6 Reasons Why You Failed In Your Business

Joey Yap's FaceBook : Thursday, September 17, 2009 at 12:16am

Man born on 30th October 1975 23.37pm – In summary his email was basically asking about why he failed in his business. My answers below:

1. You lack focus in your work.

You do not have priority in your management of your business. This is a typical problem caused by the double Bing Fire Resource stars flanking the Day Master. One Resource Star will not cause this problem. But 2 flanking your Day Master, this could distort your ability to keep focused.

2. You involved partners who do not share your vision. Nor do they understand your business model.

We can see this from the effect of the Rob Wealth star inside the month branch, which is participating in a ‘combination’ as well as a ‘harm’ with its neighbors. A Rob Wealth star in business – can represent your business partners (or shareholders). You have a Rabbit and Rooster clash separated by the Dog (RW star in the Month branch). Yet these two “clashing” branches are participating in a “combo” and “harm” relationship with your Rob Wealth Star in the Month Branch. Simply put - this indicates your business partners do not share your vision.

3. Lemme guess – you’ve invested too much in overheads such as office space, inventory, equipment etc …without having a proper plan. Oh wait – don’t tell me you don’t even have a proper cash flow plan!

Your BaZi chart shows a ‘destruction’ between Zi (Wealth Star) and You (Eating God). And … the Wealth Star (Zi) is penetrated to the current Luck Pillar’s Stem – where at the same time it seeks to control the 2 Direct Resource stars (which is its wealth star) in your BaZi Chart. This usually indicates reckless, impulsive spending. Your Wealth Star also is in harm relationship with the current LP.

4. You are unrealistic. Actually, worst, – you are unaware or insensitive to market needs. You are probably doing the things you WANT to do, instead of what your market WANTS from you.

This is indicated by your Year Pillar (which represents your market in Business) which is in a “heaven and earth clash” with your day pillar. But notice that your Day Branch is clashing out, while the Heavenly Stem of the Year is clashing inwards. This is an indication where you are doing what you want, rather than what the market wants.

5. You believe that ‘networking’ and ‘connection’ is what will bring you business success. Whereas you should have focused on VALUE creation.

This is indicated by the fact that you have 2 Bing Fire Resource Stars flanking your chart - and both of these Bing fire are untimely and ‘dark’ in this hour of birth. With this formation – you are prone to just “looking good” but going “nowhere.” Hence you spend a lot of time merely doing networking and connecting – because it’s easy. (Networking and Connecting are basic tenets of a Companion Structure with protruding Resource Stars). Resource star likes to do ‘easy’ things, and things that ‘look good’.

Value, which is represented by the “Wealth” star in your chart, is unfortunately located at the tail end (hour) of your chart and it is in a destruction relationship with your Rooster (Eating God). Eating God represents your method, your way or your style of conducting business. While we like “Eating God to produce Wealth” (which gives you your desire to start and run your own business) … unfortunately this Eating God is in a “Destruction” relationship with the Wealth Star AND while it is harmed by the Dog (Rob Wealth Star) next to it. Together, this indicates that you put VALUE creation as last priority.

6. You do everything by yourself and trust no one. You lack the ability to leverage on your resources.

This is due to the fact that this chart is unable to use the 7 Killings stars effectively while the Resource stars are acting as negative stars. This is translated to problems with delegating work to others. Plus, notice that you are the ONLY Ji Earth in your chart with no other Friend star to help you out.

Solution? – Simple – undo or fix all the 6 things above and you WILL stand a better chance in succeeding in business.

Although your chart indicates obstacles, it does NOT mean you cannot do anything about it. To fix or not to fix is a CHOICE. Now that you know WHERE your problem lies and WHAT caused you to fail, then the obvious solution is for you to TAKE ACTION to change / rectify them. It’s all up to your will power and determination to alter your destiny despite the odds.
If you could not do this, then perhaps – you’d fair better working for others for now at least until 47. This is an alternative route.

