November 18 Leave Your Comfort Zone.

“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

“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.