Sawasdee ka! Happy Year of the Dog from Bangkok!
Chinese New Year is also known as the Spring Festival or the Lunar New Year. Each year is in a different animal sign and this year, it’s the year of the Dog, the 11th animal in 12 Chinese zodiac signs (check out your sign here).
With Drago and Apollo in Siargao, July 2015
Unlike the Western New Year, which is based on the Gregorian calendar, the Chinese New Year starts on the second new moon after the winter solstice and occurs between January 21 and February 20. This year, it’s today, February 16, where the new moon was at 5:05 am, Manila time. The celebration lasts 15 days.
The Chinese celebrate to honor their ancestors and deities to welcome health, wealth and good relationships. Red is the color associated in the festivities, and it has quite a legend to go with it. They say that a long time ago there lived a demon-beast called Nian and on the first day of each year, he would descend from the mountains and eat livestock, crops, and people, particularly children. A deity disguised as an old man told the villagers to keep Nian away, “Spread red across the village! Hang red signs on every door. Make loud noises with drums, music, and fireworks! And to protect your children, give them face masks and lanterns to protect them!”
Since then on the eve of Chinese New Year, it has become a tradition to set off fireworks to keep away bad luck and evil spirits. Families clean their homes to sweep away any ill-fortune, red paper strips are hanged outside doors and windows, and children are given ampao, red envelopes filled with new crisp paper bills.
Another eclipse, another chance to make big changes in your life.
What’s interesting is that since the full moon lunar eclipse two weeks ago, today’s new moon is an eclipse as well – a solar eclipse. Eclipses are harbingers of change. It brings about transformation and may represent a major change in your life, which is often long lasting. A solar eclipse may reveal where you can have new beginnings.
It’s the second month of the year…you can still revisit and realize your goals!
This new year lunar cycle is set in the sign of Aquarius which is all about following your heart, listening to your inner voice, finding your unique path and expressing your extraordinary self. Don’t be afraid to be different. Today is an opportunity to revisit your January 1 goals or intentions and re-set, tweak those intentions to your heart’s calling.
This period is described in one of the quotes in Mystic Mama as, “This shift of consciousness is a choice and is not forced upon us — but it is when we make the decision to change how we perceive ‘reality’ that we can access the clearest solutions and best new directions… Uranus is the planetary ‘ruler’ of Aquarius, and its positive aspect to the Solar Eclipse reassures us that progress and change are occurring, even as we struggle with what feels like chaos along the way.”
Finally: Try my step-by-step guide for manifesting
Last note, someone asked me how to write goals and if it means making a list of things to do. I was supposed to sit with her but we didn’t get the chance to meet. Because of her query, it inspired me to write down my personal step by step process for manifesting people, things and experiences I wanted in my life. I believe any goal is attainable when you are clear on the intention behind them. In the guide, I’ve listed four-steps to set intentions that’s aligned with your soul purpose, included a tip for adding fuel to your intentions and how to keep the momentum going month after month so you can see your intentions through to fruition. Click here to access the guide.
Have a wonderful lunar cycle ahead and may you live the life you love!
In loving service,
Rosan
