Books | Products | Services | FAQs | Articles

January 15, 2004

Newsletter Index

In this issue:
• Announcements:
   Raffle Winner
• New Article:
   Chinese Zodiac Forecast for the Year of the Monkey
• Guest Article:
   A Feng Shui New Year
• Featured Resources:
   Wealth Diva.com
   Healthy Wealthy 'n Wise
• Featured Charity:
   Children International

Announcement

DECEMBER RAFFLE WINNER!

Congratulations to Barry C. of CA, who won the raffle for a free copy of our popular Clutter-Free Forever! Home Coaching Program. What a great way to start off the New Year, Barry! Watch for a new raffle copying up in our next issue... If you want to finally get clear of clutter and get organized for success in 2004, sign up for the Clutter-Free Forever! Home Coaching Program today!

Another Fresh Start

by Stephanie Roberts

If you're at all like me, you start off the new year with lots of ambitious plans then suddenly it's half-way through January and already you feel like you're falling behind...

Fortunately, the Chinese New Year comes along several weeks after January 1st to give folks like us (and everyone else) a second chance at a fresh start.

The Lunar New Year always starts at the new moon, so this year it is on Jan. 22 in China and Jan. 21 here in Hawaii. Check a newspaper or calendar for the exact time of the New Moon in your time zone, and you'll know which day to plan your activities for.

Chinese Zodiac Forecast for the Year of the Monkey
(Jan. 21/22, 2004 - Feb. 8, 2005)

2004 will be characterized by abundant activity and hectic energy, a focus on environmental and social activism, and the potential for natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods, and volcanic activity. Monkey energy is jumpy, impetuous and lots of fun, but can sometimes be hyperemotional. Those who enjoy novelty and adventure will feel energized and inspired this year. Those who prefer the security of a familiar routine may feel less than comfortable with Monkey energy. How will this new year affect you? Read the forecast for your Chinese animal sign below.

If you don't know your Chinese animal year, click here: http://chinese.astrology.com

Note: The Chinese Zodiac forecast is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only. Much like the Western Astrology characterization based on the Sun signs, the twelve Chinese Zodiac animals describe broad cycles of influences that are thought to affect people born during certain times of the year. Other factors, such as the finer details of the person's astrological chart, education, cultural and environmental influences, feng shui, unconscious beliefs, conscious intentions, etc., determine any final outcome.

RAT
Monkeys are friendly to the Rat, and this year will be both fruitful and lots of fun for you. Pleasant surprises are coming your way, and any troubles you may encounter are easily handled. This is a good year to make major life changes, clear out all that clutter, and connect with new friends, new partners, and new loves. A casual romance could deepen into something much stronger by year's end, but don't make any serious commitments yet. Enjoy this year of innovation and excitement while it lasts; you may feel worn out by the end of the year, and next year will be more demanding.

OX
This is a lucky and prosperous year for the Ox, if you can overcome your slow and steady nature to embrace some of the Monkey's agility. This year is likely to demand more flexibility than you are comfortable with. A good year for new ventures and partnerships, especially in romance. Important people will seek you out, and your accomplishments will get the recognition they deserve, so long as you don't let your stubborn nature get in the way. This is not a time for excessive caution. Say "yes" to the opportunities that come your way, and you will achieve success with a little help from the right people.

TIGER
An action-packed year for the Tiger, full of changes and surprises. Your crazy schemes and unlikely-sounding ideas are a good match for Monkey energy, so this is a good time to put them into play. Just don't expect too much support from others, especially in financial matters. Petty irritations and setbacks are likely to test your patience this year. Keep your complaints to yourself, and try not to jump to conclusions; confronting the source of the problem will just add to the trouble. Be willing to compromise whether you want to or not, and listen to advice from wise counselors.

RABBIT
Monkey energy is a little frantic and noisy to suit the peaceful Rabbit. Make time and space to get away from all the confusion, and stay away from risky investments and adventurous situations this year. Contracts and financial deals may meet snags or fail to materialize due to someone else's lack of integrity. Progress is impeded by people who try to take advantage of you. Keep your wits about you, and be prepared to call someone's bluff. You can do well this year if you stay alert, are not too trusting, and proceed with caution.

