid excessive oil and fat in your diet.

Boost your overall wellbeing by making better diet choices and exercising sufficiently.

Dragon

Birth years: 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012

Overall luck

There will likely be an increase in socialising and meeting new people – you may receive invitations to weddings and parties which will further your chances of meeting great people for love, life and business.

Look into the health of elderly individuals - particularly elderly males who might need a little extra support this year in maintaining their health and in living life to the fullest of their ability.

Wealth

A good year for financial wealth and gain – dragons symbolise wealth and fortune and the year will further spur you.

Look out for gossips and rumours that may come your way – these rumours may have a direct and indirect impact on your finances that may need to watch out for.

Keep a close watch on your wallet as you may be susceptible to pickpockets and thieves – this might in turn cause you to lose substantial amounts of money.

Career

Your career is a non-issue this year – you will see likely growth in some areas and an easing of workload and stress.

Relationships with your superiors will see takeup, prompting better promotion opportunities.

Do not push yourself too hard with work commitments and fall into the trap of stress-related illnesses.

Health

The year might leave you a little open to viruses and illnesses which will disrupt your lifecycle if preventive measures are not taken.

A more concerted effort needs to be made on health matters – exercise and strive to live a better, more well-adjusted lifestyle which will help better other areas of your life as well.

Follow healthy nutritional and dietary practices – as you are what you eat.

Snake

Birth years: 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013

Overall luck

A likely trying year in both professional and personal lives for snakes – it would be wise to maintain the right mindset and gaining the strength to persevere is key to triumphing over challenging times.

You may have ideas coming in on all sides on much of your work and passions but these may lead you nowhere unfortunately – your plans may go in the exact opposite from what you envisioned.

The year also forewarns that you might be tempted to spend money aimlessly and perhaps even partake in some risky investment choices - it is wise to put aside some income and money to spend with your family and friends as they will certainly be your comfort this year.

Wealth

Some uncertainty in your financial wealth – there is possibility of you incurring monetary losses potentially due to failed investments and overspending.

Not a good year for gambling opportunities with already draining financials – best to keep that to months when tides are better.

Financial losses can be cushioned by making a symbolic gesture of purchasing something of value.

Career

The year might see your work-life balance compromised by stressful work constraints that may hold you back. Exercise calm and patience when treading through work issues as these are likely not going to last very long.

Once your work life is stabilised, start making grander plans for the year ahead and you’ll slowly but surely get to execute them – your fortune lies within the industry you are based at, so persevere.

Health

There are no real cause for concerns in terms of health this year – though there may be some issues with minor colds and flu.

Employing better driving etiquette is crucial in avoiding possible accidents on the road.

Also be cautious with sharp and hot objects – try not to be distracted and overenthusiastic when preparing family meals in the kitchen.

Horse

Birth years: 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014

Overall luck

The year is expected to be bountiful and exciting with positive energies likely to surround you in areas of relationship, wealth and career.

Golden opportunities to accumulate wealth can be observed and therefore keep an eye out for lucrative investments in property or shares. Be wary of getting too excited and giving in to impulsive decisions that may lead to monetary loss.

Be cautious about the possibility of accidents– prepare adequately before you travel and perhaps refrain from activities with high physical intensity

Wealth

Wealth will bode well in 2019 but be cautious of potential extravagant spending or investments that could lead to some monetary loss.

Consider that money is likely to fall in favour with you this year – keeping close tabs on your cash flow as well as utilising the money wisely is pertinent.

Career

Great developments in career this year with developments happening closer to the post-autumn (Q3 to Q4) season.

This is the time to buck up and put your best foot forward and present yourself for that promotion you have had your eye on.

Time your execution of plans well – as this will lead the way to a better, more organised outcomes.

Health

Horses will have the ability of jumping over illnesses and injuries this year.

Senior horses need to pay closer attention to their diet and perhaps vary their exercise plan.

Avoid overindulging in late night snacks and food as this may prevent the appearance of digestive problems.

Goat

Birth years: 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015

Overall luck

2019 will leave you a little more relaxed.

You may see movement and improvement in previously stagnant areas of your life which would then lead you to attain goals and dreams.

This year will certainly work in your favour and help you finalise sidelined projects with success, bringing in more money – particularly those engaged in the field of creative arts.

Wealth

Your wealth star will be shining just a little brighter this year.

Small stumbling blocks might be placed before you but you will barrel down the obstacles – with people who will readily come to your aid should you require it.

There will be good opportunities for you to shine at work and showcase your abilities and talents to your pleased superiors.

Career

There is much need to handle workplace relationships delicately, particularly with colleagues.

Consider your thoughts and actions.

Choose your words carefully as some small miscommunications may put a damper on an otherwise great career prospect.

Health

This is year to take control of your health and wellbeing.

Perform physical activities – perhaps learn a new sport and try to keep to an exercise regime to keep your body moving.

Watch your diet and avoid food high in fats and oils and perhaps opt for leaner and greener options.

Monkey

Birth years: 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016

Overall luck

Positivity and wealth blessings will be coming your way, for professional and financial success.

Thinking outside of the box will certainly bring you much success this year - be more productive at work and you will be rewarded for your efforts.

Financially you may see better inflow of money into your account. It will be in your favour to make rational choices in any potential investment while avoiding short term opportunities.

Wealth

How well you garner wealth will greatly depend on your resourcefulness.

Steer clear of risky setups of the likes of venture capitals and high yielding bonds and your finances will be stable.

