According to Debra Duneier, Feng Shui Master Practitioner and author of EcoChi: Designing the Human Experience. (http://www.ecochi.com), life in the Year of the Dragon will be lived the way it is designed. In celebration of the Chinese New Year, which starts January 23, Duneier shares the importance to prepare one’s home, mind and body, and be conscious of the environment so they can attract all the things they desire in life this year.

One’s home should be their “red bird” so that it reflects a promising future. This is a feng shui expression and it is a powerful tool that can help create abundance in all areas of one’s life. “Your mind and body should be refreshed, renewed and ready to accept opportunities” says Duneier. Do one good thing for Mother Earth and we are one step closer to a better world. Where to start? Duneier offers these simple tips to help enjoy a healthy, happy and prosperous year.

1. Clean, de-clutter and beautify your home. This changes the energy and prepares the space to celebrate the wonderful things that are about to come into your life.

2. The cleansing properties of sea salt are used to renew the chi of spaces. To cleanse one's home of old energies and create room for fresh energy follow these easy steps:
In a small bowl place 2 tablespoons of sea salt
Add 2 cups of warm water
Moisten a cotton cloth or dish towel with the solution
Wipe down the front door and all of the doorknobs in your home

3. Pay down an overdue bill. Even if it can't be paid off entirely, the intention is to begin to pay off some debt so it makes room for money to come in this year.

4. Instead of focusing on not eating to lose weight, have a healthful snack before going out to dinner. It helps to keep energy levels up and keeps stops impulse gorging on bread and butter at the restaurant.

5. Update lighting to include earth-friendly compact florescent light bulbs or LEDs. Just changing the six incandescent bulbs used most often could save over $100 a year on your energy bills.

6. Wear red to bring in the Year of the Dragon which is celebrated for 10 days. If red is not part of your wardrobe, fresh flowers or decorative pillows in this auspicious color is sure to set the atmosphere for the new energy coming in.

7. Make a list of all the things you want to come into your life this year. Light a candle and burn the list just before midnight releasing your wishes so the universe can provide them. If home when the Chinese New Year arrives, open the front door to allow this new energy to enter.

8. Start the Year of the Dragon off right by making a change. Large or small revisions help to welcome in new energy. Consider a new haircut, change the route to work, make a conscious effort to recycle or take ballroom dancing lessons for simple and fun changes.

These tips can be accomplished on any budget . The Dragon energy fills most people with energy, vitality and unbridled enthusiasm. Let go of last year, especially challenges or troubles. Let go of expectations and make room for positive energy flow. Embrace optimistic thoughts, dream, laugh and love. This will attract wonderful things into your life this New Year.

Debra Duneier is the Founder and President of EcoChi, LLC, author of EcoChi: Designing the Human Experience (http://www.ecochi.com), a Feng Shui Master Practitioner, an accredited LEED® Green Associate, Certified Eco-Designer, and a New York State licensed real estate broker. Debra currently sits on the advisory board of the Sarut Group, which includes Pylones USA and The Tea and Honey Store. She is a member of the US Green Building Council, Women Builders Council, the Real Estate Board of New York, the Retail Marketing Society, the American Management Association’s Sales and Marketing Council, the International Feng Shui Guild, The Green Finance Committee of the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce and is a founding member of the Women’s Leadership Exchange’s LEXCI and the Belizean Grove.

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2011 was an eventful year. The world experienced a number of astonishing events, such as the tsunami-earthquake-nuclear triple disaster in Japan and the eurozone crisis. Surprisingly, a Hong Kong geomancer by the name of Li Nan Jiang had predicted with surprising accuracy the year before such events happening. Here’s a look at what Mr Li has predicted for this year.

Global economic downturn
According to Mr Li, the economic uncertainty will continue into 2012, with possible shocks to the global economy. Financial centres around the world may face new challenges throughout the year, especially the Hong Kong stock market.

Workers may also face retrenchment and unemployment rates may rise. Living costs may also rise in the face of natural disasters and a weaker US dollar. However, we need not be too worried as we can look forward to a more prosperous 2013, Mr Li said.

Earthquake in North America
Mr Li cautioned everyone that natural disasters such as Japan's tsunami would not just happen in Asia, but may also happen in North America. He predicted that an earthquake measuring at least seven on the Richter scale may hit North America’s west and north-west areas especially during the third, sixth, eighth, eleventh and twelfth months of the Lunar calendar.

