One of the unique strengths of the Flying Star system is its sensitivity to time. Just as the seasons transform a landscape, time transforms the quality of Qi in a building. Flying Stars tracks these rhythms through great cycles that span centuries, dividing them into smaller chapters called Periods.
A full cycle lasts 180 years and is divided into nine Periods of twenty years each. Each Period elevates one star to prominence as the prosperity star, while others rise or fall in influence. This means that what was once considered highly auspicious in one generation may become neutral or even harmful in the next.
We have recently entered Period 9, beginning in 2024 and lasting until 2043. Its ruling energy is Star 9 (Fire), bringing light, visibility, recognition, and transformation into focus. Fire themes — technology, communication, media, spirituality, and leadership — will dominate in this age, shaping not only Feng Shui practice but also culture, economy, and society at large.
The other stars adjust their power in relation to this new Fire-centered cycle:
- Rising Stars: Star 9 becomes the star of current prosperity, while Star 1 (Water) and Star 4 (Wood) gain new strength as future prosperity stars. These support intelligence, education, relationships, and innovation.
- Transforming Stars: Star 2, long feared as the illness star, is reinterpreted as a timely Earth star that can bring steadiness, caregiving, and property luck if handled wisely. Its darker side, however, remains present if triggered carelessly.
- Declining Stars: Star 6 (Metal) and Star 8 (Earth), once symbols of authority and wealth, now begin to wane. They still hold residual blessings, especially in the early years of the Period, but their golden age has passed.
- Challenging Stars: Stars 3, 5, and 7 remain disruptive. Star 3 provokes conflict, Star 5 brings misfortune if disturbed, and Star 7 carries decline, gossip, and betrayal. These require careful management and cures.
The arrival of Period 9 marks a cultural shift as well. Where Period 8 emphasized Earthly stability — property, real estate, and accumulation — Period 9 emphasizes Fire: visibility, recognition, and the ability to shine. Success will favor those who can adapt quickly, make themselves known, and work with light and technology. For homes and workplaces, this means paying special attention to the palaces where Star 9 resides, ensuring they are active, bright, and well-cared for.
Understanding these cycles gives practitioners a powerful perspective: Feng Shui is not frozen in time but alive, evolving with each new age. By aligning our environments with the qualities of Period 9, we ride the wave of its Fire energy instead of resisting it.
