2022 Feng Shui Predictions for Business, Investments, and More

As we usher in the Year of the Water Tiger this 2022, Feng Shui expert Marites Allen shares her advice for navigating the world of business.

A new year means new beginnings. As we officially bid farewell to the Year of the Metal Ox, we welcome with open arms the Year of the Water Tiger this 2022. And with it comes new possibilities, opportunities, and a new set of predictions—brought to you by none other than Feng Shui expert Marites Allen.

“The main destiny chart, which extends from February 1, 2022, to January 21, 2023, has plenty of wood and water, some earth and fire, but an absence of metal,” Marites explains. “Excessive water and wood suggest constant movement and traveling.”

“The missing metal element infers a tendency for people to act and do things independently,” she adds. “Thus, [expect] more division rather than partnership. Metal is like a magnet. It represents connections—connecting people—and therefore its absence indicates many forms of separation.”

With 2022 being a year of separation, she adds that this can take on many forms—a separation between couples, employer and employee, or even from social circles. Perhaps even temporary, not permanent. “Not all separations are negative. When you make a shift, your energy changes. And that’s a good thing,” she explains.

Power in Independence: The Business Mindset

Strong, independent, and powerful. These are just some of the many adjectives used to describe the mighty tiger—the reigning animal sign for the year. “The tiger energy is very aggressive. It’s very temperamental. It’s compassionate, but if you provoke it, you don’t know what’s gonna go,” she explains in a Zoom interview “It’s impatient, [and] it waits for no one.”

Linking back to the year 2022 being a year of separation, Marites advises on capitalizing on the tiger’s independent energy. “[The Water Tiger] energy is more of a Yang energy. That’s why it’s very active. This is a very aggressive year. That’s why aggressiveness, decisiveness, and being in control are important.”

The kind of business mindset you need to carry throughout the year 2022, Marites also adds that it “depends on the priority of the person” as well, as she cautions that charging ahead blindly may lead to consequences. “A lot of people will have to do things on their own. They are very independent and they do not need to depend on others to make decisions [for them] to move ahead. If you already have more than enough and you feel that you’re already comfortable, then you don’t need to.”

“But if you still feel that you’re very young and aggressive and you want to make a difference, then go for it.“

Business Forecasts for the Year

The general business forecast shows that opportunities to make money and attract fortune are going to be scant, especially for the less-privileged. “The rich may become richer, while the poor may become poorer,” she warns. Likewise, the rich cannot rest easy either, as the “fall of the rich could happen instantly.”

The solution? Capitalize on the tiger’s strong energy and grasp any opportunities that come your way.

However, the age-old methods may not work now. Given the volatile nature of water, Marites stresses that we [still] have to move with the changes in time, while at the same time capitalizing on what the people need. Thus, when asked about the state of some of the much-talked-about business sectors, she readily gives her insights.

On Investments and Property

Real estate has been a hot topic for many years, with property prices skyrocketing in prime areas. However, the ongoing pandemic has shaken up the housing industry, especially with people staying in one place as much as possible to minimize the risk of contracting the disease.

“Volatility can also be seen in property markets,” she explains. “[There may be] a possible bubble where buyers enjoy good deals and sellers incur losses. The first quarter may be quiet, with things perking up later in the year.”

On Finance, the Stock Market, and Cryptocurrencies

With the ongoing pandemic, we’ve seen the end of many businesses, as well as the birth of new concepts, such as virtual currencies like BitCoin. “Financial institutions could be weak and vulnerable, and new innovations in cryptocurrencies, non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and blockchain technologies could well gain ground in our daily lives,” she explains, adding that she too has invested in some, thanks to her children’s recommendation.

“This is the time to bet on it, for as long as you can handle the risks,” she also cautions, adding that your decision will also depend on whether you’re in it to invest long-term or for short-term, instant returns only.

However, stock market players shouldn’t lose hope just yet. “The stock market usually perks up during the summertime [because] it’s a fire element,” she says, implying that the second quarter of the year may have more promising results. “It’s not a very stable forecast, though… because the Philippines is a very unique market.”