A time of peace and stability
Although there may be natural disasters, Mr Li said 2012 would be a year of relative stability and peace, unlike 2011, which saw events like Kim Jung-il’s death and the Arab Spring.
The world will be relatively peaceful, with the exception of minor conflicts.

Illness and diseases
Mr Li said there may be a resurgence of a disease not unlike previous years’ swine flu and SARs. The disease may sweep through the world, with the situation a lot like Hong Kong’s SARs crisis.

In fact, the disease has already started spreading in the Rabbit year’s lunar 12th month. Hence, everyone should be more vigilant. Mr Li also predicted that Asia will have an outbreak of a lethal intestinal virus, so everyone should be careful of their dietary habits and not contract this virus.

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Today marks the start of the Chinese New Year, and ethnic Chinese around the world will be taking part in celebrations to mark the Year of the Dragon. But according to Feng Shui master Raymond Lo, there is not much to look forward to. He spoke to the BBC in Hong Kong and warned to expect floods, earthquakes and more economic trouble in the year ahead.

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As the Year of the Rabbit hops away, this Monday we usher in the Year of the Water Dragon, which according to World of Feng Shui boutique director Liew Shaw Pin will be a transformative and improved year compared to the past two years. “Last year’s predictions revealed there were a lot of conflicts, so you could see a lot of riots occurring around the world,” says Liew. “But by February, the presence of ‘lap chun’ or spring denotes that everything will start to cool down and recover this year.”

Based on this year’s Paht Chee Chart which reveals the element chi map that describes the year, the overall outlook for the year indicates that there will be good growth energy during the spring and summer but these energies decline in winter, namely towards the end of the year.

“This year, only three pillars are clashing with one productive pillar as opposed to last year’s drastic clashes of the four pillars,” explains Liew of the chart comprising of four heavenly stem elements and four earthly branch animal signs which also have their own intrinsic elements. “Water is present, which produces wood and this brings growth that will lead to a real economic turnaround, however the fire element is missing in the chart, which suggests a lack of creativity and intelligence,” he adds.

According to Liew, the four Celestial Guardians is important and significant in feng shui and in 2012, the presence of the three Celestial Guardians in the chart brings strength and improvement. “We have the mighty water dragon in the year pillar, the tiger in the month pillar and the phoenix in its rooster incarnation in the hour pillar,” he says, adding that the only celestial guardian missing here is the black tortoise.

“Therefore, in order to take opportunity of this formation, it is beneficial to make up for its absence in the chart by inviting the tortoise image into your house.”Liew suggests rearing tortoises as pets or placing the four-legged figurines in the north corner of the residence.

“The tortoise is a welcome symbol in any home at any time, but it has become especially relevant this year as it provides the vital link to complete the celestial set of energies, ensuring that we are protected from all four directions and there is good fortune.”

Meanwhile, the Dragon year also contains the External Flower of Romance Star, which Liew says there is infidelity energy floating around this year that may lead to sex-related scandals and affairs. “The romance stars can be good or bad. For instance, if you’re married, marriages could come under emotional strain but on the other hand, it is also a great year for singles and newlyweds as the chances of falling in love will be very high,” he says and also remarks that 2012 is also an excellent year to have a baby.

On the business forecast, Liew points out that wealth luck is good especially for certain animal signs such as Rat, Ox, Tiger, Horse, Sheep, Rooster and Boar. “The banking and financial sectors will recover this year and it is also a good year for real estate and property,” he reveals, adding that the stock market will rise in March before slowing down in the fourth half of 2012.

“Those who invest in the stock market can take advantage of the growing market but they must be out by October,” advises Liew. “We also have the presence of the Aggressive Sword Star which indicates the emergence of powerful rebel leaders or of highly influential opposition to established leaders as well as the Powerful Mentors Star indicating the power of hidden warlords and powerful behind-the-scene scenario.

“At the personal level, this brings the help of someone influential in one’s career,” Liew explains but also points out that with the missing fire in the chart, this meant that there would be a lack of creativity at work.
“In order to counter this, we need fire energy to bring creative solutions at the workplace.”Apart from that, Liew also discloses that health concerns will be on the rise this year pertaining to injuries associated with the waist and ear as well as kidney and urinary problems. “It is advisable to eat healthy and avoid retiring to bed late at nights.”

