Metal Rat Month:
December 7 – January 4
Like the English Christmas carol In the Deep Midwinter, the month of the Rat is the mid-point of the winter season or midwinter in the Chinese calendar. The first two weeks of this month are called Greater Snow and the second are called Winter Solstice.
The rat month represents maximum yin energy, a month of darkness and cold, or as Christina Rossetti said more poetically “earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone”. While things seem bleak, particularly in these tumultuous and uncertain times, there is hope as the rat month is also when the dark gives way to light and we welcome the yang half of the year at the winter solstice.
The photographic image featured for this month’s forecast is of the Hindu deity Krauncha selected not only because it is literally a metal rat, but because Krauncha carries with him his best friend Ganesha who is the remover of obstacles. For those of you who have found the Monkey year to be challenging, especially those of you with a Tiger anywhere in your chart, you may now begin to see the obstacles of this year being removed and difficulties easing up. This is because the Rat month is not only the transition between yin and yang but also because this is a cusp period where the Monkey year energy is winding down and the Rooster year energy is making its presence known and felt.
The theme of transition to from dark to light and from obstacles to breakthrough is also reinforced by the hexagram for this month which is #42 Increasing. The Increasing hexagram tells us that things are changing for the better and that the tide is turning and beneficial improvements are underway. A time of lack and hinderance has reached an end. However as the light is only beginning to grow this month the beneficial changes indicated by this hexagram are also at their earliest stages so one must still use care and caution in this period of transition. Together the hexagram for the year #40 Relief and the month #42 Increase tell us that we can now see the light at the end of the tunnel and relief is now arriving. This is a window of opportunity to make improvements particularly in communication, so use it well.
One of the best ways to use this time of transition is to prepare for the year ahead by finding out how the Rooster year will affect you personally and how to use Feng Shui in your environment to make the most of the coming year’s energy and to support your goals and aspirations for the new year!
IMPORTANT DATES:
Horse People: this is your clash month so use caution in general especially on Rat days which are December 8, 20 and January 1 (still Rat month).
INAUSPICIOUS DATES:
These are the days that are generally inauspicious for everyone, days to use caution on, and unsuitable for important events or activities.
Month Breaker: These are days with unstable energy. Caution is urged especially for Rat people as these are also your personal clash days December 14 and 26.
Year Breaker: Though not generally as volatile as Month breaker days, these are still days to use caution, especially Monkey people since these are your personal clash days and they are December 10, 22 and January 3 (still Rat month).
AUSPICIOUS DATES:
These are the days that are generally lucky for everyone, except those who clash with it. These are great days to plan important events or activities.
Success Days: December 16 & 28 – Success days generally bring good outcomes for all endeavors except for legal activity
(Clash to Tiger people).
Remove Days: December 9, 21 and January 2 (still Rat month) – These are good days to let go of what no longer serves you especially feuds, time to just let it go. The end of the year is the perfect time to make space for what the new year is going to bring you so when in doubt, throw it out. (Clash to Goat people).
Initiate Days: December 13 & 25 Christmas Day – If you have made space in your life these are great days to bring in something new or to begin something new. For those who are thinking about getting engaged on Christmas Day this is a perfect day to do so! (Clash to Pig people).
*Don’t know what animals are in your chart or how they may affect you? Contact me for a personalized astrological chart reading!
If you have an important event to plan it is best to have a personalized date selection analysis to ensure the best outcome.
FENG SHUI:
Worst Sectors: The sectors that you absolutely want to keep quiet this month are the South and the Northwest palaces. Keep activity here to a minimum and no renovations or activations.
Best Sectors: The East has the #8 wealth star which is the current wealth star, so if you want to boost your finances use this sector as much as possible. The Southeast palace is can help you build for the future so this is also another great area of the home to spend a lot of time in.
With the Rooster year approaching quickly, now is a good time to schedule your annual Feng Shui tune up to prepare your home or office for the new year. It is the best time to plan ahead for any changes or renovations you may have in mind and also a good time to create a strategy to make your space support your goals for the new year. Be sure to contact me to find out more!
Happy Holidays and Best Wishes for a Joyful and Prosperous 2017!