At the start of the Asian New Year, there are many feng shui practitioners and Asian astrologers who make predictions for the coming year; some call them feng shui predictions. From my studies, feng shui is about living in harmony with nature, so how can one make predictions? They should really call them Chinese Astrological predictions.
A few days ago I read an article by a feng shui practitioner who predicted much misfortune for many in 2012, but those unfortunate persons could ease this by placing a rooster figurine in the corner of their house. Another website that sells many feng shui items, promises to fix your problems with ancient mystical Chinese feng shui figurines. They state that placing such auspicious creatures in your home, will make all your problems disappear. When I read such things I think “Aiyaya, why do they try to put so much fear into people?”
As an Asian, through our culture we learn the symbols of various animals and plants in nature. For example, in Japan the image of the carp is often used to symbolize tenacity and strength because it is able to swim upstream. In China, the dragon is the most sacred symbol and represents strength, determination, amplification and persistence.
Many times we give our friends or relatives gifts of these images because we wish them to have those qualities of the carp or dragon. It is our intention that counts and we don’t expect miracles.
According to dictionary.com, symbolism is “the practice of representing things by symbols, or investing things with a symbolic meaning or character”. Take for example the diamond ring. With years of being exposed to advertising, we all think “diamonds are forever”. Universally, it’s believed that if someone is presented with a diamond engagement ring, it shows the “love” of the other person. For some, the size, quality, and price of the diamond, correlate to the amount of love. But, we all know that the ring represents love, not the guarantee of a successful marriage or relationship.
Similarly, the origin of Asian symbolism is rooted in the representation of the characteristics and qualities in nature. Placing such objects in your home is to remind and inspire you of those qualities. So, don’t believe that they will fix all your problems. You yourself have the ability to fix them, not those figurines. Believe in your qualities and don’t arouse unnecessary fears.
As Marie Curie stated,
“Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood. Now is the time to understand more, so that we may fear less.”
May you be fearless in 2012!