“But the most important things to remember about 2012 are the need to wear personal amulet protection and display house amulet as this ensures good security and a chance to grow and take fullest advantage of the year,” says Liew.

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One might expect the Year of the Dragon, which kicks off next week, to be a lucky time for investments. But that’s not necessarily the case, according to this year’s edition of the Feng Shui Index released by Hong Kong-based brokerage firm CLSA.

The index, which applies traditional Chinese astrology to market forecasting, predicts a volatile year (pdf). Though the Year of the Dragon is traditionally considered auspicious, there are likely to be countervailing forces at work, CLSA says. The reason: This particular dragon year is associated with water, which is far less lucky for investing than other elements like fire and metal.

The index predicts a positive end to the year, especially in October and November, when the metal element dominates. CLSA is clear that their Feng Shui Index is meant to be “tongue-in-cheek,” and issues several disclaimers such as this one: “To be fair, feng shui’s original purpose was to locate auspicious burial spots, not call the twists and turns of the equity markets or individual sectors.”

The authors of the report also admit that they got last year badly wrong. The Year of The Rabbit was supposed to be especially good for playing the markets. “Lots of luck, if the Rabbit’s reputation is any guide,” they wrote a year ago (pdf). “And best of all for investors, indirect wealth such as market-made moolah will be the order of day.”

It didn’t turn out that way. The S&P 500 in the U.S. was essentially flat in 2011, while Hong Kong’s benchmark stock index, the Hang Seng, fell by over 19%. At least one prediction from last year turned out well: CLSA said that Kim Jung-un, based on his “water dog” astrological sign, would have a great year. That’s true, if you consider stepping into his father’s shoes to lead North Korea to be positive for him.

This year, Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping, a “water snake,” is tipped by CLSA to have just a “fair” year, but his horoscope apparently calls for a “job opening” in autumn. That seems like a shoe-in: Mr. Xi is universally expected to become China’s next top ruler during the Communist Party Congress in October or November.

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When you create a bathroom with good Feng Shui, you enhance and improve your life in important ways. In fact bathrooms are a major topic in Feng Shui. As a Feng Shui consultant I've found that some of the biggest challenges my clients face are connected to the bathroom: where it's located, how it's furnished and decorated, and how it feels to spend time there.

The bathroom has special significance in Feng Shui because this is where you clean yourself, inside and out.  Here you flush away internal toxins while cleansing and caring for your external self.  In the bathroom you have a most intimate relationship with your body so it is excellent Feng Shui to feel supported and nourished there.

In ancient China, where Feng Shui originated, bathrooms were located outside the confines of the home because they were so difficult to keep truly clean.  But nowadays we have modern plumbing contractors and bathroom fixtures. It's much easier now to give your bathroom a spa-like feel that adds a sense of luxurious sanctuary to your life, which is always good Feng Shui.
 
So, what are the keys to creating good bathroom Feng Shui?

1. A bathroom with good Feng Shui is always spotlessly clean and clutter-free.  Here is one place in your home where you definitely don't want your Chi energy to get stuck! Clear everything from your closet and medicine cabinet. Put back only the things you love and use; discard the rest – especially items whose use-by date has expired! Clean your bathroom thoroughly once a week, always use clean towels and washcloths, and provide guests with high-quality linens when they visit.

2. Balance the Five Elements for good bathroom Feng Shui.  Bathrooms are associated with Feng Shui's Water element, symbolizing spirituality, truth and reflection.  Water's movement is downward and in fact your bathroom contains the most powerful drains in your home in the bathtub, sink and toilet.  To counteract this downward flow, balance Water with Wood, the element of upward movement and growth.

Here are a few ways to bring Wood into your bathroom: a healthy live plant or beautiful silk one; items in the color green; wood accessories (a wooden toilet seat perhaps?); and artwork with verticality: a photo of trees, columns, tall buildings or New York City rooftops, for instance.

3. Now that your bathroom is in great Feng Shui shape, enhance your life by activating the Bagua area in which it's located.

Let's look at two key areas as good examples of how to do this. Is your bathroom located in your Relationship area?  I once had a client who lived in a house where all three of her bathrooms were located in this key area!  We placed a pair of candlesticks on the back of the toilet in each one, and she reported the glow of a wonderful relationship shortly thereafter.

