It's not too late to wish you a Happy New Year!

The lunar Chinese New Year is on 23rd January, when the Dragon becomes the year ruler. Astrologically speaking the Chinese New Year starts with the solar New Year on the 4th February.

A new year is a time to think about wiping the slate clean and starting afresh. It is a Chinese tradition to spring clean your home before the start of New Year's eve, and not to do any sweeping during the New Year celebrations. This is because with the new year comes new luck. This month's top tip is to do some spring cleaning. In fact the 4th February is known in the Chinese calendar as the 'beginning of spring'. Although it is a bit windy and chilly outdoors you can revitalise your home with sweeping out the old to make way for the new.

At Chinese New Year some Chinese people pray to the God of Wealth. Is this a good idea? I shared my thoughts with Channel 4 and you can watch on the television, at 7.55pm on Channel 4 on Saturday 7th January. Alternatively, you can watch the video by clicking through on the following link.
http://www.4thought.tv/themes/is-it-right-to-ask-god-to-make-us-rich/ting-foon-chik?autoplay=true
 
Today is the start of Ox month today, and you can click on the link below to read your monthly Chinese Horoscope.
http://en.radio86.com/chinese-horoscope/general/chinese-horoscope-january-2012

We have just put up our Christmas tree today and there is an excitement in the air as the long awaited arrival of Father Christmas is now being counted down in the advent calendar.

I am often asked if there is a good place to put the Christmas tree. This year, and this Rat month, it is important to avoid disturbing the energies in the east of your home. Putting up a Christmas tree would not necessarily count as disturbing the energies. However, the presence of the tree, baubles and fairy lights might not bring out the best in the energies lurking in the east side of your home this month. It is better to place your Christmas tree in an area that is not the east side of your home or office. Of course, place it somewhere sensible where it can be a focal point without blocking any walkways.

If you are wondering what Rat month will bring for you, click on the link below for your monthly Chinese horoscope:

http://en.radio86.com/chinese-horoscope/general/chinese-horoscope-december-2011

There has been much talk in our house of writing lists for Father Christmas. I explained to Lily that we can write lists, but whether or not we get the presents does depend on the reports that Father Christmas from parents, grandparents and teachers. There was a perplexed look on the little girl's face, "Does Father Christmas speak Chinese?". "Yes, he does, so he can call up your grandparents and find out if you have been a good girl for them", I replied. "Oh, are you sure he speaks Chinese?", came the next quick fire question. "If you look at your toys, a lot of them say 'Made in China'. When the elves are in full capacity at the toy factory in the north pole, Father Christmas orders more toys from the toy factories in China, to make sure he has enough to go round for all the boys and girls in the whole wide world", thinking on my feet. I decided not to suggest that we write the toy list in Chinese because then I would have to get the online dictionary to type in the English to look up the Chinese characters. I am going to have to keep my wits sharp, because what am I going to do when we find out that Father Christmas is imaginary?

Although Christmas is associated with winter (in the northern hemisphere), for many of our friends in the southern hemisphere, Christmas is in the summertime. Whichever side of the equator you are on, Pig month (the start of winter in the Chinese calendar) is here, click on the link below to see what is in store:  

http://en.radio86.com/chinese-horoscope/general/chinese-horoscope-november-2011

The solar month of the Dog started on 8th October. A little late in sending out the link for this month's Chinese horoscope because I have been wrapped up in finalising a new and improved www.daily-chinese-astrology.com for your daily horoscopes. Perhaps you would like to take a look and let me know what you think?

Meanwhile, here is the link for the monthly horoscope:

http://en.radio86.com/chinese-horoscope/general/chinese-horoscope-october-2011

September is time for back to school. This summer seems to have flown by. Leaves are already falling off some trees and the climate here today is damp and windy. The cooler climate is a sign that Autumn is here and the summer holidays are definitely over. I quite like the feeling of getting back into a routine. If you were on holiday all the time, what would you do to get a break? I have heard that the reason the school year is structured with a long break in August was that in the olden days, it worked out well for the children to be available to help pick fruits. Such use of child labour is unheard of in developed countries these days. Instead, parents have to pick their brains for things to do to keep the kids from being bored. "What shall I do?" will not be such a frequently heard phrase at home now that school is back in full swing. Besides I have developed an answer that guarantees I won't hear the question again for at least half an hour, "Would you like to help tidy up?". Since actions speak louder words, all of a sudden interesting ways are found for playing with toys, drawing and colouring pictures and even practising writing letters and numbers. Talking of tidying up, as we move into the colder seasons (in the northern hemisphere), it is a good time for doing some de-cluttering. What else could be happening in September? Rooster month starts today, check your monthly horoscope by clicking on the link below:

http://en.radio86.com/chinese-horoscope/general/chinese-horoscope-september-2011

Monkey month has started! It is the school summer holidays and a year has flown past since Lily started school. Lily is very excited at the prospect of moving into year 1 in September. She has also said she cannot wait to be in year 6 and to become a big girl. "Stop wishing your childhood away!", I say. I feel both impressed and slightly daunted by Lily's school for emailing a four page document on transitioning to year 1. In other words, it is some homework for parents to help our little ones keep up. Needless to say Lily was not over the moon with my first attempt to get her to do some reading, writing and numbers duriing the holidays. After lots of screaming, from the daughter not not the mother, I am proud to say I did not give in and we have managed to get into a routine. Grandma then comes out with a remark along the lines of now you see how difficult it is being a mother. Hang on, I thought, my memory is not brilliant, but I do not recall ever kicking up a fuss over picking up a book. One of the things I didn't do was scream when asked to read at home. I was quite bookish and still am. Maybe Lily is not going to turn out to be quite so studious? I shall have to check her Chinese Astrology charts (Four Pillars and Zi Wei).

