Saturday, February 10th, 2024 marks the Year of the Wood Dragon! The most powerful and only mythical (or is it?) creature of the 12 animal Chinese zodiac.
The Dragon is a symbol of honor and dignity and is also considered the luckiest of all the signs. In a Dragon year, there are massive amounts of luck and energy swirling about the atmosphere and it’s available to us to harness – to create something big and to tap into our deepest passions. The energy of the year lends us courage and confidence to make big magic happen!
I just love diving into all the tips and tricks to improve my luck for the New Year! The list is long and can be as basic as don’t touch a broom or as oddly adorable as consult the Farmer’s almanac before you leave the house to dictate which direction you should walk!
Here’s what I would consider the Top 5 that I make sure I do every year:
Clean the Entire House!
I take this one pretty seriously! I like to start the New Year with a fresh slate, make sure everything is clean and even better organized! Get into those drawers, that closet, maybe you’ve got some things that need to be thrown away or donated? Clear things out to make room for the NEW!!
All debts should be paid off!
This to me is an extension of organizing the house, get your finances organized too! I mean you probably won’t be paying off your mortgage, but be sure your credit card payments and other bills are paid up for the month, or even better pay some cards off if you can! And if you owe someone money or haven’t paid that annoying parking ticket, now is the time. You don’t want that lingering into the new year, tie up any loose ends now!
Sprinkle some fun into the day!
They say whatever you do on New Year’s Day, you will be doing all year long, so choose wisely! I like to start the day with something sweet, another ancient tradition to make your year sweeter! Then I like to spend the day relishing in some self care, maybe a massage, infrared sauna, hit the gym, go for a long walk in nature. I also put aside some time for mindfulness, on New Year’s Eve I set aside time for reflection on the past year and on New Year’s Day I create for the new year, who am I becoming, what do I want to incorporate into my life this year? Lastly, I will definitely be spending the evening with loved ones! Our acupuncturist, Karleen says she loves to share a hot pot with friends! Good food, fun, laughter, all the things! To me that is the perfect day. What is your perfect day?
Exchange red envelopes!
I love doing this! I give these out to family and friends to support their dreams in prosperity and abundance. Keep a red envelope in your wallet all year long and you will attract more $ and who couldn’t use a little extra these days! Any amount is just fine and you can find these at your local Chinatown, 99 Ranch Markets or Amazon.
Buy fresh flowers!
A few days beforehand, I usually head to Chinatown and buy some cherry blossoms, not only are they beautiful but if a flower blooms on New Year’s Day this is a sign of prosperity! Of course, it doesn’t have to be cherry blossoms, treat yourself to your favorite flower! This is also a self care practice, when was the last time you bought yourself flowers?
There you have it, that’s my Top 5 !
And now… Here’s the what not to do on New Year’s Day!
On New Year’s Day February 10th:
- Do not lend out money, otherwise you’ll be lending all year long!
- Do not use profanity or unlucky words, like the word ‘four” which in Mandarin sounds too much like the word for death, don’t talk about death or ghosts either on this day.
- Don’t wash or cut your hair.
- Please do not cry on New Year’s Day or you will cry all year.
- Do not sweep the floor or even touch a broom.
- Unfortunately do not greet people who are in mourning.
- Do not drop your chopsticks, eeeek!
- Do not use or touch knives or scissors.
There’s plenty more, but those are the biggies.
Wishing you all immense joy in 2024, with lots of love and laughs!
