For purposes of Feng Shui and Chinese Astrology calculations are based on the solar calendar. On February 4th, 2012 we entered the Year of Ren Chen or Water Dragon. Buckle up your seat belts, it may be a bumpy ride filled with unexpected events and reversals, good and bad. In Chinese folklore it is said that the dragon can surprise you because it is not possible to see the head and the tail at the same time.

As the energy started shifting I had a preview of what I think the Ren Chen year will be like. In the last month of 2011 into the second month of 2012 I personally benefited from a huge reversal that no one would have predicted. The situation involved a long slow collapse of power and revelations that created a stressful ride to a safe harbor. Many lies were being told by others involved in the reversal, and unethical deeds from the past surfaced at the worst possible time. Those who lied and manipulated others lost big in the end, while those who did not found a good place to land. Be careful and remember that the outcome of any situation can be changed through your hard work, free will and good deeds. What good is luck if you are not prepared?

As I have mentioned before, the zodiac animals in Chinese Astrology are really just representations of a particular phase of energy that provide a way for us to understand and talk about them. Those born in a Dragon year should take note as they will be the first recipients of the year’s offerings, both good and bad.

I’m a little late in getting this post out this year, but if you are a gardener, or thinking of renovating in 2012 please read on.

First of all, no digging in the SE, S, SW and NW and no renovating in the house in the SE area. Why? You must not disturb the energies of these locations this year.

Second, regarding renovation, if you are living in a house that faces or sits South this year do not renovate anywhere in the house. Period. Do not drill holes, pound nails or hang pictures. Don’t refinish the floors. If you are planning to renovate next year please consult with a Feng Shui professional to get the most out of your renovation and avoid any problems.

Here is how it works:

You can imagine these energies are like sleeping gods under the earth that do not want to be disturbed or awakened. If they are activated there will be negative results such as loss of wealth, accidents or health problems. The person of the household that is associated with the affected area will be the one most hurt by disturbing the sleeping gods. For example, the SE position correlates with the women of the household, the oldest daughter in a family, or a woman who is in that particular age phase of her life. Each compass direction (i.e. SE, NW, N) correlates not only with a family member or gender but also with “types” of energy. Tamper with the NW this year and you may hurt the father of the household, find yourself in trouble with your boss or even the law.

With the Water Dragon in the Tai Sui (Year God) position in the SE that means the Sui Po is Xu or Dog, sitting directly opposite in the NW. The Dragon is part of a trinity with Zi (Rat) and Shen (Monkey) which creates force against the South, specifically Si (Snake), Wu (Horse), and Wei (Sheep).

As a gardener how do you manage all of this? Each year I focus on the areas where it is okay to dig and work and think about what areas I won’t be able to touch next year. For example I made a point to finish the plantings for the SE area at the end of the season last year, so this year there will still be progress in that area with the plants in and growing. It’s not at all difficult to plan your projects this way. If you absolutely have to do repairs or other work in an area that should not be disturbed contact a Feng Shui consultant.