Chinese New Year festivities are not celebrated until Thursday, February 19, but we will officially move from the year of the Yang Wood Horse into the year of the Yin Wood Goat on Wednesday, February 4. Thankfully, both the element and the Goat are yin in nature so we should have a less intense year than the Yang Wood Horse. If the crazy horse year has worn you out then this will be a welcome change!
To understand what the year has in store we look at the BaZi or 4 Pillars astrological chart for the year to show us which elements are strong and which are weak and how that can translate into our lives.
While there are 4 pillars to consider, it is the year pillar which represents the overarching energy of the year. Yin wood, while not as strong or direct as the Yang Wood of last year, is never-the-less a tenacious plant like a vine that tends to meander and spread. This meandering energy will permeate the year in which we will make progress but it may not be fast and direct and we would do well to be flexible and bend around obstacles that may encounter. Yin wood is quieter and does not complain so this could be a year for fewer protests and a toned down political rhetoric. The Goat is also a yin animal, so overall yin qualities will prevail this year and the pace should a bit slower and less intense.
The goat in the year pillar of the chart represents hot dry earth which is not the most supportive environment for plants. So, in general we can expect progress this year but not huge levels of growth. The good news is that Yin wood has a solid root hidden within the Goat which will allow it to hang on and weather adversities that may arise. Yin wood also has its friend Yang wood in the chart and as all vines love to cling to trees for support this will be a beneficial ally strengthening Yin wood in general. Additionally, Yin wood controls the earth in Goat so this is not a supportive or harmonious relationship within the pillar which means that while less volatile, this year will not be without difficulties. Specifically, earth related problems related to global warming and the drought in California will likely continue.
The following is a break down of the elements for the year and how they could affect the outcomes of various industries. Without the horse spurring us on to travel, people will likely stay home more this year and redecorate or renovate with an occasional night out for dinner and a movie until financial markets become more bullish. You can see how the elements contribute to this picture below:
WOOD: Of the 5 elements, wood is the strongest this year, so we can expect wood related industries such as textiles, furniture and publishing which have had lack luster years recently to have excellent performance this year.
EARTH: Another prominent element this year is Earth which represents real estate, mining, agriculture and insurance. Earth this year is under stress from the predominance of Wood but it is well rooted and supported by fire so these industries may not make huge gains but will have staying power. A slow and steady approach to earth related industries will be the winning strategy this year.
METAL: Metal is weak this year so industries such as jewelry, automotive and finance will have to be content with difficult and slow progress – still they should be able to make it through the year without serious losses as they have support from Earth. The one exception is currencies whose value is country dependent and outcomes will vary from location to location depending on the effects of the Feng Shui on each particular country – the outlook for the United States currency however is good.
FIRE: Though not as strong an element as last year it still figures prominently in the chart and a lot of wood to fuel it so industries like entertainment, restaurants and technology will have have a steady flow of customers with peak performance in the summer months.
WATER: The weakest element in the chart this year is water as there is very little of it, not much in the way of support and it is being severely drained by wood. This weakness will impede communications, transportation and travel. Travel in particular will be slower, especially with the departure of the horse.
In addition to the elements we also have animal signs to consider, and this year’s animal is the Goat. The best way to know exactly how the goat will affect you is to consult your personal BaZi or 4 Pillars chart, but there are still generalizations we can make based on the interaction of the Goat with the animal of your birth year. Goat is best friends with the Horse so this year will be kind to those with Horse in their chart especially in the area of relationships. The other animal that is in harmony with the Goat is the Snake and this year should generally be a good year for snakes especially in terms of career. Last year’s Wood Horse was an auspicious year for travel and for those with Snake in their chart should be prepared for more travel so have your bags ready! If however, you have Ox which clashes with the Goat in your chart, things may not go as smoothly. Which area of your life will be affected depends on which pillar or pillars the Ox resides in. In general, those with Ox year or day will be more prone to accidents especially when traveling or during physical activity so be sure to use extra care. Those with Ox in their day pillar may have difficulties with relationships so those who are in a committed relationship may want to tap a positive sector of the home to support their relationship and reduce the tension. Other animal signs that may feel strained this year are Rat, Dog and Rooster, so use caution and cultivate patience this year. If you don’t know which animals are in your chart then now would be a great time for a BaZi or 4 Pillars astrological reading to let you know specifically how this year’s energy will affect you.
