Feng Shui tips for fortune, harmony in the new year

AHEAD of the Lunar New Year, Feng Shui Master Patrick Fernandez of the Yin & Yang Shop of Harmony at New World Hotel Makati shared practical tips and traditions to help welcome prosperity and good fortune in the Year of the Wood Snake.

Speaking at a media luncheon at the hotel's Jasmine restaurant, Fernandez said it is essential to prepare oneself for the new year beyond the festive celebrations. In Feng Shui, this involves "physical, financial and emotional cleansing."

"Before the Chinese New Year, do some cleansing and cleaning [in these] three different aspects of life. On the physical side, try to get a haircut before Jan. 29 and also make an effort to declutter," Fernandez said.

"On the financial side, try to pay off loans. And just to clarify, you don't have to pay off your mortgage or home loan right away," he chuckled. "Try to pay your credit card and personal loans you made from people. Moreover, do not make any new loans between now and Jan. 29."

For emotional cleansing, Fernandez advised letting go of grudges or, better yet, making amends with enemies before the year begins.

"Once you have gone through this cleansing, then you may begin to look outward and prepare for the celebration," he said.

On the eve of Chinese New Year this year, which falls on Jan. 28, Fernandez recommends bringing fresh flowers into the home to symbolize the arrival of spring.

"Also, fill your rice bins — or, for those who prefer low-carb options, quinoa or another grain of choice for abundance. If you can, you may also wear new clothes or accessories, such as bags or hair accessories," Fernandez said.

However, he cautioned against buying new shoes during this period. "Try not to buy new shoes before Jan. 28 or within one week after. In Cantonese tradition, [the activity] symbolizes sighing, which gives off a heavy feeling — and you don't want to associate the New Year with that."

"But any other accessories, like a new bag or purse, are fine — the new year is a good excuse to buy them," Fernandez added.

As for the food to prepare, be sure to include fish, noodles, shrimp, dumplings, spring rolls and tikoy (glutinous rice cake) on the menu.

When it comes to fruits, Fernandez suggests the usual Chinese New Year favorites like pomelo, oranges, pineapple, apples, and dragon fruit — or any round or spherical option. "Make sure you buy them in an even number — two, four or 20 — and as much as what can fit your table."

From Jan. 29 onwards, Fernandez encouraged the giving of ang pao (red envelopes containing money) to children and other people in general. "Give any amount that's comfortable for you, but [the total] should always end in the number 8," he said, noting the number considered most auspicious in Chinese culture.

Fernandez also warned against several activities during the celebrations to prevent misfortune as follows:

– Avoid sweeping, especially outside, as doing so would "sweep off your luck."

– Avoid using scissors to prevent "cutting your luck in half."

– Do not scold children or parents during the celebrations as this invites negative energy.

– Avoid greeting people while they are in bed. "If you greet someone Happy New Year and they're still in bed, they will be lazy for the rest of the year," he said.

For the Year of the Yin Wood Snake, Fernandez recommended incorporating green and red — representing wood and fire — into clothing and decorations.

"These are the colors associated with celebration. For festive occasions, always go for red or bright, cheerful colors. Avoid dark, gloomy shades or even white, which in Feng Shui symbolizes mourning," he pointed out.

Additionally, Fernandez explained the significance of personal and directional colors in Feng Shui. "For example, if you're a metal or wood person, consider your personal colors. This year, avoid red in the Northeast and use white, gold or silver instead," he advised.

Fernandez shared a general outlook for the year, noting increased fire energy beyond the Year of the Snake. "Since 2024 and until 2043, there has been a strong fire energy. In Feng Shui, we refer to the Fire period as Trend 9. Unfortunately, this might be the new normal for the foreseeable future, manifesting as forest fires, volcanoes and similar events," he warned.

He also warned about heightened global sickness energy, emphasizing the importance of proactive health measures. "If we know the energies for sickness are particularly strong and don't take action or make the wrong decisions, a pandemic could occur. But with proper efforts, we can mitigate the impact," Fernandez related.

While he refrained from commenting on political matters for the year out of respect for some of his clients, he nevertheless provided a roadmap to approach the Year of the Wood Snake with optimism and preparedness.

"In Chinese mythology, the snake is a symbol of long-term, strategic thinking, so planning for the future and preparedness are the ways of this animal sign that we should emulate throughout the new year," he said.

Fernandez's Feng Shui practice is located at the Yin & Yang Shop of Harmony on the ground floor of the New World Makati Hotel.

For a general forecast for each of the Chinese zodiac signs, see today's cover story in the Sunday Times Magazine.