If your bathroom is in your Wealth area, decorate it with the most luxurious artwork you can find, evoking a feeling of abundance and reminding you of the blessings in your life. Finally, don't forget to keep your toilet lid down to keep your Wealth from flushing away!

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Feng shui specialist Maritess Allen walked into Manila Hotel’s Mabuhay Palace restaurant in a beaded honeysuckle-pink long gown toting a matching Hèrmes Birkin. Pink, she said, is one of the lucky colors for 2012.

Her long hair was set in flirty waves with reddish-copper highlights for good luck (orange and red are the other lucky colors). She rattled off her predictions, and assured us that the world will not end by Dec. 21, as indicated in the Mayan calendar.

“Does anyone here believe that?” she asked, laughing. She suggested that instead of worrying about Armageddon, people should be busy getting married—or making babies.

The year of the Water Dragon is a very auspicious year to tie the knot, and kids born this year are considered lucky. It would take a 12-year cycle before the next Dragon year, so couples have a few months to beat the deadline for having a dragon baby (Chinese New Year in 2013 falls on Feb. 10).

Allen, a Filipino, got into feng shui, or the ancient Chinese practice of “balancing energies,” because of a slew of bad luck—in her career, finances, personal life. Feng shui helped her gain luck. She eventually remarried and established World of Feng Shui, an amulet shop based in malls. She is the go-to geomancer of businessmen like Washington Sycip and Regal Films’ Lily Monteverde; celebrities Kris Aquino and Boy Abunda; and Inquirer columnist and interior designer Tessa Prieto Valdes. She has trained in Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Hong Kong and China on feng shui practices, and has a business degree from Ateneo Professional School. Allen recently held talks in Manila Hotel and Shangri-La Cineplex and gave guidelines for 2012.

Allen said 2012 is a “transformative year.” It will be more peaceful, with less violence and armed conflicts. Business is competitive and demanding, and it is a good year for real estate. The Dragon Year has the “external romance flower star,” so there will be a lot of infidelity energy; those born in the year of the Dog must be extra careful. Marriages will be challenged by affairs and sex scandals. Businesses with wood element will do best, such as plantations, agriculture, publishing and those involving flowers and plants. It is also a good year for earth industries like real estate and construction. Those with  water elements should be extra careful, like baking, shipping, transportation, fishing, alcohol and beverages.

Metal industries will have average growth—jewelry, computers, airlines. Fire industries will have a smooth year, like the stock market, entertainment, lighting, food and restaurants, but be wary of investments made by the third quarter. There is a lack of creativity chi (energy) in career and education: “Promotion is possible but competition is fierce.” Students must stay extra focused. Health-wise, she advises to take extra care of the waist, ears, kidneys. Patriarchs, especially, need protection from physical harm. Allen gave an overview for each animal sign: The Rat must “focus on mentally challenging activities than socializing.” The Ox may experience “a tougher year than 2011, but if things go well, it will be very well.” The Tiger will “experience a favorable year, but must choose auspicious months for important dates.”

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MANILA, Philippines – With the Year of the Water Dragon officially commencing on Jan. 23, a feng shui expert has dished out words of caution to popular personalities in order for them to make the most of 2012.

Just their luck
It will be an abundant year for actor Piolo Pascual following what he deemed as a "challenging" 2011, according to feng shui master Joseph Chau. In a report on Interaksyon. Chau said that Pascual, who's born in the Year of the Snake, "will not be affected too much because they are flexible and changeable in character. They can cope easily with sudden changes and they can utilize their talents to reap the opportunities that come along...”

He added that the singer-actor will have favorable stars in the money and romance departments. “Romantic sparks are easily ignited. Love life will blossom into permanent relationships,” said Chau.

The psychic, however, advised that Snakes like Pascual should “maintain good relationships… to avoid isolation, or else the operation of their work or business will be affected.”Controversial TV host Willie Revillame, an Ox, have “lucky stars shining brightly and everything is going smoothly,” said Chau.

He pointed out, however, that Ox individuals have to be humble and patient especially “when treating people in order to win full support of others in business.” They are also advised not to be moody and arrogant, or else “they will suffer a big defeat by their competitors.”

“Most important of all, they have to keep in mind the Chinese motto that says: ‘Don’t do to others what you don’t want others to do unto you.’ Financially, Oxen will be quite fortunate because they will have a steady income from different sources,” added Chau.

