Dragon, and Lion/Dragon dances will always be extra popular in Dragon years. Every year I try catch a DRAGON / LION DANCE (舞狮 wǔ shī) to mark the Lunar New Year (17 Feb 2026). Spectacularly loud and boasting vivid colours, they are definitely an invigorating sight. It maybe a familiar sight to Western eyes but it draws a frown, followed by the covering of ears. But the deafening sound, is a necessary part of the tradition.
I remember catching a Lion dance on an Earth Dragon Day pillar, which doesn’t happen every year. The Red and White Lion weaved it’s way through the mall, kicking to the deafening sound of drums and spitting out lettuce in the door of retailers. Seeing so many folks with their ears covered reminded me of how little is known about the Eastern Tradition and the ritual Lion dance and why it’s performed. The 3rd day of the 1st Lunar month is considered auspicious to catch a lion dance. In 2022, the third day of the Lunar New Year, was a Fire Dragon Day, another auspicious day for a lion dance. This year (2026) the first day of the Lunar New Year falls on an Dog day pillar but it’s also a Solar eclipse. . . . and 19 Feb is the third lunar day of the year falls on a rat day pillar, mid week so you’re unlikely to catch a ritual dance unless you’re in China or a private party is organised.
DRAGON DANCE
dragon dance via Chunjiang via Unsplash
First off, there’s a few differences between Lion and Dragon dances. Typically such dances are seen during Chinese New Year, but celestial dragon/lion dance are popular at other festivals and celebrations. Before such dances take place, special and specific ceremonies are conducted to awaken the dragon energies. Street theatre dancers either take the form of a Lion or a Dragon. The later involving the dragon puppet floating above street performers and operated by poles. The two horned head is operated by one dancer, followed by any number of dancers along the body. Some dragons can be up over 90 meters long! Common dragon moves are 'chasing a pearl of wisdom' or 'threading money' which are traditionally only preformed for New Year celebrations, but it’s now seen at other times..
LION DANCE
While the Lion dance features a vivid cloaked Chinese Lion costume, operated by a pair of performers, per Lion. Hidden from view, the agile martial arts performers operating the large puppet, vigorously move to the beat.
The older Northern Lion dance differs, with two operating the costume, and it resembles Pekingese dogs rather than Lions. Preformed by two adult lion puppets played by two operators with two cubs played by single dancers. While the Southern version exhibits a Larger Lion, differentiated by a single horn on the papier-mache puppet head. The southern form is commonly preformed outside of China.
The dancer meanders through streets and stop to take part in what’s known as 采青 cǎi qīng (picking the greens). This is when the lion takes a green vegetable tied with a red envelope. The lion attempts to 'spit' out the vegetable and keep the lucky red envelope. The vegetable is often Lettuce as it’s the staple food of lions — And phonetically speaking the word for lettuce sounds like a term for becoming wealthy. The lion puppet eats the lettuce and spits it back out at the business owner/audience, symbolising a wealth and prosperity blessing for the coming year.
SOUND RITUAL
And now to learn of the all important sound. The loud beat is as intentional and it is necessary. The beat of the drum and the deafening clash of sounds of the cymbals together with the face of the Lion; dancing aggressively is said to rid bad or evil spirits. Allowing for a fresh new start to the year, free of malefic influence. On a domestic level folks even clash pots and pans to dispel spirits on the night of the New Lunar Year. The din and racket is expected. This yera with will be fitting as sound, and Dragons are hugley significant in Chinese cosmology and eclipses - so this years Eclipse and a dragon dance will arguably kill two birds with one stone so to speak.
Dragon and Lion dances are also popular for the opening of businesses in Asia. The Dragon is a celestial animal that lives between sky and earth. And the mighty Dragon is said to possess the power to summon water (rain) from over head clouds. Water equals wealth, hence its deliverance of luck and wealth to your door. While a Lion head is reminiscent of Chinese Battle shields they are often hung on the door to protect against evil spirits.
Next time you hear of a Lion Dance coming to town. You can Look, Listen and appreciate its ritual purpose.
