We are well into the year of the Earth Dog and hopefully had a chance to see how things are going now. Have we progressed? Is our nest of eggs growing? Are we healthy and physically fit? Are we focused and aware in our daily activities?

According to various meteorologists, the year is supposed to be calm and peaceful, however, it is not about venturing out and conquering new lands; it is more about our base of operations, about improving our station, about finishing and completing pending projects. Staying focused on our personal sphere and minding our own business will help us avoid confrontations. We must also try to protect our property and shield our values.

By overlaying the bagua, the symbolic feng shui map of life’s problems, on the footprint of our space, we can determine where we might need to make adjustments, activate a certain area, or add additional energy. That can be done in several different ways depending on the feng shui school of thought or philosophy we adopt.

At Pyramid feng shui, we like to back up our feng shui evaluations with the latest scientific research. Intuitive feng shui schools base their readings on empirical knowledge and observations, and Lillian Too, along with other Compass School practitioners, recommend feng shui cures based on compass readings and directions. All schools rely on symbols and talismans as visual and tactile reminders of the epithet “where attention goes, energy flows.”

The themes that seem to be dominant during this year of the Earth Dog are:

• Gossip, Slander, Backstabbing, Fighting, Burglary and Burglary

• Health problems, allergy attacks, accidents

• Slow or lack of wealth creation, ie prosperity

Strong earth is a grounding element that requires discipline, a down-to-earth attitude, and pragmatism. Lillian Too suggests that we stay away from confrontations and refrain from being impulsive. We must protect our houses against theft and protect our possessions. The north and east are problem areas according to Lillian Too, and these areas are best kept quiet and clean. For those who prefer it, symbolic protectors can be installed in those sectors.

Health is our most precious asset, and health is always associated with the central sector of the bagua. The number 9 is the lucky number of the year; it is the number of completion, the last number that resides this year in the center, also called tao or great last. Therefore, treating the center with great respect is of the utmost importance. Make sure it is clean and free of clutter. Keep the center well lit, maybe turn up the wattage or add lights. A plant or flowers in the center will add growth and energy.

According to the magic square, the lucky number 8 is in the prosperity sector, so why should creating wealth be so difficult? According to Lillian Too, metal is the missing element in this year’s charts. Therefore, the metal must be increased with feng shui adjustments. Wearing gold jewelry is an option; metal wind chimes play the sounds of coins; and last but not least, Lillian Too suggests painting some rocks with gold and stacking them to create a mountain of gold to be placed in front of her house.

Our house is the mirror that reflects what we have achieved or what we lack. If we make it our vision board, we can strategize what we want to activate and where the most energy is needed. Last but not least, we could increase our luck and protection for all sectors by practicing the Golden Rule.