Interesting People in Cyprus: An Interview with the Ambassador of Chinese Culture

Friends, today we’re looking at an exceptionally interesting – one might even say endlessly fascinating – topic relating to Chinese culture, and our guest for today’s discussion is Anastasia Kratinova, the Chinese Cultural Ambassador to the Russian Federation.

Cyprus inform: Good afternoon, Anastasia. Have I introduced you correctly to our audience?

Anastasia: Hello. Yes, indeed, in 2007 His Excellency the then Chinese Ambassador to the Russian Federation did indeed confer upon me the honorary title of Ambassador of Chinese Culture to the Russian Federation. This honorary title is awarded to all those who are connected with Chinese culture, engage with it and promote its teachings.

I am also an art historian by training; I studied under masters from China and Malaysia. This is known as the Chinese metaphysical arts and the divinatory sciences. Here we are familiar with the exact and human sciences, whereas in China there are the divinatory sciences. One of these sciences is Feng Shui.

It is a prescriptive science that advises, for example, when one should begin a particular endeavour, or how best to build a home, where the bed and kitchen should be situated, and indeed the layout of everything in the house.

Nothing should be placed at random; everything must follow the principles of Feng Shui.

Cyprus inform: Oh, what an interesting topic! We’ll talk about this separately later. What else have you studied?

Anastasia: Yes, of course, it’s a very extensive and informative topic.

As for advisory disciplines, I also practise BaZi – it’s a system for analysing one’s destiny; it’s similar to European astrology, but for the most part it’s a unique Chinese science which, based on a person’s date of birth, predicts their behavioural traits, career choices and can even analyse their health. And to a greater extent, I specialise in BaZi, and of course Feng Shui, because without it it’s impossible to give a person advice on their health; in other words, these two sciences are linked – they share a common foundation.

 

Cyprus inform: Did you start practising this in Russia?

Anastasia: Yes, I started practising this in Moscow; it took the form of consultations, and I saw the results of my work – people really listened and achieved the outcomes they were aiming for. They found it incredibly interesting and trusted my advice.

Cyprus inform: And what prompted you, one fine day, to just up and change everything and move to the wonderful island of Cyprus?

 

Anastasia: That was nine years ago; it was all down to my husband. He’s a doctor and has a clear vision of how and where we should all live together. Nine years ago in Moscow, it was difficult to stick to the diet we all follow, but in Cyprus it was easier.

We had friends in Cyprus and had been coming here on holiday for many years; we really liked the island for many reasons. So, naturally, the move went quite smoothly. We made the decision, rented a house, and here we are. The only thing was that driving was a bit unusual at first, but as it was summer, I forced myself to get in the car and drive to the seaside with my child.

 

Cyprus inform: When you arrived on the island, did you take to it straight away? After all, it’s one thing to holiday here, but quite another to live here. As the famous joke goes, ‘Don’t confuse a holiday with emigration’.

Anastasia: It felt strange at first, but it was easy. The only thing was, I felt it was a shame to have to spend time adapting to a new country, when you’re trying to figure out where things are, what’s going on, and whether anything is happening at all. After all, nine years ago there wasn’t this kind of interaction on social media, and answers to questions weren’t received as quickly as they are now.

You can ask any question and get several answers almost straight away, which is brilliant!

 

Cyprus Inform: Whilst in Cyprus, did you resume your BaZi and Feng Shui consultations?

Anastasia: You’ll be surprised to hear that for the first three years in Cyprus, I was baking bread and pastries. I had my own small bakery; I baked gluten-free, lactose-free and sugar-free bread. I had a website and took orders. But I never forgot about the Chinese arts. They were always with me.

In the end, the business became a bit of a struggle, whilst my passion for Chinese culture was drawing me in more and more.

So, I decided to stop baking and return to what is closest to my heart.

Especially as the Chinese teachings never really left us; they’re part of my life.

Cyprus Inform: Why did you move to Cyprus then, rather than to China?

Anastasia: Because China is far, far away from Moscow. I’m not burning my bridges by moving, and I need to stay in touch with my loved ones in Russia – that’s important. Although I do love China and Chinese food very much. I could live there.

