Yes, there ARE more things to do for the New Year. I know, believe me, you don't want to hear it (and I don't blame you) but it's especially important this year and I'll tell you why.
This is the year of the RAT. It is the FIRST in the twelve cycles of the zodiac that make up Chinese Astrology. Because it is the first, this is a year of plentiful opportunities and prospects for anyone, no matter what sign you are! That's some great news for all of us.
It is a wonderful year for starting new projects and making long term investments. So even from a Feng Shui point of view, it's a wonderful year for purchasing that new home; great news to share with your buyers isn't it?
In Western Astrology the Rat is a Sagittarian which means all of us can expect the unexpected---in an unusually good form. This is also a year relatively free from disruptions so things are more likely to flow. All in all, it's the perfect time to make some changes you most likely want anyway to release the energy of last year and allow all new, fresh energy to enter.
Some famous people that have been born under the Year of the Rat include Claude Monet, George Washington, William Shakespeare, Mozart, Truman Capote and Irving Berlin. Pretty impressive list, don't you think?
So NOW what am I asking you to do? Well, this is what I do; I want to insure a year as wonderful as my last one!
* Try to resolve any disagreements you might have with anyone. It helps YOU release and resolve for the positive changes to occur.
* I always ask my clients that no matter how difficult life may be to remember all the things they are truly blessed with. Make a list which infuses the blessings you already have with more, doubling its energy.
* The Chinese RESPECT MONEY. For women, clean out your handbags, keep your money in your wallet in order. Remember NOT to ignore signs of Abundance! If you see a penny and think it's nothing, think again. To many of us it is a sign of pure Abundance; if you pass the things you perceive as small, the larger ones won't appear!
* Some people have asked about the Red Envelopes. While there are many facets to the use of them, one is during the Chinese New Year. They are primarily given to children and must contain money. They are considered as Auspicious to the Giver as well as to the Receiver. Red Envelopes containing Money can also be placed the in the Wealth Area of your home. (Red Envelopes are becoming so popular that many of the branches of New York's Citibanks now carry them)! They do NOT have to be Chinese Red Envelopes if you can't find them, OfficeMax carries regular Red Envelopes.
* Replace any light bulbs that have burned out. Light can help intensify the other changes.
* Remember to open all your blinds and curtains in the morning and close them at night. Letting the "Outside IN" creates a Yin/Yang balance of the two energies of day and night. You are starting your New Year with BALANCE.
* Light all four burners on your stove for a few minutes. In the Black Sect method, this signifies and enhances money. The stove nourishes your body and the burners signify nourishing your wealth.
* This is a wonderful time to Smudge your home. For those of you unfamiliar with this, it is smudging...much like Native Americans do for healing; Feng Shui Consultants can use sage and walk through your home with it burning, while being mindful of all the things you'd like to come into your life. It helps to re-energize a space and rid it of any negativity over the last year. (I have found that pure Sage is best).
ALL the BEST to ALL OF YOU FOR A WONDERFUL NEW YEAR!
* If you have a Home/Office where you generate work, you might want to look for one more post to make this your best year, ever!
*Carole Provenzale has been a Certified Feng Shui Practitioner since 1997 and is the Founder of Feng Shui Long Island providing Feng Shui Consultations for All of Long Island including Oyster Bay and Feng Shui Consultations for New York City (Manhattan) Apartments for over a decade. Phone consultations are available for those at a distance. Feng Shui consultations for homes, offices, businesses, corporations, renovations, real estate, pre purchase and new construction. All Consultations are personalized and affordable.
Cool thanx for the info.
Aaron Barnes
Barnes Real Estate Brokerage
http://www.barnesbrokerage.com/
Cool thanx for the info.
Aaron Barnes
Barnes Real Estate Brokerage
http://www.barnesbrokerage.com/
Carole, That is good post! I was not familiar with most of the items that you listed. I found the "year of the Rat" discussion especially intriguing.
This quote is especially motivating!!
"this is a year of plentiful opportunities and prospects for anyone, no matter what sign you are! That's some great news for all of us."
I have started a couple new challenges that may lead to wonderful opportunities!!
Good stuff!
Carole - it's amazing just how many of the ancient Chinese traditions mirror the traditions of the Native Americans. Makes one wonder.
While I am not particularly fond of rats, I can see where this sturdy little rodent could signify stamina, intelligence and ingenuity. They are quite complex as a rule.
Thanks for sharing more of your Feng Shui knowledge. It's truly fascinating.
Awesome post as usual Carole - thanks for sharing this info! Looking forward to the next post as we have a home office :)
Sincerely,
Grace
Carole..... I definitely do the opening and closing of the blinds every day. You did mention some other interesting ideas. Thanks for sharing this. And I agree, this is the year of some great, positive things.... both in regards to business and personally.
Carole, Lots of magnificent advice here for beginning the new year...I like the smudging idea and it is time I clean out my handbag again.
Fortunately right now there is no one I need to make amends with....I do my best in that department along my life's road as situations arise.