If your would like to enhance your personal Qi by wearing a traditional Chinese animal amulet for good luck then here are the recommendations for this year:
If you are born in a Sheep year – choose Horse
If you are born in an Ox year – choose Snake or Rooster
If you are born in a Dog year – choose Rabbit
If you are born in a Rat year – choose Dragon or Monkey
If your birth year animal is not listed above – choose the Horse
In addition to a change in element and animal, the New Year also brings a change to the Feng Shui Annual Stars thus shifting the energy in each of the 9 sectors of your home. In general we want maximize and activate positive sectors in order to tap into this beneficial Qi. The best way to activate the Qi is by frequent use so having a front door, bedroom or office in the positive sectors is ideal. The areas with negative energy should not be a reason to worry but caution should be used and in general it is best to keep theses areas of the home quiet which means no construction and less frequent use if possible. If your front door is located in a negative sector consider using a door that is in a positive one if possible. If a negative area of the home is a frequently used area such as a bedroom or office, then adjustments can be made and cures may be used to mitigate the effects. If you are not sure where these areas are or how to apply the annual stars then now is the perfect time for a Feng Shui consultation to help you identify and align with the energy in your home and make the most of it!
To locate these areas, first use a compass to determine the location of the 8 directions relative to your home. Then, divide your home into 8 slices, like a pie with all slices converging in the center of your home and align the wedges with the 8 compass directions.
Here are the four areas where negative Qi resides this year:
Center or Tai Qi of your home: #3 Star also called the “Argument” or “Stress” star is residing here and could lead to arguments and disputes. Also since it is the center of the home it affects general health and indigestion could be an unwanted side effect of this energy. Since it is a wood element star avoid feeding it with water or other wood elements, instead add fire or metal elements here to mitigate and tone down.
Southeast: #2 Is the “Illness” star and those who are already ill or pregnant should use caution in this area especially if the bedroom is located here, you may want to consider using another bedroom for now or employing adjustments to mitigate the negative effects. On the other hand, 2 Earth is also related to Real Estate so those who use this sector for work could see positive outcomes. To reduce its effects use wood elements like living plants and metal elements here but avoid the use of earth or fire elements.
South: #7 is a Fire star and this year it is in a Fire sector which means inflammation, so flaring up of illness is possible as well as volatile emotions leading to heated arguments especially if your bedroom is located in the South. Those whose front door is located in the south should be careful of fire or theft this year. Earth element can be used here to mitigate the effects as well as water but avoid the use of fire elements.
West: #5 “Five Yellow” star and “Three Killings” both are in residence in this sector this year and of the 8 sectors this is considered the most inauspicious. Use extra care when using this area and avoid all ground-breaking, construction or renovations in this sector. Those who sleep in the west should be vigilant about their health and keep up with regular check-ups. In general it is best to keep this area quiet with as little use as possible however if need be metal may be used in this area but do not use earth or fire.
The good news is that we have 5 beneficial sectors to tap into in order to make the most of this year and they are as follows:
Southwest: #9 This year the “Grand Duke” resides in the SW1 direction, and in general we don’t want to face this energy, better to have your back to it so keep this in mind as you utilize your home. Also, it is advisable to avoid groundbreaking, construction or renovation in this sector so as not to offend the Grand Duke – doing so could bring poor outcomes if undertaken. Overall however, the Southwest is an auspicious sector this year and one that if activated can bring quick results especially for romance, conception, wealth creation and career advancement. This is also the star of joy and happiness so be sure to make the most of this area. The elements to use here are wood and fire but avoid using water.
East: #1 is a Water star and supports academic pursuits this year, a great area for students and those who want to learn a new skill. It is also a great start to activate noble people and to make connections. Use this beneficial star to increase networking, career advancement and business related travel. If you are looking to spice up your life with more socializing and romance then this is also a great sector to utilize. Water and wood elements are welcome here but avoid using earth.
Northeast: #6 “Grand Duke” also called “Year Breaker” is located specifically at NE1 so please no construction or renovations here this year. This is however an auspicious sector to use if you are looking to gain recognition and advancement in your career as this is the star of leadership. It can also be used to improve networking, motivation and to make things happen this year. Just be sure not to activate it with any negative features either internally or externally. Metal is the best element for this sector but avoid using fire.
North: #8 is the number of abundance and the North will be the most auspicious area for wealth creation and prosperity. While those with a main door in the north will benefit most from this star, everyone will benefit from activating this sector. You can activate it by using this area more often and by the placement of yang items such as fans and televisions. Metal and water can also be used as enhancing elements here but avoid adding earth.
Northwest: #4 The 4 star is also an academic star and will be beneficial for those with artistic or scholarly endeavors. It is also a great area of the home to activate if you are hoping for romance or travel this year. If you are looking to give your love life a boost this is also a great area to support that goal. Water and wood used together here will be the most beneficial, a dash of fire to is also acceptable as an activation.
If you are unsure about how to apply the annual stars, or if you would like to assistance in making adjustments, then now is the perfect time for a Feng Shui consultation or BaZi reading to help you identify and align your energy with the energy in your home to make the most of it! Wishing you many blessings for healthy and prosperous New Year!