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!