Prove yourself worthy of your capabilities this year and consider every opportunity that may yield greater returns for you.

Career

You will be surrounded by people willing to help you should you be humble enough to ask for it when you need it.

There will be possible opportunities for promotion and career advancements, so keep your mind sharp and ready for any potential appraisals and interviews.

There may be some office whispers about you so keep your head down at work and hold your tongue while it runs its course.

Health

A reasonable year in terms of health prospects – though monkeys may need to heed to issues pertaining to their stomach and indigestion.

Be cautious about what you eat and take time off work if you are feeling overwhelmed which may greatly contribute to your stomach issues.

Rooster

Birth years: 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017

Overall luck

This year will see you become the mover and shaker of many aspects of your life and you might even feel an urge to expand your horizons and build new pathways.

An excellent outlook for those wishing to conquer the world of academic pursuits and perhaps build better creative aptitude through arts, music and writing.

Be cautious and vigilant on aspects of your personal safety, particularly if you have made travel plans. Take precautions if you are planning to venture into some high risk activities or even driving.

Wealth

There might be more limited earnings in terms of income and investments and therefore spend your money wisely.

Keep your earnings from your work well documented - wait a while before embarking on big purchases and save more than you spend.

Exercise patience in certain plans – there will be a right time for it.

Career

Career cards this year might take a slight hit.

Work expectations might see you a little frazzled – so pay special heed to your needs and take time off when you need it.

Remain calm, pleasant and have an open communication with your work mates – this will see you come out of any possible tensions.

Health

Avoid involving too heavily in extreme and dangerous activities of the likes of hiking or diving. Opt instead for lighter exercise such as yoga, bicycling, or walking.

A healthy routine and physical activity should help keep you healthy.

Source: Joey Yap. Forecasts for the 12 animal signs in the year of the earth boar, 2019.

Source: Joey Yap. Metaphysical forces that affect the different zodiac signs in the year of the earth boar, 2019.

Explore:

Read Dato' Yap's predictions for the new lunar year as a whole in WorkSmart Asia

Dato' Joey Yap shares predictions for Year of the Earth Boar, 2019

- Five thousand participants attended Dato’ Joey Yap’s annual Feng Shui & Astrology seminar in January 2019

- Dato' Yap shared forecasts for the Year of the Earth Boar and shed light on the global economic landscape of 2019.

- Auspicious dates to start work in 2019 were also highlighted – 8 , 11 and 12 February

- Yap collaborated with EZ-Link to release a series of limited-edition EZ-Link cards

Source: Joey Yap Group. The event in Singapore was sold out.

On 13 January 2019, global best-selling author and fengshui expert Dato’ Joey Yap shared forecasts for the upcoming lunar new year with 5,000 people at his annual Feng Shui & Astrology seminar in Singapore.

The straight-talking expert engaged the audience at the fully-sold out ticketed event – where people were still asking about buying tickets during the breaks – with lots of practicality, humour, pithy Cantonese phrases and insights from fengshui, qimen philosophy, face-reading as well as his own experience of running a business.

According to him, the Year of the Earth Boar can be summarised into two words: stable progression. On a grand political and economic scale, sluggish development will likely be the theme for the first half of the year. However, things are anticipated to pick up towards the latter half of 2019, as investments in time and resources during the first half start to show tangible results.

Given that the vibrancy of the year favours the fire and water elements, industries that will do well include online retailing due to the mixture of fire element (technology/online) and water element (retail). Industries that emphasise high mobility including the water, hospitality, tourism and fast-moving consumer goods sectors, will see growing potential while the property market will face stagnation.

Prices are forecast to remain sticky while loans from financial institutions are scarce, impacting property purchases negatively. Technology companies are advised to work on securing their customer base in light of the tighter controls and governance being introduced to the industry.

With all these in mind, he advised participants to always fall back on their individual bazi (八字, literally eight characters) charts* so as to discern all obstructions in the next twelve months. The bazi chart shows the potentials possible, and is a guide on how external energies interact with personal characteristics.

For example, the Year of the Earth Boar is a vibrant year and the market favours the new and risky. If a person's bazi chart is dominated by the water element, the person will be able to handle the new, bold and risky. However, those that has little or no water at all will feel lost or umcomfortable. This can nevertheless be managed by an increase in self-awareness and willingness to accept change.

Dato’ Yap further highlighted auspicious dates for the year. Starting up the business in the new year is best on 8, 11 and 12 February.

Certain dates and times are considered more auspicious than others for beginning work for the first time in the year of the pig. However, these dates may be ineffective for those who have specific animals in their bazi charts.

The Year of the Earth Boar is especially good for those who can provide clarity, associated with the fire element. Dato' Yap recommends thinking along the lines of a technology or framework that can help consumers verify a provider via their online footprints. Those born in the years of the monkey, horse, tiger and rabbit will also be exceptionally fortunate.

General predictions for 2019, the Year of the Earth Boar included:


Those who have pigs as part of their bazi

“Everyone is paying attention. This is your year to shine,” Yap said.

He explained that existing problems from the year before will see resolutions in the Year of the Earth Boar. “You're not going to have a year without problems,” he said. “As long as you are alive there are problems. But you want to have better-quality problems than the year before.”

An example of a better-quality problem, Yap said, is when he began his seminars in 1999 with an audience of eight – including himself, and a friend. This year, his seminar in Malaysia saw thousands of people and Singapore's event was sold out.

“Next year's problem is that I need a new place,” he said. “I'd rather have this problem than an eight-person problem.”

