Chinese New Year Astrology: Rat Metal

featured on The Flowerlounge Podcast

Anjie Cho

In this episode I talk with Anjie Cho, architect and feng shui educator about the upcoming Chinese New Year celebration, as we transition into the Metal Rat year. Anjie describes the overall quality of this new year, as well as the characteristics of each Chinese astrological sign, based on the year you were born. She shares what this year will hold in store for you and I share the flower essence blend that will be most supportive for you during the year. 

Anjie also shares some beautiful Chinese New Year’s rituals to intentionally invite in more auspicious energy into your life and space on Saturday, January 25th, 2020! Our conversation can help you be more aware of the changes that are occurring now and throughout 2020 through the lens of Chinese Astrology. Not intended to be superstitious, rather to help you be more intentional and self-aware -- and to give you new ways to celebrate this New Year! Happy Lunar New Year! 

WE TALK ABOUT:

  • The intersection between Chinese astrology & Feng Shui

  • Chinese astrology: how the year, month, day and time of day you were born are important

  • Your Chinese sign based on the year and what qualities it magnifies in you

  • Overall characteristics of the Rat year for 2020

  • Qualities of a Metal year and what to be aware of

  • How each of the 12 animal signs can best adjust or equip themselves for the Rat year - overall, will it be positive, neutral or challenging?

  • Feng Shui Cures for Lunar New Year (Chinese New Year), on Saturday, January 25th

  • Rituals to intentionally invite in more positive energy for the year

If you’d like to learn more about feng shui check out the Mindful Design Feng Shui certification program. Laura Morris and I launched our program in September 2018. To get on the list about it, sign up at: www.mindfuldesignschool.com.

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Nine Star Ki for the Metal Rat Year 2020

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Happy Lunar New Year!

Soon, we celebrate the Year of the Metal Rat!

We have put together a top line review of the overall energy of the year and how it may impact each of the twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac. There is an important energetic interaction between your birth year (your animal) and the current year (Metal Rat). Read here!

Be sure to check out our 2020 new year courses (available for a limited time):

New Year Reset Package

Golden Cicada and Welcoming the Wealth Gods

A new lunar year also means new Nine Star Ki forecasts! In addition to Chinese zodiac astrology, I like to use the numerology of the Nine Star Ki to prepare for the coming year and stay energetically balanced. This practice was developed in ancient China, so it logically goes well with feng shui, and is based on a number system of nine rather than the animal system. It also closely aligns with the five element principles and the I-Ching. 

Don’t forget to also grab one of our custom aromatherapy blends for each Nine Star Ki number . Each aromastick is created to provide support and enhance the energy for your individual number in the coming lunar year, and they can be used in conjunction with feng shui!

If you’ve never used Nine Star Ki before, have no fear! Use the guidelines below to find your number, and let’s get started!

You can calculate your principle number by using your year of birth. Beware: this requires a little elementary math ;)

As an example, if you were born in 1986:

  • Add: 1+9+8+6 = 24

  • Reduce to a single digit: 2+4 = 6

  • Subtract from 11: 11-6 = 5

*if you were born between January 1 and February 4, subtract from 12:  12-6 = 6

If you were born in 1940:

  • Add: 1+9+4+0 = 14

  • Reduce to a single digit: 1+4 = 5

  • Subtract from 11: 11-5 = 6

*if you were born between January 1 and February 4, subtract from 12:  12-5 = 7

Here's what all that calculating means for the Year of the Metal Rat in 2020:

If your principle number is 1, in 2020 you will be in the year of Stillness. This year will be much quieter than the last. It will be a time of stillness, like climbing up a mountain to meditate in isolation. This is a great time to focus inward and do some self-cultivation. As a 1 Water person, you will feel a little muddy in this 8 Earth year. This is a time to ground yourself and go deep and focus on self-care. Remember it’s ok to slow down.