Meanwhile, here is the link for August's Animal Horoscopes:

http://en.radio86.com/chinese-horoscope/general/chinese-horoscope-august-2011

I am not one to normally subscribe to conspiracy theories, but I am becoming increasingly convinced that on a subconscious level that Lily colludes with her Dad to make me feel guilty whenever I attempt to fnd a bit of my former self that was pre-motherhood. What makes me say this? Last weekend I went on a special night out in London's West End for a friend's birthday celebration. I hasten to add that I applied for my pass out in advance and I rarely get to see the bright lights of the big city on a Saturday night.

'When the doctor said to me, does your mummy let you have Calpol? I said yes. My mummy is not here', Lily informed me that was what happened after the skin above her eye was glued back together at the hospital. The good news is that it was a minor injury that occurred whilst jumping off a famliar climbing wall in a familiar playground. Both daughter and father coped very well in the circumstances without the need to spread stress and panic via the mobile phone network. Far better to make mum feel guilty for as long as possible afterwards by re-telling the story with a lot of emphasis on the 'Mummy is not here' part of the conversation with the doctor. It is as if the involvement of the doctor somehow makes the absence of the mother 'official'.

Anyway, overcoming guilt has kept me pre-occupied, in the last few days of the solar month of the Horse. Goat month has now started, so let's look ahead to see what July has in store:

http://en.radio86.com/chinese-horoscope/general/chinese-horoscope-july-2011

Horse month has started today. As I write my monthly and daily astrology columns in advance, I must go and check if there were any portends for the invasion of the karaoke machines. Another one arrived at our house today. Before you get worried that I am predicting some weird landings by alien species on your threshold, this phenomona is occuring in our household because dear hubby buys the said sing along machines on ebay and he cannot resist a bargain or two. It started out as his idea to encourage Lily to take more of an interest in learning to read words. Being the slightly competitive type of parents, we have realised our daughter is still on the simpler reading books whilst rumour has it that some of her five year old classmates (she's only 4) are capable of writing a story at home and reading it out to the class. Could this be some kind of suburban myth?

When I pointed out to hubby that reading practice could be just good old fashioned repeating words out loud, and that learning a song is to know the lyrics off by heart and to express the emotions, rather than read words off the screen, it was like I had poured scorn on the genius invention of the karaoke machine. Maybe the sing along machines are marching to our door to show me how me how wonderful they are! I had bettter check what Horse month is bringing me, apart from karaoke machines. You can check your monthly Chinese horoscope too, by clicking on the following link:

http://en.radio86.com/chinese-horoscope/general/chinese-horoscope-june-2011

 Easter was over, and it was back to school for three days, before we had another long weekend. Watching the Royal Wedding on television was amazing. Lily asked why we couldn't go to watch outside the church (i.e. Westminster Abbey) and I explained that we get a better view on television. We both loved the beautiful wedding dress. 'Is Kate a real princess now?' asked Lily. 'I suppose she is because she is now married to a prince', was my reply. 'I want to marry a prince when I grow up', in the slightly demanding tone of a four year old.

So what happened to the conversations I've had with Lily when we talk about doing well at school, finding out what we are good at, and making a good choice in career based on that? All forgotten, because we would much rather marry a prince!

'There might not be any princes left by the time you're grown up', I warned, managing expectations. I can honestly say that when I was aged 4, I was not fascinated by the idea of marrying a prince. However, in those days the 'Disney Princesses' did not dominate children's toys and fashions. My favourite story was the three little pigs and the houses made of straw, sticks and bricks. I was not that keen on the Cinderella fairy tale. Why did Cinderella not stand up for herself and tell her wicked stepsisters to do their share of the housework? I did like the story of Little Red Riding Hood, and how the wolf was disguised as grandma. Maybe my tastes way back then were a hint that my path would lead me to looking at buildings, feng shui, and people, astrology?

Talking of astrology, here is the link for the monthly Chinese astrology for Snake month, starting on 6th May:   

http://en.radio86.com/chinese-horoscope/general/chinese-horoscope-may-2011

Dragon month starts on the 5th April. March was Rabbit month, same animal sign as this year, the Rabbit year. One of my observations about Rabbit month was that I heard a lot about 'copycats'. People from different areas of life told me about how they felt they had been 'copied'. I can understand the feelings when you feel 'copied'. A few years ago, I personally experienced some blatant plagiarism when a colleague copied some of my work (word for word) and submitted it as an article by themselves on-line. Of course, they removed said article and apologised. A mentor said to me that his stuff often gets copied and spread around on-line, and he didn't mind. 'What?' I thought. He said your ideas have to be good to be copied. Was it not better to spread good ideas rather than bad ones? Now, I am a little more chilled out about 'copycats'. I say to copycats 'If you acknowledge me by giving me credit for the idea, all well and good, but if you just flatter me by copying me without any acknowledgement, then that says a lot about your lack of generosity of spirit. Nothing I can do about that.'

So why was copycat energy so prevalent during March. Not only was it a Rabbit month in a Rabbit year, it was a Metal Rabbit month in a Metal Rabbit year. Notice the pattern. As well as the astrological energies repeating, the monthly feng shui energies were the same as the annual energies. No wonder. Anyway, the Dragon is about to enter, and you can read what April has in store for you by clicking the link below:

http://en.radio86.com/chinese-horoscope/general/chinese-horoscope-april-2011

Remember you can also get your daily Chinese horoscope by visiting: www.daily-chinese-astrology.com

A little late in posting the link for the monthly astrology for March, click on the link below to catch up:

http://en.radio86.com/chinese-horoscope/general/chinese-horoscope-march-2011

Trust you will forgive me when you know that the delay has been due to writing a brand new daily Chinese Horoscope column. A huge thank you to www.radio86.com for being the kind sponsors of this new daily column. If you want to have the horoscopes delivered daily to your email, just sign up for email subscription on:

www.daily-chinese-astrology.com

Of course, you can just go and read it as and when you wish.

