Certain sectors are more auspicious than others.

THE South-East, North-West, Centre and South are the four auspicious sectors in the Year of the Ox, says feng shui master Gan Wai Kwang.

"Great wealth arrives in the South-East sector. Places like Hong Kong, Shanghai, Australia, Taiwan, Macau, the Philippines, New Zealand, Brazil and Argentina will perform well this year. In Malaysia, the South-East sector (Johor and Sabah) will have several surprise developments (related to the Earth and Wood elements)," says Gan.

To attract wealth, place a water and metal feature in the South-East sector of your house to activate the auspicious forces. If the main door is located at the South-East sector, place a water plant and music box to enhance positive forces.

Place red and green items (paper, cloth, plants) in the centre of the house to enhance positive qi (energy) and induce good fortune. This will augur well for your career or business.

The North-West sector is occupied by No.1 White Ruling Star which brings good fortune in matters related to love, romance and relationships. So ensure that the North-West side of the house is clean and tidy at all times. If you want to be lucky in romance, decorate the centre of the house with white or blue objects such as floor mats, tiles, curtains, carpets or a music box.

Inauspicious feng shui sectors

The most inauspicious No.5 Yellow Star occupies the North sector, while the No.2 Black Star occupies the West sector. The No.5 Yellow Star is more inauspicious than the No.2 Black Star.

"Sectors where the No.2 Star resides will witness losses, sickness, miscarriages, accidents, arguments, conflicts and disasters," says Gan.

"No.5 Yellow and No.2 Black Stars are both connected to the Earth element, triggering misfortunes such as deaths and accidents, and Earth-related calamities such as earthquakes, floods and landslides. House owners should avoid placing too many metal and water items in the North and West sectors."

The inauspicious No.3 Green star occupies the North-East sector. This star represents losses, aggressiveness, jealousy, fighting, legal woes, quarrels and dissent. Place pink-coloured items in the North-East sector of the house to reduce the negative impact of the star.

This year, the Grand Duke (of Jupiter or Tai-Sui) occupies the North-East sector. Thus the North-East will be one of the most sensitive sectors. Gan cautions against any form of renovation work in the North-East sector of the house, office or factory.

Ox people born between March and August are advised to wear Rooster pendants to reduce negative qi.

The South-West sector is another sensitive sector because it faces the Grand Duke. Conventional feng shui theory states that one should not face the Grand Duke directly, but can sit with the back facing the Grand Duke.

When you attend important meetings, try to face South-West (so that you can have the Grand Duke behind you) to get favourable results.

Take heed

The Disaster Star occupies the North, so steer clear of this sector, says feng shui master Louis Loh. Do not undertake any form of renovations, digging or cutting in the North sector which is dogged by injuries and illnesses, cautions Loh.

"If your bedroom, study or office is in the North sector, you should ideally move it. If your main door is located in the North and/or facing North, use another entrance if possible. If no changes can be made, place a copper plate under the carpet to undermine the power of the Disaster Star as Metal weakens Earth qi," says Loh.

"Watch over your health carefully if your bedroom is located in the West sector preoccupied by the Illness star. The qi from this corner could contribute to various health problems, so it would be wise to keep your bed away from this location. If that is not possible, relocate to another room. If you do not have a suitable direction for your bed, place metal items in the West sector to counter the effects of the Illness Star."

Avoid renovations and repairs in the East sector owing to the presence of the Robbery and Three Killing Star. If your house faces the East, keep this sector well-lighted to ward off burglaries. Install a security and alarm system to reduce risk of burglaries.

To lessen the impact brought about by the Argument Star in the North-East, place a red carpet there to control rising tension, irrationality and bad temper. If you allow the Argument star to roam freely in your house, this may give rise to serious problems.

Exercise extra caution if your doors, kitchen or bedroom are in sectors where the inauspicious stars reside. Don't bother if they fall in places such as the toilet and storeroom.

Fortune knocks

How do you seize the opportunity if fortune knocks at your door?

"The Peach Blossom and Scholar Star in the South is most conducive for acquiring knowledge and enhancing academic abilities. So set up your study room in this sector or put your favourite books here to reap the star's full benefits. For students, the star helps in passing exams," Loh explains.

For those who are single, place plants in water at the South sector to activate your peach blossom (or romance luck) for the year.

The Nobleman Star in the North-West is an influential star for accumulating wealth or acquiring anything a person desires. "Place a fish tank in the North-West sector to activate the lucky qi," says Loh.

The Authority Star, also in the North-West, is a strong and auspicious star that allows for advancement of wealth and fame. The entrance of the house, dining table and study room will benefit greatly if they are in this sector.

The South-East is the wealth and luck sector for the year. To attract luck from the Wealth Star, place some water features in this sector. Don't forget to open the doors and windows in this sector to activate good qi.

Most living rooms are located in the Centre of the house where the Happiness Star dwells. Loh advises: "This sector is the area that brings prosperity to the house and its occupants. Avoid placing any auspicious objects here but frequently gather everyone to the living room (to watch television or have a conversation). Good qi will be generated with a harmonious atmosphere," adds Loh.