5 Feng Shui Tips to Celebrate Chinese New Year

Guest User February 10, 2021

Photo by Karolina Kołodziejczak on Unsplash

Anjie Cho was featured on Saatva

Chinese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year and Spring Festival, is quickly approaching on February 12.

The holiday, which lasts for 15 days, marks the beginning of spring on the lunar calendar and is one of the most important celebrations in Asian culture, especially Chinese culture, says Anjie Cho, feng shui and meditation teacher in New York City, feng shui expert at The Spruce, and co-host of the Holistic Spaces podcast. “It’s very similar to how we look at our regular New Year on January 1,” she says.

To get ready for Chinese New Year, many people sweep, clean, and decorate their homes before the holiday begins. The goal is to create the optimal feng shui to enjoy good luck, health, and prosperity all year long.

Feng shui is an ancient Chinese practice. It involves arranging the pieces in your home in such a way to create harmony between your energy and the energy within your surroundings.

Below, Cho explains how you can use feng shui to usher in the Lunar New Year.

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

Nine Star Ki for 2021, Year of the Metal Ox

Guest User February 3, 2021

Happy Lunar New Year!

Soon, we celebrate the Year of the Metal Ox!

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 or listen to the podcast to learn more!

Be sure to check out our 2021 new year course:

New Year Reset Package

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 2021 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 1 Water person, you will feel be in the spotlight, but be careful to not get overwhelmed or burnt out in the 9 Fire year. Take advantage of this time to work with what you’re passionate about.

If your principle number is 2, in 2021 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 2 Earth, you will feel a bit muddy and slower this year. Take advantage of the quietness and rest up!

If your principle number is 3, in 2021 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 3 Wood person, you will feel a little subdued while 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 4, in 2021 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 4 Wood person, you will feel supported but maybe a little speedy 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 5, in 2021 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 5 Earth 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 6, in 2021 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 6 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 7, in 2021 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 7 Metal person, you will feel good in this 6 Metal year. Make the most of it!

If your principle number is 8, in 2021 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 8 Earth person, you may get a little overwhelmed or depleted in this 7 Metal year. But it’s still an auspicious year for you, just don’t have TOO much fun!

If your principle number is 9, in 2021 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 9 Fire person, you will feel a little depleted 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.

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.

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

Start this off by grabbing a three-dimensional Rat charm to carry with you at all times for protection and support. Since the Rat is the Ox’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 Mindful Design Feng Shui School at: www.mindfuldesignschool.com

Chinese Zodiac for 2021: Year of the Metal Ox

Guest User January 13, 2021

Happy Lunar New Year! Happy 2021! To help you make the most of this new year, I put together an overview of what you can expect from 2021, the Year of the Ox, based on your zodiac animal. (If you’re not sure what your animal is, read on!)

To welcome the lunar new year, Mindful Design School is offering a New Year’s Reset Package, which includes a live ritual to peel away the old year and welcome the new one. This is an especially powerful ritual in 2021 for some people depending on your birth year animal, but everyone can benefit from these practices! To find out more about who can get the most from this ritual, be sure to check out 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 ‘snout’
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 what you can expect in 2021 based on your birth year animal, make sure you listen to our podcast Welcome the Year of the Ox!

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