The Chinese typically have a penchant for ‘lucky’ or ‘auspicious numbers’ and this is exemplified by the number 8 – which sounds like ‘fa’ in Chinese or meaning prosper.

Which explains why the Beijing Olympics is slated to kick off at 8:08pm on August 8th 2008 – 8th day of the lunar calendar and a Chinese almanac-approved day, with loads of positive energy fireworks. In addition a special date like 080808 occurs only once in a century and 080808 just has a nice ring to it, really.

Renowned Feng Shui Master Raymond Lo has some words of advice for China’s leaders – they should wear an Ox pendant to ward off bad karma at the Olympics.

According to the 12-year cycle of Chinese astrology, China’s President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao were both born in the Year of the Horse. Lo said the current Year of the Rat is incompatible with those born in the Horse Year, bringing about a serious clash between the Water and Fire elements. However this influence can be minimized by the Ox pendant that will help to draw away the Rat.

This year 080808 also happens to coincide with the 7th lunar month, you can find out more about the significance of that here. Suffice to say, that’s not very auspicious from a purely traditional point of view. However many young Chinese now eschew such beliefs to avoid being mocked at or perceived as backward.

Though some may dismiss the above as folk superstitions or pure hogwash, even the 5 Olympic mascots known as the Fuwa, have not been spared. The notion of a Fuwa curse has surfaced in recent months, with each character representing a national disaster. Read the article here. The optimistic view is that with all five omens now fulfilled, the Olympics can proceed and all’s well that ends well.

Continued in “080808 Part II – Clash.. of the Feng Shui Masters”.