A8 SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2024
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HAPPY LUNAR NEW YEAR 2024
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On February 10, 2024, nations worldwide will celebrate the Lunar New Year, a traditional lunisolar event tied to the moon’s phases, often referred to as Chinese New Year. It spans 15 days, commencing on the new moon between January 21 and February 20 and concluding with the full moon. Fireworks play a significant role, originating from the myth of “Nian,” a monster subdued by fireworks on New Year’s Eve. Burning fake money and gold bars honors ancestors, and is believed to bring fortune. Pre-New Year rituals include thorough house cleaning, family reunions, and avoiding taboos like cutting hair or arguing. Red envelopes containing money are given to children symbolizing the transfer of fortune to younger generations. The Chinese zodiac assigns one animal to each year, influencing aspects like career and relationships. The year of one’s zodiac animal, known as ben ming nian, is considered unlucky, prompting the tradition of wearing red throughout the year for protection. Chinese New Year captivates both Chinese and non-Chinese with its rich traditions and cultural significance.
1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024
2024 YEAR OF THE DRAGON
Individuals born in the year of the Dragon are known for their adventurous and romantic nature, along with a mysterious personality that others struggle to grasp. Despite seeming unconcerned, Dragons can display exceptional ambition and energy when motivated. In Chinese culture, Dragons symbolize royalty, often associated with emperors. Paired with the phoenix, they represent harmony and balance. Though appearing laid-back, Dragons possess hidden dynamism, excelling in ambition once committed. This blend of mystery, ambition, and cultural symbolism makes Dragon individuals captivating and enigmatic. LUCKY THINGS FOR DRAGONS Colors: gold, silver, and hoary Numbers: 1, 6, 7 Directions of auspiciousness: West, North, and Northwest
- With files from Metro Creative
FENG SHUI LIFE HACK! Feng Shui is an Eastern philosophical system that’s been around for centuries and is based on the concept of arranging our surroundings to create positively charged energy flow. Feng Shui, which translates to “wind and water,” aims to create a harmonious environment that promotes good energy, to bring about happiness and prosperity in our lives. In simple terms, Feng Shui is like a life hack for our homes. It is a powerful tool that can transform our living spaces, making them more conducive to success, health, and happiness. By incorporating the principles of Feng Shui into our homes, we can create a space that not only looks beautiful but also feels great to live in. One of the main benefits of Feng Shui is its ability to create a peaceful and supportive home for you and your family. By arranging the layout, furniture placement and decor, we can optimize the energy flow to create a sense of balance and harmony. This balanced energy can help reduce stress and promote a feeling of calmness, creating a relaxing environment for everyone. In addition to creating a peaceful home, Feng Shui can also activate career opportunities and support better health and wellness
for the whole family. By placing certain objects and elements in specific areas of our home, we can enhance the energy flow in those areas and attract more opportunities for growth and success in our careers. Feng Shui principles focus on creating a clean and clutter-free environment, which can improve our physical and mental health. Furthermore, Feng Shui can increase opportunities for abundance and prosperity in our lives. By optimizing the energy flow in our homes, we can create a space that attracts positive vibes and abundance. This can manifest in different aspects of our lives, such as financial stability, career growth, and overall happiness. Feng Shui can also enhance romantic relationships. By creating a harmonious and balanced environment, we can improve the energy and communication between partners, creating a more loving and supportive relationship. For couples who struggle with arguments or conflicts, incorporating Feng Shui in their home can help create a more peaceful and loving atmosphere. The best part about Feng Shui is that it is easy to incorporate into our homes, and it can fit with any design style and budget. Feng Shui is the ultimate life hack that will positively enhance your life.
- Sam Plovie
HOROSCOPE
The Chinese Year of the Dragon Horoscope for 2024 is associated with the element of Wood; hence, it is known as the Year of the Wood Dragon. In Chinese tradition, wood symbolizes growth, vitality, and flexibility and is linked to the direction East, the Spring season, and the planet Jupiter. The Wood Dragon embodies the color green, high winds, and the mythical Azure Dragon, Qing Long. People born in the Year of the Dragon need nourishment and attention for exceptional growth. In 2024, the Dragon aligns with wood, signifying a time for new beginnings, hard work, and prosperity. Wood, the mother of fire, sparks passion, creativity, and innovation, analogous to a spark transforming into a flame. The green associated with wood signifies life and vitality, correlating with plants needing water, sunlight, and nourishment to flourish—similarly, we require care for our bodies, minds, and souls to reach our full potential and achieve prosperity. The Year of the Wood Dragon brings high energy, zeal, passion, and nourishment for personal, professional, and spiritual growth. The Wood Dragon’s year offers excitement, growth, and opportunities, emphasizing humility. People born in the Year of the Dragon should work at remaining healthy, humble, and use this year to create lasting success, happiness, prosperity, and health.