Sorry I’ve only got time for 6 points for tonight. It’s been a long day and I’m sleepy now, gotta go to bed. Tomorrow I have another full day at work. Perhaps other members of this list can chip in their thoughts and suggestions for you too.

All the best,
JY ☺

The modern relationship in the context of Bazi

One interesting aspect of applying BaZi, a science that was formulated in ancient China, is in modifying its application to the 21st century world that we dwell in. BaZi as we know, is pretty much all about balance. How this balance applies and how this balance has changed are the key concepts underlying this week's article.
Ask any BaZi consultant and you'll find that relationship issues (the romantic kind) are among the most common discussed during a BaZi reading. I often find in my practice and in speaking to fellow consultants that impractical (and oftentimes ignorant) expectations and views are behind the relationship woes of the many clients. We all know the roles of women have evolved tremendously in the past 50 years or so. Women nowadays have risen to be successful corporate, political leaders, business people and can hold enormous influence and power. How do we relate such change and progress to the concept of balance in the BaZi chart?
The factor that denotes capability and ability to express and use talents and skills is the Output element. As such the stronger, more vibrant and better quality the Output element, the better the person is able to express oneself, perform and in general, get things done. All these are, of course, crucial factors for success as defined by modern society. Alas, too strong an Output also puts stress on the Influence element-which for women denotes the husband or romantic other half.
As such, a common occurrence for successful women is that they tend to be too opinionated, aggressive and expressive - all qualities that, we have to realistically admit, diminish the traditional role of men as the decision-maker and dominant party in a relationship. But of course, the "traditional" role of men also encompassed being completely responsible of the well-being of their partners and children in terms of protection, security and basic needs, while being in charge of projects and day-to-day endeavours.
As such, the balance has changed. As evolution can't be help, the wise approach is to go with the flow and modify our own expectations when it comes to relationships. Along with the change in the "power" balance between men and women, we have to accept the inevitable change of not just financial responsibility, but also in terms of who gets what done However, many women who are strong individuals and who need to accomplish their own goals other than the traditional ones of being a wife, mother and homemaker, commonly want the best of both worlds. They want to pursue a successful career and yet hope to be completely coddled and taken care of by their man. However, we know from a BaZi (and practical) standpoint this does NOT work!
If you have traits that make you a successful corporate, business or powerful woman, chances are you'll end up overshadowing your man, find it difficult to find someone who matches your caliber or have difficulty maintaining your relationship. In such a case, you'll find you need to lower your expectations and accept that you may need to be the breadwinner or contribute to the financial aspect of the relationship (at least to some extent).
Similarly, guys who are the archetype of the new-age, sensitive male-for example, one who is able to relate to feelings and sentiment, be nurturing and caring-also find that they're unable to completely "wear the pants" in a relationship. Such males tend to have fleeting relationships and have trouble maintaining long-term relationships. And since they literally have trouble controlling their Wealth element (which stands for literal wealth, management style and ahem, also their "better" half), then financially they tend to be unstable or have difficulty accumulating wealth.
So ladies, be prepared to have to bear some financial responsibility in general if you're into the new-age kind of guy (or alternatively, if you're the ambitious sort when it comes to career). And similarly, guys who fit this mould need to accept that they can't be in charge of all decisions nor be in complete control. Such understanding, compromise and practice from both genders are needed to keep the "modern" relationship alive and well!

Toh Kong Eu
MA Instructor

To clash or not to clash

By Mastery Academy

This week, let's take a look at the concept of the "clash" of the Earthly Branches in BaZi. Recall that each natal BaZi chart contains four Earthly Branches -- namely the four animal signs in the Year, Month, Day and Hour Pillars (in addition, there are the Earthly Branches of the Luck and Annual Pillars). A clash to the Earthly Branches means that one (or more) of the Earthly Branches encounters a direct, opposing branch. This can occur within the natal BaZi chart itself or between the branches in a natal chart with the Luck or Annual Pillars.

