Feng Shui gives us a glimpse of our future through the nine star ki. We must find out our nine star ki year so that we are aware of our habits, whims and fancies, which rarely change with age. It gives us a definite edge over others if we pursue careers that are best suited for us. Job satisfaction brings out the best of our capabilities and helps us progress in our career.

You can calculate your year number by adding the last two digits of your birth year until you obtain a single digit. For example, if you were born in 1954, then 5+4=9. If you were born in 1946, then 4+6=10, 1+0=1.

If you were born between February 1900 and February 2000, subtract the resultant single digit from 10 to get your year number. In the first example, the ki year number will be 10-9=1, and in the second instance, it will be 10-1=9. For children born after 2000, subtract the single digit from 9. For example, a child born in 2001 will have a year number of 8 (0+1=1,9-1=8). Unlike the western calendar, the Chinese New Year begins either in January or February.

To calculate the nine star ki year numbers, one has to refer to the Chinese lunar calendar, which has been given for your benefit. For example, if someone is born on February 8, 1986, we will have to calculate according to the year 1985 because the Chinese New Year began on February 9 in that particular year.

Having determined what number we represent, we will now see the characteristics of each person.

lWater: The number 1 is associated with water ki energy and those having this number have characteristics similar in nature to water. Since water is fluid, it keeps on moving, irrespective of the numerous hurdles it encounters, as in waterfalls. Similarly, those with this number are emotional and sentimental, but definitely independent.

They do not like to be bound by others. They are affectionate and loving people, but resent any kind of pressure. They are like free birds and enjoy their independence. They are very dependable and unperturbed when they face danger.

They love challenges and overcome their adversaries easily even when the odds are against them. As the natural temperature of water is cold, such persons are basically cool-tempered and need a bit of fire energy to steam them up. Apart from being secretive and lazy by nature, they are also very spiritual. Those having such qualities, love going to the riverside, and if they had their way, like to spend more time in meditation. They are not very rigid people, and are quite flexible. They can adjust themselves according to the demands of the changing circumstances.

Career wise they can excel as gynaecologists, pharmacists, musicians and artists. They make good healers and therapists. Usually they are the leaders and members of spiritual and religious orders.

lEarth: Number two is associated with earth energy and its related direction is south-west. The energy here is conducive to developing relationships and friendships. Hence people with it like to nurture and strengthen relationships. It represents the afternoon or late summer season and the autumn. Since afternoon is the second half of the day, people with this energy usually make improvements later in their lives. They are very practical in life and avoid taking rash decisions.

They would love to go into a profession that serves other people. Therefore, they would excel being a nurse, teacher, therapist, healer or musician. Since their energy is connected with earth, they excel in real estate business. Women with this number make the best housewives, and also good chefs and caterers.

lWood: East is the direction that is associated with number three. If your nine star ki year number is 3, you always tend to look for opportunities. Patience is not your cup of tea and you tend to switch over from one project to the other, without completing the first job. You like to see instant results and get quickly irritated if your plans are not implemented according to your wishes. Your energetic nature makes you keen to try new and original ideas. This is because the wood energy originates from a seed, which when provided with the right environmental conditions, has the power to shoot out through cracks. If you possess these powers you will make a quick start in life. Success will come early in life provided your environment nourishes you. Being a dynamic and active person, you like your achievements to get recognised.

You enjoy the company of people who are confident and have the desire to achieve a lot in life. You respect those who encourage you to progress in your career. You feel happy if your partner helps you in achieving your goals. You get along well with career-oriented people, especially those who have an inclination towards artistic pursuits and enjoy designing. The best quality you possess is letting go of the past and moving forward. Life means growth to you. Your temper is short-lived and you have the ability to control your anger. You will be a great success if you opt for professions like architecture, software designing, electronics engineering or construction. It is often observed that successful technical designers, scientist, artists, computer operators and business analysts possess wood energy.

lWind: South-east is the direction that relates to number 4. The number 4 ki year is connected with tree and wind energies. Just like a tree, which keeps growing, people with this ki number make consistent progress throughout their life. People with 3 and 4 as their nine star ki numbers have the wood element in common but the difference in their nature is that people with 3 nine star ki number make instant and hasty decisions whereas people with 4 nine star are better planned and make mature decisions.

These people are bubbling with new ideas and very creative in their thoughts. We often come across such personalities who are involved in more than one thing at a time. They may be able to read, write, watch television and take part in heated discussions all at the same time. The drawback of such people is that it is difficult to gauge whether they are concentrating on what you are saying or have their minds somewhere else.

Since this ki number is associated with wind, it represents the spreading of ideas. People having 4 as their year ki number are full of ideas, which they cannot keep to themselves but love to spread far and wide. With their strong communication skills and enthusiasm, they make good writers, designers, columnists, music composers, scriptwriters, actors, media executives and film directors. They love to travel and make successful travel agents, car dealers and distributors. Since wind is connected with force and speed, people with ki number 4 are suffer from mood swings.

(To be continued)