The Chinese Lunar New Year Begins on January 22

Michele Lewis, CFSP
January – February 2023 • Vol 4, No 2

We have an exciting New Year ahead of us—the Year of the Water Rabbit! This is a year of hopefulness—the potential to bring to us what we may have lacked last cycle in the Year of the Water Tiger. Breathe a sigh of relief, as this year should bring more peace into your life and much success—if you have done the work. The Rabbit is graciously bringing us what could and should be a positive, fortunate year for all, and situations that require serious decision-making should go quite smoothly, as long as you don’t act in haste—good advice anytime!

What is it about the rabbit that makes things flow easily and well? Rabbits tend to be quiet and calm, and are constantly seeking peace and stability. They are industrious workers, which can produce much fruit from their labor.

Every sign has weaknesses, though, and rabbits must be on guard to not escape from reality when things are tough. They can be timid and hesitant, which should not be confused with “doing your homework” and not acting in haste. The water aspect makes the rabbit able to easily adjust to different conditions, but the negative is that our dear rabbit can have a weak frame of mind and principles.

Every yearly cycle has negative qi, and this year, according to the Flying Stars astrology of Feng Shui, the two directions of negativity that all of us are cautioned about are coming from the compass’ Northwest and Southeast directions. These two can portend misfortune. (There are actually four, but these are the two we are focused on.) If possible, it is best to limit your time in these areas of your home.

You can avoid activating this negative qi by placing a bagua mirror outward, normally on the exterior of a building, above the front door. (NEVER face it to the interior of your home.) You can also place it in an interior window, especially if the window is difficult to reach from the exterior, but again, always FACING OUT.

You can also place spiritual focuses of positive qi as guardians in the NW and SE areas of your home. It is best to hold off on remodeling in these two areas. For many people, it is impractical or nearly impossible to completely stay out of, or not use, certain areas of your home, so the intentioned placement of talismans or spiritual objects can help repel or contain the negative energies. The positive portents for this year will also help temper and hold back some of these energies, but it is important and very helpful to consciously engage in action to have the upper hand.

The Lunar New Year of the Water Rabbit begins January 22, 2023, and this is a time of cleaning out the old and welcoming in the new. In the days preceding the Chinese New Year, houses are thoroughly cleaned. Both physical dirt and the poor luck of the past year are cleared away to welcome the newly-arrived good luck. Of course, all the brooms are put away before New Year’s Day, so that the great fortune that is to come can not be swept away. Families then begin their celebrations with a huge dinner and reunion—many in new clothes and shoes, symbolizing the new start. Of course, any new haircuts are done before the New Year (but after Winter Solstice) —as the Chinese word for “hair” sounds like the word for prosperity!

—Here’s to a Wonderful Year!

The Year of the Water Rabbit—2023 Michele Lewis, CFSP January–February 2023 7 Trained in China and the US, Michele Lewis is a Certified Feng Shui Consultant, has been a Feng Shui professional since 1998, and is available for consultations on-site or via phone. By using the timeless principles of the art and science of Feng Shui, Michele can help you bring balance and beauty to every aspect of your life. She is also a Certified Qigong Instructor of Ling Gui Healing Qigong School. Michele can be reached at (406) 224-0803, or by email at: taodesigns@ymail.com.