Now, the main thing is that a clash of course is not to be feared and does not necessary mean a bad thing! In general, however, clashes do indicate changes, usually abrupt and obvious ones. As clashes indicate head-on changes, their effects are obvious and typically obviously felt - so it is a good idea to usually prepare ourselves when we predict a clash occurring either in the Luck or Annual Pillars.

Whether a clash is deemed good or not is usually dependent on how "favourable" the victorious element of a clash is. For example, in the clash of a Rat (Water element) and a Horse (whose main Qi is Fire), the victorious branch is typically the Rat (as Water puts out Fire). This is one determinant. We also have to examine whether the more favourable element is removed or introduced. Continuing with the Rat/Horse example, let's assume that there is a Rat branch in a natal BaZi chart and a BaZi evaluation tells us that the element of Ding fire is needed. In the Luck Pillar of the Horse, generally the introduction of Fire via the Horse, even though it is "rejected" by the Rat (hence, manifesting as the Rat/Horse clash), is good for the person in question. There will be unsettling changes in store of course ... but the discomfort will be beneficial for the person's life.

For today's article, let's also examine the effects of the clash to different parts of the BaZi chart. As the Year Branch indicates the external-most part of the chart, a clash here indicates a change in the external environment of the person in question. These external changes can manifest in circumstances as relocation, migration or travel for the person undergoing the clash. A Clash in the Year Branch can also mean accidents or mishaps which hurt the external body. As the Year Pillar also denotes the relationship with one's grandparents and childhood friends, a clash here may also mean separation from (or in some cases, the death of) such parties.

The Month Branch is the foremost indication of one's key character since it denotes the immediate family environment when one is growing up. As such, any clash here means not only a crucial change in the person's key attitudes but possibly a change in the parental home or parental relationship. In addition, as the Month Pillar is also an indicator of one's immediate work environment and relationship with the superior, a clash here denotes such a corresponding change - he or she may be transferred to a different department or alternatively, his or her superior may be replaced!

A clash to the Day Branch is usually much-feared as it typically denotes marital or spousal problems. However, a clash to the Day Branch could simply mean a change in residence or renovations to the home. Alternatively, it could also mean hurting the lower part of the body or perhaps even surgery.

Parents especially, should be wary of a clash to the Hour Branch as this denotes issues (for example, separation) with one's children. As one's subordinates are also akin to one's children, a clash to the Hour Branch can also denote a turnover in subordinates or even the type of work that a person does. Besides these, a clash to the Hour Branch can cause a feeling of unease and unsettling thoughts for the person experiencing the clash.

Toh Kong Eu
MA Instructor

Day Pillar = All in a day's work

By Mastery Academy
Like all other jobs out there, Feng Shui consulting has its ups and downs - braving the tropical weather in formal attire, inflicting soil and mud upon leather shoes, and having to quickly recover and look cool while heading back to the office. One of the most important lessons I've learned is this: always start your day with a healthy hearty breakfast.

No. Just joking. What I mean to say is, don't embark on crucial activities (all my site-visits are crucial to me, later you will understand why) on a Day that clashes with your Day Pillar.
Now, of course sometimes we do not get to choose the best time to go out - always bear in mind what's happening to your house's dynamic Feng Shui. Dynamic what? I'm going to assume that since this newsletter is reaching you, you must be an ardent observer of Feng Shui - and therefore, by default you must have a 'Bright Hall' outside AND inside your main door.
(If you really have no idea what a 'Bright Hall' is, you have no choice but to get this book.)
Back to dynamic Feng Shui - I was referring to the annual and monthly Flying Stars at your main door. Why? This is a good indicator of your wealth prospects for the month:
Month Star produce Annual Star: Expect some financial gains. Clients will be very friendly and cooperative.

Month Star the same element with Annual Star: Maintained status quo. Extremely lovely clients.

Month Star counters Annual Star: Some wealth gains. But cranky clients.

