Announcement of Publication: Foundations of Traditional Natal Astrology


I am pleased to announce the publication of my new book, Foundations of Traditional Natal Astrology: A Practical Guide to Birth Chart Interpretation. This work presents a structured and disciplined introduction to the principles of natal astrology as transmitted through the classical Western tradition. It is written for students seeking clarity, coherence, and sound method in the interpretation of birth charts.

The book guides readers through the essential structural components of natal delineation. Each chapter addresses a fundamental element of chart judgment, including signs, planets, houses, rulers, and aspects, and demonstrates how these symbols operate together within an integrated interpretive framework. Emphasis is placed on practical application. The interpretive approach adopted in this work prioritizes judgment grounded in traditional symbolism. Rather than emphasizing psychological astrology, the focus remains on the assessment of concrete conditions and observable manifestations in the life of the native. Particular attention is given to planetary condition, rulership, and the principles of synthesis that allow multiple chart factors to be weighed coherently.

Real-life chart examples illustrate how planetary configurations manifest in lived experience. Through these examples, readers observe the consistent operation of astrological principles across different charts and learn how reliable methods lead to clear and grounded judgment in traditional practice.

Foundations of Traditional Natal Astrology is intended for those seeking a disciplined foundation in traditional natal astrology, as well as for experienced practitioners refining their judgment. It may be used for systematic study or consulted as a reference in ongoing practice. In either case, the book aims to cultivate coherent chart reading and disciplined judgment rooted in enduring principles.

The book is now available for purchase on Amazon (Paperback).
https://www.amazon.com/dp/9819452511

2026 Year of the Horse 丙午年 Fengshui DIY Guide

A new year is approaching, the 2026 Year of the Horse 丙午年. Like many other years, the arrival of a new year offers an opportunity for reflection upon one’s endeavors in the year just past, together with assessment and renewal in preparation for the year ahead. Reflection upon the past allows for refinement and improvement. Forward-looking evaluation enables prudent preparations through the knowledge of the 【Feng Shui Annual Nine Stars】, directed toward enhancing auspicious potentials and restraining harmful influences. In practice, this assessment is complemented by careful attention to the 【Annual Afflictions】, namely San Sha, Tai Sui, and Sui Po, which likewise exert a defining influence upon the year.

With a clear understanding of the specific annual influences and the directional placement of these stars and afflictions for 2026, appropriate measures may be applied to moderate malefic tendencies and reinforce benefic effects within the environment.

One important point requires attention. In the application of the Feng Shui Annual Nine Stars, 2026 Year of the Horse commences on 4 February 2026 at 4:03 a.m., corresponding to Li Chun, the Beginning of Spring, as determined by the Solar Calendar. This should not be confused with the Lunar New Year, which is calculated according to the Lunar Calendar.

To support your preparations, I have created the 【2026 Year of the Horse 丙午年 Fengshui DIY Guide】, written in a clear and accessible manner. Those who wish to receive the guide in PDF format may contact me by email.

On Restraint and Reverence in Times of Tragedy


On 26 November 2025, Hong Kong was struck by the tragic fire in Tai Po’s Wang Fuk Court, a calamity that has left many dead, injured, or still unaccounted for, while families remain in anguish as they wait for news of their loved ones. 

Even as rescue efforts continue and grief has scarcely begun to settle, social media across various platforms has already filled with commentaries, some appearing within hours or the very next day, that set forth metaphysical interpretations, offering Feng Shui or astrological reasoning as though the event were already distant and concluded, presenting these explanations in a lesson-giving manner even while the tragedy is still unfolding. Many speak with an air of authority, delivering their analyses with a detachment that overlooks the immediate grief surrounding them, as though the suffering of the present moment were merely the backdrop for a demonstration of skill. This is not to suggest that such insights lack value within the context of esoteric or metaphysical knowledge; rather, the concern lies in the timing and the manner in which they are offered.

It must be said that Feng Shui, divination, and astrology are all arts situated within the broader field of metaphysics. From an astrological perspective, these disciplines fall chiefly under the Twelfth House and, secondarily, under the Ninth. Yet anyone advancing in the metaphysical field of the Twelfth House must remember its fuller meanings, among them compassion and empathy. Likewise, those devoted to the Ninth House in their pursuit of higher understanding must take care not to become so fixated on intellectual certainty or the rational search for meaning that they forget the moral obligations that accompany such knowledge. The Twelfth and the Ninth form a square in their traditional relationship, which serves as a reminder that one should be mindful not to allow the quest for esoteric insight to obscure ethical responsibilities, nor permit the pursuit of supposed truth to suppress compassion. There are boundaries that should not be crossed, even in the pursuit of knowledge or attention, for those who engage in these arts also assume the obligations inherent in the Twelfth and Ninth Houses.