Are you a Business and hotel or shopping centre looking to book a ritual Lion dance?Choosing an auspicious day is of great significance. We offer Date selection services. Reach out to us for assistance with selecting the most auspicious day.
Living eye to eye with ancient wisdom
- FENG SHUI ISM
This article was written in May 2025 and originally published Oct 2025 for Wellbeing Predictions Almanac 2026.
Snake of 2025 slithers off the podium, with a manifesto hanging in the balance. Yang Fire Horse 丙午 is crowned torchbearer, primed to trailblaze a path to the summit. With an unapologetic entrance on 17 February, a spirited tenure begins. Horse promises powerplays from a playbook written for Black Swans⓵.
FIFA World Cup fever is cranking up. All 12 groups are finalized and 48 countries are in fine tuning mode for the holy grail of titles. Argentina are the reigning champions and a 2026 favourite, but who has the edge astrologically speaking?
This article was originally published by Wellbeing Astrology 2025– Universal Media, Australia
Legend proffers amidst a chaotic flood, the underlying order between Yin and Yang elements was inscribed upon a horse emerging from the River Ho. Since elements wax and wane, over time fire came to represent the point of culminating yang. Reflecting high noon on the midsummer solstice, when solar energies standstill — before slowly declining, seeding yin. This year’s overtly fiery horse frenetically presses the point. Amplifying the interlude between yang and yin. Feng Shui offers respite.
This article Part 1 of 2 was originally published by Wellbeing Astrology 2026– Universal Media, Australia
Aesop pontificated if it’s possible to have too much of a good thing. This year tests the probability. We’ve reached a zenith, an interlude — before crossing the Rubicon
Sport does the heavy lifting in the light relief arena of a fire horse year. Solar Horse year began on 4 Feb 2026, and two days later the 2026 Winter Olympics began seeding a year of sporting events that would dominate the calendar. And we’re only in Q1. Hello Sporting fever.
Depending on your persuasion, the wheel of the year is prefixed by many names — Celtic, Druid, Pagan or Wicca. The familiar graphic has near cult status, bedecking the walls, altars and journals of devotees of the cosmos. In more recent times the ubiquitous image has expanded and morphed into a mystical symbol shrouded in layers of occult, spiritual and religious mystery. Freed from the shackles of cultural and metaphysical associations the Eightfold wheel is more universally appropriate and immediately demystified as sun’s celestial journey mirrored via seasonal cycles.
At sunset on Oct. 31st, the transition point between two luminaries will exchange the baton from day to night. Forget midnight, it’s sunset that marks the close/ beginning of a Celtic day in their calendar. The last day of Oct. is Hallows Eve, (Hallowe’en) a significant Celtic/Pagan festival marker that’s believed to have marked Celtic New Year’s Eve*. While 1st Nov. is Samhain (or Púka’s day). Folks domicile in the S.H shall be celebrating Beltaine’s Eve. Both markers represent two major festivals or Witches Sabbaths; either the beginning of Summer (S.H) or the beginning of the opposing season of Winter in the N. Hemisphere.
Bats and Halloween have a ubiquitous relationship. It’s most likely due to the nocturnal habits of the bat, that link the two - after all Hallow’s Eve is a festival that’s celebrated at nightfall. Spookiness aside, the winged creature is known to conjure up high levels of anxiety, day or night, for folks with long hair! (Myth No. 1, they don’t get tangled in your tresses). That said, without doubt that humble Bat is steeped in myth, negative omens and superstitions. Yet in some cultures, the omen is of an auspicious nature.
National Moon Day
It’s 57 years since man took his first step on the moon on July 20, 1969. And since 1971, the landmark event has been commemorated as National Moon Landing Day. Mans' curiosity to travel to the Moon showed no signs of letting up over the years— as I update this post Artemis II prepares for a take off for a trip to the other side of the moon (2 Apr 2026). So it's little wonder that Luna also intrigued our ancestors — but there's little doubt, it's impact and affect was well known by our forefathers. Today is also a Full Moon in Libra at 1:11pm in Sydney.