Despite my aversion to the potential for time-wasting on social media, I have signed up on Twitter. Please do follow me,  @AstrologerFoon  and get tweets about the daily astrology column. I might even tweet other little gems and tips every now and then.   

We have been busy preparing for Chinese New Year. The year of the Rabbit is about to start. You can read more about it in the following article, based on an interview for www.radio86.com. 

http://en.radio86.com/chinese-horoscope/hopping-year-rabbit-ting-foon-chik

Tomorrow, on the eve of Chinese New year I shall give Lily two red packets of lucky money to put under her pillow and a couple of clementines by her bedside. We leave these until the full moon, on the 18th February, although I suspect that the fruit might become a midnight snack before they have done their full stint from the new moon (when the lunar new year starts) until the full moon.

For your monthly Chinese Horoscope for the first month of the new Rabbit year, you can click on the link below.

http://en.radio86.com/chinese-horoscope/general/chinese-horoscope-february-2011

If you are based in or around London, you can come and see me at Kai Mayfair restaurant for a mini reading when you dine on 4th, 5th or 14th February. Enjoy a sumptuous Chinese dinner and find out how lucky Rabbit year will be for you. Visit www.kaimayfair.co.uk to book your table.

Wishing you all a Happy and Prosperous Rabbit Year!

Happy New Year!

When it comes to a new year, it is often a time when you would think of starting something new, or making a new start in some way. New year resolutions spring to mind. I haven't made any yet and we are nearing the end of four days into 2011 as I write. My mind has been pre-occupied with persuading Lily to write thank you notes for her Christmas presents. Bribery has a limited impact when she has had new toys and is now old enough to work out that it is a long time until next Christmas. Lily recently informed that the tooth fairy reimburses each tooth with a coin and a new cuddly toy. I said she could only expect a coin and that a new cuddly toy would not fit under the pillow. As Lily has yet to lose her first baby tooth, no doubt when she starts her new term at school tomorrow, there will be unfounded rumours flying home from the playground about what can be exchanged for an old tooth. There might be some leverage if I can call the tooth fairy when we are about to write some more thank you notes and check if she will leave extra coins for children who write their thank you notes promptly.  

2011 is the year of the Rabbit, although it doesn't actually start until Chinese New Year in February. January 2011 is the tail end of the Tiger year. Going by the Chinese calendar, this month could be thought of as a month for tying up loose ends and finishing off things before we hop into Rabbit year on the 3rd February. This gives me some time to think about setting some goals for 2011, after we have done all the thank you notes.

To read your monthly Chinese Horoscopes for January, click on the link below:

http://en.radio86.com/chinese-horoscope/general/chinese-horoscope-january-2011

Last week, the snowfall evoked thoughts of a white Christmas. The first Christmas that I remember was the one when I was five years old. Adjusting to England in winter time having not long arrived from the warmer climate of Hong Kong was the sort of experience that might be described as 'good for the soul'. It was a major adjustment. The cold air seemed to follow me from outdoors to indoors, no central heating in those days. To warm up my toes, I used to stamp around. What made that first Christmas in England so special was the snow. Now don't ask me if it was snowing on Christmas day itself. It was certainly around Christmas time. Seeing and touching the snow was a surreal experience. The chill of winter seemed to fade into the background when busy making a snowman. Even now, excitement rises as snow falls and there is the feeling of 'cannot wait to go out and play in it'. Of course, such enthusiasm is shared with my daughter Lily. Is it because I find snow such fun, that she does too? As an astrologer, it is with a sort of professional interest that I observe what might be inherited, and what might due to the birth chart. When it comes to a love of playing in the snow, credit needs to be split between the genes, the birth chart and the influence of being around a grown-up who turns into a child as the snowflakes tumble from the sky. 

Will there be more snow for Christmas? You will need to check the weather forecast. Meanwhile, you can check your Chinese astrology forecast by clicking on the link below:

http://en.radio86.com/chinese-horoscope/general/chinese-horoscope-december-2010

I am back from holiday. I use the term holiday loosely because the journey there and back was very much a 'business' trip. I don't mean business as in writing my astrology column or helping my lovely clients with feng shui and astrology. It was 'business as usual' entertaining the Treasure (aka my 4 year old daughter) on a five hour plus car journey.  The inventor of the portable DVD player gets my nomination for a technology innovation award and also a peace prize.  

Being overly enthuisastic about volunteering to drive did not have the desired effect. I was reminded by Lily that I ought to sit quietly and put my hand up first, rather than shouting out 'Pick me, I want to drive the car '. The benefit of being the driver is that you get to pass on the responsibility of being entertainment manager in the confined space of a moving vehicle. It is far less arduous to drive the car! My victory in securing the driving seat on the return journey was quickly diminished at the next motorway service stop. When the keys were firmly removed from my grasp and the driver's seat pushed back, I noticed that the back of the car had been trashed by a hundred pieces of torn up colouring book, baby wipes pulled out of the packet and spread around, open books and a portable DVD player laying dangerously on the floor, about to be stepped on. 

At that moment I wished that the Tardis, which I had seen all lit up as part of the Blackpool illuminations would appear and Dr Who would whisk me away, take me home and leave the old man and Treasure with the task of tidying up the car. Wishful thinking indeed!