Cyprus inform: Would you live by the Chinese calendar there? After all, the Chinese calendar comprises 12 elements, and the Chinese New Year falls on a different date every year.

Anastasia: Well, the Chinese calendar is a bit of a head-scratcher at first, and then you either come to terms with it or just forget about it. So there aren’t many options. In my case, it’s acceptance.

Cyprus inform: Since we’ve touched on the subject of the Chinese calendar and the Chinese New Year, which fell on 25 January this year, could we say that this year – the Year of the Rat and the first year in the 12-year cycle – will be a year of new beginnings for all the energies?

Anastasia: No, not quite. For those who are ready for change and new endeavours, the year will be favourable for this; but if you’re tired of the events of the previous year and simply want to rest, despite the opportunities that are opening up, then that’s your choice – and it means nothing special will happen this year.

You know, there are plenty of berries in the forest in autumn, but if you don’t go there, you won’t pick any berries and you won’t make jam for the winter. In any case, taking action is very important.

In Chinese diagnostic culture, action is very important. That’s why they pay very close attention to the date when to announce something or when to start something. The date chosen for a wedding, for example, is very important, and of course it can play both a positive and a negative role, but if we don’t get married on that day at all, then that date will simply pass us by and that’s all.

A great deal depends on the individual.

Chinese culture is based on the three unities.

A person stands between space and time, and in order for the immensely powerful forces of Yang and Yin to unite, you must take some kind of action.

If you want to achieve prosperity and advancement over the next 12 years, start now, this year!

It’s best to start in the early months; it’s always easier then.

When the Yang half of the year begins to unfold, there is plenty of energy and it’s easier to put your plans into action. There is a Yang half of the year and a Yin half. And there are also years: Yang years and Yin years. Last year was a Yin year. If we take a hill as an example, there is a shady side and a sunny side. This is Yin and Yang; these are opposites.

Yang is a loud sound; it is light and it is masculine energy. But there are men who were born in a Yin year – does that mean they lack masculine qualities? No, they do not, because there are many other important factors that influence one’s overall character. From the winter solstice to the summer solstice is the Yang half. And then, from the summer solstice to the winter solstice, it’s the Yin half. First, the year builds up momentum; then it cools down.

Yin is a state of composure. Yang is a ‘full steam ahead’ attitude – just charge forward!

I have several Facebook groups. The first group is called ‘Let’s Create a Treasure Map Together’. It’s based on the technique of positive thinking, where you create a visual representation of your dream; if I may put it that way, it’s quite complex material, but it’s possible to get to grips with it – you can find out more about it on my page. I offer online consultations on this topic. The next group is called ‘Writing Moon Wishes Together’. After all, in Chinese culture, the Moon is one of the four noble, supportive energies that one can turn to for the purpose of purifying the mind. The moon is reflected in clear water when the surface is calm, and the moon helps to resolve certain situations.

Cyprus inform: In that case, for example, is there any basis for following the lunar calendar for haircuts?

Anastasia: Yes, absolutely. But I’ve found that when people come to me trying to find out something or ask whether they should do something during certain phases of the moon, not everyone is able to clearly articulate their desire or a specific direction.

Cyprus inform: At what age do people not know what they want?

Anastasia: Between the ages of 30 and 40. By then, a person has already worked in a corporation or built up their own business and realises that it doesn’t bring them happiness and is not at all what they once dreamt of. They lose the desire to carry on doing it. Pressure from parents, society and so on plays a part.

This is a question that really concerns many people: who should I be so that my life and work are more effective and I can find harmony in this? The BazTsya chart provides a sort of guide on how to proceed. I know how to interpret these guidelines and explain them to the person, but everything else, of course, depends entirely on the individual.

Cyprus inform: Has anyone ever complained that you gave the wrong guidance?

Anastasia: No. Everything is clear here. On the contrary, the feedback has all been positive.

After all, the guidance reveals a predisposition towards a particular line of work or direction in life.

