Every Chinese calendar year, there are four “Afflictions” that take effect for the duration of the year. These are so named because when activated, they have the potential for unleashing unfavorable, and sometimes devastating, energy. The standards for working around these afflictions is that the areas both inside the building and outside the building should not be active…thereby, avoiding activation of the energy they hold. These move rhythmically around the 24 Mountains Compass (aka Luo Pan) in a 12 year cycle, Beginning with the Year of the Rat, and ending with the Year of the Pig.

The first Affliction is the TAI SUI, aka the Grand Duke Jupiter. This is determined by one of the twelve Earthly Branches that is assigned to that year, which are based on the orbit of Jupiter around the Sun, which takes approximately 11.86years. These are also known to most people as the Chinese Zodiac Animals, which is 1/2 of the energy that rules each year (the other being the Heavenly Stems/Ten Gods). This year, the Earthly Branch is the Ox, which “sits” in the Northeast/Chou at 30° occupying the 15° of NE1 (22.5-37.5°). If one treats the Tai Sui with respect it can be supportive, but if not, it can be disastrous. For that reason, any buiding that sits on that fifteen-degree sector should not undergo ANY construction or ground breaking that year and other buildings should avoid construction and earth work in that zone. Additionally, it’s advised to keep that sector quite, tidy, and avoid rigorous activity and loud noises such as door slamming, or loud music/TV. The other caution regarding the Tai Sui is that it should never be “confronted” so one should avoid sitting or sleeping facing that 15° sector. On the other hand, if you have your back or headboard to that sector, you would have the support of the Grand Duke.

The second Affliction is the SUI PO, aka the Year Breaker. This is another fifteen-degree segment that is directly opposite the compass from the TAI SUI. This year, that’s SW1/Wei which spans the compass from 202.5 - 217.5 °. The Year Breaker is aptly named because activating this will also “insult” the TAI SUI because it is in opposition/confrontation with the Grand Duke. As such, the same precautions should be taken as with the TAI SUI: No construction, renovation, or earthwork…and keep the space peaceful and low use, if at all possible.

Note: I have had clients who disregarded these precautions, only to find that their construction projects were a nightmare, lasting 3-4 times as long with many problems. One client even had their home burn right after completion of the 7-month-long nightmare kitchen renovation. Another ended up with one side of their home being left open for the entire winter because of an inept and often-absent contractor. This is “no-joke” energy!

The third Affliction is known as the SAN SHA, aka the Three Killings: Robbery Sha/JieSha, Disaster Sha/Zai Sha, and Setbacks Sha/Sui Sha. Sounds ominous, right? Well, it can be, and it takes up a LOT of real estate: 75 degrees! Its location, again, is predicated on the Earthly Branch of the year, specifically based on the Trinity groups of the Chinese Zodiac. As such, it has a 4-year cycle.. This year, the San Sha is centered in and takes up the full 45° of the East, PLUS 15° on either side (NE3 & SE1) or from 67.5° – 112.5°. One overlooks this at one’s peril, since it can instigate financial loss, setbacks, and overall disaster. However, in addition to observing the same “no activation” policies as with the first two Afflictions, you can mitigate this unfriendly energy this year with a Fire remedy. I suggest a night light or lamp rather than a grand expression of fire.

The fourth Affliction is named the Wu Wang, aka 5 Yellow (dense earth). Of all the Stars, this has the most destructive potential, and this year it occupies the Southeast sector (112.5 - 127.5°). The “home base” for this Star is the center of the Lo Shu, which means it has universal energy rather than specifics attributed to the 8 directions. So, it has the potential for producing catastrophic illness and losses across the board. The hosting element interacts with Wu Wang to determine its strength. This year that is the Southeast, which is a wood element. According to the cycle of the Phases, wood destroys earth, so the 5 Yellow can’t reach its full potential. However, this attempt by wood at controlling earth causes tension, raising the wrath of the Wu Wang, which will fight back and bring everything down with it. Once again, one does not want to activate this area and it is best to avoid this sector altogether. You can help subdue the Wu Wang with moving metal, such as a metal clock or a mobile with metal armature. If any construction or earth works are taking place outside the building in this sector (even by a neighbor, street repairs, etc), it would be advisable to hang a 6-tube metal wind chime on the house on that side.

While there are other negative stars that change the energy every year and month, it is these Four Afflictions that have the greater potential for unfavorable outcomes so should not be overlooked.

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