Tag Archives: Chinese Zodiac Animals

Savvy Custom. Kickstart Chinese New Year.

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“May the new year bring joys that never fade, hopes that never die and strengths that never weaken. May you be blessed with wealth, longevity and happiness. Wishing you a happy Year of the Earth Pig.”

If your January launch to the year was underwhelming here’s another chance to create an auspicious kickstart to the year. The Chinese New Year is the most important time of the year in Asian culture. Families come together to celebrate unity, continuity, prosperity and good luck with Feng Shui traditions. Nearly all of the Chinese customs from Chinese New Year’s eve to Lantern Festival have a symbolic meaning that sounds like a Chinese character for fortune, happiness, longevity and prosperity.

Go Big With Red
The Chinese zodiac is part of the Heavenly cycle that tells time and it plays a large part in Chinese customs to celebrate the New Year. Every year one of twelve animals is honored and its characteristics influence the energy of the year. In folkloric tradition the sequence was determined by a race with the lucky rat coming in first followed by the ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and pig. When the Year God is your zodiac animal it is called your “ben ming nian”. You might assume it is your lucky year however traditional Chinese belief states that when you meet your zodiac year, it can be full of inauspicious events and not so good luck. CNY begins February 5, 2019 and the Year of the Earth Pig will be, for some of you, your ben ming nian so take precautions to minimize the bad luck and emphasize the good.

To stave off threat in your ben ming nian, it is traditionally believed to wear the color red everyday. Red is the luckiest color in Feng Shui. It stands for power, protection, good luck, success, reason and happiness. Add red accessories to every outfit or simply wear a red bracelet made of red interwoven Chinese knots to repel bad luck. But if red is not a favorite color, protect yourself with red underwear. Stock up or ask your sweetheart to give you some sets. In your career, Feng Shui red will improve your Fame and Reputation so if you are going for an important interview, wear red.

Make A Clean Sweep
The home is thoroughly swept on the 20th day of the 12th month to make a clean sweep of any old energy and release misfortune. Broken or “unlucky” items are removed. Calligraphy and fresh flowers (yellow chrysanthemums) are displayed in the house. Plants are pruned or replaced. Room is made in drawers for new things that are sure to come.

Clear The Books
Keep your finances on track. One of the Chinese New Year customs is if you owe money to family or friends  is to pay them back before the start of the New Year. Outstanding loans bring misfortune. When you leave work on the last day of the old year, close the books with red paper so when they are reopened the red signify an auspicious start. If you have unresolved arguments or you are holding a grudge, kiss and make up.

Make Yourself Over
Hair and fingernails are trimmed before the festival begins. Wear upbeat clothing. Purchase and wear a new outfits (yes, choose red) for CNY.

Avoid Cutting Your Luck
Place any knives or scissors away during the first day of the New Year. Prepare all your foods in advance. The kitchen is not to be disturbed on the first day of the Year. Getting poked by pins or getting cut can be a harbinger of surgery to come. If anything breaks, like a cup or plate during New Year say “Fall to the floor and burst into bloom!”

Pack Pig’s Secret Friend
On the first day of the Chinese New Year, carry a three dimensional representation of the lucky animal for the year. For the Year of the Earth Pig, the Tiger is Pig’s good friend, for when Tiger and Pig come together they bring good fortune and prosperity.

Make Money Grow On Trees
Make a “Money Tree” made of a kumquat tree, bushy pine or spring branches nestled inside porcelain pot filled with five grains sprinkled with red melon seeds. Decorate the with red lanterns, coins hung on red ribbon, lucky red envelopes, gold and silver garlands, topped with God of Wealth.

Good Fortune For Your Home
Da Ju, Da Li “May you enjoy an abundance of fortune and profits.”
Displaying fruit in your home during the Chinese New Year invites good fortune for the entire year. Tangerine or ju in the Chinese language is close to the auspicious or lucky. Ju also sounds similar to zhu fu which means a wish or good fortune. Da ju, da li expresses, “May you enjoy an abundance of fortune and profits.” It is customary to see two tangerine trees at the entrance of a home or business in many Asian countries, not just in China. This represents abundance of auspiciousness.

Have A Fruitful Year
Surround yourself with colorful fruit so that you will have a fruitful year. Pomelos are large pear-shaped grapefruits which mean “to have”. Pineapple sounds like wealth but its real strength is fame, promotion and excellent fortune. You can display the fruit at the front entry, the dining room, even the kitchen. Oranges sound like gold in Chinese. Display nine oranges in your foyer or on your dining room table.

Sleeplessness is Success
Stay out of trouble by staying awake! Chinese customs promote success besides good fortune. To stay up at least until 12:01 a.m. for the sound of sleepiness in Chinese is similar to trouble. Sleepless means no trouble for the coming year.

Hold Your Tongue
Refrain from cursing, this will affect your luck for the year. If you should curse inadvertently say “Tong yen woo chi!” to reverse the affect.

Bring Your Nearest and Dearest Together
At Chinese New Year’s Eve families come together for the Reunion Dinner. They serve eight foods of good fortune (eight “ba” because it rhymes with the word fa, “to prosper” or “to attain wealth”) to ensure good luck for the coming year.
• Shrimp in the Chinese language sounds like Ha, Ha, Ha and translates as merriment and well being. Joyfulness brings good will and a future of limitless possibility.
• Dumplings, jiao zi, look like the golden ingots. Serving them promises wealth and prosperity.
• Lettuce wraps are dished up because lettuce means rising fortune.
• Serving a whole chicken during the Chinese New Year season symbolizes family togetherness.
• Fish, “Yu,” sounds like the words both for wish and abundance. It is customary to serve a fish at the end of the evening meal, symbolizing a wish for abundance in the coming year. For added symbolism, the fish is served whole, with head and tail attached, symbolizing a good beginning and ending for the coming year.
• Sticky Rice Cake symbolizes a rich, sweet life. Longevity noodles represent a long life (an old superstition says that it’s bad luck to cut them) so keep them intact while you eat.
• Both clams and Spring Rolls symbolize wealth; clams because of their resemblance to bouillon and Spring Rolls because their shape is similar to gold bars.
• Veggies embody the freshness of “evergreen” and store good fortune in their roots.