The controversial love life of the president, Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III—which, at some points, involved celebrities—might have a colorful chapter this year. Chau suggested that for a first lady, PNoy, who is a Golden Rat, “should not choose those born in the years of the Rat, Rabbit, Rooster, or Goat. The rest of the signs are fine, especially for those born in August, September, or October.”Getting married will also boost the president’s luck, especially if he ties the knot with someone young. “But not too young,” Chau noted.

Careful, careful
While 2012 seems to be looking up for the aforementioned personalities, Chau said boxing champ and Sarangani congressman Manny Pacquiao should watch out for his personal life. “This will be a pretty dull year for the Horses [like Pacquiao]; it is because of the influence of the Lonely Star. Lovers will experience communication gaps and misunderstandings,” he related in the same Interaksyon report.

Pacquiao, who was hounded last year by rumors of separation from wife Jinkee, as well as allegedly fathering another woman’s child, was also advised to “pay more attention and give more affection to their loved ones.”

Chau likewise warned TV5 big boss Manny V. Pangilinan, a Dog, on matters related to business expansion. Instead of making unnecessary expenses, Dogs should “broaden their sources of income… They should not act as guarantor of others," according to Chau. He added, “[They should] be patient and keep a low profile. They must also try their best to keep away from disputes.”

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From the Author of Small Changes, Dynamic Results! Feng Shui for the Western World  Whether you want bring in the love of your life, welcome some sizzling romance or add spark to your current relationship, the bedroom is the ideal place to start!

In Feng Sui the Bedroom is considered the most important room in the home. It should  be a restful, inspiring and sensual place that we love being in. This is the place that we interact with our significant other in the most intimate way. It is the ideal place to get the juice flowing again if your relationship has lost pizazz or if you want to invite love and/or romance into your life in 2012!

Expressing our sensuality and connecting deeply with another  is one of the most joyous parts of being human. For those who are seeking a partner, here are some suggestions for arranging your bedroom to bring in romance. If you are happy single,  you will still find some helpful tips for creating a bedroom that inspires, uplifts and supports deep rest and rejuvenation.

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That's right apart from using the ancient Chinese system of aesthetics to renovate your home, you can also use it to send a greeting to your loved one for good fortune

Feng Shui is a popular practice in the East. It aims to balance the energies of any given space to assure the health and good fortune of people inhabiting it. While the knowledge till recently was limited to home decor, it's slowly making its presence felt in the virtual world with Feng Shui e-cards that promise to enhance the receiver's life. Commenting on the trend Dr Soniyaa P Bhaagiyaa, a Feng Shui expert, says, "The difference between a normal e-card and a feng shui card is that they have special meanings and can enhance someone's life whether in career, love life, wealth or fortune."

A card for every occassion

There are different symbols in Feng Shui and each of them has a significance.

The Money or Fortune Frog

The Money Frog (actually a three-legged toad), often holds a coin in its mouth and has a string of coins around his feet. He is thought to be the Chinese God of Wealth's personal pet. The frog represents the flow of wealth, money and luck.

The Fish (Carp or Koi)

In Feng shui, Carp are related to goldfish or Koi, thus placing three goldfish in a bowl is said to bring about prosperity. It is also believed that pictures of Koi or Carp will bring good fortune to your home or business.

The Chinese Ox

It symbolises success, abundance and the accumulation of wealth. The Ox brings good luck in investments, business, the stock market, career, or in any financial situation. The Ox makes a perfect gift for newlyweds, co-workers and entrepreneurs.

The Chinese Horse

It symbolises success, loyalty, courage, speed and endurance. It is also said the horse can bring about career success, business cures and stimulate a good reputation. In Feng Shui, the Horse, either walking or running, can re-focus one's energy onto the path of success or fame.

The Lucky Money Cat

The Money Cat's beckoning paw signifies wealth arriving. She attracts money luck, prosperity and new opportunities. The Crane is associated with longevity, health, happiness, wisdom and good luck.

The White Crane

It can fly to the heavens and it is a Chinese symbol for "wisdom" and is sometimes called the "heavenly" or "blessed" Crane.

Did you know?

There are sites which can also help you design a Feng Shui business card. It promises to harness Feng Shui energy like wealth, power, success, fame, strength and expansion. Apart from giving you and your card a unique identity, it also promises to make you successful provided you design your business logo with the right Feng Shui elements....

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