The Year of the Golden Tiger brings so many challenges and trials to most of the animal signs. This is so true because the fierce and aggressive character of the Tiger along with the clashing elements may bring conflicts and obstacles to most of us this year.

I may sound weird but this is the Feng Shui outlook for 2010. Last week, I visited Denise of New Victory Trading in Binondo for my annual Feng Shui consultations. Since 2008, she has been my Feng Shui confidante, and things have gone better for me since then. I also met his friend, Laurence Yap, who knows how to read birth charts.

I asked them if it’s really necessary to believe in Feng Shui. Both of them replied that what’s more important is that we do good things to others to enhance the positive energy in us. Amulets and charms are just tools to help us become positive thinkers and to work hard for good karma. 1. I-Ching Coins

This is the most popular lucky charm to those who wish for wealth and prosperity since the era of the dynasties in China. These three ancient Chinese coins that are tied together aren’t only used for wealth luck, but they can also be used to dispel bad spirits and negative energies. People would usually keep them inside wallets or purses, but to many Chinese, these coins are used during house construction to attract wealth luck for the owners. They are either placed on the foundation of the house, or when it is already finished, on the first step or below the doormat. Just keep in mind to place the Yang side (with the four Chinese characters) in front all the time while the Yin side (with the dragon symbols) at the back.

2. Laughing Buddha

This Buddha isn’t just laughing, but it is considered to be the most complete of them all. It features several auspicious symbols in traditional Feng Shui, making it one of the bestsellers among Feng Shui patrons. It has the Rui, the highest form of money during the Emperor’s time, which symbolizes power and recognition. This figure helps those in authority instill obedience among subordinates. The Buddha also features the Wu Lou or gourd which is used to attract good health and longevity. It also has the Guan Po or gold bar which symbolizes wealth and prosperity, the Fu or good luck necklace and a red robe that is considered to be a very lucky color. The Laughing Buddha bears the lucky Chinese characters that read Wan Shir Ruyi, which means “All good things will come to you.” Best placed in the living room and receiving area of the office.

3. Fish

The aruwana is known to be the most auspicious fish in Chinese history. But only few people know that fish in general are very lucky among the Chinese. Displaying fish in the living room will bring about abundance, productivity and infinite blessings to those who live in the house. Fish figures in Feng Shui often have scales made of golden coins to symbolize abundant wealth and prosperity. This figure is very popular among businessmen who want to expand their trade or venture into new businesses. Just like the Laughing Buddha, fish figures may be placed in the living room or at the receiving area of your office.

4. Wu Lou

We all know that health is wealth. In Feng Shui, enhancing the money luck is as important as energizing the health luck to achieve balance. Since the illness star is present this year, make sure that you carry or display the Wu Lou or gourd to maintain good health all throughout the year. Get one with the Tiger and Dragon symbols since the two animal signs are the perfect combination this year. The Wu Lou can be placed on your bed side or hang it on your health direction. Consult a Feng Shui expert to identify your health direction for the year through your personal Kua number based on your birth year.

5. Chinese Abacus

During the ancient times, Chinese people use the abacus as their calculator for trading. In Feng Shui, it is used to attract sales and income to those who bring it while doing business. It is also one of the best lucky charms for successful transactions and business deals. Some people also bring it when collecting debts. It is advised to shake it before or during a transaction and even during a business presentation with clients. Some would even shake it during a store opening or first day of business. This may also be kept inside the cash register of your shop.