“(Pigs) need to be more forgiving, more compassionate - “then your problems are released,” Yap added.

Pigs could become famous or infamous in their year. “Be careful of your posts,” he warned.

Those who have snakes as part of their bazi

They will see change no matter what they do. Female noble friends (贵人), or people who are in a position to help them, such as a boss or a business partner, will be particularly helpful. Noble people, sometimes called benefactors, are able to provide invaluable help to individuals.

Monkeys

Monkeys should just eat and enjoy the year. If they do not, they lose out on the opportunity to meet people. “Make as many contacts (at this event) as possible – but (get in touch) only after February 4,” Yap told the audience, stressing that the predictions only take effect from the first day of the year of the pig, and will not have the same effect before.

Monkeys will attract a lot of people who are generally jealous of their good lives, Yap added. “Since you know that, you might as well party to the max,” he commented.

Rats

“Your job is to be used by others,” Yap said. “You can choose to be useful or useless. Which one do you prefer?

“If you are useful you are the noble person to other people.”

Rats will also be able to buy good properties and cheap, but at the standards of those who are billionaires or multimillionaires. Those who are not can still benefit. Yap said, “If you work for them you can fish these deals for your bosses, take a small cut; you know what to do.”

“Forgetfulness” is also something to watch in 2019, at least for rats. Those who are salesmen or brokers should be careful of ove-rpromising and under-delivering, Yap said.

Horses

Horses will be able to spot good deals for property. “(Whether you) can or cannot buy depends on whether you have enough funds,” Dato' Yap noted, advising those with horses in their bazi to work on partnerships so they can be in the best position to grasp a deal.

Rabbits

People will recognise rabbits for their expertise, if they are in the right place at the right time. “Do something that allows you to be famous, be seen,” Dato' Yap advised. As an example, if a rabbit posts a YouTube video, it has a higher chance of going viral, he said.

Roosters

Roosters will suddenly understand complex things more easily, Yap predicted.

For roosters, things will also tend to break down. “You conflict with items and equipment,” Yap said. “If your job and work heavily depend on tools, you should be careful.”

Goats/sheep

“If you want to learn anything associated with art, this year is the year for it,” Yap said.

Art does not necessarily mean the fine arts alone. Yap suggested that marketing, public relations, networking, presentations, and deal-making can also be arts. “You will master it this year,” he said.

Catching the opportunity is crucial mainly because the stars will not be aligned this way again for another 12 years, when the year of the pig returns, he said.

“Pick up a new skill or research. If you learn something new this year you get maximum benefit from whatever you learn. Learn something beneficial for your career; you can increase your income, your success rate,” he said.

Dogs

Dogs may become depressed, but can banish depression with forgiveness and kindness, Yap said.

“If you can forgive yourself and be kind to yourself, you will free yourself from inner drepression and unhappiness.”

“Karma is cause and effect. If you don't want the effect, remove the cause lah,” he advised.

Dogs will have to deal with above-average amounts of pettiness. “A lot of people will come in and they harbour hatred for you. You should also learn to forgive them in order to move on,” Yap advised.

Tigers

Tigers should learn something to do with business, though learning how to manage a business is important for anyone. “If you rise to (a) very senior (position you) have to know business...(this is) the best time to acquire knowledge about making money,” he said, pointing out that anyone who has to make decisions has to have business skills.

Those whose bazi contain all four animals – rooster, goat, monkey and tiger – will have to pay particular attention to personal safety, Yap said.

Roosters will find themselves near natural disasters, so should avoid dangerous places, while goats may see more physical injuries. Tigers will smash into things while monkeys will suffer cuts “here and there”.

On the subject of health, dogs will tend to be the first to get sick, while pigs may need surgery. Oxen should not attend funerals – not because they attract evil spirits as traditionally believed, but because they will likely catch any viruses that are going round.

“If you don't have the ox in the chart you can attend as many funerals as you want,” Yap said to laughter.

Snakes will be able to solve problems with existing illness. “This is the best year to do (surgery), it reduces potential problems at least by 50% or more,” he said.

In terms of directions, illness is based in the northeast in 2019. “If there are two or more illness stars in your (bazi) I would not suggest sleeping in the northeast sector. You could have a very long downtime,” Yap said. If however a bedroom is in the northeast but the sleeper does not have any of the illness stars, that is fine, he added.

Getting rich is easy, but staying rich is difficult. In the new year, monkeys can lose money, snakes have to spend money and rabbits should save money.

Yap said monkeys should be concerned with losing what they have obtained easily, in trade, partnerships and so on. “On the flip side you have something to lose,” he said.

Snakes should be prepared to spend a lot of money up front. Yap advised them to spend on experiences, but only after February 4.

Rabbits must save money. “It's good if you save 70% but 30% should be actively working hard for you,” he said, noting that it takes a long time for a nest egg to grow from savings alone.

Dogs must use money to serve others, so could serve the community by becoming a community leader, while dragons will be compelled to buy what they do not need. “It's going happen anyway - you might as well do it,” he said. “It doesn't mean you don't have money, (it's just that) there's a different way to treat your money.”

Questions at the event focused mainly on career choices, running the business and investments, though audience members also asked about improving health. Some of the insights Yap shared included:

Improving work-life balance – balance means stasis, while not being balanced means that there is progress towards a desired destination. “Balance is no good,” he said, illustrating his point with a stationary marker standing vertically versus one which is rolling on its side.