With half-term over, Christmas is the next break for me to look forward to. Meanwhile, what's in store for November? Click on the link below to get your monthly horoscope: 

http://en.radio86.com/chinese-horoscope/chinese-horoscope-november-2010

There are a lot of of scary things about starting at a new big school. On that first day holding hands tightly in the playground, looking around smiling at the new faces, but feeling nervous inside. That was just me. I wonder how Lily felt? It must be easier for the the four year old I said to myself. There's the school uniform, new classroom, and new teacher. Not to mention making new friends. Lily will do fine, I feel I have struggled more! It's a whole brave new world with lots of new jargon. I have felt clueless a lot of the time and I am getting there gradually. Sussing out what some of the abbreviations mean has left me mildly re-assured. The education system isn't wildly different from when I started it a generation ago, they just call things by different names. KS1 or key stage 1 is what was called 'infants' in my day. At drop off and pick up time the playground is becoming a more comfortable place as I begin to recognise some of the other parents.

In any situation where you are meeting new people, it helps to be able to decipher a few clues in the faces. With this in mind, here is an interesting article about face reading:

 http://en.radio86.com/chinese-culture/face-reading-what-does-your-face-say-about-you

Face reading has popped up a few times for me in the past month, a strange set of synchronicities as it were. However, astrology remains my greatest passion and on that note here is the link for October's forecasts: 

http://en.radio86.com/chinese-horoscope/general/chinese-horoscope-october-2010

I'm in a sombre mood, as my heart is still healing over the loss of our beloved pet dog less than two weeks ago. I still find myself opening the back door to look for her. When I cook rice I am still cooking an extra portion for doggy. I know she enjoyed this visit to earth and she outlived the expected longevity of her breed.

That's enough about me. What about you and your month ahead, click on the link below for your September forecast:

http://www.radio86.co.uk/explore-learn/chinese-horoscope/general/15689/chinese-horoscope-for-september-2010

Monkey month started today, and this Monkey month be prepared for surprises. Read more in this month's Chinese Astrology forecast by clicking on the link below.

http://www.radio86.co.uk/explore-learn/chinese-horoscope/general/15367/chinese-horoscope-for-august-2010

Just a short blog today as I have just returned from a summer holiday and I want to let you know as soon as I could that you can read your August horoscope. I had a bit of luck on holiday and won some cash playing bingo. 

Wishing you all a lucky month!  

Until I opened the large brown envelope a few days ago, I was not even aware that there was going to be a 'report' on Lily's progress at nursery school for the year. At 'nearly 4 years old', Lily scored lots of Yes's in the various activities. Whilst the successes were celebrated with a cake. The No's were actually more important in revealing areas where more attention was required. This inspired me to think about if I was to do a report on myself, where would there be room for improvement? Immediately, I thought I could let everbody now that the monthly astrology forecasts were available on the first day of the month. Here is the link for the July forecast:

http://www.radio86.co.uk/explore-learn/chinese-horoscope/general/15044/chinese-horoscope-for-july-2010

I had been letting myself off because the Chinese solar month usually begins a few days after the calendar month. This is a sort of lack of accountability that can easily happen when you are your own boss! Excuses can be easily found. Since I rather like the boss, I shall keep her happy and send out the monthly newsletter right at the start of the month for the rest of this year! Halfway through the year is a good time to take stock and see if there are goals to be set for the months ahead. Let me go away and work out what else I would like to achieve......

On the one hand I absolutely adore how Lily, aged three and three-quarters, is wonderfully curious about the world and asks lots of questions. On the other hand, I am sometimes stumped when it comes to giving answers. Today, as I was cutting up a mango, "Mummy, what are mangos made of?". Thinking on my feet and straining my brain in the process, I eventually replied, "Mangos are made of skin, mango and stone." Would I get away with this answer, I wondered, or would we come back to ask what the mango bit of mango is made of. "Oh, skin, mango and stone", lucky escape, it was a satisfactory answer, and of course, there was the skin and stone in evidence. Today, it was overcast and rain threatened throughout the afternoon, so we had lots of questions "What's custard made of?". That's an easy one, "Custard powder and milk". "When am I going to the big school?", "September", "When's September?", "After August." Yesterday, when the weather was hot and sunny and we had the paddling pool out, there were far fewer probing questions. Filling the pool and splashing about was solid entertainment for most of the afternoon. I am wishing for more hot weather! Will it come in June, Horse month? Horse month just started, so if you haven't already done so, click on the link below to check your Chinese Astrology forecast for the month ahead:

 http://www.radio86.co.uk/explore-learn/chinese-horoscope/general/14699/chinese-horoscope-for-june-2010

6th May was the start of Snake month and the day the UK went to the polls to elect a new parliament. As I write, the results are still coming in, although by the time you read this, depending on when it is you are reading, the outcome will be known and a new government will be formed.

Mystery is one of the characteristics of the Snake sign, so we could be kept guessing as to the final outcome until the last moments. If you are wondering what sorts of mysteries will unravel for you during Snake month, click on the link below for your monthly Chinese Astrology forecast:

http://www.radio86.co.uk/explore-learn/chinese-horoscope/general/14158/chinese-horoscope-for-may-2010

I was asked the other day if I regularly predict what is going to happen in my life. Well, I plan certain things, and even though things don't always go according to plan, by having a plan, I can certainly make some predictions based on my own plans. What I can predict for May is that I will sell some copies of my exciting new ebook 'Destiny Stars'. Click on the link below to find out more:

http://www.fengshuibritain.co.uk/Destiny-Stars-Ebook(1856852).htm 

Rather late this month in reminding you to get your monthly Chinese year animal horoscopes for April. As there is a new moon today, I thought it is a good time to let you know you can read your forecast by clicking on the following link:

http://www.radio86.co.uk/explore-learn/chinese-horoscope/general/13849/chinese-horoscope-for-april-2010

It seems that the chicken pox virus goes on a growth spurt in spring and I learnt this fascinating piece of trivia over the Easter weekend when little Lily broke out in little blisters all over. With the local surgery closed for the long weekend, I surfed the web to find the helpline number to call and in the process read that chicken pox is most widespread from March to May. Spring is the season of new growth so why shouldn't chicken pox burst out all over along with the daffodils and bluebells? I am pleased to report that Lily has made a good recovery. The worst part of the recovery process was having to be quarantined indoors for the best part of a week, although I did manage to persuade the 'old man' to mind little Lily so I could escape out of the house for an afternoon.   