Leave Some For Prosperity
Make enough food to have left overs because left overs symbolize that you’ll have money rolling into the next year.

Share a Circle of Sweetness
The first New Year Day everyone dines on a vegetarian meal to honor one’s ancestors. Then the family dresses in their finest clothes and visits older family members, paying respect, taking along gifts of Mandarin oranges and sweets of all kinds generally offered in a “tray of togetherness”. Among the Chinese customs it is customary to hand out hong bao (Red Envelopes with new bills or coins) to family members and friends of any age, who are single and unmarried. Before going to bed that night children who received Red Envelopes, place them under their pillow. It is said they will sleep well without bad dreams and become richer next year. 

“With each passing moment let us embrace the New Year with a brighter, more colorful and more joyous future.”

Have you decided this will be your year? “Boldness has genius”… start with one hour of Feng Shui A La Carte. Think of it as a fairy godmother for your house.

What I have discovered about our homes is that creating a heart healthy space leads to peace and contentment. The bedroom is where it begins. Start with my complimentary pdf: 27 Bedroom Concepts To Maximize Your Health, Happiness and Peace of Mind. Design your space to your best advantage. Subscribe to my blog and special offers. You’ll receive this valuable Feng Shui Guide as a thank you gift.

January 17 New Moon. Trust The Magic Of Beginnings.

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“And suddenly you just know it’s time to start something new and trust the magic of beginnings.”
–Meister Eckhart

Many cultures believe that birds are a symbol of eternal life and the link between heaven and earth. So I’ve chosen to highlight the Swan instead of the current Chinese Zodiac animal for the January 17 new moon because they walk on the earth, swim in the sea and soar into the sky. In essence they demonstrate freedom and that best describes my decision. I’ve enjoyed bringing Heaven’s message every month but this is my swan song new moon blog. I say adieu and trust the magic of beginnings as I trust you will too. 

Bite Into Spring! Lichun starts February 3 this year. The “Chinese 7-11’s are serving up chunbing, otherwise known as “spring pancakes,” chewy tortilla-like wrappings that are filled with fresh seasonal vegetables (ike luobo, radishes and jicai, shepherd’s purse). The snack is traditionally eaten on Lichun, a holiday that falls on the 4th and 5th of February, and marks the beginning of spring. The expression “yao chun” isn’t just savvy 7-11 marketing—it’s a traditional saying that refers to both embracing spring and using vegetable nutrition to prevent illness. It’s believed that once you “bite into spring,” you won’t feel tired for the rest of the season!”
– Juling He, The World of Chinese

February 4, 2018, make sure you have your radishes handy! Rat: it’s an auspicious six harmony month. Everyone in your household besides you will experience safety and auspiciousness. You have lucky stars and there will be joyful celebrations bringing good luck to your doorstep. You will have lots of Helpful People come to your aid. If you are in politics or actively employed expect a promotion. All your endeavors will be smooth and prosperous. Ox: misfortune and auspiciousness are of equal proportion this month. Events will not turn out as you planned but do not be demanding, this will only serve to increase your trouble. Be law-abiding and know your position while acting in accordance with karma then peace and abundance will be yours. Tiger: there will be a change in your political rank and elevation in social status. Wealth luck is abundant and you may expect a career advancement. There is an opportunity to start a new business. On the other hand there may be conflict in your interpersonal relationships and disputes within the family. Rabbit: be patient over cranky this month in waiting for a favorable time to boost your fame and fortune. Be conservative and maintain a conservative profile at work and in your investments. Do not make drastic changes. Perform one good deed a day and you will accumulate prosperity and virtue at the end. Dragon: it will be smooth sailing both domestically and in foreign places. Don’t be greedy nor arrogant. Modesty will lead you to success. Enjoy the good times but remember the bad too for balance. Be prepared for rainy days. Snake: it’s a three harmony month as well as wealth and blessings and all the things you desire. Be careful of financial loss and traps laid by scoundrels. Plan, treat people with sincerity and perform one good deed each day to enjoy the sweetness of the final result. Horse: it’s a confrontational month, be aware of unexpected disasters. Remain quiet and low key during this time. Maintain a calm mind and a harmonious outlook to avoid getting into arguments and disputes. Ram: the luck of the month is in direct conflict. Be safe, do not travel. Watch out for burglaries, traffic accidents and unexpected disasters. Monkey: good times are expected this month. Happiness is written all over your face. Make investments, start a new business, enter into a partnership or business with people. Seize the opportunity to achieve your life time goal. Rooster: you have a lucky star shining above you at last. You will enjoy auspiciousness, prosperity and blessings which will bring you fine and bright mood. Remember the Chinese saying, “If there is harmony in the family, everything can be accomplished.” Dog: there is equal auspiciousness and misfortune. Be careful of scoundrels! Maintain your objectivity and good judgement. If another person’s opinion make sense, adopt it. Don’t think you are the only smart person in the world. Pig: good-bye misfortune, hello auspiciousness! Your luck is changing for the better however  your body and mind are not in a harmonious state, you are easily troubled by trivial matters. To soothe you mood and Ch’i, it is advisable to chant The White-Robed Kuan-Yin mantra.

If you request a cure from this forecast, I will ask you to honor the red envelope tradition. Have a great month, Zodiac friends! 

Thank you to Khadro Crystal Chu, Black Sect Esoteric Buddhist Feng Shui for your unfailing command of Feng Shui and Chinese metaphysics.

Have you decided this will be your year? “Boldness has genius”.. start with one hour of Feng Shui A La Carte. Think of it as a fairy godmother for your house.