Chúc mừng năm mới Happy Lunar New Year
MLA Mitzi Dean
MLA Rob Fleming
LOVE AND RELATIONSHIPS IN 2024
With its captivating personality and striking appearance, the Wood Dragon is an irresistible force in the realm of love. Despite possessing a few cautionary traits, falling deeply for a Wood Dragon is almost inevitable. The love life of this sign may seem unsatisfying as they tend to keep people at bay, avoiding external influences in their lives. Rather than establishing stable relationships, Wood Dragons may engage in a series of romances and marriages, lacking a solid foundation for life. In relationships, the Wood Dragon brings forth passion and zeal, although these intensities can be fleeting. They may tolerate a partner only as long as it remains convenient, as their preoccupation with their own world takes precedence. Dragons love intensely, captivating with their charm, yet are unlikely to settle in their youth, potentially breaking hearts as they move on to the next fascination. Despite the challenges, their allure remains irresistible. Adding to the excitement, Wood Dragons are curious and willing to experiment, making relationships dynamic.
CAREER IN 2024
Noble, resourceful, streetsmart, and sincere—Wood Dragons are poised for success in their careers, excelling in mentally challenging tasks. Their leadership qualities and commanding aura make them effective leaders, particularly in roles where they can implement their innovative ideas. Dragons thrive in collaboration with a team that aids in strategizing and refining their concepts. While their assertive and aggressive approach paves the way for success, it can also pose a hindrance to personal
development. Dragons are impervious to external opinions, forging ahead with their creative ideas despite criticism. Their originality and willingness to take risks garner appreciation, and financial abundance often follows their enterprising ideas. Generosity with money is a common trait, utilizing it as a tool to realize their goals. Wood Dragons are wellsuited for professions such as politicians, designers, managers, salespersons, and financiers.
WEALTH IN 2024
Entering 2024, financial prospects for Dragons present a blend of positive and challenging aspects. Influenced by their birth year and the weakening of unfavorable stars, Dragons may encounter financial challenges, including unexpected expenses and losses. However, auspicious stars in the professional sphere may bring about opportunities for salary increases and promotions. To capitalize on these opportunities, Dragons must remain diligent and dedicated in their work. By staying focused, there is a chance to accumulate personal wealth during this zodiac year.
HEALTH IN 2024
Wood Dragons exhibit robust health and balance. Their spirited and cheerful disposition ensures they do not overly worry about minor issues. However, their penchant for overburdening themselves with work can lead to health issues. The constant stress and frustration associated with their jobs may pose a risk to their well-being. It is crucial for Wood Dragons to strike a work-life balance, as neglecting their health could have long-term consequences. Regular exercise, meditation, and taking breaks for introspection and relaxation are vital for keeping physical and mental exhaustion at bay. Dragons, consumed by work, should prioritize self-care to maintain overall well-being.
MLA Grace Lore
Esquimalt-Metchosin Mitzi.Dean.MLA@leg.bc.ca 250-952-5885
Victoria-Swan Lake Rob.Fleming.MLA@leg.bc.ca 250-356-5013
MLA Ravi Parmar
MLA Lana Popham MLA Murray Rankin
Langford-Juan de fuca ravi.parmar.MLA@leg.bc.ca 250-391-2801
In this regard helping others also aligns with Dragon teachings and Chinese traditions rooted in unity and determination.
UNLUCKY THINGS Colors: green, black, red, and purple Numbers: 3, 8, 9
Victoria-Beacon Hill Grace.Lore.MLA@leg.bc.ca 250-952-4211
Oak Bay-Gordon Head Saanich South Lana.Popham.MLA@leg.bc.ca Murray.Rankin.MLA@leg.bc.ca 250-472-8528 250-479-4154
Feng Shui Master & Chinese Astrologer Download Your FREE 2024 Feng Shui & Astrology guide