DRAGON
You are likely to want to take big risks this year, and may find yourself in "sink or swim" situations. Initial rosy outlooks in career and finances could be misleading. Hold your impulses in check, and don't set out on any new ventures until you've taken care of all the preparatory details. Make "think ahead" your motto for the year, and be willing to compromise. If you do err (as is likely to happen from time to time this year), keep your composure, cut your losses, and look for inventive ways to move on in a new direction. Waiting for the situation to turn back in your favor will be a waste of time. Romantically, this is a good year for you, and a certain someone could be ready for a more permanent arrangement.

SNAKE
This is a good year for the snake, and when things get slippery help will arrive just when you need it. If you get drawn into disputes (as may happen this year) resist the impulse to add fuel to the fire. The issue will eventually burn out, but not before causing you some anxiety. This year requires a strong dose of diplomacy from the Snake. Stay on the conservative side, and try not to overreact when your sensibilities are offended. Stay calm, avoid jumping to conclusions, and you'll realize that a simple solution is right in front of you.

HORSE
A lucky year that brings sudden gains and unexpected benefits. You'll be running in at least three directions at once this year trying to keep up with all your hot ideas, not all of which are really worth pursuing. Risky business ventures will tempt your ambitious side, only to deliver rude surprises if your galloping pace outruns common sense. Collective efforts will be rewarded, but do remember to share the benefits as well as the efforts if you want things to continue to go your way. Family situations may prove especially challenging this year.

SHEEP/GOAT
The busy Monkey year will can bewildering, and you may find yourself pulled off balance. Fulfillment may come from a promotion at work, but you are likely to be distracted by annoying little problems and unresolved issues, and competition could be strong. Focus on staying on target so you can maintain the momentum you've built up in recent years. Surprises could crop up in your family or love life, too. Self-care is a priority this year; take your vacation at a spa, and stick to a healthy diet and exercise plan. Avoid making major decisions now; wait until next year to get married, quit your job, or move across the country. Keep an open mind and be prepared for surprises, and things will mostly go your way.

MONKEY
You are in the driver's seat this year, so step on the gas and go after your dreams! This will be an excellent and fruitful year, full of recognition and achievement. Your mind is buzzing with new ideas, and any new ventures are likely to meet with success. Career and education see rapid progress, and romance and family life will proceed smoothly. Money will be plentiful this year, but you will be wise to pay off any debts and to build up your savings because next year may be more challenging financially. Subordinates or those who owe you money may cause headaches, and investors may become impatient with you. Watch out for jealousy and underhanded competitors, but don't waste time worrying about what other people think ofyou. A little attention to sticking with healthy lifestyle habits is a good idea now, or overexertion could take its toll on you.

ROOSTER
Irreverent, rebellious Monkey business upsets the order-loving Rooster this year. Monkey energy just doesn't suit you, so keep a low profile and stick to your plans and routines. There is a potential for financial problems due to a lapse of judgment if you focus too much on the details and loose sight of the big picture. It's okay to be ambitious and bold this year, so long as you are also alert and flexible. Look out for hidden snags in love and business, as things might not be going as well as they seem. A little patience will go a long way now; next year you will be ready to take on the world and win.

DOG
This is a hectic year for the Dog, and brings lots of good news and celebrations. You will attract new friends this year, and gain the approving attention of important people. This is a great time to make a fresh start with unusual business ideas or a major relocation. Money comes your way now, but your expenses are also likely to rise, especially those related to travel or a change in residence. Don't be shy when opportunities come your way this year; say "yes" and watch your fortune and finances shine.

PIG/BOAR
This is the year to trot out your best ideas and take charge of your destiny, because luck is on your side and friendly Monkey will be urging you into the limelight. Other people will take you more seriously when you show them that you are serious about making this your year. At times it may seem that money is elusive, but don't give up because support will be available to you when you need it. Do be alert to the possiblity that others may try to take advantage of your kindness and generosity now. This doesn't mean you should try to do everything alone, however. Events are more likely to go your way when you are part of a group.