It's good to hear that this will be a good year overall..thanks for sharing all of this wonderful knowledge with us.
Interesting pictures...
((-:
Jo
Ok, I think I can do all this. Off to get red envelopes later today. Thanks. The sage....buy a bunch of fresh sage at the grocery store, set fire to it and walk through the house?
Aaron, Thank you for your comment, I hope you'll try it.
Candy, This is sure to brighten up your New Year!
Renee, I don't smudge nearly that often, are you sure you need it??
Kim, Thank you. I'm wishing everyone a wonderful year in 2008.
Missy, It sure is, whatever it is you want, go for it!!
Lisa, I hope many of the Realtors share this with their clients, they LIKE these things!
Curt, I was very happy to read that and VERY happy to post it! 2008 just might surprise many people with all good things.
Carol, The Chinese DO have many of the same traditions...also with MANY other cultures...and at the root of everything is connecting with Nature for all. It certainly is amazing.
Jeff & Grace, Thank you, I love doing these simple things and flowers and fruit add so much to your home. I haven't had time to write about the home/office, I'm trying to get to it! Thank you!!
Elaine, That's so funny, I am so afraid of Rats my picture is actually a plush toy rat, not a real one. I had hamsters and loved them, I think it's the tails that bother me :)
Jeff, It is projected to be a good year....I'm sure it will be and certainly better then anyone expected.
Jo, I do too try to make amends but have a situation where it's just not possible---it makes me very sad but there is nothing I can do about it....Otherwise I have every other area covered!
Cynthia, It shouldn't be from the grocery store, there are sage wands to use or you can buy some fresh, pure sage and put it in a bowl. It is purchased in stores that carry these type of things (metaphysical, usually). Put it in a bowl, blow it out and walk through your home---get the corners!
Hi Kathy, I had to, I am scared of real rats :) It doesn't matter how close as long as you've done the lists....I wouldn't want to save it for a few days before though. I've dusted and vacuumed, cleaned my desk and many other things so I won't have much to do. And am trying to get my credit card to zero---difficult but I did it last year!
Here's to making it count Carole. I've begun with organizing my business and personal paperwork - that always seems to be my starting point - getting ready for tax time - how fun is that.
I've loved giving away oranges. These ideas I will take to heart. Thanks
Carole, Keep this great information coming. I'm bagging and shredding and cleaning out. Finding paperwork that I've not needed for many years.
A while back I smudged the house one afternoon, my wife came home and suspected that it might be the 70's again. :)
Donna, I love their customs and traditions, they are such respectful people. There are so many things they do with the Red Envelopes I will have to write about what I know of one day.
Betty, That sounds so nice, I'm sure they loved it. The Red Envelopes are steeped in Tradition for many different things, wealth being among them. For those who give them and those who receive them. I always give a Red Envelope attached to my packets when I'm speaking or for my clients.
Eric, I can't tell you how many clients have mentioned that when I lit the sage :) It's nice to hear that you smudged, the best hours are between 11 to 1pm when the sun is it's strongest.
Gregory, Thank you, I'm thrilled people are willing to try these things. I know they've worked for me and my clients.
Joan, With those symbols, get a bell! And put it on the back left hand corner of your desk. Don't ask, just trust me :) I did all these things last year and had a wonderful year---so let's get you to 'ring' in the money!
Well Carole my paperwork is 'cleaning' out! It was messing up my desk & office space, so I organized & cleared it - wheww! So much I kept that I ended up throwing out! What's with that?!
I first heard of the oranges from a client in Hong Kong, then discovered it also from other sources - it is where our Christmas 'Mandarin' orange tradition originated from.
Robert, I'll be on the lookout for UFO's but they are not my pictures...My pictures are on my Central Park post, however. Sure wish I were that good.
Deborah, I threw out a ton of things....and felt so much better. Just getting through my desk was a chore but it's done (and going to stay that way!!). My file cabinet helps a lot, I make sure I file things immediately now :)
Kate, I'm sorry, I'm not sure what Energy work you referred to; I work with healers that do Energy work but don't believe I've mentioned that in a while. These changes, however, do energize your environment!
Diane, Thank you, you are always so positive! Great way to start any New Year!
Carole
Great post part 2- And i am glad because my son is a rat- fire rat- So this is an special year for everybody and HIM. Also 2008 is a great number-adding it all the numbers the result is a number 1- the number for a start-
I have another good reason for being happy- Pluto will enter my zodiac sign- Capricorn- in January 27th- and experts say that will stay for 16 years- The last time we had seen this planet in earth ( well- none of us) was in 1762!!! Capricorn for the first time since the beginnings of the American Revolution in 1762, will benefit of the Pluto influence and nothing will hold us back. Pluto is the MASTER of transformation.
I will follow the list and i will start cleaning all my closets this week-end. Thanks Carole!!
Hi Carole,
Great post thanks for the information, I will also bookmark this so I can come back and make sure I get it right!! You have a great Chinese New Year too!!