5 Ways to celebrate Chinese New Year with Feng Shui

This year, Chinese New Year falls on Saturday, January 28th in 2017. We say goodbye to the fire monkey and welcome the year of the fire rooster. The fire rooster is known for its trustworthiness, punctuality and responsible nature. There are magnificent parades, dancing in the streets, dragon costumes all around, and the entire continent of Asia is in celebration. But what is Chinese New Year all about?  This momentous occasion marks the beginning of spring in the Lunar calendar, a time for new beginnings and renewal. To ring in this new year, why not make some feng shui adjustments to bring some balance to your home? Feng shui is an Asian art of placement — or as I like to say, the original “green design”. Through observing and shifting the built environment, feng shui teaches us how tolive in harmony with nature. Keep reading to learn more.

This year, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_New_Year">Chinese New Year</a> falls on Sunday, February 10th. We say goodbye to the dragon and welcome the year of the snake.  There are magnificent parades, dancing in the streets, dragon costumes all around, and the entire continent of Asia is in celebration week. But what is Chinese New Year all about?  This momentous occasion marks the beginning of spring in the Lunar calendar, a time for new beginnings and renewal. To ring in this new year, why not make some <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feng_shui">feng shui</a> adjustments to bring some balance to your home? Feng shui is an Asian art of placement — or as I like to say, the original “green design”. Through observing and shifting the built environment, feng shui teaches us how to<a href="http://inhabitat.com/tiny-off-grid-cabin-in-maine-is-completely-self-sustaining/"> live in harmony with nature</a>. Keep reading to learn more.

Because our modern and fast paced lifestyles have left so many of us feeling disconnected from the earth and the environment around us, one could argue that the grounding qualities of<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feng_shui"> feng shui</a> are now more important than ever. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feng_shui">Feng shui</a> principles are founded upon cycles and patterns of nature and ancient knowledge with which, sadly, many of us have lost touch. This philosophy can teach us to be aware of our surroundings, how we impact the earth, as well as how it affects us.

<h3>1. Brighten Your Entry</h3> The first thing that people see when they visit your home is the entry. What is it that they see?  Is the entry well lit? Is it welcoming?  Can they find the front door easily? The entry and front door or your home represents your face to the world, how the world sees you and how easily opportunities can come to you. Start out the year of the snake with your best face on. Make sure you have a bright and <a href="http://inhabitat.com/video-inhabitat-lighting-makeover-inhabitots-editor-julie-seguss-gets-a-money-saving-light-bulb-overhaul/">energy-saving light bulb</a> illuminating the way, check to make sure that your door bell works, <a href="http://inhabitat.com/how-to-grow-an-avocado-tree-from-an-avocado-pit/">add some plants</a> and clean up and de-clutter your entry.  Remember, not only is this the first thing that the world sees, it’s also the first thing that you see when you get home.

<h3>2. Clear out the old, make way for the new!</h3> The Lunar new year is symbolically a great time to clear out the old stagnant energy in your home to make space for new positive energy. <a href="http://inhabitat.com/6-ways-to-keep-your-fruits-and-veggies-fresher-for-longer/">Fresh orange peels</a> work the best to bring out the good, but you can also use 27 drops of orange essential oil. Place the orange peels (or essential oil) in a spray bottle and fill it with water. Walk around your home and spray this citrus essence all around, paying special attention to dead corners and closets. Orange peel carries with it vibrant life energy to clear and in turn rejuvenates you and your home.

<h3>3. Repair or Toss Anything Broken</h3> You know that <a href="http://inhabitat.com/mischertraxler%E2%80%99s-%E2%80%9Crelumine%E2%80%9D-project-proves-that-two-energy-efficient-bulbs-are-better-than-one/">old lamp</a> you have been meaning to fix? Broken things represent stagnant or broken energy. A broken doorbell may be hindering the chance at getting that new job or meeting that new person. What’s stopping you from fixing that object?  If it’s important to you, get it repaired or give it away to someone who can. Don’t let that stuck energy stop you from moving forward in life.

<h3>4. Try a New Burner</h3> My favorite burner on my stove is the one on the front right. Which one is your favorite? Your stove represents wealth and how you nourish yourself in the world. The stove is a modern hearth, the place in the home that provides warmth, safety and nourishment.  So tomorrow when you go to your stove, try using another burner instead of always going to the same one. Open up some opportunities for yourself!

<h3>5. Position Yourself in Command of your Life</h3> In <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feng_shui">feng shui</a> we have a concept called the “Command Position”. Ideally your <a href="http://inhabitat.com/cardboard-paperpedic-bed-can-support-the-weight-of-22-people/">bed</a>, desk, stove and other important areas should be positioned so that you can see the door and you have your back against the far wall. You don’t want to be directly in front of the door, but rather diagonally across the room from the door is typically the most ideal position. This places you in command of the room, your home and your life, so that you can see what life brings to you and you move forward with your eyes open. It’s understandable that this furniture placement is not always possible, so you can make an adjustment to the unfavorable position by placing a mirror in such a way that you can see the door to the room. Now you’re back in command!

Anjie Cho is the founder of <a href="http://www.holisticspaces.com/">Holistic Spaces</a> and <a href="http://www.anjiecho.com">Anjie Cho Architect</a>, integrating beauty, spirituality and green design.  She creates and enhances balance and harmony by designing spaces with an understanding of sustainability and informed by the ancient practice of feng shui.</em> <em>Anjie is a licensed Architect, LEED Accredited Professional, and practices BTB Feng Shui.  She received a BA in Architecture from the College of Environmental Design at the University of California at Berkeley.  With over a decade of experience, Anjie has designed high end residential and commercial spaces throughout New York City, the Tri-State area, San Francisco and Los Angeles.  She is available for projects of all sizes, from a two hour feng shui consultation to a full 20,000 sf gut renovation.</em>

This year, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_New_Year">Chinese New Year</a> falls on Monday, February 8thin 2016. We say goodbye to the wood sheep and welcome the year of the fire monkey.