Month Star depletes Annual Star: Client requires 'a lot of persuasion.'
Month Star countered by Annual Star: Client will Feng Shui his/her own house.

The 'Host and Guest' relationship between two Stars (or Star and Palace) is often discussed in Xuan Kong Feng Shui. We often generalize that Star combinations like 8-9 and 1-4 are good stuff, but fail to see that sometimes, the good stuff happens without truly 'benefiting' us! For example, if your Annual Star is #9, and the monthly Star that flew in is a #8, you have a case of Fire 'producing out' to the Earth. What this could mean is that, while yes, you will experience a 'happy event' (#9 is the Happiness Star), and money is involved (#8 is a Wealth Star), but because of this 'produce outwards' relationship - it looks like you'll be spending money at someone else's wedding or charity ball instead!

During a Feng Shui corporate training session last week, one female participant asked, "What does it mean if I have too much Fire in my BaZi chart?"

My answer was, "Drink more water then."

They all laughed at me.

Hmm... Fire represents passion. Too much Fire means over-passionate. When you are constantly over-passionate you tend to work your body a lot, move a lot, and talk a lot. So you get dehydrated easily. After 10 years of constant dehydration your kidneys (Water element) might start to fail. Not to mention your skin condition (Earth element) might be beyond SK-II repair.

Another smart aleck retorted, "Doesn't Fire grow Earth, thus improving your skin?"
My reply was, "Would you take a cooked chicken and stick it in your oven again?" Too much of anything is never good. After all, Feng Shui is fundamentally the study of Yin-Yang balance.
For example, before moving out to seize the day (Yang), always fill yourself with a hearty breakfast (Yin).

Sherwin Ng
MA Instructor

Thriving through the rest of the ox year

By Mastery Academy

Time sure flies, even in this plodding Earth Ox year! We're already almost in the last quarter of this Chinese Solar Year and initial plans are already afoot to welcome the upcoming Metal Tiger year from the perspective of astrology and changing Feng Shui energies. The Earth Ox year has certainly been a challenging and confusing year for many. Alas, the reality is that we still need to face the remainder of the next four months; so let's revisit some key reminders (mostly based on simple 5 element deductions) on how we can make the best of the next 4 months or so.

The Earth Ox year is best visualized by a pile of cold, stacking earth. Hardly a picture of growth, rosy health or clarity in thought! The excess of the earth element is difficult for most of us in terms of BaZi; even those whose favourable element is earth have likely found this a challenging year. The year has brought with it the danger of disease, natural disasters and slow growth in the world economy. While most of us can't really expect to achieve successful fruition of our endeavours this year, nonetheless we should think long term. This is a good year to start new endeavours andinitiate new ideas and goals. The earth allows us to "germinate" and "seed" new projects and take a new direction in life.

However, as plants take time to grow, we should also guard against having too high expectations of quick success and achievement. In fact, if you haven't already discovered by now, longer term visions, goals and plans work much better this year than endeavours that thrive on rapid turnover and quick results-this is a good way to work with the earth element. Also, any endeavour that involves the wood element such as teaching, designing, agriculture- most of anything that involves growth and creativity-- will thrive. A dose of creativity in any endeavour will ease any blockage or obstacle that we encounter.

As fire energy is outwardly weak this year, using the qualities of fire will also help. The fire element will warm-up the cold earth, making it slightly easier to manage. So, we should stay passionate and joyful. Look for and do things that make you happy. Stay happy! As the Ox (being a graveyard animal sign) also makes us more contemplative and inward, this provides a great opportunity to explore spirituality, or perhaps even religion (since these belong to the fire element). Invest in self-cultivation and study. Look for ways to improve your life and its current circumstances, to the extent of maybe even taking a new direction if such a time has arrived!

