TThe pinnacle of Winter is upon folks domicile in the Northern Hemisphere when the 22nd Solar term commences on Winter Solstice (21 December 2022), marking the beginning of the “Extreme Winter” node. When the North bids Sun adieu in favour the longest night, the South heralds the zenith of the Sun and welcomes the opposing Solstice. The Sun ingresses into zodiacal sign of the mountain Goat, Capricorn on 22 Dec. This particular lunar month is depicted in Asian paintings by the pairing of a falcon, pine tree and a wren, and known to the Ancients Chinese as ‘Preserved or Meat Month’.
Read moreMISTLETOE , DRUIDS, JUPITER & SATURN
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, a little freeloading plant has remarkably synchronicities and on point themes that weaves a symbolic narrative of the prevailing astro weather. Even main stream media find the skies more inciting that Covid chitchat. Chatter of the Great Conjunction between Jupiter and Saturn, exact back on the December Solstice in 2020 was food for thought. 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.
Read moreCHRISTMAS GIFT VOUCHERS
Seasonal Greetings to one and all.
This year especially, giving a gift with meaning seems even more appropriate. 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 Sheng Qi - positive, prosperous abundant vibes.
Read moreCHRISTMAS FENG SHUI STYLE
A few years ago, I received this message. “Aiming to get rid of all the Red Christmas decorations this year; any wise advice?” Well, as it so happened I did, hence the genesis of this post. In 2020 we had covid cancel culture overshadow Xmas, while Yuletide 2021 just about slipped through with Insta worthy bedecked trees the benchmark for success. Chrimbo 2022 danced with a credit crunch, as a global energy crisis forces light shows aficionados who overload the grid, to thankfully reconsider the visual assault on everyone’s senses, and owner’s hip pockets. Xmas 2023 — tests inflation. Shopping malls may well be dripping with ubiquitous tinsel tinged displays . . . but has the “magic” that surrounds true Yuletide faded?
Read moreWorship the Moon / Mid-Autumn Festival
Most lunar months in the Chinese calendar denote a Double Festival - like the Double fifth or ninth but the there’s no Double Eight FESTIVAL. Surprising, given the number eight is such a significant number in Asian communities. On a smaller scale, veneration of the Eight Immortals takes place, specifically the female Immortal, He Xiangu. During Osmanthus month( an ancient name for the month) the Mid Autumn Festival or the Moon Festival is primarily celebration. Since the moon is central to its namesake festival; Luna would be full bloom on the eighth day of the 8th of the 8th lunar month. This year (2023) the Moon Festival falls on 29 Sept. in the Gregorian calendar, and celebrates the Full Moon which occurs at 7:57pm in Sydney*(more Full moon times below).
Read moreQiXi Festival - Chinese Valentine's Day
Happy Chinese Valentine’s Day!
Unlike the Western lovers day which follows a set annual date, the Chinese celebration fluctuates according to the 7th day of the 7th lunar Month, known as the Qixi (Double Seventh) Festival. This year (2020) in the Gregorian calendar it falls on month of August 14th.
Read more2021 Ox Year Forecast - Part 2
As the rodent of 2020 bids a speedy exit stage left, the Ox ambles towards the podium to herald in a New Year. The temperament shift is slow and one of transition, inviting us to pause for thought and recenter. I’ve taken a leaf from the Ox’s handbook; and chewed the cud while ruminating on the ruminant.
Chinese metaphysics offers a myriad of methods to decode 2021’s comings and goings. Last year’s purely visual forecast honed in on but one predictive tool - visual elemental outcomes in Interiors.* This year we dive deep and lean into the written word to contemplate what’s masquerading behind the pensive gaze of the affable bovine. In Part One of the Yin Metal Ox forecast we looked back via the legacy of sexagentary cycles. Now in Part Two, we’ll unpack 2021’s Elemental alchemy, Zodiacal tendencies, Cow Commerce and ponder some industry Cash Cows¹.
Read more2021 Ox Year Forecast :: PART ONE
Collectively we bid adieu to a year like no other. The measure of 20/20 vision acuity was not mirrored in the year it shared with its namesake —2020 blindsided us. ‘Twas the year that stood still, while the global pandemic that brought nations to their knees still marches on. From a Chinese metaphysical perspective the outgoing year lived up to all it promised. Especially in the closing month, when the vermin disease-carrying Rat did double duty – a Rat month, in a Rat year – in opposition to the Travelling Horse - with a rapid spike in the spread of the virus. On Feb. 3rd Chinese Solar calendar resets and the Chinese New Year begins. The more widely known and celebrated New Year festivities actually indicates the beginning of the Lunar New Year; this year it falls on 12th February 2021 - forming a palindrome – 12022021. Will the root origin of the reverse sequence word ring true for 2021 - ‘to run’, ‘back again’? Or will it be ‘reversed’ in the Year of the Ox?
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