What I have discovered about our homes is that creating a heart healthy space leads to peace and contentment. The bedroom is where it begins. Start with my complimentary pdf: 27 Bedroom Concepts To Maximize Your Health, Happiness and Peace of Mind. Design your space to your best advantage. Subscribe to my blog and special offers. You’ll receive this valuable Feng Shui Guide as a thank you gift.

December 17 New Moon. Be The Difference.

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“Anything is possible if you’ve got enough nerve.”
– JK Rowling

December 17 new moon, enter Ox. Ox folks embody endurance, honesty and diligence. True to their strength, they take on hardship anytime and anywhere. We have the opportunity to glean from their Tao of resilience and fortitude for our own winter survival. And though we may be distracted with new year anticipation, let’s keep the tempo with Ox advice this December 17 new moon: keep your focus and be the difference! Always generous, Ox is gifting us with super-strength for our super power because as Ox would say, “The difference between who you are and who you want to be is what you do.”

In January we struggle between leaving holiday mode and new year work demands; it’s possible to be caught in a clash. But before you end up in bed this December 17 new moon try this cure to strengthen your immune system. Within a 99 day period change the furniture three times. Or rearrange the furniture every 27 days, for three consecutive times. When you do it that way it will take a total of 81 days. It wakes up the Ch’i and removes any stale or blocked energy. And if you are already drained from a difficult work environment try this method. Before going to bed, peel an orange in one piece. It gets you to breath deeply and focus so you don’t break the peel. After this visualize the room is filled with the scent of the orange. Oranges signify abundance. The citrus aroma cleanses your etheric field and releases stale Ch’i. The transcendental meaning: oranges bring good luck and good fortune for it (chéng zi) sounds like gold (Jin) in the Chinese language. Everyday for nine days, peel one orange and leave the peel somewhere in the room. At the end of nine days you can dispose of the peels. You can eat the fruit everyday. You can also do the cure in your car if you are distracted a lot of the time and your distraction created an automobile accident. Do it in your office to avoid petty people coming around. Put the peels in your office drawer. And always, always set your intention.

Happy New Year! Live your dream in 2018!

Chinese Lunar New Year aka Spring Festival is February 16. Until then we are steeping in winter so protect your 7th vertebrae (in Chinese medicine where illness enters your body) with a scarf and mind what’s happening to your Chinese astrology. This December 17 new moon take a fresh approach to work, enjoy! Rat: it’s a month of challenges, you might say, adversities. What you plan may not come to fruition. For the next 30 days be cautious when driving. Do not make investments either. Put extra effort into your work and you will see advancement. It is a time to focus on peace and harmony in the family. Ox: a lucky star shines on you, it is a six harmony month. You will find wealth comes easily and your plans will come to life. With the assistance from Helpful People your relationships will be flavored with auspiciousness. Perform one good deed a day and you will gain additional fortune and merits. Tiger: you will have on one had disaster and the other auspiciousness. You have a lucky star that will eventual transform any disaster into peace. Perform a good deed a day and both prosperity and wealth will exceed your expectation. For those who are trying there is a chance to conceive. Your interpersonal relationships will be harmonious. Planning will go smoothly. Rabbit: your luck is mutually offensive. Avoid disputes, this gives scoundrels an opportunity to undermine you. Monitor your spending with your income. Do not visit the sick and the bereaved and watch your mental and physical health. Dragon: this is a three harmony month. Expect good results in your business endeavors. If you are a employed you will receive get promoted and receive a raise. If you are an official your future looks bright. If traveling any distance, perform the BSTB Feng Shui cure “Walking on Six Feet of Red Cloth”. Snake: your talents and skills are being recognized. You are riding high because events around you are bringing in good luck but all the same be mindful and do not let your guard down. Instead strive for a higher achievement. Horse: this is a direct conflict month. You luck is on the low end. Though you may work faithfully and not complain, there may be expressed resentment against  you. Your emotions may be low this month. It is advised to practice, BSTB “Inhale Exhale Breathing Exercise” to relieve pressure and avoid physical harm. Ram: the luck of the month is most confrontational. There could be one stressful event after another. Be mindful of your health, there may be illness and injuries. Your emotions may be in turmoil too. Do not act on impulse and stay clear of disputes. Monkey: the clouds have parted and the sun is shining bright. Helpful People will come to your aid and your endeavors are moving with ease. Your mood is improved and you have a bright future ahead. Rooster: there is the possibility that you will be confronted with situations, meet them head on. Face it with openness when it doesn’t go your way. Don’t make a big deal out of it. Also don’t be impetuous or quick to judge. Dog: misfortune is dissolving with the clouds. Helpful People come to your aid and wherever you look, there is prosperity and harmony. During this time that your life is running smoothly focus on harmony indoor interpersonal relationships. Pig: the light at the end of the tunnel is in sight. Your endeavors are going smoothly and your future looks bright. Cheer up!

If you request a cure from this December 17 new moon astrology forecast, I will ask you to honor the red envelope tradition. Have a great month, Zodiac friends! 

Thank you to Khadro Crystal Chu, Black Sect Esoteric Buddhist Feng Shui for your unfailing command of Feng Shui and Chinese metaphysics.

Have you decided this will be your year? “Boldness has genius”… with one hour of Feng Shui A La Carte. Think of it as a fairy godmother for your house.

What I have discovered about our homes is that creating a heart healthy space leads to peace and contentment. The bedroom is where it begins. Start with my complimentary pdf: 27 Bedroom Concepts To Maximize Your Health, Happiness and Peace of Mind. Design your space to your best advantage. Subscribe to my blog and special offers. You’ll receive this valuable Feng Shui Guide as a thank you gift.

November 18 Leave Your Comfort Zone.

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“There is no passion to be found in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.”
– Nelson Mandela

Great things never came from a comfort zone. Nelson Mandela, South African anti-apartheid revolutionary, political leader, and philanthropist, was living proof all his life. Setting the example for acting with purpose and passion, he tipped the scales in social inequality. The November 18 new moon ushered in the quick-witted, social conscious Rat. Rats are yin water by nature. They have a refined intuitive sense about people and the workings of the Universe and they use these highly developed skills to speak up for causes that create a better world.

