2018 - Year of the Dog
Happy Chinese New Year! To celebrate my recent birthday and upcoming Chinese New Year, I had my BaZi read by the amazing Feng Shui Master Jen Stone. Let me tell you, it was not what I expected - forget everything you think you know about 'feng shui' - a BaZi reading with Jen is the real deal and is rooted in classical Chinese philosophy and cosmology. Jen graciously agreed to be this week's guest blogger, and share her insights on Chinese New Year and what this upcoming Year of the Dog has in store for you!
According to the Chinese Hsia Calendar, February 4th marks the first day of Spring and is the official arrival of the new Animal year. New Year’s celebrations, with their emphasis on romance and indulgence, might seem totally secular. But underneath all that glitter and sparkle is an ancient holiday with deep spiritual roots. For centuries, people have been observing the end of one year and the beginning of another.
That’s why the New Year is usually marked as a signal for renewal and rebirth, and a time when we get to reflect back on the previous year and take stock of both theblessings—and lessons—that came into our lives.
One way the Chinese prepare for the upcoming year is by learning and understanding what the coming-year’s energy means and how it will impact them specifically. It surely is a wonderful and intentional way to align your actions, feelings, and major decisions with the new cycle. I believe that no matter how the energy will transpire for you, this awareness helps you navigate the year with ease, perspective, and success!
The Elements for the Year 2018 is called Yang Earth Dog 戊戌. Because an Earth Element “sits on top” of the Dog (and the Dog is also an Earth Element), this combination can sometimes be referred to as “Dog Going into Mountain.” The relationship—and them—of these Elements is particularly complicated and ominous. But the overall sentiment can be summarized like this:
The year encourages the desire for independence and self-reliance. However, this does not necessarily mean there is any less generosity or thoughtfulness from others. The energy simply helps to open up the space for nurturing and cultivating intuition and foresight.
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To be in alignment with the Earth Dog Year, I invite you to return to the essence of Mama Earth and all that she represents and symbolizes, including:
- Taking care of your overall immune system, especially your belly health.
- Evaluating your existing relationships and asking yourself whether or not they are sustainable, unifying, and nourishing.
- Being more open to exploring spirituality and unconventional knowledge.
- Spending more time with nature and connecting with the soil, such as gardening and planting.
Cheers to a fantastic start to the Year of the Dog and may it be filled with good health, good luck, and prosperity!
Jen
Jen Stone
Accredited Feng Shui Master, International Feng Shui Association The First and Only Professional to be Accredited in North America
USA Representative to Grand Master Raymond Lo