If your principle number is 2, in 2020 you will be in the year of Recognition. This year you will be in the house of fire, where you have the best opportunities to be seen and recognized by others. It is a great time to receive any promotions or any other projects that you want publicity for. Be careful, as all things, good or bad, may be unveiled to the public. As a 2 Earth person, you will feel supported and excellent in the 9 Fire year. Take advantage of this time to work with what you’re passionate about.

If your principle number is 3, in 2020 you will be in the year of Planning. This year will feel quiet and is a time for planning. In the winter, it may appear that everything is dead on the surface, but underneath there is much life and activity. Similarly, it may feel slow, but take this time to reflect, review and plan for the future. As a 3 Wood person, you will feel very supported and rejuvenated in this 1 Water year. Take advantage of the quietness and rest up!

If your principle number is 4, in 2020 you will be in the year of Germination. This year will be the time to plant seeds. When you plant a garden, you germinate many more seeds than you need. Do the same this year. Put all your ideas out there into the universe and share them with others. Plant the seeds and see what comes up! As a 4 Wood person, you will feel grounded in this 2 Earth year. It will be slower than you’re used to but use the time to work on self-care.

If your principle number is 5, in 2020 you will be in the year of Sprouting. This year will be energetic and full of new beginnings as you catch sight of seeds that you planted last year begin to sprout and grow. Be open to new ideas and cultivate the projects that you start at this time. As a 5 Earth person, you may feel a little overwhelmed in this 3 Wood year. Remember that this is a time to sharpen and expand. It’s going to be a year of pushing through and working to move stagnant energies.

If your principle number is 6, in 2020 you will be in the year of Rapid Growth. This year will be a continuation of last year where you see your sprouts grow into strong, grounded trees. This year will be busy and active, so please take care of yourself and be careful not to get burnt out. As a 6 Metal person, you may sense some speediness in this 4 Wood year, but remember to take care not to get overwhelmed. Don’t take on too much and say no when you need to.

If your principle number is 7, in 2020 you will be in the year of Fluctuation. This year will feel a little chaotic, as this is a time of renewal and rebirth. You may need to reinvent yourself this year. It’s a great time to let things go that are no longer serving you. As a 7 Metal person, you will feel generally supported in this 5 Earth year. Emphasize some self-love and care this year.

If your principle number is 8, in 2020 you will be in the year of Prosperity. This year will feel strong and prosperous. You will begin to feel confident and be recognized for your knowledge and skills. There will still be a lot of effort, but you shall finally be harvesting the fruits of your labor. As a 8 Earth person, you will feel good in this 6 Metal year. Make the most of it!

If your principle number is 9, in 2020 you will be in the year of Celebration. This year will feel celebratory and playful. It is a great time to relax and pat yourself on the back for all the hard work that you put in the last few years. Enjoy yourself, rejoice and have some fun. As a 9 Fire person, you will feel good and enjoy this 7 metal year. It’s an auspicious year for you!

Each year holds lots of promise and positive energy for all of us, even if the year ahead appears challenging, remember that great things can come from difficulty. Interested in learning more about Nine Star Ki? Listen in on this Holistic Spaces podcast, and take a peek at the blog, too, for ideas on how to celebrate the Chinese New Year!

Regardless of your number or zodiac animal, remember to take care of yourself during the Year of the Metal Rat!

Start this off by grabbing a three-dimensional Ox/Cow charm to carry with you at all times for protection and support. Since the Ox/Cow is the Pig’s best friend, carrying this charm will keep you in their good graces. :) Happy Lunar New Year!

by Anjie Cho

If you’d like to learn more about feng shui check out the Mindful Design Feng Shui certification program.

To get on the list about it, sign up at: www.mindfuldesignschool.com.

Mindful Design is a new way to learn feng shui. Our unique training program takes an holistic approach to learning the art of feng shui design. Mindful design is about becoming aware, and attentive, to the energy around you: both inner and outer qi. It is about promoting a better way of living and creating sacred spaces that support, and nourish.