March is Rabbit month and a highly symbolic animal for the spring season. To read your monthly Chinese animal horoscope for Rabbit month, click on the link below:

http://www.radio86.co.uk/explore-learn/chinese-horoscope/general/13510/chinese-horoscope-for-march-2010

Mention of spring makes me think of spring cleaning.  Of course, I did some cleaning in preparation for not doing any sweeping during the Chinese New Year celebrations. Traditionally, it is said that you can sweep your good luck away if you get the broom out on Chinese New Year's day. With a little girl and a pet dog in the house I managed about three days without sweeping up, some of my friends manage to stick it out until the full moon after new year. Keeping our house clean and tidy is a constant challenge. Nevertheless, I am looking forward to getting stuck into some spring cleaning and doing some serious shining with a duster during this month. Following a spring clean you might be inclined to think about a spot of re-decorating or DIY, or even some major home refurbishment, in which case you might find the tips in the latest article on this website to be helpful:

http://www.fengshuibritain.co.uk/page19.htm    

One of the things I love about the spring season are the spring flowers. Lily brought home a daffodil that she had planted in a pot at nursery school in autumn. The school is helping to raise funds for Marie Curie Cancer Care charity by asking each child to return a yellow envelope of donations. I explained this to Lily and asked her if she would like to take some money from her purse and put it into the envelope, to which she replied 'No, take it from mummy's purse and put the money in.' Three and a half years old and she knows how to hold onto her cash! As a matter of principle we shall be taking some money from each of our purses to put into the charity envelope. I'll make sure she has enough coins left in her purse to buy me some lovely flowers for Mother's day!  

Gung Hei Fat Choy!

That's wishing you all a happy and prosperous new year. The Tiger year is now upon us and if you haven't already read the monthly forecast for your animal sign, here is the link.

http://www.radio86.co.uk/explore-learn/chinese-horoscope/general/13215/chinese-horoscope-for-february-2010

If you are wondering why it has taken me more than half the month of February to let you know about the monthly forecast, it's because I've been a busy girl. Suzie Wong interviewed me and you can read it on http://www.dimsum.co.uk/.

The lunar new year of the Tiger coincided with Valentine's day this month. As it was a double cause for celebration maybe that's why I got a lovely bunch of a dozen red roses this year instead of just the one!!

I started new year's day with a couple of radio interviews, visit this page to listen to them http://www.fengshuibritain.co.uk/page8.htm.

Did you know that the celebrations for Chinese New Year can last for a fortnight? From the new moon on New Year's day until the full moon? Why not join in with the celebrations in London's famous Chinatown on Sunday 21st February, for more information visit: http://www.londonchinatown.org/home/

Two days before Christmas day, the 'old man' (affectionate term for husband) had taken delivery of the bicycle and had put it together. It was purple and white with a seat for carrying dollies and sparkly tassles hanging from the handlebars that would make any three year old girl proud. I realised that we had yet to get a safety helmet. It was too late to order one on-line, so I did the next best thing, I reserved one to pick up in store the following day, Christmas Eve. A tough decision still had to be made. Which safety helmet should the lovely Lily be getting. The pink one (her favourite colour) or Princess safety helmet (more fancy and at more than twice the price). After much debate, we decided that Father Christmas was already bringing many Princess things, so the pink safety helmet was duly reserved. 

On Christmas Eve morning I was standing at the counter of the catalogue store. My number had been called and I laid out the receipt. The pink safety helmet, so cleverly reserved the day before, was on its way. Meanwhile, it was a huge relief to watch other people purchasing toys on Christmas Eve. I am not the only last minute mother! After fifteen minutes I seemed to be the only one who was still waiting. The manager had informed me that I hadn't been forgotten and two people were now looking for the safety helmet. He disappears again and returns five minutes later with a brown cardboard box, "You can take this one, or I can offer you a refund.", he says. Why would he offer me a refund I think to myself, as I open the box to reveal, not the pink safety helmet, but the Princess helmet. Lily was destined to have the Princess helmet! Should I bat away destiny, take the refund and not take the Princess helmet? No way. Containing my delight, I chose to take the Princess helmet and thanked the manager for his help. 

What happened made me think, be patient if destiny makes you wait around whilst you watch others with their toys. Destiny is not completely pre-ordained, it may put what you want right before you, you still need to say yes to it and not ask for a refund. Within the bounds of destiny there are still choices to be made.      

To help you make positive choices for the month ahead, take a look at your Chinese horoscope for January, by clicking on the link below:
http://www.radio86.co.uk/explore-learn/chinese-horoscope/general/13002/chinese-horoscope-for-january-2010

If you are wondering what 2010, Year of the Metal Tiger, holds then click on the following link:
http://www.fengshuibritain.co.uk/page16.htm

Wishing you a Happy New Year!