Clever, resourceful and eloquently convincing the Rat used these traits to win a very important race. He knew he was no physical match for the other animals so he convinced the ox to carry him. In exchange he sang to the ox. When they crossed the river and arrived onto the bank the ox honestly believed he had won but the wily Rat jumped in front of him. Rat became the first animal to win the Heavenly Gate race and become the first guard for the Jade Emperor, https://www.chinahighlights.com/travelguide/chinese-zodiac/story.htm. 

For the past year at each new moon I have selected one attribute from the current Zodiac animal’s repertoire of traits. Incorporating a new trait (even if temporary) amplifies our conduct, teaches us to be flexible and awakens our potential. Rat’s super power is their resourceful nature. It can teach us to be adaptable, humble and keenly observe what is going on around. Its can get us back on our feet when our luck is down. Winter is a challenging time in the northern climates, survival is of foremost concern. It’s the perfect opportunity to lift a spirit with your compassion and be generous with your knowledge this month. If it helps one person ease out of a difficult financial situation or leave a abusive relationship, you’ve done your work.

The Three Friends of Winter, also known as Suihan Sanyou (or shochikubai), symbolize the pine, bamboo, and plum. The Chinese observed that the pine, bamboo and plum do not wither as the cold days deepen into the winter season unlike many other plants…. Together these three symbolize steadfastness, perseverance, and resilience. Contemplating these characteristics gives me philosophical warmth when I think how they stay vital as the cold days deepen. Stay cozy and dry, Friends! Rat: Heaven helps those who help themselves. Rat, your success will be in equal measure to the time you devote to your projects. If you are thinking of getting married, this may be the time. Business luck is at the forefront in starting something new. What seemed like blocks to your forward movement  blow away and you achieve your goals. Ox: it’s a good month for the Ox and you will feel like you just emerged from a soothing bath. There is peace and safety in your home and your hard work is showing results, like the sun that comes out after a long period of rain. Keep a sharp eye on your business proposals and assess your partners-to-be with caution so that disasters pass you by. Tiger: you luck will be exceedingly good, it is a six harmony month. Helpful People are standing by ready to help. Life will be smooth both inside and outside your household. Your career will progress and if you are in politics you will see good luck there too. Throw a party, celebrate a wedding or a special event but do not go to the house of the bereaved. Rabbit: this is a three harmony month. Your health is favored. Be mindful at work and with your investments. Do not be greedy over wealth arriving from unexpected sources. Follow the proper path and all will go well. Dragon: disasters are lifted and auspicious luck has arrived. You will be successful in all your endeavors and Helpful People will be at your side. Be practical and realistic and abandon unrealistic ideas. Snake: it’s a mutually offensive month. Expect downturns among what you have achieved. Recite The White-Robed Kuan-Yin mantra to quell any inner turmoil. Horse: a benefactor will come to your aid at work, someone in a senior position will assist in your receiving a promotion. Look after the mental and physical health of your family and do not buy into gossip and rumors. Ram: say good-bye to disaster and say hello to good fortune. As the saying goes, “Behind the clouds, there’s the moon.” There may be a newborn, there may be a wedding…financial profit can be expected through conventional and unconventional methods. Use this time to secure all your future endeavors. Monkey: the luck this month is offensive and things are not running smoothly. You may be sleep deprived and make wrong decisions as a result. Pay attention to your mental and physical health. Recite The White-Robed Kuan-Yin mantra often. Rooster: the tide is turning to your favor with career opportunities on the horizon.  The situation is turning out in your favor. Try not to worry or you will feel depressed. Dog: good news, good luck and fortune are in your favor. It’s a good time to make investments and to start a partnership in business. Keep self importance and arrogance at bay and seize any opportunity to learn and improve your mind. Pig: there will be both auspiciousness and misfortune, blessings as well as disasters. Meditate and reflect on your own shortcomings rather than find fault and gossip about other’s conduct. He who starts the gossip is the one who did the deed. If you request a cure from this forecast, I will ask you to honor the red envelope tradition. Have a great month, Zodiac friends! 

Thank you to Khadro Crystal Chu, Black Sect Esoteric Buddhist Feng Shui for your unfailing command of Feng Shui and Chinese metaphysics.

Have you decided this will be your year? “Boldness has genius”.. start with one hour of Feng Shui A La Carte. Think of it as a fairy godmother for your house.

What I have discovered about our homes is that creating a heart healthy space leads to peace and contentment. The bedroom is where it begins. Start with my complimentary pdf: 27 Bedroom Concepts To Maximize Your Health, Happiness and Peace of Mind. Design your space to your best advantage. Subscribe to my blog and special offers. You’ll receive this valuable Feng Shui Guide as a thank you gift.

Feng Shui Tips That Keep Your Head Above Water

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“Never bend your head. Always hold it up high. Look the world straight in the eye.”
– Helen Keller

October 20 new moon, curious, passionate, humanitarian Pig stepped onto the horizon. Amazingly patient and strong willed, they root through challenges without fear. When they put their mind onto a troublesome situation they stay with it until resolved. A shui (water) animal their keen resilience and survival instincts help them persevere in difficult situations.

Natural disasters have overwhelmed our trust in the future but we have a champion to lead us into new territory. A super curious zodiac sign, develop your super power of curiosity, in particular, the pursuit of new knowledge (a favorite Pig pastime). Look around. Look under the rocks. Creative people are making positive change with inventions that are of service to humanity. Compassion and commitment are calling upon us to make a difference. Will you accept the challenge? Enjoy the month!

Chinese winter will begin November 7. Nourish your Ch’i until February 16, 2018 (Chinese Lunar New Year of the Dog) with Feng Shui tips that keep your head above water.

