Gentle transitions

In our Celtic traditional celebrations of the turning of the year, we celebrate Imbolc, not quite Spring yet, but the “pregnant possibilities” beginning to make themselves seen and felt. 

Brigids rising

On February 1st we celebrate this time of renewal on St Brigids day. As she rises from her rest and retreat into the earth over Winter, she brings with her all of the early new shoots signalling a new year coming into being. 

9 star ki 

With 9 star ki, the annual energy shift begins on February 4th. We move from 2 Earth energy being at the centre of this system to 1-water with each of the 9 energies “moving house” accordingly. Those of you who have taken my 9 star ki class can look up your chart and see what this shift brings for your personal energy for the coming year. There are layers to this information, the relationship of your own elemental signature to that of the “house” you will occupy, the I Ching trigram combinations formed and the essence of the energy of each “house”. 

Perhaps you are moving into Spring, Summer, Autumn etc energetically. How does this sit with your own elemental signature? We each have 3 separate elements which make up our energetic signature, it can be very enlightening to study this information to look at ways to support yourself as you prepare for the year ahead. 

Chinese Lunar new year

The Lunar new year is a moveable feast and that shift is celebrated from February 17th to March 3rd this year. This year in the Chinese calendar we move from a “wood snake” into a “fire horse” year energetically. The essence of the element and the animal both give clues to how this will impact the energy in general for this year. 

Of course We each have our own individual 4 pillars chart based on our time and date of birth which shows 4 animal signs (Year, month, day and hour) and the interaction of the animals/element in our chart with the annual energetic shift has layers of insight to offer. 

Annual energetic shift at the Lunar new year

At the Lunar new year we celebrate the shift in energy from wood snake (2025) to fire horse (2026) and make some feng shui enhancements to encourage vibrant chi into our homes and to balance the energy for ourselves as we move into this vibrant new Fire energy year. As we approach the new year I will share some ideas on how best to do this.

Supporting ourselves through transition

These shifts in energy do not take place in an instant. Instead, like the cycle of the seasons, there is a slow easing out of one energy as we transition into the next. It is important to note these shifts in energy and support ourselves so that we can gently ease from one phase of energy to the next with intention. As the pace of change around us has become ever more frenetic, I would suggest that seeking sources of support is essential. 

Fragrant chi support

One of my favourite essential oils to support us through transition is cypress click here for more on this wonderful oil.

Feng shui design guidebook

For more information on how to support yourself with feng shui design as we navigate change take a read of my book A Place to Call Home – your feng shui design guidebook for balance and belonging.