Negotiations with my three year old over good behaviour have hinged on Father Christmas. He will be coming soon with presents, and, as a good mummy, I have to report back to him on a daily basis. Sometimes I even call him on my mobile during difficult moments in supermarket to give him the latest update and to check how he is progressing with organising the presents. The other day Father Christmas said he couldn't deliver a Princess Blanket (successfully downgraded from a Princess Bed) unless he had more reports of lunches and teas being 'eaten all up'. Lily responded by saying she didn't want a Princess Blanket for Christmas but wanted it for her birthday instead. "General Mum" spotted the diversionary tactic of opening up another front in the battle, and closed of this new line of attack with a text message on my mobile, sent from the north pole, saying that Father Christmas doesn't do birthdays, and it is down to Mummy and Daddy to get the birthday presents. The much coveted Princess Blanket is now back on the Christmas list and the magical powers of Father Christmas have been restored.  As Sun Zi said in the 'Art of War', your greatest strength will ultimately be your greatest weakness.  Come January, Father Christmas, my weapon of mass distraction from naughty behaviour, will no longer hold the same power. Maybe, I'll read the Art of War again over the holidays to draw some inspiration.

So what does the festive season have in store for you. Click the link below to get your free monthly Chinese Horoscope:

http://www.radio86.co.uk/explore-learn/chinese-horoscope/general/12679/chinese-horoscope-for-december-2009

I never cease to be amazed by how quickly three year olds picks up on things. Today, Lily came home from nursery school talking about Guy Fawkes and fireworks. As our doggy tends to have an adverse reaction to the pops, bangs and whizzes of fireworks, we decided not to set off our own.  By the way did you know that firecrackers and fireworks were invented in China?

Quieter pyrotechnics in the form or sparklers were deemed suitable for children and pets, so we waved a few in the air in the back garden.  Lily was delighted with the bright sparks as she waved the stick with her gloved hands. On coming indoors she asked for them again, so we said tomorrow. I wonder if she'll still remember?

When it comes to looking ahead, take a peek at your November Chinese Astrology forecasts to see if there are any bright sparks in the air for you:

http://www.radio86.co.uk/explore-learn/chinese-horoscope/general/12339/chinese-horoscope-for-november-2009

Rooster Month starts today, 7th September. You can read your general monthly Chinese Astrology forecast by clicking the link below:

http://www.radio86.co.uk/explore-learn/chinese-horoscope/general/11817/chinese-horoscope-for-september-2009

The Chinese Mid-Autumn festival which falls on the full moon in the 8th lunar month usually occurs during the month of September, but this year it will be later than usual, on the 3rd October. Having just observed a bright full moon a few days ago, I am looking forward to an even brighter 'eighth moon' next month.  

In Chinese metaphysics, the sun is yang, active, bright and hot, whereas the moon is yin, relaxed and introspective.  Autumn is often a good time of year to look within.  Check in with your inner life and let the outer world go by. I know from my own experience that this is easier said than done.

Today is the start of Monkey month, so if you wish to read your monthly Chinese Astrology forecast click on the link below:

http://www.radio86.co.uk/explore-learn/chinese-horoscope/general/11454/chinese-horoscope-for-august-2009

I am busy thinking about little Lily's third birthday party - she was born in August.  She has been asking about her birthday for a few months now and has already informed me that she would like a 'princess birthday'. Now what does a 'princess birthday' mean? So far, I have deduced that it means a pink princess birthday cake, as almost everytime we walk past the cake aisle in the supermarket the pink princessy cake is pointed out to me. Is it a coincidence that the children's birthday cakes are on the lower shelves at toddler eye level? Or is it clever marketing? My baking skills don't quite stretch to the standard I have seen in the cake boxes so I guess I'll have to buy the much coveted princess cake.

This heatwave we are experiencing is making me feel a bit lazy. So for this blog, I am going to suggest that you take a look at this article which was written up by radio86, when they interviewed me back in May.  

http://www.radio86.co.uk/explore-learn/chinese-horoscope/general/10704/foons-summer-astrological-forecast

I am going to show off a bit and point out that in the above article which was written in May I predicted a hot summer in June and July!

As July is already here, if you want to check your Chinese Horoscope for this month, please click on the link below:

http://www.radio86.co.uk/explore-learn/chinese-horoscope/ox/11092/july-forecast-for-ox

Enjoy the summer sun!

The Horse is one of the twelve signs of the Chinese Zodiac. Those born under the Year of the Horse, are said to be quick-witted, popular and freedom loving. However, if you were born in the month of June, you could be born during Horse month which usually starts around the 5th June each year. So if you have a June birthday find you don't relate that well to the characteristics of your year animal sign, perhaps the month animal, the Horse, has a bit more of a bearing. 

I usually look forward to Horse month and enjoyed writing this month's Chinese Astrology forecast. Click on the link below to find your sign and read your horoscope:

http://www.radio86.co.uk/explore-learn/chinese-horoscope/general/10793/chinese-horoscope-for-june-2009

Talking of horses, such was their significance in Chinese culture that the language has nouns for different types of horses, such as 驥,'ji', for 'Galloping Horse'.  Horses were featured a lot in Chinese art throughout the dynasties. Well to do families often had big stables as Horses were status symbols.

Today I was asked if ox year, this year will see a hot summer. I said yes.  Well, we have had rather wet summers two years in a row, so of course, I would love to see a hot summer.  With a toddler, a dog and a weak pound which hammers spending money abroad, it is much easier to start our family holiday by loading the car rather than catching the plane. Since the beach I am heading to for our summer holiday is on the shores of the UK, is my forecast for a hot summer based on the wishful thinking of my own desires or is it a proper astrological prediction based on the energies of the times?  I cannot deny my own attachment to a gloriously sunny summer and being able to get the paddling pool out in the back garden. So does Chinese Astrology offer a way of predicting whether or not we will enjoy a heatwave this year?