Stay hydrated. Eat dark foods like black beans, black sesame seeds and black walnuts. Include foods from water like fish, shellfish, seaweed and kelp. Eat soup or drink broth. The Kidney is your natal battery and the root that fulfills your deepest needs: survival and reproduction. When Kidney Ch’i is strong, you are clear and able to articulate your thoughts and feelings. Life’s transitions are more easily processed.

Address stress in your life. Kidney Ch’i becomes easily depleted by stress. Practice any one of the following: Tai Ch’i, Qigong, yoga and meditation. Making time for water activities like a quiet bath will benefit your Kidney Ch’i and restore your equilibrium.

Confront life situations where you are fearful. Fear is the lower emotion of Water/Kidney Ch’i. Journal daily. Examine where you feel you need to be right. Make a commitment to live consciously and in the present moment.

Balance rest with work and daily activities will boost your vitality. Adequate sleep nourishes your Kidney Ch’i. Arrange the Feng Shui in your bedroom to help your body let down and rejuvenate. Place your bed in command position to the bedroom door. Remove unnecessary electrical equipment to eliminate electromagnetic energy. Choose bed linen colors that are health sustaining like green and soft blue.

Add nine plants to your front entry. Plants are life force and vivify your Ch’i. In Feng Shui, the front door, the mouth of Ch’i, represents your career, reputation, Helpful People and health. 

Chinese winter “Li Dong” begins November 7. Celebrate with dumplings and if you eat meat, prepare a dish of chicken, duck or fish. As you make ready for the cold months that lie ahead, this astrology guide can help you in your decisions and actions. Rat: you will worry as much as you are joyful. Be mindful of being overly proud and refrain from being arrogant in the happy occasions in your life. Don’t be greedy. Stay clear of gossip and dispute. Ox: this is a mutual offensive month. All your endeavors will be one step short of success. Examine your motives if you are being competitive or overly calculating. Stay away from gossip. Focus on relaxing your mind and you will be free, free to attract what you desire. Tiger: this is an auspicious month of three harmony. The stars are favoring your every move. Be humble and amicable, know your place and be content. By keeping your restraint in check and exerting caution, you will attract luck, peace and auspiciousness in all areas of your life. Rabbit: this is a six harmony month, you have lots of lucky stars guiding you. Helpful People will be at your side. You will have good timing and opportunities. Peach Blossom Luck is favored with the opposite sex, be mindful it does not turn into Peach Blossom Menace. Dragon: this is a “direct conflict” month and luck is scarce. Look around, stay aware, be cautious and mindful in your transactions.  Watch out for scoundrels. Stay away from gossip and rumors so as not to be blamed for something you did not do. Snake: there is an undercurrent flowing beneath the smooth surface. Accept negative circumstances with grace. Don’t blame yourself for circumstances. If you are suspicious of others it will be counterproductive. Avoid quarrels with your beloved this creates a vacuum for a third party. Horse: there may be unfortunate circumstances embedded in good fortune but don’t lose heart. Take care of your personal relationships. You will feel more supported. Don’t over think as it will cause worries about gains and losses. Ram: your plans are not going you planned. In your personal relationships try not to read too much into the behavior of the other. Relax and go with the flow. Watch for disasters. Host a celebration to ward off inauspicious events. Monkey: exercise caution with your money and finances. If you are seeking new friendship, be selective. Be patient when you face adverse situations. Rooster: the luck of the month is “mutually offensive”. Events in your life do not go smoothly. You may end up taking the blame, avoid that attitude. There is interpersonal disharmony among those you work with and your family. When you have confrontations, chant The Heart Calming Mantra. Dog: prosperity will be high this month where money is coming from common and uncommon sources. Try to hold on to it, you need not spend it because you have it. Don’t start gossip and don’t get involved with it. Pig: your luck is not favored this month. You will find not all of your plans will go as you expected. With your partner you may find your relationship has stalled. Be patient. This month don’t get trapped by details and lose sight of the big picture. If you request a cure from this forecast, I will ask you to honor the red envelope tradition. Have a great month, Zodiac friends! 

Thank you to Khadro Crystal Chu, Black Sect Esoteric Buddhist Feng Shui for your unfailing command of Feng Shui and Chinese metaphysics.

Have you decided this will be your year? “Boldness has genius”. Start with one hour of Feng Shui A La Carte. Think of it as a fairy godmother for your house.

What I have discovered about our homes is that creating a heart healthy space leads to peace and contentment. The bedroom is where it begins. Start with my complimentary pdf: 27 Bedroom Concepts To Maximize Your Health, Happiness and Peace of Mind. Design your space to your best advantage. Subscribe to my blog and special offers. You’ll receive this valuable Feng Shui Guide as a thank you gift.

Eight Lucky Cures for St. Patrick’s Day, Feng Shui Style.

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Can we change our surroundings to bring about change for our own good?

Happiness said, “Let’s meet.” Serendipity replied, “In a blink an eye”. How lucky I am. I wear green because it brings me the luck, not of the Irish, but of Feng Shui. It shifts circumstances from bad to good, from stuck to serendipity. Or is that a superstitious belief.

Cindy emailed and said she met a wonderful man. I think back a few months ago when I came to her home. As we talked at her dining room table she said she wanted to get her consulting business up and running again. But as I sat there I felt the white curtains, the white walls in her apartment and the white flowers in her bedroom tell a different story. White symbolizes death for the Chinese. When I told her this she shared how badly she had been burned in her past relationship. She didn’t want to admit she was unhappy and at a crossroads. But then the tears started to flow uncontrollably, there was no hiding how she felt. So when she wrote me a few weeks ago with, “Also, since I last saw you, I met a wonderful man. We’ve been having great fun getting to know each other. I’m enjoying myself tremendously.” I was ecstatic for her. It was more powerful, more compelling than any new client prospects she could have told me about. In my mind’s eye I could see her hanging new curtains in her relationship gua with a broad smile beaming over her face. And a sparkle of happiness lift her heart when she hit the nail to place the red and white framed cat drawing that she loved. In the bedroom she arranged a vase of beautiful pink flowers next to her bed; they were robust, bursting with vitality. Bit by bit these secret delights started to reshape her world and her inner confidence bloomed once again. The adjustments helped her to open to the vulnerability that she felt in her heart. 

