by CHRIS BARRY

Name: Ryan Chen

Age: 34

Occupation: Feng shui and Chinese astrology practitioner

Bio: Born and raised in Taiwan, this blissfully serene downtown resident was first introduced to feng shui and Chinese stellar astrology via "a social club" he encountered while studying finance in university. Having picked up several valuable pointers from his fellow students, Ryan really came into his astrological own after leaving school and finding himself regularly visiting Hong Kong on business, coincidentally a town where many of "the masters" like to hang. Ryan took the opportunity to learn his astrology/feng shui shit and moved to Montreal in the summer of 2000. These days, Ryan puts his considerable skills to use writing a weekly astrology/feng shui column for a local rag called Sino Weekly and by offering his uniquely valuable astrology services to the general public. He drives a late model VW Passat.

What the hey feng shui is anyway: "Feng shui [translation: Wind & Water) is the ancient Chinese art of managing and directing the flow of energy through your home and business so it brings maximum well-being to you and your family. It promotes good energy so people can live in harmony with their environment. It enriches growth and prosperity, business opportunities, love, relationships, good fortune and health. Harmony is achievable. All one has to do is create a positive flow of chi and align oneself with nurturing earth energies."

Something that gives Ryan an edge over your average feng shui consultant: Through his mastery of Chinese Stellar Astrology, Ryan will write you up an extensive chart based on your time of birth, and with the 411 he gleans from the stars, be better prepared to find the energy centres of your home that work best for you. "I do it all on a computer now."

Is there any empirical proof anywhere that there is anything whatsoever to Chinese astrology? Not so much to date. Most of the evidence is, surprise, anecdotal - but there is approximately 2000 years' worth of "solid" anecdotal evidence supporting the practice.

What his services cost: A stellar astrology reading will set you back $50 and, depending on the size of your digs, a feng shui session might run you anywhere from $120 for a standard one-bedroom apartment to $160 for a 51/2. To set up an appointment, go to www.ryanchen.ca

What's so special about Chinese stellar astrology compared to the run-of-the-mill Western variety? Ryan says it's considerably more complex and detailed. "I'd say my accuracy rate is probably around 70 to 80 per cent."

Childhood ambition: To become a banker.

Current ambition: To bring Eastern wisdom to the West.

His favourite place to hang: Eggspectations.

Musical preferences: Jazz, Chinese pop songs.

All time fave singers: Dalida, Jacky Cheung.

Last book read: Light on Life: An Introduction to the Astrology of India by Hart de Fouw and Robert Svoboda

Words of wisdom: "You are your own master."

Comments? dimwit@openface.ca