The magical charm of trefoil shamrock goes way beyond the fifth century Christian legend of St.Patrick. The three leaf plant (trefoil) is said to be the source of inspiration for the triskele, triple spiral, pagan symbols and beautifully illustrated knot-work illustrated in the Books of Kells. So why is this little plant classed as lucky? And why does it appear in mythology across so many civilizations?
The 15 day long Chinese Lunar New Year festivities will draw to a close, with the Annual Lantern Festival - Yuanxiao Festival - heralding the first Full Moon of the Chinese New Year, in the Year of the Horse.
Have you had your fortune divined this year? Well today is the third lunar day and it’s the traditional day to consult the heavens. But what does a dog, a mouse, a red mouth, a wedding and staying in have to do with the third lunar day of the Spring Festival? Perplexed? I’ve always been intrigued with the symbolism of the colour Red, so in 2021 I pontificated what happens when Valentine’s Day and the third lunar day of the month coincided; also known as ‘Red Scarlet day’!
Every year I try catch a DRAGON / LION DANCE (舞狮 wǔ shī) to mark the Lunar New Year. Spectacularly loud and boasting vivid colours, they are definitely an invigorating sight. It’s maybe a familiar sight to Western eyes but it draws a frown, followed by the covering of ears. But the deafening sound, is a necessary part of the tradition.
Find out why . . . .
Sol and and Luna’s allure have captivated nations and cultures since the dawn of time. And the mystical obscuring of either celestial body’s illumination continues to beguile us today. In times past, the phenomenon of eclipses must have been scary when playing out in our skies. We’ve unpacked the cosmology and folklore behind the ominous occurrences. And the upcoming New Moon marking the Fire Horse’s entrance is solar ring of Fire Eclipse on 17 Feb 2026!
IIf January’s New Year resolutions have fizzled out, tune into the Chinese Lunar New Year as the Year of the Fire Horse makes its final transition on 17 Feb. 2026. Lunar New Year follows Moon (Luna) cycles therefore commencing under a New Moon. The upcoming lunation is the second New Moon AFTER the Winter Solstice which dictates the beginning of the Lunar New Year. It also kick starts the more widely known and celebrated of the Lunar New Year festivities - beginning a two week long Spring Festival. Li Chun is a Solar Festival marker which occurred on 4 Feb 2026 seeding the Chinese Solar New Year and Fire Horse official debut.
It's time to celebrate the Polarity of Seasons again. Phenologists will appreciate, when the dog days of summer bring balmy humidity, I know my internal barometer is in sync with seasons! The dog days of Summer coupled with the end July (or Jan in S.H), are both calendar and celestial indicators; a midpoint point between Solstice and the next Equinox and the heliacal rising of Sirius the Dog star. This crucial time on the Celtic Wheel of the Year is a time of Harvesting nature’s bounty, known as Lughnasadh, an Autumnal festival marker.
I’ve remained tight lipped about the Kondō convos for a while now. But I’ve been prompted to chime in from a Feng Shui perspective.
Disclaimer, I’ve not read The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up book by Marie Kondō but I’ve watched her Netflix series and encountered the KonMari social media frenzy. Admittedly, I tend to rebel against mainstream crazes, but when conducting my own personal annual preparations for the Solar New Year on Feb. 4th (not to be confused with Chinese Lunar New Year) I decided to check out the best selling author.
I’ve been musing…. and it’s led me to Mistletoe’s door. Are we entering the Age of Mistletoe or The Return of the Druids? Mistletoe, the little freeloading plant that has remarkably synchronicities and on point themes that weaves a symbolic narrative of the prevailing astro weather. Even main stream media covering the cosmic skies with chatter of the Great Conjunction between Jupiter and Saturn; exact back on the December Solstice in 2020. My mistletoe musings unearthed some fascinating lore, far more interesting than stolen kisses, dare I say. And if we were living in bygone times the Xmas staple would be the Ancient’s secret weapon to this current health situation.
The December Solstice, is known as the Winter Solstice in Northern Hemisphere; but since December is a Summer month in the Southern Hemisphere, 21 Dec is a Summer Solstice. As I currently live in Oz; the longest day of the year beckons. Both Solstices’ always reminds me of my Celtic homeland roots. I miss celebrating classic winter Yuletide vibes when the December Solstice occurs Down under - a warm Xmas is mind bending for this European!
