It’s the Year of the Dragon! Tips on How to Improve Your Luck!
It’s the Year of the Dragon! Tips on How to Improve Your Luck! (scroll down for what not to do on New Year’s Day – the bad luck stuff!) 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! Christina
What Can You Do Boost Your Luck in the Year of the Rabbit?
What Can You Do Boost Your Luck in the Year of the Rabbit? As we say goodbye to the roaring Tiger, we say hello to the simple Rabbit. This year, January 22nd, 2023 marks the beginning of the Year of the Water Rabbit! The energy of last year was Yang, Masculine, BIG! The high octane year of the Tiger is considered to be very lucky, all about adventure and movement, they say if there are desires or things you’ve been nourishing from the previous year get ready to watch them take flight! And while that is all true, there’s a flip side to that as well. For me, last year had a little too much shift for me, a little too much change and movement, in fact, it knocked me down a few times, so I am definitely looking forward to a peaceful Yin type of year and that’s what the Rabbit brings! Tigers and Rabbits couldn’t be any more different. The energy of this year promotes peace, patience, quietude, nurturing and contemplation and particularly 2023 is being coined the “Year of Hope”. And since it’s a Water Rabbit this year, the energy has an additional feeling of agility and elegance. Unlike our Western New Year celebration, there are many things we can do to prepare. The list can be long and silly (but fun) like not washing your hair on New Years Day but also more meaningful like opening your windows and doors at midnight to welcome in the fresh, new year! Here are the ways that I prepare for the New Year. Clean, clean and clean! I make sure the house is clean, not by New Year’s Day but by New Year’s Eve! I also look around and take an inventory to see what feels a little stale, a closet, a drawer that needs to be cleared out, do I need to donate clothes or reorganize the snack cabinet in the kitchen? The idea is to get things fresh and make room for what is to come! Purchase something new and beautiful! I make a new clothes purchase, some years it’s as small as a pair of red underwear for luck, other years it could be a new pair of red shoes. In my book, red is always the way to go! Superstition says to not purchase anything on New Year’s Day though or you’ll be spending money all year long, besides you want to wear it on New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day! What you do on New Year’s Day sets the stage or theme for the entire year! I take this one to heart. I am a stickler for doing things on New Year’s Day that only bring me joy and pleasure, even if I’m ‘working’ that day I will only do things that I love doing, luckily I do love my work so it’s not hard. All debts must be paid off! I tie up loose ends. In ancient times, all debts must be paid off, but let’s get real, I’m not paying off my mortgage next week! But if you do owe someone money, you want to pay that back and complete the cycle. If you owe things like a parking ticket or a bill or something of that nature, pay it and cross it off your list! A dinner or celebration! The last few years, I’ve had friends and family over for Joss paper and fake money offerings and food! I love to cook and well, I’ve done A LOT of cooking these past few years, so this year I think we’ll go out. LOL! The point is to have fun, celebrate and connect with those you love. Here’s a fun photo of us from last year, unfortunately all that money is fake! Exchange those red envelopes! I never miss a year! To me this is such a simple and thoughtful wish for someone you love. You can purchase these red envelopes at any Asian store like 99 Ranch or I’m sure online as well. At least a $1 inside is all you need, close family and friends get more if you choose. Hand it to them on New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day and they keep it in their wallet the entire year to attract more prosperity! Those are my Big 6 to welcome in the new year, well that and actually I don’t wash my hair on New Year’s Day either! Superstitions die hard! If you’re curious what this year might bring for your personally, here’s the yearly prediction from China’s renowned astrologer and television host, Tong Pik-ha. Enjoy! Click here. Wishing you an amazingly auspicious New Year!
Happy Chinese New Year, welcome the Year of the Ox!