Sources:
The Handbook of Chinese Horoscopes, Theodora Lau
The New Chinese Astrology, Suzanne White

Guest Article

(Instead of a Q+A this issue, I decided to continue the New Year theme by sharing Kathryn Weber's great advice on how to prepare your home for a fresh start. You may want to print this article out and paperclip it to the December page of your 2004 calendar, so you'll remember to take these important steps again next year. BTW, you can use these tips before the Western New Year on Jan. 1, the Chinese Lunar New Year, or both if you are truly organized and ambitious!)

A FENG SHUI NEW YEAR
by Kathryn Weber

It's important to start the New Year off on a positive, hope-filled note. This can include everything from stocking the refrigerator to clearing out old junk from the closets. The Chinese New Year isn't until next week.... so you've still got time!

To greet the New Year, set aside a couple of hours to give your house, bedroom, or office a New Year Blitz. Just remember, you are inviting a very special guest to your house: the New Year. So treat your house the way you would a very important dignitary. This is a new year of your life, so welcome it in a grand way!

Take the list below in hand and check off the items one by one! Are you ready? Then, let's get ready for a new year! Remember to get everyone in the house in on the act.

OUT WITH THE OLD!

1. De-clutter. Grab a laundry basket. Next, set a timer and take it with you from room to room. Set it for five minutes. Now, start throwing out old papers, magazines, empty bottles of shampoo from the bathroom, old clothes you know you'll never wear again! Do it. Got CDs you never listen to? Throw those out or donate them to charity. Have some old coffee mugs that don't match, or odd drinking glasses still hanging around in your cabinets? Pitch 'em. When in doubt, throw it out. Don't forget to look under the bed, too! And toss that lipstick you haven't worn in two years! Remember to clean out the pantry, and toss that half-empty box of Rice Krispies that's gone stale.

2. Sweep or vacuum. Get the old energy out by making the floors clean.

3. Do the laundry. Don't have dirty clothes hanging around. You can throw in a load or two while you declutter. Be sure to fold and put the clean clothes away.

4. Clean the bathroom. Make it sparkle. You don't want a nasty mess to greet the next year of your life!

5. Empty all trashcans. Don't want last years' trash hanging around, do you? Toss, toss, toss.

6. Clean out the refrigerator. Got a half-empty jar of apple butter? Get rid of it. You don't want to go into the New Year with old food or a moldy science project lurking in the fridge.

7. Clear out visual clutter. Too much stuff everywhere? Clear off the counters in the bathrooms and kitchen. Clear off your desk and dust it. Pitch the sticky notes and papers and things taped everywhere! You can do it. Don't forget the refrigerator! Make it a blank slate. Make as much space as possible. You cannot bring in new things if there is no room for it and we want a fantastic year, right? Then make your space "open" for the abundance of the New Year!

8. Yard work. Make sure the yard is picked up and the front door step is swept and clear.

9. Change the sheets and towels. Put clean sheets on all the beds on New Year's Eve and clean towels in the bathroom and kitchen. New sheets are even better.

10. Clean the car. This is what gets you around during the year. Drive through a car wash, take out the trash and do a quick cleaning.

All done? Wow, doesn't that feel good! Now you're ready for the next step.

IN WITH THE NEW!

1. Fill your pantry and kitchen. Stock the refrigerator with food and make sure the pantry is also stocked. It's bad feng shui to have an empty refrigerator and pantry. If you have canisters in the pantry or on the countertops, be sure to fill these.

2. Got citrus? Oranges are excellent symbols for the New Year and the Chinese often celebrate the New Year by rolling oranges (symbols of gold) into the house. Place a big bowl of oranges in the living room or central location in the house next to dishes of nuts or candies to symbolize an abundant, fruitful home.

3. Buy a new plant. Put a beautiful new plant in the East (health & family relationships) sector of your house or office to symbolize a healthy beginning. You can also display some beautiful flowers here to symbolize your good health in the coming year.

4. Welcome good news. Place a golden bell in the NW corner of your home, office, or bedroom to bring good tidings from helpful people. Like old school bells? If so, place one of these in the NW corner of your yard for good news from helpful people.

5. Hang up new calendars. What better way to greet the New Year than by throwing out the old one? Take down all of last year's Calendars.

