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By Peter Bream
Most people from the West know their astrological sign. A popular
feature in newspapers and magazines around the world, many wouldn't
think of starting the day before checking out their horoscope.
These days, of course, horoscopes, like almost anything else you
might want to know, can be gleaned using the Internet. This might
be OK for computer addicts and surfer nuts, but a personal approach
is often more rewarding, and certainly more meaningful. Here in
Thailand, a visit to a fortune teller, or mor doo in Thai, is rarely
forgotten and can be an illuminating experience. Many monks will
perform this service in the confines of their temple, and booths
can also be seen in shopping centres around the kingdom offering
this service.
In the same way that Western astrology is a much deeper subject
than merely the reading of one's daily horoscope, so is it's Chinese
counterpart. Chinese astrology has been around for about 3000 years,
and as the Chinese have migrated all over the globe, some have taken
this fascinating and complex knowledge with them.
In Phuket, with its large ethnic Chinese population, businessmen,
parents and people from all walks of life seek advice from Chinese
astrologers. This advice ranges from establishing an auspicious
day for marriage or naming a newborn baby, to major business decisions
such as the positioning of a new hotel or shopping complex. Sin
sae (meaning teacher or master) Kim Sia is one such practitioner
who has been established in Phuket for a number of years and now
operates from his centre for Chinese astrological arts in the Ocean
shopping mall in Phuket Town, near the Robinson department store
and Paradise cinema multiplex.
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Although S. Kim Sia was born in Bangkok, he spent most of his formative
years in China before returning to Thailand with his parents. During
and after his formal education he studied, somewhat reluctantly,
under his father's tutelage. "My father was a keen astrologer",
he commented, "and made me read up on the subject during most
of my spare time. I always wanted to be a businessman, but after
a few business ventures turned sour, I decided to persevere with
my father's wishes and continue my studies. The more I learned,
the more fascinated I became. There are so many aspects to astrology
that you never stop learning", he enthused. Later on, he worked
as a general assistant to a master astrologer, travelling all over
Thailand with him and gaining a lot more practical knowledge.
The twelve star signs in western astrology are replaced by animal
signs in the Chinese system, and whilst there are similarities between
the two, they are very much individual systems. In Chinese astrology,
a birth chart is first drawn up once the actual time and date of
birth is known. "It is absolutely essential that I'm given
the correct birth details", S.Kim Sia explained, "because
it is from this initial information that everything else evolves."
From the information on the birth chart, a board is then used to
lay out appropriate discs which, together, will provide information
about the subject, his life and his/her relatives. For example,
information about the amount of the five elements of wood, earth,
fire, metal and water we are composed of will tell us how to rectify
matters to bring about a more complete balance to our lives. "My
father found I was lacking in metal and earth when I was born,"
he continued, "and that's why he named me Kim Sia; Chinese
words meaning gold and earth. By reinforcing these two elements,
my life is more balanced."
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Feng shui is a branch of Chinese astrology that's become very chic
over the last few years. Many Thais, and some foreigners, wanting
to build a new house or set up a business will consult Kim Sia for
advice on location of the house or building, its and its contents'
orientation, and such matters as where the cashier should sit in
relation to the reception area. An on-site visit is necessary to
achieve these goals, and Kim Sia finds himself travelling countrywide
to satisfy his clients.
One of the other services provided by S.Kim Sia is the more obscure
practice of reading the shape and characteristics of the face, known
as No Heng. "The face is the mirror of one's destiny",
he assured me. "Lines are significant, and texture of skin
and shape of features such as cheekbones give indications of individual
strengths and weaknesses, as well as telling me of major life events."
So, if you find yourself in Phuket Town having shopped till you've
dropped, have done Phuket Fantasea, the zoo, the gold stores and
all the tours, why not pay Sin sae Kim Sia a visit for some other-worldly
information about yourself, your business, or even your love-life?
It'll cost you no more than a few hundred baht, and the charge is
the same for Thais and foreigners. And if you discover that the
shirt you're wearing is a rather inappropriate colour - no problem!
Right outside Kim Sia's astrological arts centre you'll find all
the clothes you'd ever want to fill your wardrobe with.
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