Happy Chinese New Year of the Rabbit

Happy Chinese New Year of the Rabbit. In Feng Shui, the 2011 New Year doesn’t actually begin until February 4 at 12:32 pm. This is the exact time between the winter solstices and spring equinox using the Chinese solar calendar.

There are actually two different Chinese calendars; the lunar (yin) calendar and the solar (yang) calendar. The lunar calendar is the best known and most popular of the two: It's the one that is frequently celebrated with lots of pageantry. This year the lunar celebration is on February 3rd, very close to the solar New Year.

The lesser known solar calendar was developed by meteorologists to gain insight into the cycles of seasons. It is used in the form of Chinese astrology known as Four Pillars as well as for Feng Shui. The solar year is divided into 24 solar terms, each lasting about 15 days. The concepts are derived from the Yi-Jing, the Chinese Book of Change.

When considering Feng Shui the thing to remember is that if you were born on February 4th or 5th then you need to look at the Chinese Ten-Thousand Year Calendar to accurately determine the birth animal you are associated with.  If born before that time you belong to the animal of the previous year, if after then the current sign.

Each year ushers in a new animal, which is used to characterize the type of energy that influences your life. The Chinese call this “the animal that hides in your heart.” The cycle of 12 animals (or earth branches) repeat five times to make up a sixty year cycle. Each time it comes in the animal will also be characterized by a different one of the five elements: metal, water, wood, fire and earth. 2011 is a year to birth metal Rabbits like those born in 1951. The animal influences not only the year, but the month, day, hour and minute.

Now, don’t confuse your branch association with your element according to the East/West School of Feng Shui system.  Here you are associated with one of eight elements, subtle chi characteristics, which add another layer to your magnetic preferences.  As you can see Chinese Astrology and Feng Shui influences are quite complex; but lets get back to the year of the Rabbit.

According to Master Sang of the American Feng Shui Institute “If you were born year of the rabbit, then in 2011 you will have abundant opportunities; in career it is best to cultivate flexibility.  Although the Rabbit may prefer security and stability to uncertainty and change, this year you need to embrace the unknown to achieve your potential.  You can achieve success if you venture abroad, whether for studies or emigration.  Career and money prospects are at their best during the summer and autumn….”

When you order a Feng Shui Report or annual "Tune-up", you will be given insights into the particular influences affecting your coming year, month by month.  If you haven’t ordered your "Tune-up" this is the time to act.  If you haven’t had a consultation for your home and/or office yet, this is also the perfect time to set yourself up for a truly Happy Healthy New Year!