Yap advises getting paid more for work or being able to complete the same work more quickly by improving your value instead.

Relationship problems – these occur when you expect the other person to do something and they don't. Yap said that while such problems can be blamed on other things, such as a clash of bazi between a dragon and a dog for example, it is actually about unmet expectations.

“If your expectations are met, you will have longer-lasting relationships,” he said.

Social media – On a related note, Yap observed that “it's all so perfect on Instagram and on Facebook”, while viewers may wonder why their relationship and life is so much worse.

'(It) gives you an unreal expectation of what life should be,” he said. “The whole idea of Instagram and Facebook is to make other people jealous...but in reality their life is not like that.”

“If you want to make things good, be your partner's noble person,” he said, in a take of 'do unto others what you would like others to do unto you'.

Fame – Dato' Yap is a big believer in becoming more well-known. “If you can capitalise on your fame you save on many years of marketing,” he explained. “Fame allows you to enter into the minds of other people and own real estate space...if you own that space in other people's minds, you literally carve out your market.”

Academic merit – Academic prowess does not only refer to studies. For Yap, it is about graduating from the university of life and not “the university that you're studying in, with straight 'A's”.

“It's harder to graduate from life,” he said. “If you knew what you need to know, you'd already be there.”

As an example, he pointed out that the full-house event the audience were at required a lot of effort in the background, from building mindshare to having expertise to share. “To make this happen, (to get from) where you are to where you want to be, (this) needs knowledge,” he said.

Offerings to the god of wealth - the god of wealth is actually a star in the south, personified, Dato' Yap said. While the traditional way of welcoming the god of wealth is with a table of physical offerings, Yap says that it is all about balance.

“If you make a wish, ask for something, the spiritual contract says you must offer something,” he explained.

To request a specific outcome, such as to see sales increase by 30%, there must be efforts to get that 30% such as attending sales classes, or calling 10 people a day.

“Everything you put on the table is an offering.. you offer what you intend to do,” he said.

The idea is that while you can strive to conduct five meaningful conversations with people in a week to increase sales of a product, you are unlikely to be able to control whether they are fertile ground – people who like the product, or may be interested in it. This is where the god of wealth could come in.

“If you don't do your part then the god of wealth will not do their part,” he said. “If you intend to do nothing, I guarantee you won't get anything. Everything is an exchange of energy. Get something that the universe can provide you with.” 

Part of signage that shows the Business
Academy logo and event details.

In 2019, Dato' Yap will be sharing his own experience in running a business for the first time. While the theories will still be based on Chinese metaphysics, he will be including a lot of business principles, and bringing in billionaires to share their experiences with participants. The event will be held in Malaysia.

The Joey Yap Business Academy is Yap's take on getting started and winning in business, targeted at those starting out or thinking of going into business, or who have not yet broken free of the S$5 million mark.

“Getting real estate in a client's mind, it's what I actually do,” he said.

The first Business Academy will be from 18 - 20 May, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The gold places were sold out at a soft launch in 2018. Twenty silver places went for S$2,997 at the event.

Dato’ Yap’s first limited-edition Mythical Twelve Chinese Zodiac EZ-Link cards were made available during the seminar. These will be on sale at River Hongbao as well. The series is a unique collaboration between Dato’ Yap and EZ-Link. 

Personally designed by Yap, the series of cards feature individual Chinese zodiac signs as well as his 2019 Chinese zodiac predictions for that animal. At the seminar, the full set of 12 in a presentation pack cost S$120, and S$12 for a single card housed in a presentation card.

The world’s largest fengshui organisation saw 15,000 sell-outs over two days in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia alone. Over the next two months, the seminar will continue its run around the world. In the Asia Pacific, it is due to take place in the Philippines, Malaysia, Australia, and Cambodia as well.

Explore: 

Get personal bazi charts 

Check out seminars for other countries in the global series 

Download the Thriver’s Guide 2019. This document contains predictions for individual animals of the zodiac.

Hashtags: #joeyyap, #fsa2019

^This writer attended the event gratis.

*According to the Chinese, fortunes are governed by the date and time of birth. While the animal zodiac is the most well-known aspect of this, the year is not enough – there are actually eight parameters derived from the date and time of birth, or bazi (八字, literally 'eight characters'), including the hour, day, month and year which affect a person's life. Four of these characters involve animals.

A person's future depends on the prevailing forces for a particular year and how those forces interact with a person's bazi and their existing circumstances, such as the industry they are working in, directions they plan to go into and the people they encounter. The fortunes of one person can clash or be enhanced by the fortunes of others as well; it typically takes years of study to make sense of all the interactions.

The southwest corner of the office could boost your company's fortunes

Source: Joey Yap Private Limited.
Infographic on how directions can impact
life in 2018.

Dato’ Joey Yap, a speaker, author and Chief Consultant of Joey Yap Private Limited, a fengshui and Chinese astrology consultancy, has compiled a list of 2018 fengshui direction forecasts for a successful year of the earth dog.

In fengshui philosophy, different directions govern different aspects of an individual's life, with the location of the aspects changing every lunar year. The position of the front door - the door designated as the main door in the floor plans, which may not be the door which is used most often; where in the office a person sits and so on are said to affect their health, career prospects and relationships. Some of the concepts look very much to be common sense whereas others are more esoteric.

There are "good" directions and "bad" directions, as well as ways to encourage positive outcomes and mitigate negative ones. The individual's date and year of birth are also said to affect outcomes. 