Chinese Zodiac for 2020: Year of the Metal Rat

illustration Maria Ramsey

illustration Maria Ramsey

Happy Lunar New Year! Happy 2021!

To welcome the lunar new year, Mindful Design offers a New Year’s Reset Package, including a live ritual to peel away the old year and welcome the new one. This is an especially powerful ritual depending on your birth year animal, but everyone can benefit from these practices! To learn more about who can get the most out of this ritual, and more about what to expect in 2021 based on your birth year animal, listen to our podcast episode Welcome The Year of the Ox.

BTB Feng Shui always recommends carrying a three-dimensional charm to welcome good luck and protection each year. This year, since the Rat is the Ox’s best friend, we recommend a three-dimensional Rat charm, available in the color of your choice in the Holistic Spaces store!

*Please note, if your birthday is in January or February, your animal sign may be the preceding year.  If you were born on the cusp, we we recommend you find your natal chart online .

Rat 子

Resourceful, like to be busy, can sniff out opportunities

Years: 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008

Rats are best friends with Dragons, Snakes, Monkeys, and especially Oxen! The Ox and Rat are considered best friends in the Chinese Zodiac, so this means it’s a good year for Rats!

Overall energy of the year: Good

What to do: Embrace the calmer energy of the Ox year. Don’t push riskier endeavours.

You are most compatible with: Dragon, Monkey, Rat and Ox.

You clash with: Horse.

Ox 丑

Steady eddy, hard working, ploughs through problems calmly

Years: 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009

Oxen are great friends with Snakes, Roosters, and Rats. You may think that since it’s the year of the Ox, it would be a very lucky year for anyone born in the year of the Ox. But in fact, it may be a little more challenging for Oxen. In BTB feng shui we practice a protection ceremony called the Golden Cicada Ritual. Think of it as a way to smooth out the rough edges, and to bring more ease in the coming year. If you’re interested, there is a class available here, we also recommend you carry a 2021 charm (Rat) with you for extra support.

Overall energy of the year: So-so

What to do: Make time for self-care and take breaks. Oxen work too hard!

You are most compatible with: Rooster, Snake and Rat.

You clash with: Ram/Sheep.

Tiger 寅

Dynamic, self-reliant, Tigers leap forward with creative ideas

Years: 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010 Tigers are friends with Horses, Dogs, and Pigs. The creative and dynamic tiger finds the Ox’s stead-fast work ethic a little tiresome.

Overall energy of the year: Mostly neutral

What to do: Take advantage of the calmer energy (may feel boring to tigers)

You are most compatible with: Horse, Dog and Pig.

You clash with: Monkey.

Rabbit 卯

Easy-going, sociable, the rabbit hops along with grace

Years: 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011

Rabbits are friends with Rams, Pigs, and Dogs. Rabbits will enjoy the quieter, more stable energy of the Ox. For extra support and ease with Ox, we recommend you carry a 2021 charm (Rat) the Ox’s best friend.

Overall energy of the year: Neutral

What to do: Gracefully bunny hop over minor set-backs, and enjoy the slower pace.

You are most compatible with: Pig, Sheep and Dog.

You clash with: Rooster

Dragon 辰

Energetic, strong, dragons fly through life with purpose

Years: 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000

Dragons are best friends with Monkeys, Roosters, and Rats. Dragons respect the Ox’s work ethic and tenacious nature.

Overall energy of the year: Pretty good

What to do: Align your powerful Dragon energy with the stable and determined energy of the Ox

You are most compatible with: Rat, Monkey, and Rooster.

You clash with: Dog

Snake 巳

Intellectual, Snakes slide through life with wisdom and grace

Years: 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013

Snakes are best friends with Rooster, Monkey, and Ox; this is good news for the Snake. Snake’s wisdom will serve them well, and is looked upon favorably by the Ox.