Someone is meant to be in the restaurant business, yet they’re stuck in an accounts department. This means that they aren’t a bad accountant – they might even be a very good one – but they still won’t reach great heights; whereas if they’d opened a restaurant or become a head chef, they’d have found success in that field. A person’s dissatisfaction leads to depression, and this is the scourge of our times.

Cyprus inform: What solution does Chinese medicine offer to the challenges of dissatisfaction and depression?

Anastasia: In Chinese medicine, every illness is linked to emotions.

In the BazCi chart, you can see what deficiency is present and which emotion a person is suppressing within themselves, thereby triggering various illnesses; in other words, a person’s inappropriate behaviour greatly affects their health and the world around them as well.

Civilisation seems to be advancing by leaps and bounds, yet the universe is becoming harsher towards humankind.

Cyprus inform: Let’s look in more detail at a person’s environment. You mentioned that this is also important. A person is surrounded by a certain social environment, which can also be aggressive. Could something, such as an animal, help a person to mitigate this aggressive environment?

Anastasia: An excellent question. Yes, of course! Sometimes an animal finds a person all by itself. An animal can bring a person immense good fortune, and this can also be seen in a person’s chart.

In my online consultations, I teach people how to see what potential they have this year and who they should interact with within their social circle.

I’m currently devoting a lot of time to online consultations; I’ve created my own course which focuses specifically on energies – it describes the energies associated with 2020, the Year of the Metal Rat. On this course, you can learn how to navigate this year, what health issues to expect – right down to whether you need to see a doctor urgently or if everything is fine in your health chart – and what preventative measures you can take throughout the year.

There are zodiac signs that the Rat will strongly support this year, and there are those that are in conflict with the Rat.

If, for example, people were born in the Year of the Horse, then a year of disruption is upon them, which means they must make certain adjustments to their behaviour to ensure the year goes more or less smoothly. The course also focuses on building relationships with your partner, friend, spouse or child.

It sheds light on the reasons behind your child’s dissatisfaction with you, their lack of understanding, and their snappy behaviour.

In reality, it’s quite simple: for a child, for example, the Year of the Destroyer is approaching, a time when building relationships is no easy task – but this doesn’t mean they’ll always be like this. The year will pass and a new phase will begin, bringing with it different dynamics in your relationship. I’m here to help and guide you through all of this. On this course, you can either watch the recorded sessions covering many topics at your own pace or take part in online sessions with me.

 

Cyprus Inform: Anastasia, once someone has been ‘hit’ with this new information, what should they do next? You guide them forward and advise them on what steps to take based on the chart. That’s quite unusual, isn’t it? Do you show them a way out of the situation and give specific recommendations?

Anastasia: Yes, of course. Feedback is important to me; we’ve been working with many people for over 10 years.

And if a person follows everything precisely, in line with my recommendations, the result will be noticeable very quickly – and it’s bound to happen. But if they decide that this advice isn’t right for them and choose to carry on living as before, relying on the information they’d previously received, then of course nothing will happen. Laziness and inaction are also a person’s personal choice.

Cyprus inform: Anastasia, as you mentioned earlier, various animals may feature in your recommendations. Could any objects also be included?

Anastasia: Absolutely. In fact, the first level involves using the objects that surround you and which are recommended for use.

For example, if the fire element is beneficial for you, you start using candles and it works.

Returning to the principles of Feng Shui, for instance, if we’ve determined that the southern element—that is, the southern side of the space—is beneficial for you, you simply move to the southern part of the house, and it works.

An even higher level is when you find a person – your partner, or simply someone you become friends with – who has an element in their chart that is strong for you.

The highest level of mastery is achieved when you begin to change your behaviour in accordance with the chart’s recommendations.

Generally speaking, the BaZi chart – also known as the BaZi scales – always strives for balance.

Chinese culture constantly strives for balance. Imagine a Chinese dining table.

Cyprus inform: Chinese food is loved all over the world and the variety on the table is astonishing. But, at the same time, it is a very balanced spread.

Anastasia: That’s right. A Chinese meal represents the balance of the five elements: fire, wood, water, metal and earth.