Seasonal Greetings to one and all.
This year give a gift with meaning. If you’re drawing a blank when it comes to choosing the perfect seasonal gift, then we've got an awesome suggestion. Give the gift that keeps on giving Good Sheng Qi - positive, prosperous abundant vibes.
Everyone needs a friend. Some prefer the furry or feathered kind and some favour mankind, but have you ever considered the Plant Kingdom as your friend? In Chinese plantlore a specific group of three plants are called the Three Friends of Winter.
Moon, the night-time celestial luminary holds great significance in the Chinese calendar system. Nowadays, lunas passage through the sky pretty much determines China’s cultural and religious festivals and the solar component is used for timings in Bazi and the 24 solar terms. The upcoming Frost / Cold Moon in Gemini (2025) is especially significant to Taoist devotees, as this Full Moon marks the Xia Yuan Festival. There are five Full Moon centric festivals of note in the Chinese calendar. Two of which are more widely celebrated. All five Moon festivals occur on the 15th day of a Chinese lunar month as it guarantees Luna’s fullest splendor.
So when should you unfurl tissue wrapped baubles and detangle last years lights? It depends as Yuletide is steeped in a seasonal cocktail of tradition, folklore, personal bias and how long your eyes can handle the visual display. Shopping malls may well be dripping with ubiquitous tinsel tinged displays . . . but has the “magic” that surrounds true Yuletide faded?
PEACE DEAL — Firstly, this is not a political post just a little ponder on some verbatim astro in motion.
As the year draws to a close we’ve all become familiar with Elemental friction between the two elements in the annual pillar Wood & Fire (Snake) something I highlighted in my 2025 forecasts. “Fire is the child of wood; a metaphorical match offers momentary flashes into the future, a light bulb moment." Striking deals is another obvious manifestation - and arguably a more relevant than the ubiquitous and overly reliant theme of ‘shedding’ that flooded the socials as a key theme. Snake is not the only animal that sheds; Tiger, Monkey and Pig the other zodiacal ‘growth’ animals all shed. Also it’s the elemental union of Heavenly Stem and Animal sign that offers the most accurate analysis. I digress, back to deals 😉
Remembrance Day is a Memorial day that falls on 11 November to honour armed forces members who have died in the line of duty. Originally evolving out of Armistice Day. On the 11th hour, of the 11th day, in the 11th month, folk stop for a minute silence to remember those no longer with us. In Australia, Anzac Day is reserved for veneration of fallen service men and women during World War One - it falls on April 25th annually - Lest we forget. Rosemary and Remembrance, features heavy on both days. With a swag of benefits, Rosemary’s uses got way beyond it’s culinary uses.
I’ve no doubt candy filled bags of loot and masks of the ghoulish variety are all that’s on the minds of kids. If Halloween fancy dress isn’t your jam, then here’s the download on the true meaning of Samhain. With some very on point cross cultural synergies with Humble apple.
SO WHAT IS SAMHAIN?
Halloween or 'Samhain' (pronounced SOW-win) as Celts called it, was first and foremost a celebration of the end of harvest time and the beginning of a dark half of the calendar year. Naive Irish speakers will know that the calendar months of May and November are called Beltaine and Samhain respectively (oh and August is called Lunasa). These are three of the four Cross Quarter days on the Wheel of the Year, Imbolc in spring completes the quartet. Witches know these markers as Great Sabbats. These power points are Midpoints or Culminating points of a given season - Samhain occurs between the Fall Equinox and Yule (Winter Solstice).
How many times have you pressed the Apple command key today?
Well if you're sitting in your office and thought you'd escaped Halloween then think again. Because apart from the humble fruits ties to the festival, so too unbeknownst to most Mac users has Apple's ⌘ Command symbol.
Globally Remembrance Day falls on November 11th and on the 11th hour of the day, folk often stop to remember those no longer with us. In Australia Anzac Day is reserved for veneration of fallen service men and women during World War One - it falls on April 25th annually.