It’s a New Ballgame – Guidance for Personal and Business Success for the Next 20 Years
In classical feng shui, there is the designation of “Three Cycles and 9 Periods” which defines and spans 180 years. Each Cycle (Upper, Middle, and Lower) contains three 20-year Periods. This February marks the transition of Period 8 to Period 9 and represents the last 20 years in the 180-year timeframe.
This is significant as the energy of Period 9 is very different than Period 8, which will impact world views, the rise and fall of specific industries, and more. We’ll witness transitional endings and completions both personally and on the world stage.
Period 9 will be a time of significant change worldwide and a potent force for exciting transformation, new opportunities, and good fortune.
Out With the Old
The energy of Period 8 (2004 to 2023) was that of Earth element, represented by the majestic and powerful mountain. During this time period we saw the rise of male entrepreneurs, increased value of land and property, and the growth of related industries such as real estate and construction. Period 8 energy was related to achieving success and accumulating wealth, and many new powerful companies such as Amazon, Tesla and the like were formed and saw significant growth.
Represented by the mountain, Period 8 was an immovable yet constant energy. Accordingly, things moved more slowly in Period 8. Many people, for example, amassed wealth and assets over time rather than right away.
In With the New
Period 9 is a completely different ballgame. It is represented by Fire element which moves quickly. Like a flame it is fluid and prone to fluctuation. It is associated with love, desire, anger, drama, light, and energy but is something to approach with respect and caution as it is easy for a small campfire to turn into a raging and out of control wildfire. We will literally and figuratively see things burn down over the next 20 years.
In Period 9, everything related to technology, artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, energy, the arts, culture, beauty, cardiovascular health, education, and spirituality will be on stage. During Period 9 it is much easier to be visible, so we’ll see an additional emphasis on social media and networks, and the worldwide web.
From an investment perspective, companies associated with these industries will thrive while those related to Period 8 (real estate, construction, etc.) will take a back seat. However, any business not directly associated with Fire industries can still do well if they embrace and implement aspects of Fire energy such digitalization, AI, and more, or change their business model to digital engagement with customers.
It will also be important to diversify your investments and have multiple streams of income, rather than relying on just one because the energy of Fire can and will fluctuate. Being diversified will help to stabilize your income and investments in this time of change.
Businesses will want to take into consideration the interest and motivations of the younger generations because in Period 9 there will be much more of a focus on empowerment and purpose rather than focusing solely on accumulating wealth and assets. Also, while Period 8 tended to emphasize the success of male entrepreneurs, Period 9 opens the way for middle-aged women to be visible and create the success they desire. Because of this, companies would be wise to consider the role women play in their organization and look to see where they could make use of their considerable talents more widely, especially in leadership or customer-facing roles.
On a more personal note, Fire element is represented by the heart which means anything relating to our personal relationships, love of others and love of self, will be emphasized for the next 20 years. There can be an opening of the heart and embracement of love and compassion or the tendency to close one’s heart, isolate, or be confronted with issues of abandonment and betrayal.
The way through the latter is to strive for an open heart but one with discernment. Rather than just blindly accepting everyone and everything, and jumping into the frying pan, slow down, evaluate, and pay attention to the warning signs. See where you are stuck with regard to the themes of self-isolation, betrayal and/or abandonment and do the work to release the pain and sorrow around them.
It’s also key to cultivate joy in every aspect of your life. And if that feels like something that’s hard to do at times, look for the small moments of grace and levity. Be aware of them and embrace them so they may sink into your heart to fill you up and sustain you during difficult times.
Self-care in all its forms (mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually) is crucial during these next 20 years. Because of the rise and emphasis on technology during this period it will be easy for people to become disconnected and separated, so mental health is front and center now. There is also the possibility of more stress as things move much more quickly in Period 9, so it’s very important to pay attention to your physical health, particularly anything related to the heart (heart disease, high blood pressure, etc.) and cancer.
Electromagnetic frequencies (EMFs) are also at play here as they are of the Fire frequency and can negatively affect the body. (For more on EMFs, please see this post.) Also pay attention to how you view and speak about yourself. There’s a lot of lip-service given to the concept of “self-love,” but in Period 9 the nurturing and care of oneself will be very important.
As you step into the energy of this new 20-year period, remember that Fire can be volatile.
Your secret weapon is to remain grounded and centered, to the best of your ability. And when you forget to do so – because you will – don’t get caught up in the fact that you got derailed. Just come back to center and reground yourself. I find taking a moment, closing my eyes, and doing a few deep belly breaths is a wonderful way to do this quickly. Any other kind of grounding is wonderful too such as meditation or quiet meditative exercise like yoga, tai chi, or qigong.
Want More?
If you’re looking for a way to break through whatever is limiting or holding you back, consider doing an Intensive. Designed specifically to clear out trapped energy and limiting beliefs, an Intensive is a powerful way to support yourself – energetically, emotionally, physically, and mentally.