Earth ox year, has the elements of earth, water and metal. No fire element to give hint of warmth. Based on the system of melodic elements, earth ox year, has the melodic element, 'Lightning Fire'. So it looks hopeful for a heatwave.  However, those of you reading this who know the melodic elements will tell me that last year, earth rat year also had the melodic element 'Lightning Fire' and if hot weather did strike, it didn't stick around long enough for us to get out the high factor sun cream.

There is a way of forecasting the weather using the I-Ching or Yi Jing.  This method of I-Ching divination uses imagery and elements, similar to how we might interpret a four pillars chart.  Let me get out my tortoiseshell and coins and I will share the results of my divination with you next time. 

Meanwhile, if you are wondering what the energies of the elements in your Chinese Astrology chart are indicating for the summer months, or if you have a pressing question on your mind that might be answered by a I-Ching reading, do get in touch with me via foon@fengshuibritain.co.uk or call 07740 940888 to arrange your reading, in-person, by phone or skype.

For your general Chinese Animal sign forecast for May, visit:

http://www.radio86.co.uk/explore-learn/chinese-horoscope/general/10461/chinese-horoscope-for-may-2009 

"Camel, camel!" exclaims little Lily as she points at a herd of deer in Richmond Park. I had to laugh, then explain that the animals we were approaching were deer, not camels. During her first two and a half years on the planet, Lily has amassed an electic collection of cuddly toys that includes a camel, but no deer. It reminded me of how wonderful it is to see the world through the eyes of my little daughter and that each day brings opportunities to learn something new.  There is a lot of positive symbolism associated with the deer in Chinese culture.  'Lu', the Chinese word for deer, sounds like the word for 'high salary and status'. A spotted deer can symbolise longevity. A deer is considered to be an all round lucky animal.

Talking of animals, you can read your Chinese Horoscope based on your year animal sign for this month by clicking on the link below:

http://www.radio86.co.uk/explore-learn/chinese-horoscope/general/10227/chinese-horoscope-for-april-2009

April is the last month of the Spring season in the Chinese calendar.  It is a good time to do (more?) spring cleaning.  You can really lift the spirit of your home or office by getting rid of dust and old stuff that is in your way. Open doors and windows to let in some fresh spring air and sunshine. This is a simple tip that everyone can follow, so I'll leave you to get on with it. 

In Chinese Astrology, there is a cycle of twelve animal signs and each year is associated with one of the twelve animal signs. Did you know that each month has an animal association?  I am particularly fond of the fact that March is rabbit month in the Chinese calendar.

Click on the link below to read your Chinese Horoscopes for March:  

http://www.radio86.co.uk/explore-learn/chinese-horoscope/general/9879/chinese-horoscope-for-march-2009

Rabbit month (March) is the second month of the Chinese year, which begins with Tiger month in February.  At the start of each year in Tiger month, the annual Feng Shui energies change. This means in order to maximise the benefits of the feng shui of your home or business premises, you need to make adjustments for the coming year. Now, these feng shui annual updates can vary depending on the basic energy patterns of your home or business.  However, there are some general tips which apply to everybody, wherever you may live or work.

The Feng Shui tip for 2009 is to avoid digging in the north-east and north sectors, outside your place. Indoors, it is best to avoid major renovation work in the north-east and north areas. 

Wishing you lots of luck in Rabbit month!

1st January marks a new year for many people in many places around the world. For Chinese people, the lunar new year starts on the 26th January 2009, which will be the year of the Ox. Celebrations can last up to 15 days, until the full moon. The lunar new year starts on a new moon.

In the build up to Chinese New Year, it is traditional to spring clean your house. On Chinese New Year's day we don't sweep, and sweeping your floors should be avoided for the New Year fortnight. Don't know how I am going to manage that with a 2 year old in the house! I shall have to hide Lily's toy broom, it is a favourite Christmas present, so she doesn't sweep up on New Year's day. Will this love of cleaning last until she is a teenager?

As it is after twelve night - twelve days of Christmas compared to fifteen days of Chinese New Year- you have put all your Christmas decorations away, so why not get stuck into a bit of spring cleaning? I had better do some myself, we have sparkly bits in the carpet from when we played dressing up with the tinsel.

Spring cleaning will help lift the energy in your home, so this is your feng shui tip.

What does the new year have in store for you?

To see your Chinese Astrology forecast for January visit:

http://www.radio86.co.uk/explore-learn/chinese-horoscope/general/9314/chinese-horoscope-for-january-2009 

For your year of the Ox forecast visit http://www.fengshuibritain.co.uk/page16.htm

Today was the shortest day of the year, the Winter Solstice. Traditionally, Chinese people celebrate the Winter Solstice with a family gathering and a big meal.  We had a celebration in our house, it wasn't planned as a Winter Solstice celebration, but it turned out to be one!  It was a planned as a Christmas get together for my brothers and sister-in-law to come for a Sunday lunch and to spend some time with my daughter, their little neice who is 2 and nearly 4 months old. I suppose at some point I will stop counting little Lily's age in months and just count in years, but at this point in time, she is developing so much each month that I love to keep track. 

After the Winter Solstice, the hours of daylight grow as the hours of darkness get shorter. Yet we are still in the time of year of long nights and short days, when it is tempting to keep the curtains drawn to keep out the cold. A simple feng shui tip to help lift the energy is to get as much daylight and fresh air in as possible. So remember to open the curtains in the morning, even if it is dark when you head out, so some sunlight can come in during the day. After dark, fairylights on the Christmas tree will brighten up your home and create an attractive atmosphere. 

I am currently writing a monthly Chinese Astrology column for Radio 86 and you can take a look at December's horoscopes on:

http://www.radio86.co.uk/explore-learn/chinese-horoscope/general/9000/chinese-horoscope-for-december-2008

January's forecast will be coming soon, meanwhile, if you want a quick look at what's in store for 2009, the year of the ox, click on the link below:

http://www.fengshuibritain.co.uk/page16.htm

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Wonderful New Year! 

