Spirit Almanac: Your Guide To Celebrating January's Mystical Holidays

featured this week on MindBodyGreen by Emma Loewe

image credit: Chloé Bulpin / mbg creative

image credit: Chloé Bulpin / mbg creative

We all know to mark our calendars for Christmas, Hanukkah, New Year’s, National Avocado Day, and those other occasions people celebrate in big, bold, beautiful ways. But what about the lesser-acknowledged spiritual, astrological events that roll around every year? Consider our Spirit Almanac series your own personal guide to the divine.

This month, we’re unpacking the mystical magic of January with sound healing, gemstone rituals, and some pretty powerful New Year’s cleansing.

January 28, Chinese New Year

Today signals the first day of the traditional Chinese calendar—one that was marked by the lunar and solar phases. Traditionally a day to honor household and heavenly deities, the occasion is still a vibrant celebration of life and new beginnings. Here, feng shui expert Anjie Cho speaks about the animal tied to 2017 and shares how to harness its auspicious energy.

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DIY Numerology: What’s In Store for Your Nine Stars This Year?

Happy Chinese New Year!

It’s that time again to celebrate the transition to the lunar new year. On Monday Feburary 8, 2016 we welcome the Year of the Fire Monkey. In addition to the Chinese zodiac animal and four pillars astrology, I utilize the numerology of the Nine Star Ki in my life and feng shui practice. 

The Nine Star Ki was developed in ancient China and syncs perfectly with feng shui, the I-Ching and five element principles. The transition to the new cycle in the Nine Star Ki system occurs on Februrary 4th of every year. 

Holistic Spaces and Aromatherachi have curated aromatherapy inhaler sticks for each number for 2016. The aromastick blends were created to support and enhance the energy that your number will be working with in 2016. These aromasticks can be used with feng shui adjustments to help you achieve your goals this year. Each blend of essential oils distributes olfactory information directly to your limbic system and hypothalamus, producing deep emotional and behavioral transformations.

In case you are not familiar with the Nine Star Ki, you can calculate your principle number by using your year of birth.

For example, if you were born in 1976:

  • Add: 1+9+7+6 = 23

  • Reduce to a single digit: 2+3 = 5

  • Subtract from 11: 11-5 = 6

*if born Jan 1-Feb 4, subtract from 12:  12-5 = 7

For example, if you were born in 1950:

  • Add: 1+9+5+0 = 15

  • Reduce to a single digit: 1+5 = 6

  • Subtract from 11: 11-6 = 5

*if born Jan 1-Feb 4, subtract from 12:  12-6 = 6

Now that you’ve calculated your principle number, you can see what kind of energy you can expect for the year.

If your principle number is 1, in 2016 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.

If your principle number is 2, in 2016 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 many need to reinvent yourself this year. It’s a great time to let things go that are no longer serving you. 

If your principle number is 3, in 2016 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.

If your principle number is 4, in 2016 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.

If your principle number is 5, in 2016 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.

If your principle number is 6, in 2016 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.

If your principle number is 7, in 2016 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.

If your principle number is 8, in 2016 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! 

If your principle number is 9, in 2016 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.

For a bit more on Nine Star Ki numerology and what that means for this year, check out a recent Holistic Spaces podcast. You can also visit the posts here for tips on how to bring in the new lunar year in feng shui style! Whatever the year ahead looks like for you, be sure to take time to care for yourself and ensure that your space is nurturing. Also, don't forget to carry a three dimensional snake charm this year, as the snake is the best friend of the monkey and offers support and protection throughout the year! Grab one over at the Holistic Spaces store!

by Anjie Cho