The excess earth not only makes us contemplative but also blurs communication while causing excessive stress and worry. This is especially so with charts that already have an excess of metal and water. In addition, those with excess earth will also feel pressured and misunderstood; even to the extent of being paranoid and suspicious. As one key benefit of understanding astrology is taking stock of what is happening internally, those afflicted with such excess earth should always look at the brighter side of things and acknowledge that most of one's fear, suspicion and negative thinking this year can be mostly or perhaps even entirely baseless. As the Earth Ox is hardly conducive for clear communication, it is better to be open, clear and forthright when communicating since the chance for miscommunication is already so high.

Lastly, we need to be continuously mindful of health as the Ox has brought increased health risks and higher mortality rates. We should observe good personal hygiene, take precaution of health risks (such as H1N1), eat healthy, and also get adequate exercise and sleep. To stay psychologically healthy, we also need to be physically healthy!

Toh Kong Eu
MA Instructor

How Bazi profiling works for us

BaZi, one of two main forms of Chinese Astrology, is a very empowering tool indeed. One crucial point to note is BaZi's usage in our modern times. Unlike in ancient China, where resources were limited (for example, travelling to the next town or village was something that often took days or weeks), in our modern living, we have much more control of our decisions and actions. As a matter of fact, we often have much, much more control that we think we do!

Understanding one's BaZi is a powerful way of understanding our destiny and life on this planet we call Earth. The static, natal chart tells us our role (or roles) in life, our personality characteristics as well as the situations and circumstances around us, whereby the Luck Pillars (in reaction with the Annual Pillar) tells the changes and movements as we move through time. BaZi is a useful tool indeed, not just for prediction of events and outcomes, but also in understanding what makes us tick, our approach to life, our outlook and our innate skills and talents. BaZi (when interpreted by a neutral, competent practitioner) gives us an extremely objective view of things; one that is not tainted by self-delusion, fear or doubt which can typically skew the best of personality assessment tests.

One of the ways we can approach BaZi as a method of self-improvement is to examine the structure and profile of the person whose chart is being read. This enables us to zoom quickly into the dominant personality trait of the person, in addition to understanding the Day Master (which tells us his or her overall purpose). The profile is determined from reading the month of birth (that is, the season) which is the strongest influence in any chart vis-à-vis the Day Master. This profiling enables us understand the main character or "style" of the person in his or her thinking, outlook and approach in life as well as interaction with others (and really, with the world at large!) and is a substantial, extended understanding of the innate nature of anyone.

The 5 types of most basic profiles (namely Companion, Output, Wealth, Influence and Resource) will determine our dominant personality and really, our "destined" way of relating to the world at large. Once we understand a profile, we can extend this understanding and relate this overall "style", or affinity, to the key areas of our (earthly) life for example, in wealth generation, career choice, social and personal relationships - information that we can use then to improve ourselves, our circumstances and our attitudes to life.

For example, when it comes to wealth, our methods of acquiring, accumulating and managing wealth will differ from profile to profile -- BaZi profiling can tell us HOW best to approach these. Some people are better at managing others' money, some are "structured" to generate wealth by providing a service to others and yet there are others who essentially create wealth from their ideas, thoughts and inventions! Not only that, an in-depth understanding of our profile will help us make the BEST career choice (which often may not fall into the majority or norm as it were) that would ensure success, happiness and more importantly, personal fulfillment. Last but not least, as we are able to assess our personal "style" via BaZi, we can thus empower ourselves in order to relate better to others around us. Similarly, we can use profiling to understand OTHERS around us, therefore creating better and more harmonious relationships!

So you see, contrary to the old fuddy-duddy perception of Chinese Astrology, an updated and modern approach to BaZi is TREMENDOUSLY empowering and extremely useful in our 21st century lives!

Toh Kong Eu
MA Instructor

Finding Niche In Career n Wealth

Mastery Academy says...

We're entering the 2nd half of the year, and August 7th marks the entrance into Autumn season (August is the Ren Shen month). Speculations are rife that the conditions of the economy will worsen in the second half of the year compared to the first half. However, for many people, it is also the start of the 'great sales' in designer and luxury stores and the shopping malls!