Each food item corresponds to a specific element. And when we were in China, our guide was constantly ordering food.

It was a fine art – combining a multitude of ingredients in small quantities. After all, Russia also had its own dining traditions, even in pre-revolutionary times. And it’s absolutely right that people had a clear understanding of what a proper diet should be like. Chinese culture has preserved this sense of tradition, which is very valuable.

There is a flow of energy at the Chinese table, and this undoubtedly fosters a sense of harmony in eating. Even the Japanese greeting ‘Nehaou’ is, literally, a question that sounds like: ‘Hello, how have you eaten?’

Cyprus inform: So, does this mean the Chinese have a very pronounced culture of food?

Anastasia: For the Chinese, everything revolves around food. Chinese medicine is based on emotions and feelings, including the emotions derived from food. And this Year of the Metal Rat will also put pressure on certain organs: the kidneys, the genitourinary system and the large intestine. This means we already need to be careful with dairy products and gluten. This year, it’s essential to detoxify the body. And this is directly linked to emotions. If your body is full of toxins, feelings of discontent will simply haunt you. This will affect your behaviour throughout the year, and here we can see a chain of interconnections and so on.

As we live in Cyprus, I would recommend making sure to add carob syrup to your meals. It is a well-established fact what the Chinese emperor used to eat; every two weeks he would eat a specific meal, such as millet and chicken.

Cyprus inform: And he lived a long life. China is famous for its centenarians.

Anastasia: Yes, they lived long lives, although that didn’t depend solely on their diet.

There really are a great many long-lived people in China. You know, these days, every Chinese grandmother has her own ‘Tanshu’ calendar – a thousand-year calendar – in which inauspicious days are marked.

If you’re doing something or planning to do something on one of these inauspicious days, your grandmother will definitely tell you: ‘It’s a bad date; don’t start what you’ve planned, or postpone any serious conversations; choose another date for your trip, wedding’ and so on.

Cyprus inform: So it seems that this calendar could be called one of the secrets to success, or perhaps even to longevity?

Anastasia: Yes, of course. The secrets of longevity lie in certain rules – once again, rules of behaviour – embedded in Chinese culture: in the culture of social interaction, in the culture of home layout, in the culture of dining, in the culture of attitudes towards work, and so on. But we, too, can find our own secrets to longevity in our rich culture. Catherine the Great loved beef, buckwheat and pickled gherkins above all else, and drank red wine diluted with water. We have Great Lent, which is also a time of purification for both body and spirit.

Cyprus inform: How wonderful that the traditions and wisdom of our ancestors have survived to this day. But returning to Chinese traditions, the accumulated knowledge has been preserved and passed down through the centuries; there is immense power in this knowledge, and even answers to almost every question?

Anastasia: Chinese culture is a culture that has been carefully documented. In the Chinese tradition, it was customary to practise historiography. A previous work would be copied out in its entirety, then something of one’s own would be added and left to posterity; subsequent generations would carry out the same procedure, and in this way knowledge was layered

day upon day, was transcribed, and today we have a colossal number of written texts that have survived to the present day, namely

these written texts. Take, for example, the famous three Chinese astrologers: one marked red stars, another marked white ones, and the third marked green ones.

One after the other, so as not to get confused, they observed the stars and each wrote about them. One wrote about the red ones, another about the white ones, and the third about the green ones. In this way, we have extensive works of Chinese culture covering all areas of life, and we make excellent use of them.

Cyprus inform: What a profound and fascinating topic of Chinese culture we have touched upon today, Anastasia.

Anastasia: I’d like to emphasise once again that, according to the Chinese solar calendar, 4 February marked the start of the Year of the Metal Rat and the beginning of a new 12-year cycle.

Dear friends, this year is the time to start drawing all sorts of conclusions, and if you have ideas for something new, now is the perfect time to put those plans into action.

Thank you very much!

Cyprus Inform: The editorial team at Cyprus Inform would like to thank you for such a fascinating and informative account, and for giving us the opportunity to gain an insight into the great Chinese culture.