Happy Lunar New Year!
Soon, we celebrate the Year of the Metal Rat!
We have put together a top line review of the overall energy of the year and how it may impact each of the twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac. There is an important energetic interaction between your birth year (your animal) and the current year (Metal Rat). Read here!
Be sure to check out our 2020 new year courses (available for a limited time):
Golden Cicada and Welcoming the Wealth Gods
A new lunar year also means new Nine Star Ki forecasts! In addition to Chinese zodiac astrology, I like to use the numerology of the Nine Star Ki to prepare for the coming year and stay energetically balanced. This practice was developed in ancient China, so it logically goes well with feng shui, and is based on a number system of nine rather than the animal system. It also closely aligns with the five element principles and the I-Ching.
Don’t forget to also grab one of our custom aromatherapy blends for each Nine Star Ki number . Each aromastick is created to provide support and enhance the energy for your individual number in the coming lunar year, and they can be used in conjunction with feng shui!
If you’ve never used Nine Star Ki before, have no fear! Use the guidelines below to find your number, and let’s get started!
You can calculate your principle number by using your year of birth. Beware: this requires a little elementary math ;)
As an example, if you were born in 1986:
Add: 1+9+8+6 = 24
Reduce to a single digit: 2+4 = 6
Subtract from 11: 11-6 = 5
*if you were born between January 1 and February 4, subtract from 12: 12-6 = 6
If you were born in 1940:
Add: 1+9+4+0 = 14
Reduce to a single digit: 1+4 = 5
Subtract from 11: 11-5 = 6
*if you were born between January 1 and February 4, subtract from 12: 12-5 = 7
Here's what all that calculating means for the Year of the Metal Rat in 2020:
If your principle number is 1, in 2020 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. As a 1 Water person, you will feel a little muddy in this 8 Earth year. This is a time to ground yourself and go deep and focus on self-care. Remember it’s ok to slow down.
If your principle number is 2, in 2020 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. As a 2 Earth person, you will feel supported and excellent in the 9 Fire year. Take advantage of this time to work with what you’re passionate about.
If your principle number is 3, in 2020 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. As a 3 Wood person, you will feel very supported and rejuvenated in this 1 Water year. Take advantage of the quietness and rest up!
If your principle number is 4, in 2020 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! As a 4 Wood person, you will feel grounded in this 2 Earth year. It will be slower than you’re used to but use the time to work on self-care.
If your principle number is 5, in 2020 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. As a 5 Earth person, you may feel a little overwhelmed in this 3 Wood year. Remember that this is a time to sharpen and expand. It’s going to be a year of pushing through and working to move stagnant energies.
If your principle number is 6, in 2020 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. As a 6 Metal person, you may sense some speediness in this 4 Wood year, but remember to take care not to get overwhelmed. Don’t take on too much and say no when you need to.
If your principle number is 7, in 2020 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 may need to reinvent yourself this year. It’s a great time to let things go that are no longer serving you. As a 7 Metal person, you will feel generally supported in this 5 Earth year. Emphasize some self-love and care this year.
If your principle number is 8, in 2020 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. As a 8 Earth person, you will feel good in this 6 Metal year. Make the most of it!
If your principle number is 9, in 2020 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. As a 9 Fire person, you will feel good and enjoy this 7 metal year. It’s an auspicious year for you!
Each year holds lots of promise and positive energy for all of us, even if the year ahead appears challenging, remember that great things can come from difficulty. Interested in learning more about Nine Star Ki? Listen in on this Holistic Spaces podcast, and take a peek at the blog, too, for ideas on how to celebrate the Chinese New Year!
Regardless of your number or zodiac animal, remember to take care of yourself during the Year of the Metal Rat!
Start this off by grabbing a three-dimensional Ox/Cow charm to carry with you at all times for protection and support. Since the Ox/Cow is the Pig’s best friend, carrying this charm will keep you in their good graces. :) Happy Lunar New Year!
If you’d like to learn more about feng shui check out the Mindful Design Feng Shui certification program.
To get on the list about it, sign up at: www.mindfuldesignschool.com.
Mindful Design is a new way to learn feng shui. Our unique training program takes an holistic approach to learning the art of feng shui design. Mindful design is about becoming aware, and attentive, to the energy around you: both inner and outer qi. It is about promoting a better way of living and creating sacred spaces that support, and nourish.