Happy Chinese New Year, welcome the Year of the Ox! This is the Year of the Metal Ox! Say goodbye to the Year of the Rat! Oxen are symbols of persistence and honesty. In Chinese culture, the Ox is a faithful friend that makes great contributions! People born in the Year of the Ox are industrious, cautious, hold their faith firmly, and always glad to offer help. To prove that point, the old Chinese myth goes like this- the Jade Emperor was declaring the order of the signs based on the order of arrival of the 12 animals. The Rat somehow talked the Ox into giving him a ride, he obliged and then right at the last minute, the Rat jumped off and ran into the palace declaring himself number one! I guess that alone tells us a lot about the energy of the the last year as opposed to this year. Some say it’s going to be an easier year, others say the opposite. No matter what, we always want to bring in the New Year with a clean slate! Personally, I’ve been cleaning for days, tying up loose ends and getting things in order! If that doesn’t appeal to you or you just don’t have time, then just have fun from today (Thursday) and throughout the weekend with family and friends, whatever that looks like for you. Whether you are on Zoom, over the phone or in person, all those avenues can still put a smile on your face and a laugh in your belly. Now onto how to prep! By New Year’s Eve (tonight), you should have done the following: Clean the entire home to get rid of all the things that are associated with the old year. Put away all brooms and brushes. Pay debts. Resolve differences with family members, friends, neighbors and business associates. Buy oranges (good health and long life), tangerines (long relationships, fruitful and multiply for having children or persimmons (happiness and wealth). Fresh flowers, if a flower blooms on New Year’s Day this is a sign of prosperity all year. Get together with close family members for the “reunion” dinner. Open every door and window in your home at midnight of New Year’s Eve to let go of the old year. On New Year’s Day… Do not lend any money, otherwise you’ll be lending all year. Do not use foul language or unlucky words, like the word ‘four” which is the word for death, don’t talk about death or ghosts on this day. Do not reference the past year or things in the past, only speak of the coming year. Wear new clothes or shoes, especially bright red. Eat candy in the morning for luck and also fish and chicken during the day. Don’t wash your hair. Do not cry on New Year’s Day or you will cry throughout the whole year. Don’t sweep the floor. Don’t greet people who are in mourning. Don’t drop your chopsticks. Do not use knives or scissors. The first person you meet or first words heard are indicative of the setting of the whole year. Happy New Year everyone! Enjoy! Be well, stay safe and find your happy! In gratitude, Christina
How to get ready for Chinese New Year and how to bring luck to the Year of the Rat!
Preparing for the Chinese New Year and Attracting Good Fortune in the Year of the Ra Welcome the year of the Rat! The rat is the first of all zodiac signs and is a sign that a new day is upon, a fresh start, a new beginning! “According to one myth, the Jade Emperor said the order would be decided by the order in which they arrived to his party. The Rat tricked the Ox into giving him a ride. Then, just as they arrived at the finish line, the Rat jumped down and landed ahead of the Ox, becoming first.” The Energy of the Year Rats are clever, resourceful, quick thinkers, they also love quiet and peaceful environments. Rats can take unlucky events and turn them into financial gain. They are also good for fertility! So, how to create some luck in the New Year? This is my personal New Year and I take (almost) all of the following to heart, especially the “whatever you do on New Year’s Day is what you’ll be doing all year”, so choose wisely, celebrate, have fun, connect with friends and family… at the very least wear red undergarments next Saturday! By Chinese New Year’s Eve, you should have done the following: Clean the entire home to get rid of all the things that are associated with the old year. Put away all brooms and brushes. Pay debts. Resolve differences with family members, friends, neighbors and business associates. Buy oranges (good health and long life), tangerines (long relationships, fruitful and multiply for having children or persimmons (happiness and wealth). Fresh flowers, if a flower blooms on New Year’s Day this is a sign of prosperity all year. Get together with close family members for the “reunion” dinner the night before. Open every door and