The Chinese New Year—the year of the Wood Horse–begins with the new Moon on January 31st at 12:20 a.m. MT.
Use the last few days of the Water Snake year, which was more yin and laid back, to review any intentions that you set on January 1st. If they’re still true for you, assess what’s happened so far and make sure that you’re clear about what you really want to create this year.
Expect the Horse to come galloping in and the pace to accelerate as the year progresses. It’s good to be clear at the onset about what you really want. Then plan to go for it!
I’ve found it empowering is to set a theme at the new year along with a couple of strong intentions. My main theme this year is connection and I have a subtheme of action–which is in alignment with Wood Horse energy. To best use the energy of this year, plan to take positive forward moving actions and avoid any tendency to procrastinate.
Horses are naturally yang and fiery. Wood added to the natural energy and passion of the Horse will make for an interesting year! This should be an active year and good for you if you intend to bring more focus into your life and follow through. Wood adds more stability to the restless nature of the Horse, which will be helpful for setting long-term goals and following through.
This is also an excellent time to tune in to your more compassionate side–another Wood trait. This is especially good, if you are overly-focused or ambitious and you need to soften your approach a bit.
How To Prepare for the Year of the Wood Horse Beginning January 31st
• Although the Horse year is almost here, take time to acknowledge any incomplete projects and assess whether they are still relevant. If so, reschedule them. Keep in mind that this year will be fast paced, so be realistic! Pay particular attention to anything that’s been incomplete for a while, like old unpaid bills and any broken agreements. Any of these can affect your overall well-being—sometimes in very subtle ways.
• Clean your home. It’s traditional to sweep away bad luck to make room for good fortune before the new year. (It’s considered bad luck to sweep on new year’s day itself.) Pay attention especially to your kitchen & clear out anything unnecessary. However, if you have space, add a live plant or a picture of a plant.
• Clean your stove. This is directly related to inviting wealth and good fortune into your life.
• Clear the area both inside and outside your front door. The front door is one of the most important areas we consider in Feng Shui because it is connected to how much opportunity you’re willing and able to invite into your home.
• Replace food that you will never eat with an abundance of non-perishable food that you know you’ll use. This signals the Universe to grant you more prosperity in the new year.
• Clean mirrors and windows.
• Release anything unwanted. If you have an existing give away pile, deliver it to its final destination.
• Check to be sure that all your lights are working. Replace any burnt-out bulbs.
• Take care of correspondence and phone calls. Clean out your email.
• Pay your current bills.
• Look your best on New Year’s day. Get a haircut, if you need it. Wear clothing that you love.
Gallop on! Do as much as you can. Then relax into the New Year.
Fortunate blessings!
Suzanne
© 1/24/14 • Suzanne Metzger • Feng Shui Consulting Services
Suzanne has been a student of Feng Shui since 1988, a professional Feng Shui Consultant since 1997, & an active full-time practitioner in the human potential field since 1979.