The Chinese New Year that we are typically familiar with is the date of the Lunar New Year. This ties to the annual migration "home" throughout China, as families gather to celebrate. It is a moveable date because it falls on the second new moon after the winter solstice.

2014 is a Yang Wood Horse year. The Horse, a yang Fire animal, is compatible with the Goat or Sheep, Tiger and Dog. It clashes with the Rat. People born in Rat years may have more challenges in 2014.

We last experienced the energies represented this year 60 years ago, in 1954. 2002 was our most recent Horse year. Unlike 2002, which was a Yang Water Horse year, Wood energy supports and strengthens Fire. 2014 will be a year to move ahead cautiously, yet deliberately.

Horse energy is lively, independent, and enduring. Having served humanity in numerous ways through the centuries, for travel, agriculture, war, and pleasure, horses are associated with freedom and movement. 2014 could be a year to break away from old, nonproductive patterns and move forward in meaningful ways.
 
Horses do not like to be constrained or contained. They can be emotional, persuasive, and adventuresome. They can also be impatient and temperamental. Horse energy is expansive. This is particularly relevant in a Yang Wood Horse year since, vibrant Wood energy fuels the Fire energy of the Horse. People born in horse years are fun-loving, popular, care-free, independent, and need room for self-expression. They do not like to be constrained or corralled.

Expect 2014 to be a year of action and adventure. If you are not sure of something, wait. Just ride it out and wait for a more opportune time.  If you would like to learn more about what may lie ahead for you in 2014, here is an informative link about the Year of the Wood Horse, that came my way via Madeline Gerwick.

Tuesday, February 4th is the day to make annual adjustments to your home if you follow Flying Star feng shui.  This is the date of the Solar New Year. It is a fixed date.
 
From a Flying Stars perspective, the areas that need particular attention in 2014 are the NW (5 Star), East (2 Star) and South (Grand Duke). Replace your Salt Water cures and cleanse and reposition your annual cures to balance your space. If you would like help with this, contact me.

Mercury is the planet that rules communications. As Mercury appears to back up in the sky, communications easily get confused and mixed up. It is a time to lighten your schedule, avoid signing contracts, and avoid buying electronics. This month, Mercury is retrograde February 6th through February 28th Take extra care and allow more room in your schedule. This is an excellent cycle to re-do, re-consider, repair, review and re-work many things. It is not a favorable period to purchase electronics, make deals, or sign contracts. If you do, don't be surprised if you make changes or adjustments beginning March 1, when any misunderstanding or confusion is likely to clear up. You can make things easy on yourself and experience fewer obstacles by allowing more leeway in your schedule and delaying big purchases. Be proactive. Take advantage of the positive aspects of this cycle.

The next Mercury Retrograde cycle is June 7th through June 30th. Mark your calendar and plan ahead.

Pisces is a water sign that calls us to explore the deeper side of life, our dreams, and our authentic selves. This can be an inspirational time to help you better understand your deep inner thoughts and feelings. According the Simone Butler's system of Astro Feng Shui, a new moon in Pisces correlates with the Center of your home. Interestingly enough, the Center of our spaces this year is also associated with self development and education, intelligence, wisdom, and artistic and creative pursuits (particularly writing) via the #4 Star in the Flying Star system of feng shui.  You can also enhance this area for romance and travel.

The latter half of February is an excellent time to renew and refresh the Center of your home and every room in your home. Excellent enhancements this year include lucky bamboo, fresh flowers, leafy plants, some dark watery colors such as blue and black, mandarin ducks, amethyst and a single quartz crystal point.

NPR aired an interesting segment about tree growth recently. There is growing evidence that old trees are doing more for the health of our planet, compared to young trees. This could be an interesting correlation to our aging Baby Boomer population as well. Perhaps "seniors" can be even healthier and more productive in their later years in life, compared to their early years. It may soon be time to retire the concept of "over the hill" as more people seek improved health and more meaningful activity from their 50's well into their 90's and beyond. This is an interesting pattern to consider.