When the prices start to slump, or take a major downward dip, many of you financially-astute types will be scrambling about to make some significant investments. Different Day Masters and BaZi structures (based on your BaZi chart) will be inclined towards different types of investments or businesses.

Can everyone do well in property investments? Not really, as not all investments are made equal. So what are the criteria for someone being able to do well in property investments? Well, it depends on whether or not your BaZi chart that favours the Earth element. It also depends on your BaZi structure.

Some of you will do well in the share market, while others will make a killing entering the franchise industry! In that same vein, some among us flourish while working for others, while some others are much better off working on our own.

All this boils down to your BaZi chart, and your BaZi structure. There are 5 types of BaZi career and wealth profiles that we all fall into. Here's a sample of each:

Wealth Profile: 'The Leader.' Results-oriented, driven, problem-solving, controlling.

Output Profile: 'The Star of the Show.' Witty, confident, articulate, innovative.

Companion Profile: 'The Networker.' Sociable, people-connectors, friendly, persuasive.

Influence Profile: 'The Nice Guy.' Stable, amiable, precise, peace-makers.

Resource Profile: 'The Thinker.' Methodical, analytical, risk-averse, structured.

The Nobleman 'Guai Yan'

Joey Yap says:
The "Nobleman" or "Guai Yan" is a concept familiar to most Chinese. So it is not too surprising that the studies of BaZi and Feng Shui should pay special attention to this special "Star."

The "Nobleman" refers to people who are able to help you in times of need. Normally, such persons themselves are of higher social status (which makes it easier for them to rescue others), and these people are discreet about their benevolent act.

"Nobleman Luck" - the affinity of receiving aid from helpful persons - is reflected in one’s BaZi chart. Typically, the specific star has to be present in the original chart itself. Not only that, this star has to be a "favourable" element for the chart before it is considered as being truly helpful.

Otherwise, the presence of such a Nobleman star could mean disturbances from well-meaning individuals, but at inappropriate times. The Nobleman star can also appear in the Luck Pillars (10 year blocks) or even in certain years. Of course, the effects here would be temporary.

In Feng Shui, the Nobleman star is represented by the #1 White Star in the Flying Stars system. If you are familiar with the Eight Mansions system, the ‘Tian Yi’ (Heavenly Doctor) has similar supportive powers. Employing the help of these stars require discretion.

If you need someone to give you a little boost in your career, for example, find out the sector where the #1 White Star is and be there to receive it. Or sleep in a ‘Tian Yi’ direction, if you are looking for an effective doctor to aid you in times of ill health. But of course, remember your BaZi chart to begin with. If the Nobleman Star was already present in your Destiny chart, then you should be able to meet this helpful person indefinitely.

A Helping Hand
Many people worry, upon looking at their own BaZi charts, that they will not receive help in life due to the absence of such a star. Having a helping hand when needed most can make a difference in someone’s life or career. But bear in mind that the Nobleman star is only one of the various interesting aspects in BaZi (or Feng Shui).

Many make it big with their own two hands. Other stars, like the "Sky Horse" star, means that a person can be very successful when travelling or working abroad. The "Peach Blossom" star bestows an aura of likeability that is sure to make a difference if you are in sales, PR, or show business. These are just the few common ones.

It is not pre-requisite that these stars be present for any BaZi chart to be of good quality. Remember that the purpose of the BaZi is to identify what actions should be taken at certain points of time. This would naturally bring out the best possible outcome in our endeavours in life.

"If I do not have a Nobleman in my BaZi, can I still use Feng Shui to look for one?" Yes, you can.

For better results you should seek out the #1 White Star during years or months when the Nobleman "visits" your BaZi chart. But here is another suggestion: instead of worrying whether or not we will meet someone helpful, why not do something we know we are good at? That way, chances of a positive outcome become higher.

Who knows, when all our efforts are fully in-sync with our Destiny, we might not even need an extra hand.