Building a new life using Feng Shui adjustments, each item that Cindy placed was crafting a future moment of joy. Fate works this way: happiness creates opportunities and serendipity follows.

In honor of St. Patrick’s Day: luck cannot be contained by borders, it’s spread by the currents of love. May the luck you receive be generous like the blessings from heaven above.

From our esteem founder of the Black Sect Tantric Buddhist School of Feng Shui, “Professor” Lin Yun, here are eight lucky cures for St. Patrick’s Day, Feng Shui style. It’s an opportunity for you to change your energy field and change your fate.

Adjust the Feng Shui in your bedroom and office
Professor Lin told the following story: I was recently sick and almost died. I had not been in my office in Berkeley which is my main office for a very long time. It was important for me to be there, to check in and to be sure all was well. It was important for me to:

  • Sit in my office chair.
  • Activate (place a cures like a water fountain in Career and a picture of a beautiful place you’d like to visit in Helpful People). If you do not check in, bad luck may “catch up with you”.
  • Place a crystal ball, or a wind chime, in the center of your office. Visualize that the Feng Shui of your life is positive.

 Changing Your Ch’i Type

  • If you are constantly in a bad mood change this by wearing a solid color of green.

Adjust the Effects Of A Bad Experience

  • Carry nine round pieces of orange peel for twenty-seven days to soften the effects of a bad experience.

Being Taken Advantage Of

  • If you feel you are being taken advantage of, carry the three dimensional zodiac animals.

Refocus Your Energy

  • If your luck is not good, every 9, 18 or 27 days, change some aspect of your furniture arrangement. You are changing the Ch’i using the sense of touch. Your Ch’i will be refocused, and awakened.

Still Encountering Bad Luck

  • If you have completed the Feng Shui above and still encountering bad luck, perform good deeds without expecting a reward. Be sincere, you will never be disappointed.

One thing I have discovered about our homes is that creating a heart healthy space leads to peace and contentment. The bedroom is where it begins. Start with my complimentary pdf: 27 Bedroom Concepts To Maximize Your Health, Happiness and Peace of Mind. Design your space to your best advantage. Subscribe to my blog and special offers. You’ll receive this valuable Feng Shui Guide as a thank you gift.

Year of the Horse Predictions: Fortune Telling Or Practical Strategy?

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Either Way, Your Luck Depends On It (See Your Prediction Below).

-painting by Keith Gunderson, Fine Art America

The Chinese participate in cultural traditions because it makes for good business decisions and harmony in the family. Now Americans are taking notice of their Asian neighbors good fortune, prosperity and abundance. And when multi-millionaire, Donald Trump, reported his New York real estate sales sky rocketed after hiring a Feng Shui master, eager westerners sought out palm readings, facial analysis, Feng Shui consultations and Chinese astrology predictions.

Well then how does something you can’t put a finger on like good luck, fortune telling, fanciful festivals, setting off fireworks, family celebrations, eating lucky foods, painting front doors auspicious colors, displaying beneficial offerings and sharing red envelopes work? 

4000 + years of wisdom. China was an agrarian culture. Nature was an intricate process that required keen observation. To meet the hardship of survival, a calendar system was compiled during the rule of legendary emperor, Fu-hsi (2852 B.C.) in an effort to create a plentiful harvest. Seasonal changes, the sun’s transit and the moon’s lunation influenced crop production. Farmers needed to know when swelling tides would flood fields for an abundant rice harvest and on what day the vernal new moon rose to plant delicate seedlings. The Farmer’s Calendar (almanac) is a lunisolar system that not only documents the passage of time but is also a tool that contains exact information that predicts a person’s future – fortune telling. The calculations of year, month, day and hour are represented by the Five Elements – water, wood, fire, earth and metal. These are believed to be the basic components of everything in the Universe. Predictions based upon the relationship of these elements in any given year may amplify a person’s good luck (buy stock in March, get married in June) and help minimize their risks or bad luck (no travel in August, don’t party in September). Because the calendar was intended for popular use, in the Chou period, it was revised. Another phase was introduced to the Five Elements. The twelve earthly branch characters came to be associated with a particular animal: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Hare, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Ram, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig and thus the Chinese Zodiac arrived.

4712 marks the year of the Wood Horse. January 31 begins the celebration. The Chinese uphold that prosperity is an outgrowth of living naturally, in accordance with the seasons, one’s true nature, in peace, unity and harmony with one’s family. These right actions improve one’s fate. To help you avoid pitfalls and to know when to take advantage of the good luck coming your way, here are 12 brief, Year of the Horse Predictions for of each Zodiac animal.

If you don’t know your Chinese Zodiac Sign, here’s a calculator.

Every zodiac animal will benefit in Leap Lunar September. October 24-November 22, the signs of the year and the month are in a “Three Harmony” relationship. In a leap month what you attempt will have support. It is a good month to make financial decisions regarding real estate, make investments, move to a location you desire, switch jobs, get married, entertain, have a grand opening and finalize deals.

Rat Your luck is greatly minimized by the direct conflict relationship with the Tai Sui, Year God (Horse). There is an absence of lucky stars this year that makes for more bad luck than good. However performing the Golden Cicada Sheds Its Shell and Changing the Chi of the House will minimize the stress directed at your efforts. A few highlights. April 29-May 28, July 27-August 24, December 22-January 19. Adversity will transform into auspiciousness however keep an eye out for misfortune. Perform good deeds daily to offset bad luck coming to you. Volunteer your time to charitable organizations and this generates abundance that will come back to you.