In the following table Dato' Yap outlines which directions in the workplace - or home - can influence specific life aspects such as wealth (southeast), career (southwest), and health (west). 

For specific activation and mitigation a fengshui practitioner should be consulted. Different practitioners may offer different interpretations of the same situation; look at their track records to get an indication of their effectiveness.

Direction/location	Forecast for 2018
Southeast	Fruitful if activated as the main wealth sector of the year. Activation typically refers to bringing in an object of a certain element or things in a certain colour to be placed within the sector. Maximising sector benefits will increase wealth accumulation Professional pursuits will flourish in this sector Solid foundation will be in place for future promotions at work
South	Encourages scholarly and academic pursuits Boosts endeavours in humanities, literary and artistic fields Positioning the main door here will result in fulfilling journey for long distance travels Promotes a meaningful and fulfilling romantic relationship
Southwest	Profitable career prospects throughout the year Initiatives at work will be recognised by superiors Social influence will improve by using this sector as the office main door Causes minimal complications in the form of upheavals in the office
West	Turbulent energies will cause severe health complications Aggravation of existing medical conditions Expectant mothers may face pregnancy issues and babies may have poor health Negative energies can be suppressed by placing heavy metal objects
Northwest	Positive outcomes for career advancement Opportunities for travel and wealth accumulation Positive improvements in academic pursuits Promote relationships and social skills
North	Bears the most negative energy of the year Most inauspicious sector to begin endeavours with Avoid renovations or groundbreaking works in this sector Negative energy can be suppressed with heavy metal objects
Northeast	Promotes conflicts, arguments and heated disagreements Legal complications which lead to health problems due to stress Placement of oil lamps will suppress negative energies
East	Inflicts adverse effects on emotional and physical wellbeing Introduces a host of various illnesses Causes constant arguments that will impact your life Having the main door here means the occupants will be more prone to theft and burglary

Source: Joey Yap Private Limited.

Explore:

Read the WorkSmart Asia blog post about how your animal sign will fare in 2018

Joey Yap shares forecasts for the 12 animal signs in 2018

Source: Joey Yap Private Limited.
Infographic for the 12 animal signs in 2018.

In Chinese culture the lunar year is believed to bring new fortunes, with people belonging to each of the 12 animal signs within the Chinese zodiac facing different opportunities and challenges.

In the Chinese zodiac, each year is characterised by one of 12 animals as well as one of five elements. While we are still in the year of the fire rooster, which runs from January 28, 2017 to February 15, 2018, things are expected to change from February 16, 2018, when the year of the earth dog takes hold.

Here are Chinese zodiac forecasts for the year of the dog from Dato’ Joey Yap, a speaker, author and Chief Consultant of Joey Yap Private Limited, a fengshui and Chinese astrology consultancy:

Dog - people born in 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, and 2030*

Overall luck

• 2018 is a mixed bag with a fair share of personal and professional problems, even as you attain success
• Matters from one aspect of your life could spill over into others – which is why the positive boost and confidence in your work life may be one of the reasons you encounter personal life problems
• Your ability to summon the same inner strength you get from your job to overcome these obstacles will determine how successful you are at coming out on top

Wealth

• You might be constantly worried about a potential financial loss
• A weaker presence of the Indirect Luck Star (偏财) means good fortune is not in your favour
• Manage your finances effectively – focus on saving money, don’t gamble or hit slot machines, and cautiously sign new contracts

Career

• A lot of work-related pressure and harsh superiors – could result in productivity decrease
• Consistency and determination is key to deal with this tough work year
• Unwise to move jobs – make the best out of the current situation.

Relationships (romance)

• Weak love prospects – these are demanding times for couples
• Married couples should practice tolerance because even simple misunderstandings can result in a big decline in bond strength.
• Single people have to contend with a largely isolated social life – they should focus on other life aspects instead

Health

• Road safety is crucial - lack of alertness on sidewalks or when driving could lead to severe injuries 
• Avoid using metallic objects as they could contain rust or other harmful materials
• Digestive complications might be experienced, so diet and exercise more

Pig - people born in 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, and 2031

Overall luck

• A great year to showcase capabilities and earn the career advancement and business development you have been eyeing
• You will also acquire heightened popularity, from gaining friends easily to making great business proposals that translate into thrilling investments
• However, being the life of the party could be draining, so schedule some personal time away from work and people every week to unwind and prevent negativity from burning you out

Wealth

• Could encounter plenty of obstacles early in the year – e.g. revenues and savings stagnation. Careful preparation and positivity can resolve this quickly
• After that, a surge of wealth by promotion or bonus pay could occur, but people might be petty about returning money borrowed from you

Career

• Aid from colleagues will help you conquer minor obstacles. These strong alliances will help you overcome any resistance that could undermine your productivity
• You can thus showcase your talents to highly appreciative superiors

Relationships (romance)

• Each year, different stars are associated with different zodiac signs. Each star is associated with either positive or negative outcomes in specific aspects of life. For pigs, the presence of the Sky Happiness Star (天喜) ensures love comes to your doorstep in contrast to last year’s forecast
• 2018 will be filled with joyous events – long-term couples should begin marriage plans before the year ends
• Single people might be able to finally start a romantic relationship so they should be vigilant about potential partners in their social circles

Health

• Unfortunate health prospects this year
• Unknowingly participating in ill-fated events could lead to physical and psychological issues
• The Sky Happiness Star can protect you from harm as long as you exercise diligently and avoid extreme activities.