In times such as these, one ought to reflect with care upon what may rightly be spoken, when it may be spoken, and in what setting. It is worth recalling why the Sun resonates with the Ninth House and Saturn with the Twelfth, for these associations point toward moral clarity, spiritual discipline, and the sobriety of inward reflection.

The Birth of Singapore, 9 August 1965

Tomorrow, 9 August 2025, is Singapore's National Day. 60 years ago, the proclamation declaring Singapore's independence was announced on Radio Singapore at 10:00 am on 9 August 1965. 

You can say that the horoscope chart cast for this particular moment signifies the birth of Singapore. The planetary configurations in the sky at this important moment speaks about her DNA and evolution, which can be delineated and prediction of events timed by specialized timing techniques using the horoscope chart. In the National Horoscope Chart of Singapore, cast with the time of 10:00 am on 9 August 1965, the rising sign or Ascendant is Libra (Tropical Zodiac).  



As an introduction to the National Horoscope Chart of Singapore, I will briefly highlight two components of the chart—the 1st House and the Planet Moon—and outline key delineation points for the Planet-Sign combination that are observable, offering insights into the nation's unique identify.

It is 9 August 1965. The Birth of Singapore.

Mars in Libra, in the 1st House, the Ascendant

Take a moment to read and understand the background leading to the Independence of Singapore. 

Singapore separates from Malaysia and becomes independent

(https://www.nlb.gov.sg/main/article-detail?cmsuuid=dc1efe7a-8159-40b2-9244-cdb078755013)

The Ascendant or the 1st House is representative of not only the symbolic moment of birth, but also Singapore as a whole. Mars is the planet of Strife, Conflict, Tensions, Cutting and Actions. Libra is the sign of Justice, Equality, Negotiation and Balance. Together, Mars-Libra in the Ascendant plays out the background events of the Independence of Singapore, capturing the social mood of the nation at the birth moment, as well as being representative of the innate DNA of Singapore as a whole. Observable delineation of Mars-Libra in the Ascendant includes tensions, conflicts in the areas of justice and equality between different interests or groups, but also the zeal and fight for justice and equality, the latter's importance being often emphasized explicitly in Singapore over the years. Equality (Libra) does not come easy (Mars). Look up Singapore's National Pledge.

Moon in Capricorn, in the 4th House

The 4th House signifies Real Estate, Properties, Home, Infrastructure, End of Life. Moon is representative of the Public at Large, the Instinctive Needs and Moods. Capricorn is the sign of Regulation, Restriction, Stability, Practicality, Ambitious, Accumulation of Status and Wealth. Together, observable delineation of Moon-Capricorn in the 4th House includes the prominent—Moon near the Imum Coeli, IC—propensity and drive for housing/properties as a means of wealth and status accumulation for the public, also as a source of retirement asset. The sentiment (Moon) is pragmatic and conservative, with an emphasis on long term stability (Capricorn). Generally, rising property prices are characterized by a slow, deliberate pace, shaped largely by supply and policy constraints.

Now, in this Horoscope Chart of Singapore, both Mars and Moon are in "Detriment"; that is, they are in a sign that is inimical to their nature, which in traditional astrological texts or teachings, is a weakness/ problematic or debilitated condition for the planets (Jupiter and Venus likewise). However, as I have said in another article, a planet in a sign can be understood in a few layers, or rather, their influence can be expressed in a few layers. Above, the delineation for both Mars and Moon in their respective sign are simply a descriptive, literal expression of the planet in the sign. One should not attribute much positive or negative inclinations here.

What has been described above regarding for Mars and Moon in the National Horoscope Chart of Singapore is only a small slice or a simple facet of the interpretation of the chart, even if all the other planets are examined in the same way. This is so, as it is only Planet-Sign delineation. The individual life is complex, and even more so for a Nation. 

Beyond just the simple delineation of Planet-Sign combinations above, if we include the full gamut of astrological techniques in the chart interpretation, we can then bring in the nuances, differing perspectives, evolution, relationships into the chart, allowing us to understand the development of Singapore over different time periods, the national mood and major social movements.

Lastly, what do you think are the manifestations or the expressions of the "debilitated" condition of Mars, Moon, Jupiter and Venus—this other layer of influence—for Singapore?