The Year of the Earth Dog

Out with the Fire Rooster and in with the Yang Earth Dog!Many of us are celebrating this change. The Rooster year has proven itself difficult for many of us sensitive and compassionate beings, as we take note of climate changes and political uncertainty. This year the New Solar Year of the Yang Earth Dog begins on February 4^thand the Lunar New Year is on February 16^th

The Dog’s natural element is Earth—so we’re looking at a double Earth year, which can bring out both the positive and negative traits of the pooch. Happy, well-adjusted dogs are loyal, enjoy being around people, and are enthusiastic adventurers with a love of life.

The double dog, however, can be stubborn–and if cornered or threatened she will react quickly. This year can be challenging for earth, property issues, construction, and mining. It can also portend earthquakes and landslides.

This is an auspicious year for education, writing and the publishing field, the entertainment field, and fashion.

Tips to help you prepare for the Chinese New Year

– Clean and clear the area around your front door–both inside and outside. Your front door is the main mouth of chi. This is where energy and opportunity enter. All entrances are important, but your front door is the most important.

To invite clarity into your life,clean mirrors and windows.Pay special attention to the mirrors and windows in areas of the Bagua related to any situations that are challenging in your life.

– Remove, clean & reenergize any Feng Shui remedies you have placed in the past.Then, before you put them back, assess whether they are still needed. If the issue is solved, don’t replace it; if it isn’t, you may need another cure.

– Refreshyour own personal energy. If you need to do something personally to feel your best and bring up your energy, such as getting a haircut, do it before February 4^th.

Clean your kitchen—and don’t forget your stove, which is directly related to inviting wealth and good fortune into your life.Also release unneeded duplicates, broken or chipped kitchen items and anything that is never used.

This includes food that you will never eat. Replace it 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.

Handle incomplete projects. Ask yourself whether they are still relevant. If so, schedule them. If not, release them.

– Pay your current bills before February 4^th. If you have old unpaid bills or broken agreements, find a way to connect with the person or organization involved and make a new agreement.Unpaid bills and broken agreements can affect your well-being on many levels—sometimes so subtly that you won’t see an obvious connection.

– Check to be sure that all your lights are working. Replace burnt-out bulbs.

–Liven up your home with fresh flowers and new plants.Suggestions are orchids, narcissus and lucky bamboo. Colorful flowers signal a prosperous beginning to your year.

-No matter what you’re doing that day,look your best and wear clothing you love.

– Plan to eat like a healthy dog well and enjoy both the two-legged and four-legged beings in your life!

Finally, do as much of the above as you can. Then let go and relax into the New Year.

Suzanne