Amid the intertwined hope and fear brought by new beginnings, a Chinese metaphysics professional rises up to the challenge of guiding individuals towards a purposeful and prosperous year ahead.

EVERY LUNAR New Year, streets and establishments are adorned with bright red colors as an invitation for luck and prosperity in the months ahead. Families and friends gift acquaintances with boxes of tikoy—glutinous rice cakes—while Chinese restaurants hand out fortune cookies to their customers.

Aside from these tokens of celebration during the season, various individuals from all walks of life also develop interest and curiosity with what predictions their horoscope for the year holds. Some malls even designate areas where mall-goers can check their yearly zodiac forecast. With the communal anticipation, Chinese astrologers take the spotlight amid the festive season as Filipinos consult their expertise on horoscopes to assess their luck with the Tiger.

Through the Years

The historic relationship between the Filipinos and the Chinese traces back to the pre-colonial times, rooted in trade and commerce. These interactions also paved the way for cultural integration—including Chinese astrology as we know it.

Chinese metaphysics practitioner and consultant Sofia Relosa notes that the zodiac has maintained its local popularity due to the long-standing presence of Chinese culture in the Philippines.

Relosa’s interest in the field began 14 years ago when a friend of hers mentioned how delving into it can promote wealth and wellbeing. It was not until 2017 when her curiosity led her to study Chinese metaphysics professionally, which she initially kept as a secret from her husband.

As a professional consultant, Relosa uses the different tools of Chinese metaphysics in enhancing her clients’ awareness and clarity in life. She identifies their Bazi chart based on their birthday and birth hour, and aligns it with the feng shui from the client’s own environment. The Bazi chart shows one’s four Chinese animals, as well as the pillars that denote suggested behaviors on particular aspects of life.

“You have to identify what you want and then we align it to the feng shui, where we can maximize the best energy to provide you the optimum level of energy,” she explains.

During Lunar New Year, Bazi astrology gains heightened interest as people use the horoscope to guide their year ahead. Thus, Relosa’s January and February days are packed with consultations, especially from business owners who need advice.

Shoot for the moon

The popularity and practice of Bazi and feng shui continue past the Lunar New Year, as Relosa continues to provide such guidance throughout the calendar. Aside from business owners, fresh college graduates and those experiencing emotional turmoil also  seek direction by consulting with her year-round.

Regarding the practice’s prominence in the country, Relosa explains that astrology is popular among the population, though many would not admit it. “Hindi lang nila ine-expose kasi (They just don’t expose themselves because) they don’t want to be judged,” she explains.

Despite the widespread awareness of the zodiac, many misconceptions continue to mar its effectiveness, particularly the over-reliance on Chinese charms or decorations. “Chinese metaphysics is a tool that’s based on the energy from our natural environment. It’s from the stars, from the mountain, from the sea, and everything… [But activating it] requires active action,” Relosa states.

Like many other belief systems, Bazi and feng shui require active intervention from individuals to effect true change in their lives. Charms and faith alone do not make for a better life. In that sense, practices such as Chinese metaphysics are exactly that—instruments that revolve around the person and guide action rather than beliefs to be followed blindly.

Land among the stars

In the wake of the moon’s trip around the earth, it is important to note that Chinese metaphysics does more than help people take action, make decisions, and pursue more fulfilling lives.

For Relosa, awareness and direction in life can be hard to come by as some people live their whole lives never knowing what their purpose is. “That’s one of the reasons why Chinese metaphysics is very important—[you’re able to] chase a goal instead of just reacting to [your] circumstances,” she shares.

By finding one’s Bazi chart and discovering one’s affinities and sense of self, Relosa affirms that people are better informed on the paths they should take, whether in their career or life in general. “It’s a happy life because you’re doing what you’re meant to do,” she concludes.

—