Rat - people born in 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020 and 2032

Overall luck

• 2018 is the year individuals should take their personal development to the next level, thanks to the support of the Eight Seats Star (八座)
• Expect fortunes to increase, and an enhanced ability to learn – consider picking up new skillsets, improving current skills, or even enrolling in courses to add value to your abilities
• Academicians, scholars or students will especially benefit from this powerful boost

Wealth

• Prepare for a potential monetary loss due to unlucky financial investments or delayed reimbursements. Counter this situation by purchasing real estate at the start of the year – do not pour savings into heavy investment schemes
• Overall, smooth-sailing. 

Career

• A rocky career year – focus on career advancement instead of petty people
• The noise from petty people will soon fade and you can start reaping the benefits e.g. promotions and pay raises
• Also, embrace help from generous people to have a stable career in 2018

Relationships (romance)

• A good year to start romantic relationships – single people should be alert in their social gatherings to find that special someone
• Couples do not fare too well in the health sector – it could even lead to hospitalisation
• Encourage your partner to engage in sports and compound your earnings to afford a healthier diet

Health

• Pay extra attention to your wellbeing as the Blood Knife Star (血刃) appears in your midst
• Avoid participation in extreme sports like hiking to evade serious injuries. However, the Nobleman (天乙貴人) Star’s presence will ensure aid is nearby for your health problems

Ox - people born in 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021 and 2033

Overall luck

• This will be a good year to improve financial standing, so explore opportunities whenever possible
• Female-dominated industries will more likely prosper this coming year and you will also receive timely assistance from the women in your life (e.g. a female senior manager could offer helpful advice or even a promotion recommendation) – so be open to this generosity
• Your good luck could be tainted if you indulge to much in the excess of wealth without keeping your ego in check – remember to keep a level head and practice self-restraint

Wealth

• The Moon Star (太阴) is in your Wealth Palace, auguring great wealth accumulation in 2018. According to fengshui principles, a person's fortune or physical space can be divided into nine "palaces", each of which governs a specific life aspect such as career, family and wealth. 
• You might witness a surprising pay rise in your job through bonuses or promotion
• However, be cautious about your finances – invest in decent real estate and avoid risky financial investment

Career

• Few to no fluctuations in your work. The Broken Star (破碎) could still cause disruptions between you and your colleagues however
• Be composed around your peers and work diligently – eventually you will gain their respect and help

Relationships (romance)

• Absence of luck from the Peach Blossom Star (桃花) signifies unlucky prospects for single people; however, they should still socialise as they could still discover their romantic partner
• Stable couples should move forward with their wedding plans

Health

• A negative turn of events is implied due to an inauspicious star’s presence in your palace
• Medical receipts could be a usual sight if health is not taken seriously
• Consult a doctor if you contract a serious illness so that it will not get worse. Take up a sport to mitigate these issues

Tiger - people born in 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022 and 2034

Overall luck

• Both welcome and unwelcome events play out through the year – a significant boost in wealth and success regarding business and professional aspects can be expected although you need to put in the hard work (like planning out sound strategies) to be richly rewarded
• Malicious lies and rumours about you being spread around could lead to misunderstandings between you and people who are important to you – additionally, be wary of who you trust as they could turn on you
• Be careful in your social interactions or you might get into legal entanglements. Unwanted chaos in money matters could also appear so manage your finances properly and avoid making large investments or lending money
• Having to deal with all this could lead to emotional volatility, which is understandable, just don’t let it consume you

Wealth

• 2018 indicates early financial losses due to poor investment returns and mismanaged budgeting
• However, the presence of a noble person (貴人, people who will render significant support to you) somewhat mitigates these problems – that person will ensure you acquire your necessary assets despite your constant spending all year long
• Consider donating to a charity you admire as a sign of paying it forward for the assistance you have received

Career

• Expect disputes stemming from misunderstandings with superiors and colleagues to happen this year – thus, be watchful of your interactions
• Also, be alert for malicious colleagues looking to doublecross you
• The presence of the Three Stages Star (三台) should help to reduce workplace hostility – do your part in improving your communication competency to avoid future work disputes

Relationships (romance)

• The Three Stages Star signifies togetherness – unmarried couples in a loving relationship should thus strongly consider marriage to solidify the bond
• Single people hoping to be in a relationship should continue searching despite the absence of Peach Blossom luck as the Three Stages Star shines upon them.

Health

• Inauspicious stars in your palace call for extra vigilance over your health
• Be ready for any attacks by diseases on your body by maintaining hygiene and consuming all proper vitamins and minerals
• Consider asking people to join you in a team sport, and seek immediate treatment if you do fall sick

Rabbit - people born in 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023 and 2035

Overall luck

• Expect to be surrounded by abundance of love and support from kind and generous people – if you are aiming for career growth, you will easily find experienced mentors willing to guide you to success
• Also, you will be invited to many places and make many new friends which could lead to great collaborations in your favour – you will get an extra edge in job hunting and business investments. Someone will also aid you in personal finance management
• All this however could distract from your family and loved ones – do not take them for granted and pay extra attention to senior family members who might have minor health risks so you will be able to spot if anything is amiss
• Avoid engaging in flings and instead spend more quality time with your spouse to strengthen the bond

Wealth

• Bad luck in the form of legal, personal and professional disputes could see you sustain significant financial loss – so monitor both your money and social interactions
• There are many opportunities to increase overall wealth – overall, a profitable year to gain substantial wealth