Overall energy of the year: Good

What to do: Use your subtle influence and keen intuition

You are most compatible with: Rooster, Ox and Monkey.

You clash with: Pig

Horse 午

Strong, active, horses will gallop by looking for adventure

Years: 1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002

Horses are best friends with Tigers, Dogs and Rams. You just came out of Rat year, which was a tough one -- for all of us :) Horses are efficient and hard-workers which the Ox respects.

Overall energy of the year: Ease

What to do: focus on projects that were left undone in 2020 (Rat) and channel that Ox energy into tackling them.

You are most compatible with: Tiger, Dog and Ram.

You clash with: Rat

Ram 未

Gentle and kind, but under that soft, wooly exterior is strong determination

Years: 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003

Rams (Sheep or Goat) are friends with Pigs, Rabbits and Horses. The good-natured Ram is not a fan of the hard-working Ox. Because Ram clashes with the Ox, so it is important in BTB feng shui to practice the Golden Cicada Ritual. If you’re interested, there is a class available here. We also highly recommend you carry a 2021 charm (Rat)

Overall energy of the year: Might feel like Ox is a bit of a task-master

What to do: Tap into your strength and determination

You are most compatible with: Rabbit, Pig and Horse.

You clash with: Ox

Monkey 申

Clever, curious, Monkeys will charm others with their ap-peel

Years: 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004

Monkeys are friends with Dragons, Rats, and especially Snakes. Monkeys will do well this year if they focus their energy and don’t try to take the quick way to doing things. Use the Ox’s hard-working energy to balance your curious nature, the Ox won’t tolerate any monkeying around.

Overall energy of the year: Pretty good

What to do: Use your clever Monkey and ways to channel your energy for success.

You are most compatible with: Rat, Dragon and Snake.

You clash with: Tiger

Rooster 酉

Articulate, astute, Roosters strut with confidence

Years: 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005

Roosters are best friends with Snakes, Oxen, and Dragons. Roosters like the solid work ethic of the Ox. They make a good team and appreciate each other's focus and determination.

Overall energy of the year: Supportive

What to do: Just because you have the opportunity to do a lot and accomplish much, doesn't mean you should. Don’t get caught up in working too hard, take time for yourself.

You are most compatible with: Ox, Snake, and Dragon.

You clash with: Rabbit

Dog 戌

Loyal, dogs look out for others and they are dogged protectors

Years: 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018

Dogs are best friends with Tigers, Horses, and Rabbits. They are in a mostly neutral relationship with the Ox. Dog and Ox see eye-to-eye on being fair and steadfast. For extra good luck and support, we recommend you carry a 2021 charm (Rat) this year.

Overall energy of the year: Neutral

What to do: Don’t pick fights, instead choose to channel your inner peace-maker.

You are most compatible with: Tiger, Horse and Rabbit.

You clash with: Dragon

Pig 亥

Good-nature, trust-worthy, fun-loving. Pigs are always there to help ‘sn-out’

Years: 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019

Pigs are best friends with Rabbits, Rams, and Tigers. Pigs are hard-working but know how to have to have a good time. Yes, Pigs work hard, but the Ox doesn't appreciate the Pig’s bon-vivant side, so we recommend you carry a 2021 charm (Rat) to soften the relationship and give the Pig more support.

Overall energy of the year: So-so

What to do: Be selective of who you do business with, and use the stable and analytical ways of Ox to support you.

You are most compatible with: Sheep, Rabbit and Tiger.

You clash with: Snake

To learn more about the energy coming your way in 2021, be sure to check out our podcast episode Welcome The Year of the Ox!

If you're really interested in more personal, in-depth predictions, please reach out to a Four Pillars or Bazi practitioner for a consultation!

Don’t forget to grab your three-dimensional rat charm this year, here at Holistic Spaces!

Check out our New Year’s Reset Package here!

If you’d like to learn more about feng shui, check out Mindful Design Feng Shui School at: www.mindfuldesignschool.com