window in your home at midnight of New Year’s Eve to let go of the old year. On Chinese New Year’s Day… What you do today is what you’ll be doing ALL year long, choose wisely! Do not lend any money, otherwise you’ll be lending all year. Do not use foul language or unlucky words, like the word ‘four” which is the word for death, do not talk about death or ghosts on this day. Do not reference the past year or things in the past, only speak of the coming year. Wear new clothes or shoes, especially bright red! Eat candy in the morning for luck and also fish and chicken during the day. Do not wash your hair. Do not cry on New Year’s Day or you will cry throughout the whole year. Do not sweep the floor. Bad luck! Don’t touch that broom, vacuum cleaner or Swiffer! Do not greet people who are in mourning. Do not drop your chopsticks. Do not use knives or scissors. No cooking, go out to eat! The first person you meet or first words heard are indicative of the setting of the whole year. And for those most superstitious, before leaving the house to call on others, the Almanac should be consulted to find the best time to leave the home and the direction, which is most auspicious to head out. (Ok, maybe a little overboard!) Last thought… Saturday, January 25th is the first day of the lunar new year and will actually be the year 4718. Doesn’t that just blow your mind? Gong Hei Fat Choy! In Prosperity, Christina Martin Tao to Wellness Berkeley, CA 510-883-0383
Chinese New Year Dos and Don’ts!
Chinese New Year Dos and Don’ts! The Year of the Pig It is upon us, February 5th marks the beginning of the Year of the Pig! Get ready ladies and gents! This seems to be the most talked about post we do all year, because who couldn’t use some LUCK! This is my personal New Year and I take (almost) all this to heart, especially whatever you do on New Year’s Day is what you’ll be doing all year, so choose wisely, do something unique or different! A Chinese proverb states that all creations are reborn on New Year’s day. The Chinese New Year is a celebration of change … out with the old and in with the new! By Chinese New Year’s Eve, you should have done the following: Clean the entire home to get rid of all the things that are associated with the old year. Put away all brooms and brushes. Pay debts. Resolve differences with family members, friends, neighbors and business associates. Buy oranges (good health and long life), tangerines (long relationships, fruitful and multiply for having children or persimmons (happiness and wealth). Fresh flowers, if a flower blooms on New Year’s Day this is a sign of prosperity all year. Get together with close family members for the “reunion” dinner. Open every door and window in your home at midnight of New Year’s Eve to let go of the old year. On Chinese New Year’s Day… What you do today is what you’ll be doing ALL year long, choose wisely! Do not lend any money, otherwise you’ll be lending all year. Do not use foul language or unlucky words, like the word ‘four” which is the word for death, do not talk about death or ghosts on this day. Do not reference the past year or things in the past, only speak of the coming year. Wear new clothes or shoes, especially bright red. Eat candy in the morning for luck and also fish and chicken during the day. Do not wash your hair. Do not cry on New Year’s Day or you will cry throughout the whole year. Do not sweep the floor. Bad luck! Do not greet people who are in mourning. Do not drop your chopsticks. Do not use knives or scissors. The first person you meet or first words heard are indicative of the setting of the whole year. And for those most superstitious, before leaving the house to call on others, the Almanac should be consulted to find the best time to leave the home and the direction, which is most auspicious to head out. (Maybe a little overboard!) Happy Chinese New Year! In Prosperity, Christina Martin Tao to Wellness
What to do and what NOT to do until February 28th! (Berkeley Acupuncture)