September is back to school and back to work if you have taken a long break in August. If you are studying or you have children who are at school, then here is a feng shui tip to help with academic achievement:
 
This year 2008, Rat Year, the annual energies associated with academic achievement comes to your home form the north-east direction. Place a pretty pen holder with four pens or pencils in the north-east sector of your home to boost this energy. In September, the monthly energies match the yearly energies, so the timing fits in well with back to school.
 
The Moon Festival falls on Sunday 14th September and if you fancy a spot of moon gazing then go out on Sunday night and soak up some moonlight under the full moon. The full autumn moon is the brightest throughout the year. I already have some yummy mooncakes in my kitchen ready to celebrate. After Chinese New Year, the Moon Festival is the second biggest celebration in the Chinese calendar and the timing coincides with the Harvest Festival celebrated in many European/Western cultures.
 
In Chinese folklore there are many myths and legends surrounding the moon and the moon festival. Ranging from messages in mooncakes to overthrow the regime and establish anothe dynasty, to immortality and the lady on the moon to the old man on the moon with his list of destined soul mates...
 
Personally, I think it is a good time to make a wish for the months ahead and to ask the intuitive wisdom of the moon to shine a light on your path for you and to go out and soak up some moonlight. Hoping that it doesn't rain, otherwise you might just end up soaking wet!
 
I'm taking a week off after the full moon on the 14th, then preparing to teach a Feng Shui Introductory Workshop on Saturday 11th October. Click on the Courses and Teaching page for more details if you are interested in attending. I do hope to see some of you there. It's been over two years since I last taught a class, the last one was just before my daughter was born, time seems to fly by even quicker with a little one around and I find it a bit scary that these last two years time has disappeared in a whirl of nappies, bathtime, naptime, mealtimes and playtimes.
 
Hope you have fun moon gazing!

Did you see the Opening Ceremony of the Beijing Olympics on 8 August 2008, at 8pm Beijing time? Many of you will know that for Chinese people the number 8 is highly auspicious. I also checked the date using Chinese Astrology (Four Pillars) and Feng Shui (Xuan Kong) and guess what? A very good date indeed, more to it than just all the 8's. I am hoping that at the closing ceremony the torch gets passed on at an auspicious moment to the next Summer Olympics in London.

My dad (who was an athlete in his youth) is a really big Olympics fan and has been watching avidly, he even phoned me to tell me when Great Britain got a gold medal; he is rooting for both China and GB. I am glad he is not calling me everytime China gets a medal! It is his dream to watch Olympics track and field in person, so I am working on getting him a ticket for 2012 in London.

Meanwhile, here are some feng shui tips for throwing a party, after all the point of these newsletters is to share some tips with you. This time it is on video, so I had some commercial backing, but how could I refuse? 

Click on the links below to watch:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=somN77OrGWg
 or
 http://www.fengshuibritain.co.uk/page8.htm

Have fun with your party!

We have been enjoying some lovely sunny days in June and I noticed that we have already moved into July! This morning it was hot and close and by afternoon the dark clouds burst forth with a cooling shower. In the evening as I looked out of my office window whilst chatting to a dear friend on the phone I noticed a rainbow form and fade. If only I had my camera to hand! I love rainbows and it was amazing to watch the colours on this one brighten in the evening sky.  That flicker of colours in an arc of a rainbow in the summer sky symbolised a brighter place and time, bringing a touch of optimism to our current atmosphere of the credit crunch, falling property prices and rising food and fuel prices.  What clues are there as to how each of us will fare in these times when the dreaded 'r' word for recession is about to make the headlines in the media? How about looking in the mirror? Mirror? I hear you ask, the one on the bathroom wall or the paper version on the newstand. I mean your own reflection in the mirror because your face can reveal a lot about your future.

For some basics on face reading, take a look at this article based on an interview I did for Radio 86 http://www.radio86.co.uk/node/6929/. 

Finally, I am getting round to update my blog, time has really flown by since the start of the year of the rat. The arrival of a new wireless laptop was supposed to mean I could wander around anywhere in the house and still do work on the computer, but it hasn't quite worked out like that and it has been months since I've updated my blog.

What's my excuse? Oh, just running around after my precious little daughter Lily and dealing with a small crisis. I got a phone call from my parents who are currently in Guangzhou, having arrived there via Hong Kong on Oasis airlines (budget flights from Gatwick to HK). Oasis has gone bankrupt and their return ticket is no more.  Another flight has been booked for them to return on British Airways, but it was mild panic for a few days. 

Oasis, like many businesses in Hong Kong was started by HK tycoons who are feng shui-ed in to the hilt in their offices and homes. So why did it go horribly wrong? Was the feng shui bad? The tycoons concerned have other businesses that continue to do well. My answer would be that feng shui can support you in maximising opportunities but it is not subsitute for an effective business model. Oasis had lots of legroom for a budget airline or another way of putting it is that they didn't pack enough seats into the space and could easily fill their economy cabins, but had lots of empty seats in business class.   

My parents are in China because it is a Chinese custom to pay respects to our ancestors by visiting graves at Qing Ming on the 5th April. I was hoping to go with them, but we decided that the pollution levels in China would not have benefited toddler Lily's developing lungs. China doesn't do 'green' - at the moment and there is plenty of room for improvement in the air quality.

Last month I did a radio for a Nordic radio website and my voice was dubbed over. There is an English write up of the interview which contains lots of general feng shui tips, so I hope this makes up for both March's tips and April's tips. Click on the link below..

http://www.radio86.co.uk/explore-learn/culture/5491/feng-shui-tips-for-the-modern-home

 and enjoy!