Ox Because of your position on the zodiac, you will find clashes with the Tai Sui, Year God (Horse). A Chinese Folk saying: “White Horses have always been afraid of blue oxen.” (source Yun Lin Temple calendar). The road will be bumpy. The good news is this bad situation will be offset by lucky stars. But be mindful. Watch your step and proceed with caution. Perform the Golden Cicada Sheds Its Shell and Changing the Chi of the House to avert any disaster. Highlights this year: January 31-February 28, April 29-May 28, July 27-August 24, December 22-January 19.  In these months your endeavors will be smooth. Good fortune and joyous celebrations will be available however the Chinese always advise when things look good to be aware that your luck could change. Do not go over the top.

Tiger All adversities will turn into blessings and you will mostly enjoy prosperity from your endeavors. There is potential for advancement in your job and career with wealth coming in. Be careful of scoundrels wanting to cause arguments. Even though this will be a smooth year watch out for legal trouble. Perform the Golden Cicada Sheds Its Shell and Changing the Chi of the House to add to the beneficence of the year but also pass through any unforeseen danger with safety. Highlighted months this year: January 31-February 28, March 1-30, May 29-June 26, June 27-July 26, August 25-September 23, September 24-October 23, November 23-December 21, January 20-February 18. Wow! Being amicable can bring riches and success. Whatever ‘disaster’ aka difficult circumstance comes your way, if you are righteous and sincere you can transform every encounter into a blessing.

Hare (Rabbit) You are in a slightly offensive relationship with the Tai Sui, Year God (Horse). You will experience wealth and luck, however scoundrels will be causing trouble behind your back. Luck for female Hares is fair while the males watch your love relationships, be above board and you will minimize your trouble. Perform the Golden Cicada Sheds Its Shell and Changing the Chi of the House and adversities will be transformed into blessings. Highlighted months this year: May 29-June 26, September 24-October 23, October 24-November 22;  a year to be conservative and cautious. The months mentioned endeavors will run smooth with wealth luck coming your way. The lunar month of July guard against robbery and burglary at home. Over all watch your opinions as they may be damaging to your fame and any gains you have made. The harder you work the more rewards you will get.

Dragon Vitality, fame with helpful people coming to your assistance can be expected. If you are quick witted it is time to show your stuff. Opportunities are abundant but it is how you approach them (with caution and a down to earth attitude) that will guarantee your success. Refrain from visiting friends in hospitals and those with recent death in the family. Perform the Golden Cicada Sheds Its Shell and Changing the Chi of the House; you will avert adversities and attract wealth and blessings. Highlighted months this year: April 29-May 28, May 29-June 26, July 27-August 24, August 25-September 23, October 24-November 22. Since Dragon and Horse “form a energetic and vigorous pair”, any bad luck will for the most part be offset by the Horse. Caution is a quality to have in your back pocket. Keep a broad and open mind and you will find delight in your interpersonal relationships.

Snake Make new plans and you will set new records. You will find your luck is in power and influence. If you go into business many helpful people will come your way. Fame, wealth, official rank, and honor will be greatly enhanced. There may be relationships difficulties with your partner, whether married or not. You could experience obstacles in your endeavors. Proceed with caution to avoid failure. Perform the Golden Cicada Sheds Its Shell and Changing the Chi of the House; you will avert adversities and attract wealth and blessings. Highlighted months this year: March 1-30, July 27-August 24, August 25-September 23, October 24-November 22, December 22-January 19. Career, wealth and fame will be fruitful but also during these times do not boast about your success. Be conservative to keep the ch’i happy.

Horse You are sitting on top of the the Tai Sui, Year God (Horse). Your luck will be in the extremes. Inauspicious stars make this a more difficult year than what lucky Horse is use to. Watch for behavior that could lead to legal battle. It’s possible for unexpected accidents to occur. There could be blood shedding or disaster for women. Perform the Golden Cicada Sheds Its Shell and Changing the Chi of the House so that you can safely pass through the crisis. Highlighted months this year: January 31- February 28, March 31-April 28, June 27-July 26, July 27-August 24, September 24- October 23, October 24-November 22. These months will offer opportunities for advancement in reputation and wealth, perhaps go into partnership. Remember to help those who are in need or who are weak and perform good deeds often.

Ram (Sheep) The saying, “Rams together with Horses, give great auspiciousness.” (source: Yun Lin Temple) Your luck will be on top, the best the year can offer. If you’ve been working on your career you can expect advancement. Money luck will be quite good too. If you have been working hard, expect fruitful results. Watch out for the behavior of friends, relatives or scoundrels who try to make life difficult for you. Take precaution against lawsuits. Helpful people will come to your aid doubling your efforts and your reputation will sky rocket this year. Perform the Golden Cicada Sheds Its Shell and Changing the Chi of the House to avert disasters and bring wealth and blessings. Highlighted months this year: March 1-30, March 31-April 28, April 29-May 28, May 29-June 26, October 24-November 22, November 23-December 21. Happy Ch’i is coming your way. Career choices are good. Wealth luck make financial decisions easy. During this year take serious precautions against lawsuits. Inauspicious months demand patience. During those times of stress, act passively and you will see better results.

Monkey The luck is very good for Monkey this year. You will experience reward in your progress, it will be a step by step process. Recognition will come to you in foreign places. Think about expanding, your career, your household, your family. Pay attention, disasters could befall you, money loss too. Be mindful of the physical and mental health of your family members. Do not plan major construction or renovation. Perform the Golden Cicada Sheds Its Shell and Changing the Chi of the House to avert disasters and bring wealth and blessings. Highlighted months this year: March 31-April 28, April 29-May 28, May 29-June 26, October 24-November 22. Happy Ch’i is written all over your face. Your discipline to work will bear auspiciousness. There is opportunity for travel in May and prestige and helpful people can be found in foreign countries during that month. If you do good deeds during the year, prosperity and honor will be gained.