What to do and what NOT to do until February 28th! (Berkeley Acupuncture) Here’s the quick and dirty version from Gala! Be sure not to take things too personally. People will often say offensive things they didn’t mean around this time, because their thinking is clouded and their communication skills are on pause! If your best friend suddenly became the most insensitive person in the world, give her the benefit of the doubt. Back up your data! Don’t purchase any big ticket items, because they will often have flaws or issues that you weren’t aware of! Of course, life doesn’t stop just because of wacky planetary movement, so if you absolutely have to get that car, computer or iPhone, TRIPLE-check all the paperwork, and make sure you have a warranty! Take things with a grain of salt. Everyone is a bit confused, and people are much more inclined to change their mind once Mercury goes direct. Mercury can be a bit of a trickster — could it be that the next few weeks are a big karmic joke?! Read the small print on any contracts. Ask lots of questions. Again, you can’t put your life on hold just because of some silly planet, but adapt your lifestyle a bit so that things run more smoothly. Communication can be a mess right now, but do your best to get as much information as you can. Finish things you started a while ago. Home improvement projects? Wardrobe re-organisations? Short stories? Love affairs?! This is an excellent time to tie up loose ends and file things away forever. Get together with old friends, reminisce and laugh! Double-check any information you’re given, especially as relates to travel arrangements! During one particularly formidable Mercury retrograde, I actually caught a cab to the wrong airport! Check times, delays, baggage allowances, reservations… everything! Allow Mercury to nudge you in unusual directions. If you seem to find yourself “back to the future”, don’t just try to wriggle out of it — look at what the universe is trying to show you. What can you learn from this situation? This is a fantastic time to re-examine, accept and move on. Use the things you’ve discovered in the past to create a dazzling new vision so that you’re ready to blast ahead when Mercury goes direct! Christina “Mei Wen” Martin, L.Ac., Dipl.AC, MTOM, FABORM. christina@berkeley-acupuncture.com Christina Martin is the founder of Tao to Wellness. She is an Acupuncturist, Chinese Herbalist and Teacher and has been in practice for over fifteen years. She holds a Master’s Degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine and is California state licensed and a nationally certified Diplomat of Acupuncture. She is also a Fellow of the American Board of Reproductive Oriental Medicine.
Happy Chinese New Year! (Berkeley Acupuncture)
Happy Chinese New Year! Chinese New Year is Friday, January 31st this year, the Year of the Horse. A Chinese proverb states that all creations are reborn on New Year’s day. The Chinese New Year is a celebration of change … out with the old and in with the new! The celebration actually starts on New Year’s Eve with the reunion dinner. Here are a few traditions and tips for preparation. By New Year’s Eve, you should have done the following: Clean the entire home to get rid of all the things that are associated with the old year. Put away all brooms and brushes. Pay debts. Resolve differences with family members, friends, neighbors and business associates. Buy oranges (good health and long life), tangerines (long relationships, fruitful and multiply for having children or persimmons (happiness and wealth). Fresh flowers, if a flower blooms on New Year’s Day this is a sign of prosperity all year. Get together with close family members for the “reunion” dinner. Open every door and window in your home at midnight of New Year’s Eve to let go of the old year. On New Year’s Day… Do not lend any money, otherwise you’ll be lending all year. Do not use foul language or unlucky words, like the word ‘four” which is the word for death, don’t talk about death or ghosts on this day. Do not reference the past year or things in the past, only speak of the coming year. Wear new clothes or shoes, especially bright red. Eat candy in the morning for luck and also fish and chicken during the day. Don’t wash your hair. Do not cry on New Year’s Day or you will cry throughout the whole year. Don’t sweep the floor. Don’t greet people who are in mourning. Don’t drop your chopsticks. Do not use knives or scissors. The first person you meet or first words heard are indicative of the setting of the whole year. And for those most superstitious, before leaving the house to call on others, the Almanac should be consulted to find the best time to leave the home and the direction, which is most auspicious to head out. (LOL! Almanac, who has one of those anymore!) Christina “Mei Wen” Martin, L.Ac., Dipl.AC, MTOM, FABORM. christina@berkeley-acupuncture.com Christina Martin is the founder of Tao to Wellness. She is an Acupuncturist, Chinese Herbalist and Teacher and has been in practice for over fifteen years. She holds a Master’s Degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine and is California state licensed and a nationally certified Diplomat of Acupuncture. She is also a Fellow of the American Board of Reproductive Oriental Medicine.
