The Year of the Rat – Annual Update 2020
Chinese New Year
We use two calendars in Feng Shui and Chinese metaphysics. One is a lunar, the other a solar calendar. Together, they track the intricacies of time and energies affecting spaces and events.
The solar calendar is based on the movements of the sun and begins every February 4, the time of the first stirrings of spring (in the northern hemisphere). The lunar calendar begins at varying dates as it is based on the cycles of the moon. The 2020 lunar year begins January 25.
The Chinese New Year is celebrated with the change in lunar year, each of which is ruled by one of the zodiac animals. All zodiac signs are passed over in 12 years, after which a new cycle begins. We will move from the current year of the Pig to the year of the Rat on January 25, 2020.
The Rat is the first in the cycle of the zodiac. It sits in the North. It belongs to the water elements and is associated with midnight and winter where the seeds for new beginnings are sewn. It stands for renewal and is considered to be an animal with spirit, wit and energy. It is Yang, independent and active.
As such, 2020 is considered to be a prosperous and lucky year for most, helping with the achievement of goals. This is particularly true as the 2020 Rat is paired with the Metal element, which gives it determination and focus.
So much for the lunar calendar.
Time in Feng Shui
The most important time factor we use in advanced Feng Shui is the 20-year solar period in which a building is ‘born’, ie. when the roof is closed over the structure. When the roof is closed the energies of Heaven and Earth are locked together in a particular pattern, giving the building its unique energy map. Another input into this map is its exact facing direction. This energy map is the building’s ‘DNA’ that determines the particular qualities of energies influencing it from the various directions.
Feng Shui design, as well as recommendations for placement, colours and decor are based on this birth chart – interpreted against the current 20-year period. This means that fundamental Feng Shui recommendations are unique to a building and remain the same within the current 20-years.
Annual Energies
The much talked about annual Feng Shui energies are also based on the solar calendar. As the name suggests, these change every year. Annual influences don’t affect the genetic disposition or general recommendations for a building. However, like passing germs they can have an effect on people if the building’s general ‘health’ is weak, ie. if the most radiant energies are not activated enough to balance out and heal inauspicious annual influences.
Depending on existent energies, usage and design, placement of certain objects to nullify annual influences may be recommended in some directions. However, a revolving dance of annual cures is not generally necessary or useful.
However, each year there are some general directions where to exercise caution. From February 4, 2020, it is best not to dig the ground, disturb the walls or have major construction in the N, S and E. In case of disturbance, it is recommended to place a metal object, like a Shigandang, Qi Lin or Pi Yao (Chinese symbolic objects), play piano must or other metal sound between the disturbance and the area for its duration.
Feng Shui Consultations & Review
Good Feng Shui can only be brought about by aligning landscape forms, design, usage and placement with the inherent energies of a building, which is what my Feng Shui consulting services are about. If you had a consultation a while back, it may be useful to have a review, which includes annual influences, to take recommendations onto the next level.
[image: Taton Moise on unsplash.com]