Career

• Abundance of auspicious tidings with the Grand Duke Combination Star (岁合)’s presence
• A blossoming rapport with your superiors will occur, leading to more chances to showcase your abilities at work
• However, practice caution in your work ethic or you might overwork yourself to a risky level of fatigue

Relationships (romance)

• Disagreements ranging from trivial to weighty could easily lead to quarrels between you and your loved one
• 2018 brings a lot of peace-making opportunities however, so that you can stabilise the relationship
• Newer couples should be tolerant and considerate of each other’s character or the relationship could end early

Health

• More illnesses and injuries may enter your life
• However, you also have the chance to boost your overall wellbeing – you can lessen your chances of contracting ailments as long as you are dieting properly and exercising sufficiently

Dragon - people born in 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024 and 2036

Overall luck

• You have the ability to turn turbulence and challenges into opportunities for personal growth – although setbacks are inevitable this year, it is how you play your cards that decides the the outcome
• When considering a business expansion or large-scale projects, you should consider all possibilities, make sure you have sufficient resources and be properly prepared. Make sure you are practical about your 2018 goals and ambitions so that you are not unnecessarily demoralised or stressed later
• You may find unexpected changes hard to deal with this coming year – however, changes also brings opportunities, so make them work in your favour by accepting and making the most out of them instead of going against the tide

Wealth

• Might experience a constant monetary loss this year – formulate a suitable financial plan to manage your financial outlook
• Inadequate financial planning and lack of caution in financial deals could lead to monetary outflow
• Weak Indirect Wealth luck this year means that you should build up your savings and avoid high-risk activities like heavy investment or gambling

Career

• Massive pressure and a harsh superior could cause you to feel seriously fatigued in 2018. Also, constant conflicts and a negative work space could affect your work competency
• Keep motivating yourself and build strength of character to push through these obstacles
• This may not be the best time to move jobs – although this feels as if you are stagnating, view this situation more positively and try to stay humble and tolerant during this time

Relationships (romance)

• Weak Peach Blossom luck means that unmarried couples should focus on maintaining their relationship
• Married couples should be more considerate as the simplest misunderstanding could lead to a heated argument
• Single people will have to deal with being lonely for now and should instead focus on improving other aspects of their life

Health

• Be wary of physical threats from the road (e.g. driving, walking on sidewalks) as you could incur minor-to-fatal injuries – strictly follow road safety regulations at all times
• Handle iron objects carefully as the rust particles they carry are a potential health hazard
• Follow healthy nutritional and dietary practices to prevent intestinal issues

Snake - people born in 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025 and 2037

Overall luck

• A generally good year with some minor issues – you will overcome the occasional obstacle or heated argument easily as your social and personal life will flourish
• Unexpected events could still take place at inconvenient times however, so quickly adapt and adjust your strategy to accommodate this new element at play
• Legal trouble from unexpected hiccups in your plans and arguments stemming from accidentally offending someone could also occur – avoid getting into more trouble by carefully interacting with people and having a clear, calm mind
• You can expect to hear snippets of good news frequently and look forward to experiencing many happy occasions. In fact, your luck may be so good that you will be able to turn things around in your favour

Wealth

• Lots of uncertainty in your financial wealth – might incur monetary losses initially due to failed investments and excessive gambling
• Yet, several compassionate individuals will help you recuperate those earlier losses – so accept their help to experience an ultimately rewarding year for your wealth

Career

• Begin by reshuffling your career priorities – e.g. changing job positions or even companies
• Once your work life is stabilised, start making grander plans for the year ahead and you will slowly but surely get to execute them
• The second half of the year will sharply boost your luck prospects – use this period to reenergise your work performance for the rest of the year

Relationships (romance)

• Single people should start searching for a potential partner this year as it will lead to a fruitful relationship with the right person
• Unmarried couples in a devoted relationship should become engaged as soon as possible to have a long and prosperous marriage
• Married couples should not act on amorous feelings towards others outside of their marriage as doing this will avoid a marital breakdown caused by either you or your partner starting an extramarital affair

Health

• Health is very important, especially for senior citizens
• Elderly people could be visiting hospitals more than usual due to health ailments – they should heed their doctor’s advice and take prescribed medication to maintain their health
• Also, they should immediately see a doctor if they experience stomach or intestinal problems to mitigate the issue

Horse - people born in 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026 and 2038

Overall luck

• You are surrounded by supportive people and that will give strength and assistance when you feel dragged down by rapid change
• Golden opportunities to accumulate wealth (e.g. good chances of earning a pay raise or getting bonuses). Also, look out for lucrative investments in property or shares and reliable tips from your social circle to lay a good foundation for your fortune – but there is a high risk of financial loss due to impulsive decisions, so think through any deals carefully, avoid financial gambling and consider all consequences
• Acquire skills to positively solve any conflict that arises – do not hold back from pursuing your goals
• Be cautious about the possibility of accidents and communication difficulties – prepare adequately before you travel, invest in physical activity and be considerate when you speak. Be aware of family members’ health conditions too

Wealth

• Make sure to accept aid offered by generous friends to experience a wealth surge
• Great work performance will also grant you the chance to achieve a business profit or salary raise as more opportunities present themselves

Career

• Conflicts and differences of opinions with colleagues could be disadvantageous to you (e.g. colleagues isolating you)
• They could even backstab you too – remedy this by attending social events and practicing open communication to strengthen your bond with them

Relationships (romance)