Rooster Your animal sign is in a mutually offensive relationship with the Tai Sui, Year God (Horse). The good news is that you have lucky stars that alleviate this difficult position this year. Happy Ch’i, Wealth Ch’i, Advancement Ch’i, fame and fortune are achievable. There will be joyous events in your family. Wedding bells are possible. You find you will have to work hard and be distracted with details that may force you to run around and get exhausted. There could be unexpected disasters. Perform the Golden Cicada Sheds Its Shell and Changing the Chi of the House to avert disasters and bring wealth and blessings. Highlighted months this year: March 31-April 28, April 29-May 28, May 29-June 26, June 27-July 26, October 24-November 22, November 23-December 21. In July the matrimonial star is on the ascent, a wedding will take place in the family. Joy will come, do not be greedy. Success, fame and fortune are at hand. Career decisions and work situations will go smoothly. During this year practice modesty and being amicable, for he who has great tolerance will have great blessings.

Dog Those born with the Dog as their animal sign will enjoy a ‘Three Harmony’ relationship which affords you good fortune, fame, career advancement and happiness. Your endeavors will be auspicious. Life will indeed be bright. As with any time of good luck, there can be adversity within. Watch for money losing ventures, disharmony at home and health issues. Perform the Golden Cicada Sheds Its Shell and Changing the Chi of the House to avert disasters and bring wealth and blessings. Highlighted months this year: January 31-February 28, March 1-30, April 29-May 28, May 29-June 26, October 24-November 22, November 23-December 21. Lucky stars make for Earth luck. Follow your bliss and wealth and fame will follow. Your hard work will yield favorable results. In August if you must travel, take extra precaution, carry an enhanced Buddha for protection. Refer to my blog, Unexpected Death And Feeding (One’s Own) Hungry Ghosts for the Orange Peel Protection. In this year there could be nerve racking events, learn to be calm, do not over calculate, perform good deeds and negotiations will be win-win.

Pig You may enjoy twice the results of this year with only half the effort. That is good news for Pigs who suffered difficulties in the Year of the Snake. Lucky stars will make wealth, happiness and prosperity easily attainable. There will be luck and enjoyment in your career and fame. Watch your health for illness and your family members for unexpected medical emergencies. Perform the Golden Cicada Sheds Its Shell and Changing the Chi of the House to avert disasters and bring wealth and blessings. Highlighted months this year: January 31-February 28, March 1-30, March 31-April 28, June 27-July 26, October 24-November 22. You will feel rejuvenate in the month of March. In general during these months helpful people will offer guidance and you will experience favorable results from your hard work. Use your available energy to do good deeds. You will gain from this on many levels, in many life times. In January 2015 a family member may experience ill health. Host a joyous celebration to dispel the sick ch’i and bad luck.

Gong Xi Fa Cai! May you experience good health, bountiful luck and many fortunate blessings this year.

Thank you Khadro Crystal Chu Rinpoche of the BSTB School of Feng Shui. Her Holiness teaches a Feng Shui certification program. You may find details at  Yun Lin Temple.

If you want to claim a bigger stake for your dreams, read my companion piece, The Year Of The Horse IS The Year of the Heart.

January 22, 2014, I’d love for you to join me at Kiva Tea • Café • Spa 6-8 p.m. Learn joy luck cures and master strategies to gather in wealth, health, fame and happiness to fulfill your wish list. I will share the Golden Cicada Sheds Its Shell and Changing the Chi of the House. And a meditation to enhance your Ch’i and clears the slate for you to connect with deep joy. Register at Kiva.

Can’t make JoyLuck and Master Strategies but want to participate in lucky New Year’s traditions? I have put together the main ceremonies in “Three Lucky Feng Shui Secret Traditions Packet”+ Three Bonus Cures with a special lucky cure and the Three Secret Reinforcements (body, mind, speech) to amplify your intentions. Cost: $36 + nine red envelopes (allow time for mailing the red envelopes to me).

Perform these good fortune traditions on Chinese Lunar New Year’s Eve (Year of the Horse in the US is January 31, 2014), along with thousands of others and your collective wishes strengthen each other’s intentions, empowering your actions.

Welcome the Wealth Gods

Bring the Wealth Gods right into your home with this midnight tradition. Fortunate blessings, safety, protection, better health and prosperity accompany their blessings for the year to come.

The Golden Cicada Sheds Its Shell

Remove all work problems, relationship problems, all the things that are not going well in your life, health problems and bad luck. In this ceremony you are peeling them off like the shell from the egg. Your true self, your good chi can surface from the crust of life’s difficulties and you can attract what you desire with a clear heart.

Changing The Chi Of The House and Transforming The Fortunes For Individuals and Residences

Space clear and bless your home. Eliminate the residue of old patterns, negativities and resentments. It wakes up the house with fragrance and invites new beginnings and happy chi (which by its nature attracts good health, abundant wealth, fame and prosperity).

Bonus, The Scoundrel Cure

Someone giving you a hard time but you still have to relate? Change your relationship to one or several persons who bring you challenges and turn them into a helpful person. Works every time.

Bonus, Cure For Uncomfortable Fluctuations

Ceremony for when business and personal life are going up and down, up and down. If your health or finances are swinging from bad to worse.

Bonus, Sun Moon Mirror Meditation

With the power of the Universe, this mirror can offset difficult situations with the balance of the sun and moon, yin and yang. If can clear a space of inauspicious energy, add vitality to your day or strengthen a gua that already has a cure.

Secret lucky cure, The Red Slipper Cure
It can stop with the occurrence of bad luck. If you are at the end of your rope this maybe the perfect cure for you.

Three Secret Reinforcements

The main amplifying tool for any cure or adjustment in the Black Sect Tantric Buddhist Feng Shui. It is a ritual way of adding extra strength to any cure. It is an active blessing that combines three mystical ingredients of body, mind and speech.

Contact me via email: bette@shenmenfengshui.com to order your packet.

One thing I have discovered about our homes is that creating a heart healthy space leads to peace and contentment. The bedroom is where it begins. Start with my complimentary pdf: 27 Bedroom Concepts To Maximize Your Health, Happiness and Peace of Mind. Design your space to your best advantage. Subscribe to my blog and special offers. You’ll receive this valuable Feng Shui Guide as a thank you gift.