6. Fill your wallet. You don't want to go into the New Year with an empty wallet. Even ten $1 dollar bills is enough to put a bulge in your purse!

7. Invite a toad to your house. Place an old, broken clay pot upside down next to a water spout so a toad can make its home here. Toads are believed to invite money into the household; they're especially nice by the door. You can also place figurines of toads by the door.

8. Feed the birds. Birds are excellent feng shui and believed to bring good news. Fill your feeders or put out a feeder for the New Year.

9. Have fun and celebrate. Fun is good feng shui. A happy vibrant home or space is a good space. And a home or office with good feng shui is easy to spot: it's the one where everyone goes and doesn't want to leave! Make your space that kind of place!

(c) Kathryn Weber, reprinted, with permission, from the Red Lotus Letter. Kathryn Weber is a certified feng shui master practitioner in traditional Chinese feng shui and is the publisher of The Red Lotus Letter, the Web's largest weekly feng shui e-zine. To subscribe, logon to http://www.redlotusletter.com

Featured Resources
1) Wealth Diva.com

CREATING FINANCIAL LITERACY FOR WOMEN ONLY
Find out how women nationwide are removing the roadblocks to greater financial independence.

Women all over the world are learning and raving about the "Wealth Diva mindset" programs. The "Wealth Diva mindset" empowers you to:

• Create and protect your family's wealth for many generations to come
• Design a blueprint to a financially-free and abundant life that is your birthright
• Learn to acquire cash-producing assets that will support you through retirement
• Share your new wealth with local charities and become a leader in your community
• Teach your kids and loved-ones how to quickly and easily accumulate more money
• Defy age-old gender myths and make wealth-building your responsibility
• and so much more!

As a "Wealth Diva," you learn to identify your financial goals, take action to achieve them, and as a net result, achieve financial freedom.

Visit WealthDiva.com and sign up for an upcoming teleclass today!

2) Healthy Wealthy 'n Wise
Healthy Wealthy n Wise is a terrific online magazine full of great mentoring and success information. My article, "Feng Shui for Storage Spaces" is appearing in the January issue, so if you missed it here the first time around, you can check it out there.

Each month, Healthy Wealthy n Wise features interviews and articles on a variety of topics. Their website is full of personal growth and wellness information as well as a calendar of upcoming events such as teleseminars and classes by big-name Mentors from around the world. Best of all, it's free!

Check it out here: www.healthywealthynwise.com

Featured Charity

Children International

Since 1936, Children International has been providing assistance to children and families struggling in terrible poverty. Today, through sponsorship, we help children in 10 countries – Chile, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, India, Nepal, the Philippines and the United States. And through children and family assistance programs in Kenya and Zambia, we’re giving hope to children and adults affected by extreme poverty. With your help – through our sponsorship and child and family assistance programs – we can continue to help poor children grow up healthy and educated.

Click here to find out how $0.60 a day can make a difference in a child's health, education and well-being as well as provide for a brighter future.

With warm aloha,

Maui, HI  
www.fastfengshui.com  

We also invite you to visit our other sites:

All About Prosperity.com - Win the inner and outer game of wealth. Having the right mindset and knowledge leads to right opportunity and action. FR.EE downloads available.

Clutter-Free Forever Home Coaching Program - Is a cluttered, messy, disorganized home slowing you down, stealing your energy and depressing your spirit? Our highly acclaimed program will help you reclaim your space and your life!

Feng Shui Ebooks.com - The popular Fast Feng Shui book is now available in ebook format for immediate download! Learn the 9 simple principles for transforming your life and your home.

Miscellaneous

Newsletter Archives

This newsletter is published approximately twice a month. If you missed our previous issues, you can read them here.

•••

(c) 2004 Stephanie Roberts. All rights reserved.
Permission is granted to circulate this newsletter in its original format and length to others, provided this copyright and permission notice is included and that www.FastFengShui.com is cited as the newsletter source.

Our records indicate that you have expressed interest in receiving emails and have provided us with your email address. If you no longer wish to be included in our email updates, please reply to this email with subject=unsubscribe. Thank you.

Lotus Pond Press LLC
415 Dairy Rd. Suite E-144
Kahului, HI 96732