• Unmarried couples should marry this year to boost companionship strength
• Even with the Peach Blossom Luck’s absence, single people should consider professing their love to that special someone as there is a good chance of getting into a romantic relationship

Health

• A high risk of road accidents this year – ensure that you follow traffic rules to try to avoid this possibility
• Take care when using metallic objects as they might bring you serious harm
• Diet healthily and exercise frequently to prevent the appearance of digestive problems

Goat, sometimes called sheep - people born in 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, and 2027

Overall luck

• A good year with positive events – some trials and tribulations are present, but not enough to dampen your year as you will have help and golden opportunities to overcome them
• Noble people in the form of mentors or random individuals will make troubles you face more manageable
• You will have ample opportunities to not only display your talents at work to secure a good bonus or promotion, but you will also be able to increase your wealth by engaging in asset acquisitions
• However, you may have to deal with malicious lies and existing relationship conflicts. It is best to ignore them and focus on your work. Family disputes will also arise, but remain reasonable here for a peaceful resolution –family and friends will still aid you when you most need it despite differences of opinion

Wealth

• Do not let work distract you from looking for opportunities to improve your financial standing
• Those doing clerical work might have huge workloads from hopping in between work settings, so manage your responsibilities appropriately 

Career

• Be open to ideas and collaborative opportunities from the opposite sex to receive highly favourable work prospects
• Your diligence and persistence is rewarded this year, so motivate yourself to strive for more career achievements and showcase your talents to benefit in the long run

Relationships (romance)

• Ladies will experience weaker love prospects than men due to the weak Peach Blossom Luck
• Thus, ladies should focus on developing other facets of their life while men should mingle in their social circles more for a good chance to discover their life partner
• Unmarried couples should start planning their marriage, while married couples should be careful about their feelings towards people outside of their marriage as it could lead to future issues

Health

• Your mind and body are in prime condition to tackle 2018
• Perform physical activities, learn a new sport and watch your diet and personal safety to equip yourself for a year free of major disease and physical afflictions

Monkey - people born in 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016 and 2028

Overall luck

• A trying year for both professional and personal lives – maintaining a right mindset and finding the strength to persevere is key to handling this
• You could bolster your career in terms of a fortunate job-related travelling stint however, so embrace it to gain an advantage in advancing your career in the long run
• Those in academic-related fields like learning and researching will find their endeavours yielding results in the form of significant breakthroughs
• It is advisable to refrain from attending funerals as there are prevalent negative energies that could have a noticeable negative impact on your wellbeing

Wealth

• More money leaves you due to unrestricted spending
• Sensible purchases and self-control at the start of 2018 could offset monetary losses later on
• Effectively plan your financial budget and avoid high-risk activities to curb spending and increase savings

Career

• You will encounter a stream of obstacles (e.g. difficult superiors and barely meeting deadlines) that will stunt your work progress through the year
• Be persistently diligent in work assignments and have good interactions with colleague and superiors to make progress in your work output

Relationships (romance)

• A weak presence of the Peach Blossom Luck Star means a bad relationship outlook for single people – they should adjust romantic expectations to avoid disappointments
• Married and unmarried couples are prone to illnesses and injuries this year – so a team effort is needed to maintain each other’s health (e.g. attend a gender-inclusive gym)
• This could also be a chance to foster intimacy between couples

Health

• Light or heavy road-related injuries could affect your physical wellbeing – keep safe by obeying traffic rules
• Avoid extreme sports unless you are adequately prepared
• Be aware of work hazards that could present a physical risk to reduce their negative effects on your wellbeing

Rooster, sometimes called Chicken - people born in 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, and 2029

Overall luck

• Last year’s eventful nature could leave you exhausted, so 2018 will provide the good breather you need, giving you the chance to recharge, re-examine, improve your lifestyle and wellbeing to try find a healthy balance
• There is a tendency to be anxious in your work, so try maintaining a good work-life balance. If not, you might get worked up on small things and not advance your career
• You might have feelings of isolation and loneliness, but they’re not actually a reflection of your current loneliness – do not let the fear of abandonment or absent support control you. Go out and mingle with people close to you to get a positive reality check instead

Wealth

• A significant loss could plague your 2018 financial outlook so it is advisable to purchase assets that will not likely depreciate early in the year
• The presence of the Indirect Wealth Star means you will benefit greatly from side income

Career

• A huge workload could put you in an undesirable position this year, so hold off planning new projects for career advancement and instead focus on the current tasks given
• Welcome job-related travel opportunities because the lessons learned there will help you produce better work results
• Extra help from your friends will also contribute to a smoother career outlook this year

Relationships (romance)

• The Peach Blossom Luck Star’s presence means that single people should start mingling in their social circles to find a romantic partner 
• Unmarried couples should start executing wedding ceremony plans
• Married couples will experience multiple joyful occasions, possibly welcoming a new child

Health

• Be vigilant about health as fatigue and illnesses plague your calendar year
• Don’t worry because a noble person in the medical field will guide you back to health if you do fall ill
• A healthy routine and physical activity should help keep you in good health

Explore:

Check for upcoming corporate events by Yap

Read Yap's tutorials

Read the WorkSmart Asia blog post about Yap's forecasts for directional influences in 2018

Read a personal exploration of secret friends, a fengshui concept

*The lunar years do not correspond exactly with the Gregorian calendar. People born in the January or February need to check if they were born before or after Chinese new year that year. Even though people born in 2018 will generally be considered to have been born in the year of the dog, the ones who were born before February 16, 2018 are actually roosters.