On Starting a New Business or Franchising

Amid mass layoffs, resignations, and business closures, many people find themselves at a crossroad—that is, on whether to start their own business or to opt for a tried-and-tested franchise.

While Marites doesn’t give a clear-cut answer, she instead opines that “studying the market and finding your unique selling point” will aid you in making your decision. “If it’s something really popular and everyone’s doing it, then go for it. There’s a structure in [franchising] and the support from the mother company, which is good.”

As for starting a business, she circles back on your priority. “Take the calculated risk, but exercise caution too. If you’re a seasoned business person, go for it, but tread carefully. As long as you’re not betting your life savings on it.“

However, she errs against following the crowd too easily. “Don’t just get into things because it’s the hype or trending [right now].”

On Being an Employer or an Employee

Being an employer and employee comes with its share of pros and cons. There is an amount of freedom, responsibility, and room for growth to be considered for each role. And while some are more suited for managerial roles and others are content to go by routine, the answer for this depends on the risks you’re willing to shoulder.

“This year, you have to decide. Do you want to be the head of the mouse or the tail of the lion? Do you want to run a small business first, take it easy, feel it, have a look at the economy, and see where it goes? Or do you want to just pack it up and be an employee of a big company?” Marites asks.

For this, Marites suggests having your chart read in order to map out your destiny, as well as to weigh the pros and cons based on the favorability of the path you’ll take. “It all boils down to the individual person. Where do I want to be this time of the year?“

On Closing a Business

When asked whether business owners should abandon a sinking ship, hold on for dear life, Marites has one thing to say. “If it gives you a headache, then close it.”

Touching on the topic of tying one’s self-worth to their business, she goes on to add, “Gone are the days when people are so hurt by [closing a business]. You did your best and you tried. It didn’t work, unfortunately, so just move on. You didn’t actually fail. You gained a lesson.“

As for whether she forecasts the closure of many businesses, she says, “Yes, many businesses will close, but hey, many new ones will open because there will be different ways for us to sustain them. It really depends on the response to these times.“

Thriving Business Ventures for 2022

True to the volatile nature of water, nothing is set in stone. However, Marites notes that businesses related to the water element—whether water-like in nature or similar to its flow—will be flourishing this year. These include shipping, deliveries, water filtration, storage, or even warehousing.

“Water industries like refilling stations… and transfers and movements will [also] do well,” she adds—with the latter, most especially, sustaining us amid the pandemic.

Likewise, the absence of metal in this year’s charts means that a need for metal-related businesses is evident. These include e-commerce and tech-based businesses, as well as social media, which can be capitalized with the right skills.

Your Luck and Destiny

Amid the ongoing pandemic, there are a lot of things to be done in both business and career, but there will definitely be many ways and means for recovery. “With all the drama in the world, I would encourage everyone to look in the other side of the business. What [ultimately] matters most is thinking of what [business] will sustain us.”

And while the year will surely come with its share of ups and down, Marites emphasizes that while your chart and signs play a role in shaping your destiny, it doesn’t factor 100% of your outcome.

“The first one-third [of your destiny] is called the Heaven’s Luck. Some people are born luckier, prettier, and richer than others,” she explains. “The second one-third is the Mankind Luck. This [refers to] what you do to yourself… because of your actions and decisions. So if you’re lazy, no one’s gonna put food on the table.

“The third is the Earth Luck,” she continues. “This is what Feng Shui is all about—that it’s the Year of the Water Tiger, the good signs are this, bad signs are this… [and] what you can do about it,” she adds. “It’s only a third of our luck, so even if [the predictions] say that it’s very inauspicious, you have your destiny [and] your Mankind Luck to go around.”

Lastly, she ends with these sage words of advice. “Have an attitude of gratitude. Remember that it’s the year of the tiger, [so] aggression is very high. Take a breather, and be in control of your emotions. This is not the time to be arrogant and aggressive because it’s going to destroy us.”